Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Apr 7, 2020 0:53:12 GMT
Mission 15 : The Residuum
Synopsis:
In a small Binary System on the outer rim of Federation Space, talks are ongoing with a view to accepting a warp-capable race know as the Xes'dnu into the Federation But a lower-caste group, once in complete control of all the planets within Xes'dnu control, are unbeknown to the Federation Delegation, planning to take back what the considered rightfully theirs
To this end, they had embarked on a dangerous route, which if successful would not only return them to their rightful place but would save countless lives on over twenty planets in the System. But failure could only mean one thing for those risking everything
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Unknown to the Federation, Captain Daniel Schirra is being forced into aiding this group of dissidents regain control of their System Consortiums Failure to give the aid the Xes'dnu demand will result in the deaths of his Wife and Children
Unable to inform anyone for fear he will lose his family, Schirra is forced to take the USS Excalibur Will his crew understand, will they stand behind him despite becoming fugitives of the very Federation they had sworn to support
With Federation Vessels under orders to apprehend Schirra and those aiding his Mutiny Will he save his family, and at what cost !
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Apr 7, 2020 0:54:28 GMT
SD:2266.0406 ... The Excalibur had been out of spacedock for three days running tests on her new warp drive systems ..... Daniel had to silently admit, that while he had enjoyed his extended leave, it 'was' good to be back on the Bridge. They had carried out the majority of the tests when the Excalibur was recalled to spacedock: As the ship docked, Daniel was informed that he needed to return home. Thinking it was something with his Daughters, he asked Karka to continue the certification while he went to the surface ..... **********Given the circumstances, he transported directly onto his front garden, surprising his elderly neighbor in the process. "Captain, I thought you and your family were away?" she commented. "Quick visit Margeret..." he said with a smile, then turned to the woman again, "... You were under the impression we were all away?" he asked. "Well, yes, thus my surprise at your appearance, but then, my faculties are a little suspect at my age ..... Nice to see you again anyway," the woman said with a pleasant smile before returning her attention to her pruning. Daniel looked at her for a moment then turned his attention to the house. Nothing seemed out of place, Kenzi's bike was on the lawn, no change there, the hanging plants had been watered. He looked around him hoping to see something amiss, but nothing stood out. Trying to convince himself he was reading something into nothing, he headed for the house. Stepping inside he could smell the coffee Lana always made when she knew he was coming home. Walking into the living area he saw Lana, she was sat on the long settee in front of the fire, her expression was one of someone worried but trying hard not to show it, then he turned his attention to the man sat beside her! "Captain Schirra, please, take a seat .... I would much prefer this conversation to be, amicable," the man said casually. He looked at Lana who shook her head almost imperceptibly. "Who are you?" "Please Captain, I am a guest in your lovely home, I require a small amount of your time. My name, though not important at this juncture, is Nalom. I would take your remaining standing as an insult, so let's not get off on the 'wrong foot' as you humans are quaintly saying, shall we." it took Daniel a long moment to comply with the request. When he did the intruder smiled, "Good, see, I informed my superiors that this would indeed be amicable, they believed an example would be needed to ensure your compliance, but here we are," "What do you want?" "Oh, just a little 'assistance' on your part Captain, you see, my colleagues and I are in the midst of, well, let's say we have issues in our System and are at somewhat of a stalemate if you will. Which is why it was suggested that outside help should be solicited. Despite numerous requests to your Federation, it appears their 'none-interference' policy is somewhat set in proverbial stone. Oh, they are more than willing to provide ambassadors, adjudicators, referee's, whatever title you want to give them, but the time for talk is alas, past, and we need something to strengthen our negotiating position if you will." "Where are my Children? ..... If you have done anyth ....." Daniel hissed quietly. "They are safe and well, you have nothing to fear Captain, they do in fact believe they are on an adventure with the very pleasant and understanding Koni, your lovely wife here accommodatingly agreed to remain to keep me company until your return. I have to say, I have never imbibed a beverage called 'coffee' before, it is very pleasant indeed," "What do you want?" Daniel said, rising out of the chair, he saw Lana begin to wince in pain and lowered himself back down. "There, see, amicable..." the man said s if to others in the room before releasing whatever hold he had on Lana then standing, "... We shall contact you in the next, shall we say forty-eight of your hours, at which time you will make your vessel available... It goes without saying, of course, that should this 'arrangement' be divulged to anyone else, it would mean the immediate life forfeit of those close to you Captain," "How the 'HELL' do you expect me to comply, there is 'NO WAY' I could take the Excali ....." "Oh, I am fully aware of your, protocols, Captain, and it has been decided that you will be allowed to take one other into your confidence. Either way, you will confirm your willingness to aid us or we shall simply look, elsewhere," the man held out a hand, clearly expecting Lana to take it. With little option she stood and took the man's hand, a tear rolling down her cheek as she looked at Daniel, then the two disappeared! .... Running to the desk he slammed his fist onto the Comm panel. Contacting the Excalibur he asked his Friend and Executive Officer to transport to his home. =^= Captain .. Is there a problem? =^= Karka Psonoir asked. =^= Now please .. Commander =^= Schirra said, closing the Comm before anyone picked up the tremor in his voice ..........
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Apr 16, 2020 11:24:56 GMT
Fifteen minutes later, Karka materialized in the middle of the Schirra's back garden, Daniel was sat on the porch, beer in hand:
"Captain, what's going on?" he asked as he approached.
"Sit down Karka, have a beer," Daniel said, pointing to the bottle opposite. It took his friend a long moment to finally sit and pick up the bottle, but rather than drink he simply held it resting on one thigh as he looked at Schirra, "I'm in trouble Karka, and I need your help ....."
Over the next half hour, he told his friend everything: Getting home, seeing his friend's expression go from concerned, to angry, back to concerned, but he still had to tell him what was expected of him, and even though they were friends, he knew what he was about to ask could sever that friendship in a nanosecond, but he had no option, he couldn't do what he'd been told to do alone... So, trying to remain outwardly calm, he began to explain: The Lower Caste, the Residuum, is attempting to use his family to ensure he brings the Excalibur to the Gliese 641 Star System, and once there he will change the balance of power, by any means they deem necessary, allowing the Residuum to overthrown the ruling Trianguum. Once accomplished, his family will be released and the Excalibur would be free to return to the Federation.
"..... And Command is willing to let you go?" Psonoir asked, taking a sip of the warming beer while keeping his eyes locked on his friend. Schirra's hesitation in replying told him all he needed to know.
"They are my family Karka, my Wife, my Daughters," Schirra said almost in a whisper before rising to take the warm bottle from his friend and going onto the house, returning a moment later with cold bottles, the condensation building on the glass as he stepped into the warm evening San Francisco Bay sunlight. He sat back down, eyes on the bridge while not actually 'seeing' it, his mind elsewhere. There was little he could do now but wait for Psonoir to reply, one way or the other. He knew full well what he was asking, and if Psonoir decided to go to Command there would be nothing he could do about it, he doubted he'd ever get onto the Excalibur, let alone take it from under their noses! .....
"You should go to Admiral Osami..." Karka suggested after a long silence.
"You heard what I said... I could confide in one other, that's you... Besides, we both know the outcome of a meeting with the Head of Starfleet Security," Daniel said, his heart pounding in his chest worried that Psonoir wasn't going to help him get his family back home. His mind was reeling, trying to come up with alternate options: If he attempted to take the Excalibur, would his Exec' inform Command, would he try to stop him personally, Karka had known Lana almost since Daniel had first met her, he was considered an 'unofficial' member of the family given Kendal and Mackenzie had called him Uncle Karka since they could talk. He couldn't help but feel genuine sorrow at having put his friend in such an impossible position, but truth be told, if he could have taken the ship alone he would have, but he needed help, even such an advanced Starship needed people.
Taking the ship at all wasn't going to be simple, he needed senior Officers to man stations, this too was on his mind, how would he convince a handful of dedicated Officers to willingly steal a Starship! ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Apr 24, 2020 22:02:10 GMT
Karka sat still for several seconds, beer bottle nervously bouncing on his leg as he in turn observed the Golden Gate Bridge, trying to think of something to suggest. He recognised the difficulty of Schirra's position, the difficulty of his own... If he agreed to the plan and collusion, it may end his career or at least leave him with a severe reprimand; if he refused, he would let down his superior officer and may play a part - however large or small - in bringing down the man's career.
"Let's make it happen," he said eventually, almost for want of anything better to say - he couldn't remain in indecision forever. Both officers breathed an involuntary sigh of relief, Karka sitting back and sipping more readily at his beer, "You said the man would contact you again in 48 hours, or make that 47 now?" Schirra nodded. "At which time we must have the Excalibur ready for departure."
Schirra nodded again. Perhaps the way it'd been suggested by the intruder in Daniel and Lana's home was unworkable: they would have to steal the starship first, or be in the process of doing so; being in a condition of 'ready to depart' didn't seem feasible when everything would surely be rushed and there was danger of capture, apprehension, etc.
"Are the girls with Koni?" Psonoir asked.
"Probably no longer."
Karka sat up, "So perhaps Koni knows something's amiss, perhaps we won't have to lie to her... And this Xes'ndu rebel won't have anything on you, as he revealed something of his own purpose accidentally by arranging for T'Seng to take the girls out." If they'd even really been with Koni, he thought, and the tactical officer hadn't been some impostor, or in fact no one at all; it would be good to have the girls on hand, to question them about the incident, but unfortunately...
Whatever the case, they had to begin immediately. They stood and left the house, making arrangements with HQ. Karka made himself available to several departments, and soon he was 'officially' planetbound in the Philippines for the next two weeks engaged on a special assignment for Starfleet Research & Development. They wouldn't miss him at Command, and the special assignment didn't really exist.
"On the face of it it is simple. We are the two senior-most officers on the ship, so taking control won't be an issue, plotting a heading, et cetera... Convincing the crew will be the problem," Karka said as they strode up one of the wide, quite steep thoroughfares.
"And fending off attempts by Spacedock to bring us back," Daniel added, "Whether that's through their weapons, by systems infiltration - computer commands from base - or via starships."
Karka replied, "The Potomac and Ahwahnee are currently in dock, the USS Sword - a Miranda class - currently inbound and 45 hours out from Sol. They may pose a threat."
"I know the CO of the Potomac, Captain Khav McNulty. He may understand if we tell him we have 'pressing business'."
"McNulty is under review for his personal conduct. He currently commands, but may not be the one in the centre chair if they try to stop us or begin to go after us," Karka countered. They entered a building to their right, Karka telling his CO this place was shielded from sensors: transportations, for instance, to and from the building would go undetected; signs of a beam-in or out wouldn't become apparent for several days. From here they transported to the Excalibur - extra security, if they did decide it was best to obscure they were boarding the vessel even though such a thing was innocuous for the CO and XO.
Karka tried to arrest his trepidation as they made their way to the conference room. If he did go through with this - and there was surely nothing to avert him now - he may well be putting his career in jeopardy, but then perhaps that would depend on how the 'assignment' went.
"I'm sealing the doors," Schirra said as Karka took a seat at the diminutive table, "And blinding internal sensors - audio and visual - to this room. Now, the crew..."
"Yes," Karka said, sitting back deep in thought; training missions entered his mind... "What if... we convince the crew the Excal is about to engage on a simulated fleet operation?" Schirra frowned. Karka stood, "We are to head for the Xes'ndu cluster of star systems to test Starfleet's emergency response to anything happening to the Xes'ndu in the event they're successful in joining the Federation. Two or three other starships, and perhaps more on the way there, along with further obstacles, will pursue and possibly present themselves. We tell the crew, or perhaps a select few, that the other ships and the higher-ranking officers on Spacedock, on Starbase 47 and at Command have been told to do the same; we and they are all playing roles, so our story goes."
Schirra scratched his head in response as he took his seat at the head of the table. "We need only convince the senior officers; indeed, maybe only they will be accompanying us?" Schirra kept scratching his head.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Apr 28, 2020 9:17:44 GMT
48 hours later :: Daniel was sat at home ..... He had been aboard the Excalibur all morning, trying to come to terms with what he was about to do ..... He thought back to the meeting with Karka, all the time trying to read the expression on his Exec's face, hoping beyond hope that he would agree to help. When he finally said they should do everything possible to retrieve Daniel's family, a weight lifted, but at the same time, he realized the enormity of what he was asking, Daniel would certainly face charges which would result in his incarceration and likely drumming out of Starfleet, but Karka too would face charges no less serious! "Good afternoon, Captain," Daniel didn't even try to protest as the man walked through the garden towards him, "I believe that as we are going to be in acquaintance, I should offer my name... I am Wolki NaZinhriss, you may address me as Wolki," he stopped at the threshold of the house, eyeing the spacious room almost curiously before looking down at the tips of his shoes mere millimeters from the carpeted floor. Rather than follow prescribed pleasantries and invite the man in, Daniel picked up the glass beside him and stood before walking out into the garden. Rather than follow, Wolki simply turned on the spot, the overhang of the roof shading him from the mid-afternoon Sun. "I believe the time has come for you to give your decision, Captain," "I want to see my family," "Oh, I'm afraid that is quite impossible..." the kidnapper said apologetically while taking out a PADD from his jacket, "... But I can allow you to see them here." he handed the device to Daniel then waited patiently as Schirra watched first Lana, then his Daughters being taken aboard a small transport which promptly disappeared, clearly utilizing some form of cloaking technology. All three could be seen aboard the ship, Kendal and Mackenzie either side of their Mother! "How do I know they are safe?" Dan asked, stalling. "Of what use would they be otherwise?" Wolki replied with a smile, "Now, your ship, I take it, plans are, how do you say 'in motion' regarding our arrangement?" "It's not that easy, even I can't simply fly a Starship out of Space-Dock without someone asking questions, It's going to take time, I have to ma ....." Dan stopped talking as the kidnapper raised his arm and spoke quietly into a concealed Commlink, a second later he handed the PADD back, seeing Schirra's eyes widen in fear. Mackenzie was stood with a young woman, no older than her teens, she was showing his Daughter the stars through the observation window in the airlock outer door. As Kenzi looked out the girl stepped back and closed the inner door. His Daughter spun, confusion first, then the fear on her face almost killing him, then the door opened and he could see her running back to her mother and sister, the teen seemingly apologizing profusely for what seemed a genuine accident, but Daniel understood the implications fully. He dropped the PADD on the lawn and sat in one of the chairs looking out towards the Bay: "Twelve hours, that's the fastest I can get the Excalibur out of 'Dock," he said dejectedly. "Then we shall allow you your twelve hours Captain. Please keep hold of the device you discarded, your first set of coordinates will be transferred to it in due course..." the kidnapper stepped into the bright sunlight, shielding his eyes with one hand as he headed for the far end of the garden, "... Remember Captain, your family will remain safe and well as long as you comply with our, requests. We shall converse further, until then ....." Daniel looked up as the man stopped mid-sentence, but the garden was empty save for Kenzi'a unofficial pet gray squirrel, which Schirra was convinced was eyeing him disapprovingly. Karka came out from the house, dropping into the seat beside Daniel: "Nothing, his face appeared 'blurred' on all the surveillance devices we had hidden, couldn't even get a bio-reading from him," Daniel didn't bother to reply. Tomorrow he would go after his Family ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on May 1, 2020 22:06:12 GMT
Karka stood back from the trader and glared, but he protested his innocence, "Mr Psonoir, you said you were after Wolki. That man there," he pointed to an indistinct figure across the square, "Will reveal his location to you if you but talk to him. He knows Wolki well, the two are a pair, inseparable. What, do you intend to follow him?" he laughed. Karka handed the man a half-credit and headed in the direction of he who'd been pointed out. Follow, that's exactly what he intended to do.
It'd been five hours since he'd left Schirra's house after the disappointing results of the surveillance experiment. He'd followed several leads in a last ditch attempt to locate the Xes'ndu rebel Wolki before they had to follow the man's instructions and attempt to steal the Excalibur. Now he finally had one.
He followed him northwards and finally reached the Presidio where the man ducked inside the entrance of a Starfleet HQ residential building. Slightly alarmed at this, Karka found a good place on a rise, raised the pair of binocs he'd taken with him and attempted to get a good sighting of the man, seeing that he like Wolki was a Xes'ndu. He seemed too tall for Schirra's description or the blurred figure in the surveillance shots; he couldn't be Wolki himself.
Before long it began to grow dark, the atmosphere was struck mauve and indigo, a backdrop to many pairs of vortices that criss-crossed the sky out towards the Gate and across the Bay towards Oakland and the old Berkeley University campus, whose brilliant surfaces drew the eye as they reflected the fading light. All around him hundreds, thousands of cicadas began their song, and he began to grow tired. Beginning to believe that the man would never reappear, he rose from his haunches, and was halfway down the slope, stopping only intermittently to find again with the binocs the Command building doorway, when he saw during one of these stops the man step out of the building. His fingers gripped the binocs with a start and he began to follow him at a distance, eyes straining as night descended.
Wepsomu, that was his quarry's name. He heard it spoken as he strained to catch snippets of the Xes'ndu's conversation as he wound his way through the streets of the centre. He was drawing nearer the personal transporter tubes that flowed like so many fibre-optic wires in great cables across the ancient and many-times renovated Bay Bridge - each transporter provided a means of traversing in less than 30 seconds the great expanse of water.
Karka made it onto the great intersection in front of the transporter tubes of the Bay Bridge some couple minutes after Wepsomu. The tubes, the buildings to either side and behind him, and the people themselves glowed in the growing night, seeming to shine with their own luminosity not imparted by any stellar remnant of the day. It was inordinately busy and he may well have lost him, but he still managed to track the Xes'ndu to near one of the tubes, at which point the Xes'ndu drew near one individual and briefly engaged her in conversation.
Karka's vision of Wepsomu's interlocutor was obscured by the Xes'ndu himself until he finished his talk with her, at which point he stepped away and revealed the woman to be Koni T'Seng! Karka hid himself behind a family of five who were engaged in paying for use of a larger transporter and covered his mouth involuntarily to prevent a gasp. Very unHybrudean, he scolded himself and watched as Koni smiled and took whatever it was Wepsomu had given her and placed it in a satchel which she slung back over her shoulder before moving away. Wepsomu at this point - presumably prior to making use of one of the tubes - entered a rest room; Karka decided to follow Koni.
He intercepted her at the next intersection in from the harbour and jetty. That she didn't seem to recognise him should've told him all he needed to know, but still he accosted her, "Lieutenant T'Seng, what are you doing here?"
"You are...? Commander...?"
"Very good. Now, Lieutenant, what is that in your satchel? Do you know who you were talking to?"
"So you are a Commander? Oh, of course, my superior officer - ... I, uh -" She finally broke off what'd been growing increasingly broken and dashed away. It was clear to Karka now that this wasn't really Koni, and he felt as if his theory of the day before had been confirmed: the personage who'd looked after Kendal and Mackenzie when Schirra's interrogator had first appeared to him hadn't actually been Koni T'Seng, but an impostor and very clearly whoever this was he was now chasing.
He caught up and approached her from the left unsighted. Charging and bundling her over, once they came to a halt near a late night food stall, he began to ask, "You'll tell me all you know about the Xes'ndu," but she vanished from his hands as if she hadn't existed. He looked up, confused, realising he held her satchel in his hand; he slammed it down and searched through it, withdrawing credits worth 200 bars of latinum and a receipt with a signature he made out as being Wepsomu's. In vanishingly small writing he read out to himself Wepsomu's San Francisco address, The Retreat, Dretsome Avenue, San Jose, CA.
At this point he was struck to the ground by an unseen assailant, one blow, two, three, before he was left dazed and realising that he'd been attacked by someone carrying a personal cloaking device, the impostor Koni. She, the satchel and credits were gone, but he held in his mind Wepsomu's address. He made his way back to the large intersection and contacted the Excalibur.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on May 6, 2020 15:30:15 GMT
Schirra Residence 04:00 hrs :: Daniel had spent the last two hours going over the orders that would be sent to him once he was on the Excalibur. He had lost count of how many times he had almost given up on the idea of taking the Excalibur and going to see Admiral Osami, laying the situation in the octogenarian's hands, but each time he decided against it ..... Providing his Department Heads and most Senior Staff didn't query the orders, they would leave Spacedock in a few hours' time. Karka had been gone a while, following up fragile leads hoping to give them at least 'something' to use against the Xes'dnu who had taken his family, they would meet up before going to the ship. Unable to even contemplate sleep, Daniel got up and requested a coffee, black... He had never liked replicated coffee, but he couldn't even think of preparing freshly ground coffee at this point. He took the cup and sipped before walking through the open patio doors into the garden. The Moon was full and bright, illuminating the garden almost as if bathed in sunlight as he watched the masts of the sailboats moored at the Yacht Club he was thinking about how calm the dawn was when he could have sworn he saw movement at the bottom of the garden! Slowly he moved to the patio table and put the cup down, careful not to turn his head in the direction of the brief movement, then, as if still deep in thought he stepped onto the grass and picked up one of the casually discarded bicycles left by Kendal or Mackenzie, standing it against the climbing frame before going back for the second bike, as he lay this down he bolted without warning towards the area he'd seen someone... He burst through the small hedge eyes scanning left and right trying to pick up any movement, he spun, his peripheral vision picking out a shadow that didn't fit, but again there was no one to be found. Frustrated, he made his way back to the house thinking it was likely best he hadn't caught anyone loitering, he wasn't sure he could be responsible for his actions had he actually caught someone, but as he retrieved his bitter coffee, he thought it was obvious that Wolki would have him watched. Returning to his desk he read the orders for what seemed the thousandth time, then set the transit protocol... Picking up a photograph he looked at Lana and the Girls, it had been taken on a holiday they had taken to Tibet, with the Potala Palace in the background, before he had been appointed Captain of the Excalibur. Realizing he couldn't sit idle, he went to shower and dress, with still no signs of Karka he contacted the Excalibur ..... USS Excalibur Captain's Ready Room :: Over the last three hours, he had checked and double-checked every system on the ship, getting numerous side-on looks from Junior Officers and Base Engineers in the process. Now he was sat at his desk, watching a worker-bee shuttle as it passed his window when the door chime sounded: "Come," he said, the door sliding aside as Jenni Gold entered. "Captain, we've just transported Commander Psonoir from the surface... Sir, he's been attacked," the Comms officer informed him. "What?" Daniel said in genuine shock. "He's not badly injured Captain, a minor concussion and a nasty gash, he's in Sickbay being treated now," Daniel was already passing the Woman as she was explaining, moments later he entered Sickbay: Commander Wundt was treating the Exec' as he sat on a bio-bed seemingly embarrassed at his situation. Karka asked the Doctor to give them a moment and explained the events from the night before, Daniel added that there had been someone at his home during the night. It was clear that the Xes'dnu had taken Koni T'Seng when the children had been abducted. Her absence once underway may require explanation, but they had more to worry about as according to Wolki they were to be underway in less than three hours! ..... With Psonoir finally released for duty, the two were making their way to the Bridge when they were informed that a member of the Security Council was beaming aboard. "Captain Schirra, Commander Psonoir, Wolki Nazin. It is good to meet you face to face after so many impersonal communications," both men stood almost immobile as Wolki NaZinhriss stepped off the platform hand outstretched, "Last minute changes to the briefing, I thought it best to bring them myself, and get a look at this marvelous Starship of yours," First Daniel, then Karka took the offered hand, Psonoir dismissing the Transporter Chief as he did so. "What are you doing here!" Danel spat. Neither Starfleet Officer asked how he had managed to procure genuine Identification, nor how he had been able to simply walk aboard one of Starfleet's most secure vessels, he was here, so the query seemed moot. Wolki was looking around the room like a fascinated child then finally turned to speak: "I would have thought it obvious, if not prudent that I accompany you on your venture, we wouldn't want you straying from your task unduly, now would we," "How the 'HELL' are we supposed to explain a 'CIVILIAN' aboard!?" Karka asked. "Oh, I am sure a suitable explanation will present itself in due course..." Wolki said with a smile, "... Now, how about showing me to my quarters?" Daniel moved to the doors which slid aside at his approach, he stepped into the corridor, speaking to the first officer he that approached. "Lieutenant," "McLean Sir," the young woman said. "Please escort, Mister... Nazin, to the VIP quarters, remain with him until Commander Psonoir or I arrive," he turned back to Wolki with a smile forming, "... Lieutenant McLean will see to your needs," Daniel said, stepping out of the doorway to allow the Kidnapper to exit the transporter room. Wolki gave them a withering look before being led away. "What now?" Karka asked, realizing there was no turning back. "We're about to receive orders from Admiral Osami, hopefully, we'll be able to leave the System before he can organize pursuit. I need you to disable the ship's transponder and make sure it can't be reactivated by anyone but you or me... Once we're underway we'll explain the 'war games' scenario, and hope no-one asks why we're out with only a third of the crew," Schirra said, shaking his head. "And our, guest?" "We'll say he's observing proceedings... Scan him make sure he has 'ZERO' access to everything but his quarters without one of us being with him, take his replicator offline and place a dampening field around his room," "Shall I have his clothing confiscated too?" Karka asked, poker-faced. "Don't tempt me!..." Schirra replied, seeing the humor in his friends' comment, "... How many are aboard?" as they headed for a turbo-lift then the Bridge. "I managed to 'tweak' the rota's so all Department Heads and their Deputies are on board, along with approximately one hundred crew. There is also around fifty Base crew aboard, I couldn't think of any viable excuse to have them all leave at the same time, so they will, unfortunately, have to come along with us, like it or not," Psonoir informed Schirra with a wry shrug. "Well at least they won't need to sleep in the corridors," Daniel said as they stepped onto the Bridge ..... ********** "Sir, the Security Council member is asking if he can come up to the Bridge, and there is a secure communication from Admiral Osami for you," "Please inform Mister..." he had to think for a second what he'd called the man on arrival, then he continued, "Tell Mister Nazin he will need to remain in his quarters for the moment, I'll take the Comm in my Ready Room, Commander," he ordered, turning to Karka to accompany him the two left the Bridge and Schirra accessed the Comm, moments later they returned Daniel sat in the Center Seat, while Psonoir stood next to him, both took a breath then Karka spoke: "Listen up... Bring all ships' systems online..." he ordered. Several people looked at him in confusion for a second, "Now," the Exec' said quietly. People jumped to their tasks, clearly baffled by proceedings. "Helm, release all moorings and back us away from the dock," Schirra ordered his expression blank. "Sir?" Lieutenant Reneus said, clearly wanting confirmation of the order. "Back us away Lieutenant, then set heading one three zero mark one five. As soon as we're clear take us to warp six, please." For a long long moment, nothing happened, then the massive Sovereign Class vessel began to move. Daniel allowed his eyes to close as he inwardly counted the seconds before someone on the Spacedock asked what the hell they were doing ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on May 8, 2020 17:58:19 GMT
"Ready for warp speed, Captain," Reneus reported as he flicked the final combination of switches.
"Acknowledged... Commander Psonoir?"
Karka nodded, an equal share in responsibility in this enterprise was the right way to go, besides, he hadn't before had a chance to have the ship enter warp upon leaving dock and felt privileged despite the unusual circumstances. "Lieutenant Reneus, eng- " Before he could finish the ship shook, making him readjust his footing so he didn't fall into the rail. "What was that?" he asked as he recovered.
"On screen, Commander."
The viewscreen showed the Starbase this time from a ventrally mounted cam, a tractor beam being clearly visible, extending from the dock and holding them in place. As half the bridge officers found themselves unsure whether they should consider this obstruction a surprise or not, given the unusual timing of their departure, Karka moved to the science station, "We're being drawn in. I believe I know a way to circumvent this, Captain. A nadion pulse directed back along the beam should be enough to disrupt its coherence for long enough to give us leave to form a warp bubble." Schirra nodded and Karka adjusted the settings of the deflector and the power transfer conduits in the area so that energy would be easily directed along the tractor; the pulse was activated, emitting as a scarlet hue within the tractor and disrupting the beam at its source. It would take 30 seconds before the Starbase could adapt their tractor to compensate for the nadions.
"Get us clear again." Ten seconds passed before Reneus declared the ship ready. "Engage at specified warp factor."
"Aye, sir."
"We're receiving a communique from Starbase. It's Admiral Osami."
"Ignore it," Schirra said, "Now, Lieutenant."
"Engaging, sir." Reneus completed the commands and the Excalibur jumped into the supraluminal realm. A minute passed with Karka now sitting at his ease at the science station, relieved at their having got away successfully and in safety. He glanced at the navigator's console, virtually able to sense Reneus' discomfiture, his question was not surprising when it came, "Now, if you don't mind, I would like an explanation for your ord- "
"Lieutenant!" Karka stared down the helmsman as he turned from his station. Schirra glanced at Karka, as much as to say, don't you think it's time the crew should know what is going on? "Yes, sir. Ok, everyone," Karka paused and tapped the shipwide intercom button, "All hands, the USS Excalibur is now engaged on war games at the order of Admiral Osami. We, the Admiral, his staff and other starships in the vicinity are to play our roles as if we were part of a real operation. Any breaking of character may result in a reprimand logged on the responsible officers' files, or at least will be considered very bad form. If you do break character, expect others off ship to play along with you - they would rather partake of your illusion than castigate you for breaking the pretense." His choice of words, almost a threat, were odd, but no one picked up on it at this time.
"What is our assignment, sir? Within the game, that is," Unwin asked from the engineering console.
"We're to head to the home systems of the Xes'ndu, real-life applicants to membership of the Federation. We're testing Starfleet's emergency response capability in case the prospective new member suffers invasion from nearby non-Federation sectors of space. A fair test is to have the Excalibur play the role of the lone starship in range; the ship comes up against innumerable possible or actual obstacles, enemy ships and the like, the enemies played by other Federation starships. Any further questions?" he asked reasonably.
There were none for the moment, only eventual nods as people returned to focussing on their consoles. The internal comms panel was lit up again, "Captain Schirra, Security Council member Nazin is requesting permission to join us on the bridge."
A turbolift door slid aside, "Not requested... Joined, Ensign." Wolki entered and looked about beaming at the crew before approaching Schirra. Seconds later a haggard Lieutenant McLean entered the bridge by the same turbolift, already apologising.
"Never mind, Lieutenant, our guest is here now. We beg your pardon, sir," Karka addressed Wolki, "We have had to leave at short notice on the orders of the admiralty." Speaking of which, Osami at Spacedock was hailing them again, they couldn't put off speaking to him forever without, Karka believed, incurring some form of suspicion from the crew.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on May 18, 2020 15:00:13 GMT
Having eluded premature capture and no doubt intensive questioning regarding their actions, Daniel listened to his friend as he explained their current assignment. He could tell that not all of his Senior Staff were convinced, but they were professionals, and had been trained for the unexpected, even the apparent theft of a Starship! ..... Now at warp, the Starbase could only track along a single heading, once the Excalibur changes course they will effectively be lost, with their transponder disabled by Karka, even if by blind luck they were found and approached by another Starfleet vessel, they couldn't access the now changed prefix code to gain control of the ship. "Captain, Admiral Osami is trying to contact us," Jenni gold informed them with a look at the NaZin. "My ready room..." Daniel said, rising from the center seat, Psonoir close behind, "... Commander Unwin, you have the Conn, every three minutes adjust heading by fifteen degrees randomly," "Aye, Sir," the Chief engineer replied, taking the vacated center seat. Captain Schirra' Ready Room :: Dan sat behind his desk as Karka took up the seat opposite, with a sigh, Schirra activated the screen: =^= What are you playing at Captain! =^= =^= Admiral .. .. =^= =^= Turn that ship around .. Now =^= =^= I'm afraid I can't do that Admiral .. A 'situation' has arisen that requires I have use of the Excalibur for a time .. I give you my full assuran .. .. .. =^= =^= I don't give a 'DAMN' about this 'SITUATION' of yours Mister .. Turn that ship around and return to the Starbase immediately .. I need not stress the consequences .. Not only for yourself .. But your Senior Staff and crew should you fail to comply =^= Daniel was about to try to at least give some sort of explanation as the door slid open, Wolki NaZinhriss stepped inside, a smile on his face as he leaned against the bulkhead beside the now-closed door. Schirra felt ill, it was a given that he would never see the Command seat of a starship once this was over, and would likely never see his family again once imprisoned, he imagined that the crew left behind were already being intensively questioned as they spoke, but their safety had to come first, regardless of how selfish he was being. =^= I understand the consequences fully Admiral and assure you I will turn myself into the authorities once this situation has been resolved =^= =^= Not good enough Captain .. .. I am ordering you to come about immediately .. Restore your transponder signal and accompany the vessels pursuing you =^= Daniel looked up at Karka, then at the sickening Xes'dnu, then reached out and disconnected the Comm. For a long moment, he sat completely still, until Wolki spoke: "There, you see... Easy... Now, shall we return to the task at hand?" he said, moving to his left enough to be picked up by the door activation sensors. Both Karka and Daniel knew they had no alternative but to comply. The three returned to the Bridge, Unwin rising as Daniel approached the center seat, he half-heard the Engineer as he gave their current heading and speed, forcing Karka to acknowledge the information. The Gliese 641 Star System was ten days away at their maximum velocity, but Daniel couldn't risk any issues so point-blank refused Wolki's demands to exceed safety parameters, while infuriated, the man could do nothing but glare ..... "Sir, I picked up two Starships on long-range scanners while you were in conference..." Koni T'Seng said from Tactical, given the Exec' was the one to respond she continued her report to him, "... The USS Juno, Constitution Class, and the USS Erinome, Miranda Class, both with orders to hunt us down and stop us... By any means necessary," Daniel could 'feel' the tension as the Tactical Officer added the last morsel of her report, he wished there was a way of allowing his trusted Staff to know the situation, but the Xes'dnu had been very specific, so they would remain ignorant of what was happening, at least until one or more realized something was very very wrong! "Where are they now?" Schirra asked, nor really caring. "Still on our original heading, but it won't take them long to realize we've changed course," Koni informed him. "Is there any way we could mask our warp emissions?" "I could 'taint' them I suppose, try to look like some freighter or something..." Mark said from the Engineering Station, "... Possibly a Rigellian Freighter at a push ..... But it will have an effect on our top speed, we would have to slow to appear as something else, even then, it will only work on long-range scans, if anyone gets close our deception will be moot," he glanced at the Security council member, who seemed to be inwardly seething, then back at Schirra and Psonoir. "Do what you can Mark..." Daniel said almost apologetically. He stood up, walking around the Bridge glancing at the Helm to check their heading. He made a mental calculation that at their present speed and heading, they would pass the Xes'dnu Star System by hundreds of light-years, "Helm, bring us to heading one five five, mark one zero," at least now they were running parallel to 'Gliese 641' and could continue to make minor changes, so far from normal shipping lanes, hopefully without running into anyone with an excess of curiosity, "... Mister Reneus, continue random course changes Port and Starboard, but keep un on the general heading I requested," "Yes, Sir." the Navigation Officer confirmed. "Mister NaZin... I believe this is your first visit to the new Constitution Class of Starship, I'm sure my Security Chief, Lieutenant Yukigori will be more than happy to give you a tour," "Certainly Captain," the woman said, smiling at the Council member, "This way, Sir," Wolki remained motionless for a long moment, making Taka frown for a second, but with a look of disdain at the two most Senior Officers, he reluctantly allowed himself to be led from the Bridge. As soon as the turbo-lift doors closed he spun, " "Commander T'Seng, you have the Conn, Karka, with me please," again the two left the Bridge, but this time, rather than calmly sit, Dan slammed both fists into his desk in shear frustration, hardly caring if the sound was heard by his Officers as the door closed. He stalled his office like a starving predator hunting a kill, Karka stood to one side allowing his friend to silently vent his rage ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on May 23, 2020 18:01:21 GMT
Karka waited as his CO let off steam, knowing that whatever peril he was getting himself into with this impromptu operation, it was little compared to what Daniel was going through, owing to the situation with his family's capture. After a minute he spoke, "Perhaps I could tell the crew that you've always been worked up by war games, sir?"
Schirra laughed a little and sat down behind his desk, relaxing very slightly, it seemed to Karka as he made his poor joke. Something then occurred to him, "What if... We could leave a clue for one or more of the crew to discover, something that will give some of the details of what we're attempting to accomplish? They will never know it was left by us, they'll believe they happened upon it accidentally: a note left in a log, a PADD left somewhere by 'mistake'."
Karka strode about the room himself now as the permutations became clearer to him, "Wolki too if he finds out, which presumably he will, will think that the crewman or crewmen who've discovered the truth stumbled upon it unintentionally; they found out, we didn't tell them. Even if the crewman isn't fooled and knows they've found a breadcrumb... Well, as long as Wolki thinks they found it. If he's threatened you over your family if you or I inform anybody else, this is a way to circumvent -"
"Yes, Karka, I get the point. It's a risk," he said, tapping his desk, "Perhaps we should try it." He glanced up at Karka and nodded before replicating a liquor.
Karka nodded and returned to the bridge, formulating a plan to leave a diary note to himself stowed in a computer subroutine. Unwin or perhaps his subordinate Lieutenant Hearan would be likely to find it in the next two to five hours, he believed, if he remembered engineering protocol correctly. Hmph! he thought.
Four hours later in his quarters, while thinking of the chase of Wepsomu on Earth and contemplating sending a message to have the Xes'ndu's residence in San Jose explored, Karka received a visitor. He rose from his small couch to answer the door chime manually, expecting to find Unwin or Hearan the other side of the door, the officer having discovered the note on the Excalibur's true purpose and seen through the apparent accident of the find. However, standing there was a junior crewman.
"Sir, I'm Petty Officer Thomson from supplies," and as he spoke a half dozen other crewman and one ensign appeared from the corridor to crowd round the doorway.
"What is this?" Karka was indignant, "Return to your stations or contact me via interco- "
"We know this is all some ruse, Commander," Thomson virtually spat at his superior officer, "War games, don't insult our intelligence!" Karka maintained a look of innocence, he hoped. Thomson's expression changed, "You don't know? Then it's only the Captain..." he glanced at his ensign-ranked accomplice and back at Psonoir, "Will you lead us against the Captain? He is up to something, we know the content of his communication with Osami."
The junior officer beside Thomson spoke, "I'm Ensign Barth. Schirra will throw us in the brig if you tell him about this..."
"You can't let that happen, sir, all our lives may depend on it," a third, Crewman Dauxacke, added.
Karka was aware he had to tread carefully; any clue that he knew as much as they'd believed he did, then the objective was compromised and the Captain's family rendered unsafe.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. All I hear is mutiny." The crewmen were enraged but Karka held up a hand, "Believe me, your spying and plotting will be reported to the CO immediately. Good night." He pressed the door panel.
Thomson placed an arm in the way of the closing door, sliding it open again and confronting Karka, "If you won't command us, we'll find someone on the senior staff who will... Several of them are suspicious, almost as much as we are... Good night to you, too, Commander." He withdrew his hand and the door slid shut as if - sympathetically with Karka - it was in a hurry.
Psonoir sighed and turned, with slightly trembling hand taking his mug of coffee from the small table. "If they be Quakers, Karka," his fellow Hybrudean's avatar voice resounded in his mind.
Quiet, Lirwa, Karka smiled before grimacing and walking to the intercom, =/\=Captain Schirra, this is Psonoir, I have some news regarding Ensign Barth and Petty Officer Thomson.=/\= He headed for Schirra's location. We can't put them in the brig, he thought, without raising suspicion on a wider scale and perhaps making things worse. Held to ransom not only by Wolki but by seven crewmen!
Shortly afterwards, Unwin found the informative note left by Karka on their real objective. The note was curt but told Unwin enough, enough also to know to keep quiet about it. He was taken in, thinking Karka had made an error in leaving the information, and began heading to the ready room, already forming his apologies to the command officers for having stumbled upon it.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on May 26, 2020 15:14:40 GMT
Four long hours had passed since Karka left his Ready Room, the tour, forced upon NaZinhriss had concluded and the man was again 'demanding' to see him, but Daniel had given orders not to be disturbed, something he knew would raise concern among his Bridge crew, but he had more on his mind at the moment and was about to have more to think on: =^= Captain Schirra .. This is Psonoir .. I have some news regarding Ensign Barth and Petty Officer Thomson .. .. =^= "So they found the incriminating evidence I assume?" Daniel said with a sigh. "Yes, they think I'm out of the proverbial loop, so to speak, but have made it clear they will petition another Officer to help find the truth if I refuse," "Get the Department Head's up here," Schirra said, resigned to what needed to be done. ~~~~~~~~~~"So, what you're saying is ....." Unwin began hesitantly, having been en-route when the call came over the Comm. "What I'm saying, Commander, is that the circumstances of our impromptu departure from the Starbase are somewhat tainted," Schirra said, knowing he was being deliberately obtuse, admittedly reluctant to tell even his most trusted Officers the reasons for their being in open space with less than a third of the ships crew onboard. Unwin placed a PADD on Schirra's desk. "So the information on here is correct, you have taken the Excalibur without permission and we are now effectively being hunted by our own people?" the Chief Engineer asked darkly. "..... And our, passenger?" Lieutenant Yukigori commented. "Look, at this point, I would rather not give any further information regarding our, situation..." Daniel began, knowing everyone in the room could decide to effectively remove him, and even Psonoir, from their Command positions and simply take the ship back as ordered, likely with Daniel and Karka in the Brig, he just had to hope they would trust him, at least until he could give them more, "... I know I'm asking a lot, more than I ever should, putting you all in such a compromising position, and I won't, I won't hold it against any of you if you were to demand we return home, but unless forced, we have to go on with this." "We could 'ALL' end up losing our careers, not to mention facing possible incarceration... You are happy to put us in such a position for your own ends, Captain?" Doctor Wundt asked. "If there were alternative options open to me then I would have taken them," Daniel said, looking at each of his Staff in turn. "I just don't understand why you can't tell us what has happened... Captain?" Taka Yukigori asked. "Wait a moment please," Daniel said, tapping the Commlink before instructing the Conn Officer to send in Thomson, Barth, and Dauxacke, once the door closed he apologized for the cramped conditions then continued, "These three Gentlemen stumbled upon the same information our Engineer found, they came to the conclusion that ...." "When they catch up with us they 'WILL' fire on us... You 'KNOW' that Schirra!" Petty Officer Thomson spat, his hands on Daniel's desk as he glared at the man defiantly, "War games... Ridiculous!... I want answers, we all want answers, otherwise, we'll take the ship back ourselves and drag you back in chains, so what's it to be?" Dan had the feeling the Petty Officer, clearly, the spokesperson for the group, had much more to demand, but Taka Yukigori took hold of the man pulling him away from the desk, a phaser seemed to suddenly appear in the woman's hand, the business end pressed under Thomson's chin. "I suggest you calm yourself, Mister Thomson," the Security Chief suggested in barely a whisper. "Let him go, Lieutenant," Daniel said quietly, waiting while the man was released before continuing, "I understand your feeling, I do, but there are circumstances you cannot be privy to. Doing so will certainly seal our fate regardless of your decisions," he lowered his head for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts, but Ensign Barth took up where his confederate had paused: "Why shouldn't we arrest you both, take the ship back?" he asked. "The Captain's family have been taken!" Karka said simply ..... The silence was palpable as everyone injected the comment. Daniel closed his eyes, he wasn't sure if he was annoyed or relieved, the last thing he wanted was for everyone to know the truth, but it was out now. This was his crew, he trusted each and every one of them, their loyalty to him might be stretched beyond repair though, only time would tell. Several people spoke at once until Karka held up a hand: "No-one must speak of this openly, especially in the presence of our, guest, is that perfectly understood?" one by one those present nodded. "We should tell the remaining crew, otherwise....." Thomson began, but Psonoir had lost patience with the Petty Officer: "Otherwise... WHAT... MISTER!!" the Exec' asked dangerously close. Thomson knew an unspoken threat when he didn't hear one and clamped his mouth shut instantly, he would have stepped back had the bulkhead not been barring his way. "NaZin, he's the one who took your family, your children?" Crewman Dauxacke asked sympathetically. "Yes, well, more of his race. Wol... Nazin is here as their 'eyes and ears' shall we say, here to ensure we don't deviate from our instructions, one of which we have already violated..." Schirra replied, "... We have to assume he is in contact with his own people, though by what means we haven't discovered yet, it is a given that my family will be sacrificed should I, we, not comply." "Why don't we just take this man and go after your family?" Ensign Barth asked. "Where?" Karka asked the man, who shook his head. "It is likely that 'Mister NaZin' will find the same information you stumbled across. It is vital that he believe it was pure chance, or stupidity that a record was kept otherwise the consequences for all of us may be dire." Schirra said, Right, for the time being, nothing is to be done to draw suspicion, Department Heads, inform your teams of the situation, stressing they keep quiet, you three..." he said, turning to Thomson, Barth, and Dauxacke, "... Any chance you can hold off your lynching of the mutineers, at least until I can get my family back safe and well?" understandably, none of the three commented either way. "Right, back to duty," Karka ordered, falling silent as the group filed out of the Ready Room. Daniel rested his head in his hands for a moment as the room cleared, then got up and poured two large Brandy's from the ornate decanter. Picking up the glasses he handed one to his friend ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jun 7, 2020 14:21:32 GMT
San Jose, Earth
In the home of the Xes'dnu Wepsomu - going by the name of Mr Rivers for the time he was on Earth - three personnel from Starfleet Security in civilian clothes prowled. Following an anonymous tip off at Starfleet Science about a Xes'dnu separatist-sympathiser they'd begun surveillance of the man's abode, learning which times he was out of the property and when he was likely to return.
They believed they had over two hours remaining before Rivers - from his Bay tour-guide job - or anyone else returned, so it was a surprise when the front door slid aside and a woman entered.
They froze on the stairwell where they were installing listening devices and crept slowly and noiselessly onto the upper story, trusting they hadn't been seen. The lead officer drew his phaser and waited crouched behind a wall which intersected with the end of the banister. The woman - exactly as described in the informant's dispatch - appeared to be Koni T'Seng, USS Excalibur tactical officer, though if their source was correct she was an impostor, someone in the pay of Rivers and his Xes'dnu friends. From the landing and looking down the semi-circular stairwell, they saw her walk past and enter a room to the rear of the house. Finishing placing listening devices on the upper level, they waited 'til she headed into a room out of sight of the door, and made their way down to the exit.
As they left the premises Wepsomu/Rivers arrived, there was a scuffle at the front gate as Rivers challenged them, and one security man ended up dead; in the confusion Wepsomu got away and barred himself in his property, duranium coverings and shutters sliding into place. The other two waited in the vicinity for five minutes as they called Starfleet Medical and the corpse was beamed away, before deciding whether to pursue the matter immediately - there was no way in without use of considerable force, they decided to leave and return with a warrant, in the meantime observing results from the listening equipment.
Presidio, San Francisco, Earth
"Wolki believes more of the crew know the truth now," she said. There was a pause, followed by an irruption of static; Wepsomu/Rivers asked the woman how this could be. "The first officer left a note for himself in the computer; Wolki found it, some of the crew may have done as well."
Amidst the interference they heard Wepsomu curse, "He'll go too far, he'll kill a member of the Captain's family to set an example. Even if it wasn't placed there purposely to be found."
After another pause, the voice of the impostor T'Seng replied, "Now the Juno and Erinome are after them."
"Yes, well, don't worry about that. We have three Xes'dnu on the Juno. If it comes to a fight, the Erinome can be disabled; the Juno can force Schirra's vessel to do what it wants, just as Wolki has done. Unfortunately, we can't keep the Juno, else the Excalibur would be superfluous. Recall the irrevocable self-destruct on the Juno."
One of the two remaining security personnel paused the recording, turning to his colleague with seriousness, "No one can know about this."
"What? Didn't you hear all that, this is a breach of secur-"
"I said," the first security man drew his phaser and shot the other in the chest point-blank, "No one can know about this." He left the smoldering ruin of the officer on the floor and left the room, locking it and heading to a nearby transporter station. He remotely beamed the body to an unattended morgue the other side of the city.
Bridge, USS Excalibur
"We're approaching the Gliese 641 system, Captain," Reneus reported. Schirra nodded as Karka glanced at NaZinhriss who stood on the upper deck near the port turbolift. The Xes'dnu seemed pleased, folding his arms and nodding in satisfaction. Psonoir relayed the order to take the Excalibur into the system, passing its equivalent of a Kuiper Belt of useless objects dating from the formation of the star system.
"Where is the Xes'dnu homeworld?" Schirra asked, looking over the viewscreen with curiosity as the Excalibur's tractor beam diverted the path of an oncoming object within the belt.
"On the opposite side of the sun, sir," T'Seng put in for Reneus; she flipped switches as a proximity alert sounded on her console, "The starships Erinome and Juno are entering firing range."
"What?"
Karka looked up from the scope, "Extreme torpedo range at warp, Captain, but I don't believe they'd take the risk, any strike at this range would doubtless be inaccurate and they'll surely be looking to avoid unnecessary damage... Perhaps Mr Nazin of the Federation security council can explain the actions of our starships?" he challenged Wolki.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 10, 2020 22:48:00 GMT
The Excalibur had been zig-zagging her way towards the Gliese 641 System for three full days ..... On several occasions, they were confident they had lost the two pursuing vessels, but each time either the Juno or the Erinome had managed to find them, he was certain they had not been spotted by any Federation or civilian vessel, and he didn't believe in share luck, but somehow they had been found. Daniel still wasn't sure how either Captain would react should they come into range. Finally, they had to risk a straight run into the System and risk being followed in ..... The Xes'dnu Homeworld was on the furthest side of Gliese 641 so it would entail a traverse around their Sun before they could approach, unfortunately their luck, such as it was, had run out! "Captain..." the Navigation Officer began, "... The starships Erinome and Juno are entering firing range." "What?" "Extreme torpedo range at warp, Captain, but I don't believe they'd take the risk, any strike at this range would doubtless be inaccurate and they'll surely be looking to avoid unnecessary damage... Perhaps Mr Nazin of the Federation security council can explain the actions of our starships?" Karka pondered, eyeing their 'guest' but Nazin simply shrugged, smiling almost dismissively as he watched the viewscreen. "Sir, both ships are closing," Koni T'Seng said from Tactical. Daniel sighed, it was a given that by now the truth od their 'predicament' had spread throughout the crew that was aboard, so Daniel almost felt as if he was between the proverbial rock and a hard place as he watched the screen. He had few options open to him so with a look at Karka he turned to his Comms Officer: "Open channels to both pursuing ships," "Captain?" Jenni Gold replied. "Now, Lieutenant," Schirra ordered, standing close to the viewscreen so no one could see his anxiousness. "Channels open Sir," =^= Captain Cernan .. Captain Schmitt .. I know you have your orders .. But there are circumstances of which you have no knowledge .. Please move out of the System immediately .. Firing on us would be a mistake .. .. .. =^= =^= We are aware there are reasons for your actions Captain .. But we have very specific orders .. You need to power down and allow Officers to boa .. .. .. Schirra .. WHAT ARE YOU DOING! =^= Daniel spun as Karka sprinted past him. On the deck, Koni was bleeding profusely from a wound at the side of her head, NaZinhriss was stood, hands hovering over the Tactical Station, a look of satisfaction on his face. Psonoir had barged into the man throwing him against the bulkhead where he was secured by two Officers, but it was too late. He had fired a volley of torpedoes at the pursuing vessels, which were now scrambling to get out of range. Thankfully none of the weapons hit their mark, but the damage was done ..... The Juno and the Erinome had turned and were heading directly for the Excalibur. "Get them back ... NOW!" Daniel snapped. "They are ignoring our hail Captain," Jenni said shakily. "Helm, take us to warp, any heading!" Schirra ordered, watching the tactical plot the Exec' had put on the viewscreen. Both ships were flanking the Excalibur, hoping to cut off any escape route, they had locked weapons and were almost in a position to fire when the Excalibur shot into the supraluminal realm of warp velocity ..... "Sir, the Juno appears to be slowing, the Erinome is in pursuit," Yukigami said from Tactical while Koni's head wound was being treated by a Medic. "We can outrun the Erinome," Karak commented, "Helm, increase to maximum warp," "You're family will 'DIE' Schirra... They will die horrible deaths if you persist in fleeing," Nazim said through bloodied lips. Daniel wanted to rip the man to pieces but somehow held himself in check. Karka, on the other hand, had no such qualms and landed a punch to the temple of the Xes'dnu knocking him unconscious before he hit the carpeted deck. "Take that to the Brig," Psonoir said. Already light-years beyond the Gliese 641 Star System, the Excalibur continued to put distance between themselves and the chasing Maranda Class Erinome until it finally dropped off long-range sensors. Schirra ordered they remain on this heading for thirty minutes then several course changes would be made, hopefully halting any chance of the Erinome reacquiring them. It still left the question of the Juno: Why did it cease the chase? ~~~~~~~~~~ "Captain, I'm picking up a small vessel, it's on an intercept course with us," the now recovered T'Seng said, "Sir, going off my readings they are burning their drive to catch us," "Xes'dnu?" Karka asked. "Possibly." "Any signs of the Juno or Erinome?" Daniel asked. "Nothing," Koni confirmed. For a long moment he remained silent, then spoke: "Drop to impulse, allow them to catch up." the Bridge fell completely silent as the Excalibur dropped into normal space, fifteen minutes later the intercepting ship came to a halt two hundred meters off the Port fore-quarter. "Sir, they are requesting permission to send someone over to speak with you," Jenni gold said. "Fine, the more the merrier," Daniel said dejectedly, Karka, Koni, with me, let's go meet our visitor... Lieutenant Yukigori, you have the Bridge," The Transporter Chief was standing by when they arrived: "One person ready to beam over Captain." the woman said, Karka nodded and the transport began. "Captain, Schirra, I believe..." the man said as he stepped off the platform, hand outstretched, Schirra stood almost mobile not taking the hand, but the newcomer didn't seem offended, "... I believe you have an 'associate' of mine aboard, would it be too much trouble to see him for a moment?" "..... and you would be?" Psonoir asked. "Oh, forgive my manners, I am VaS'inKir." the man answered, clearly unwilling to expand further. "Your 'friend' is spending time in our holding facility, this way," Schirra said, leaving the Transporter Room the other in tow. As they reached the Brig Daniel could only see Naxin's feet as he lay on the bed, VaS'inkir approached the force-field, reaching out with a fingertip until it made contact, he chuckled then spoke: "NaZinhriss, I did not expect to see you again so soon," Nazin'e eyes shot open at the sound of the man speaking, he shot off the bunk and slammed headlong into the forcefield, only to be flung to the back of the cell self-conscious. Daniel could tell something was amiss here and spoke to the newcomer: "You have come to free him I suppose?" "Free him ..... Far from it Captain ..... In fact, I would be most grateful if you were to incarcerate him here for the remainder of his miserable worthless LIFE!" "You know," Nazin said dejectedly. "We have known for many months," VaSinKir said with a wry smile before turning to the Federation Officers, "Perhaps I should explain: NaZinhriss here is of the Residuum, the 'lower' class if you will. While I am a member of the elite Triangulum, the higher caste of the Xes'dnu, and de facto rulers of our race," "Bloody hell, another lot," Koni said in a whisper. "Indeed," VaSinKir said with a smile before turning back to the man in the cell ..........
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 16, 2020 12:24:42 GMT
"..... Now, after some thought Captain, and with your leave, I will take my, associate, here into custody where he will be charged with crimes against the Xes'dnu," VaS'inkir stood back clearly expecting the forcefield to drop, after a second he turned to Schirra, puzzlement on his face, "There is a problem?" he asked. "Problem... Yes, I would say so," Daniel said, fighting to keep his temper. "Oh... I see... You're family," VaS'inkir said as if only just realising something was amiss, "Well, alas, I have no control over their safety, you will need to petition the Ruling Council to ask they begin investigations into the plausibility of their safe recovery. Casualties of war, so to speak. You do of course have my deepest sympathy, had the Resibuum been content with their place this would never have occurred," he looked at NaZ'inhriss like a teacher chastising a child. "Casualty of war?!" Karka spat, stepping towards the Trianguum Council member, but the man merely shrugged. "We had no involvement in the circumstances which brought you here... As such we have nothing to apologise for, Captain, as I stated earlier, it is unfortunate that your family have been taken. I am willing of course to allow you to briefly question NaZ'inhriss prior to our taking him aboard our vessel, he may feel it to his advantage to give you their location or even arrange for their safe return," he finished, eyebrows raised. "He's going nowhere," Schirra said quietly. "I'm afraid that is incorrect, Captain. This man is a citizen of the Xes'dnu. You have no juristi ....." "HE HAS MY FAMILY!" Daniel shouted. "Again, I sympathise with your situation, but our law is clear... This man plotted against the Ruling Council, and as such, he will be put on tri ....." "Security. Put him in a cell," Schirra said, pointing at VaS'inkir before barging past the man into the corridor. Outside the Brig, Karka joined him, both at a loss for words. It appeared they had been brought here to aid a Civil War, but now that the other side knew of their existence, surely that mooted any advantage the Residuum had? ..... Daniel leaned against the bulkhead deep in thought ..... His family were missing, they could be anywhere on the Xes'dnu Homeworld if they were on the surface at all, he had stolen a Starship to go after them, effectively ending his career and likely that of his friends' too. "There will be hell to pay once they find out we're holding VaS'inkir," "I know," was all Daniel could reply. Taka Yukigori had exited the Brig and approached the two as they spoke, he thought for a moment then offered a suggestion: "Captain, do you think it possible that we could enlist the aid of the newcomer?..." Daniel and Karka looked at the Chief Security Officer, Psonoir nodding for him to continue, "... If we were to offer to give our 'aid' to the Triangulum in return for their finding and returning your family safe and well, rather than bow to the threats of the Residuum," "We still have the issue that there are two Starships out there intent on taking us back to Earth," Karka commented. "The Juno slowed, didn't come after us, what do you make of that?" Schirra asked the two. "Is it plausible that NaS'inhriss was able to acquire the services of 'two' Starships?..." Yukigori speculated, "... If so, is it plausible that should he feel he has lost control of the Excalibur, he could pit the Juno against us?" "If we ally ourselves with the ....." Karka began. "We're allying ourselves with NOONE!" Daniel said decisively before striding off, Psonoir and Yukigori falling in behind ..... USS Excalibur Bridge :: "Open a channel to the surface, I want to speak directly with the Ruling Council, I don't care who," Daniel said, planting himself close to the 'window' to wait for the reply, it came quickly - The image of a Woman appeared superimposed on the window, Schirra was about to introduce himself when the woman spoke: =^= Alien vessel .. We have been informed that you are holding two of our Citizens against their will .. You will allow both to be transported off your vessel immediately or face the consequences =^= The Comm closed before Daniel could speak. He ordered the Comms Officer to reestablish contact but to no avail. Seconds later he was informed that four ships were converging on their position. Daniel returned to his seat and tapped the Comm: =^= Doctor Wundt to the Brig =^= he closed the Comm and headed for the turbo-lift, uninvited, Karka followed him, informing Mark Unwin that he had the Conn as he passed the Chief Engineer ..... Brig :: The Chief Medical Officer was waiting for Schirra as he and the Exec' entered. Daniel dismissed the Duty Security Officer then sealed the door. Without a word he approached NaS'inhriss' cell and deactivated the forcefield. If he hesitated now he knew he wouldn't go through with what he needed to do, so he stepped inside, Doctor Wundt and Karka standing to watch what their Captain was planning. "What is the location of my family?" he asked quietly. NaZin, simply smiled. "Where are you holding my family?" Schirra asked again, this time almost a whisper, then he turned, "Doctor..." "Captain?" Ki Wundt replied. "This man has information regarding the whereabouts of my family Doctor, I intend to get that information by any means," Schirra said, eyes locked on the Xes'dnu. "You can't be serious... You can't use force to get wha ...." Wundt was saying but Daniel snatched the medical pack from her grasp and slammed it on the bunk beside NaZ'inhriss. Emptying the contents he picked up a hypospray and scrambled through the settings until he grinned, Wundt, stood beside the Captain gasped. "3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine ... SIR! ... Commander, he's going to use a substance to force information out of this man, it's tantamount to TORTURE!" "Doctor, I suggest you go back to Sickbay, I'll call you if you are needed..." Daniel said, turning back to the Xes'dnu, "... One more time, where are my family?" "Captain," Karka said quietly, but Schirra ignored his Executive Officer and moved forward, "Daniel, you can't do this!" Psonoir insisted. The hypospray was millimetres from NaZ'inhriss' neck when Daniel felt a hand on his arm ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jun 17, 2020 16:27:16 GMT
"Allow me, Captain," VaS'inKir said as he pushed another hypospray against Psonoir's neck before gripping Schirra by the arm and pressing his free hand over the CO's hypospray - its vial discharged into NaZ'inhriss who suddenly began drooling. Karka fell forward in shock, suffering from partial paralysis from whatever the Triangulum member had injected him with.
He'd not sensed the approach of the Xes'dnu from behind them, the soft footfalls to his right becoming audible far too late. He'd noticed the hand of his Captain relax slightly just before VaS'inKir had closed in, perhaps having already decided that this wasn't the correct course of action; VaS'inKir struck the suddenly groggy NaZ'inhriss and withdrew from the cell with him, raising the forcefield. He turned on them while Wolki slumped to the floor beside him,
"You left the matter far too long. I was willing to grant you a grace period before taking action myself, but now you've forced my hand. NaZ'inhriss will stand trial, he may even reveal your family's whereabouts, Captain Schirra, though I wouldn't count on it being so." He grunted and moved to leave with Wolki.
From his prone position on the floor, Karka managed to ask with a slight slur how VaS'inKir had managed to escape from his cell, or they themselves had become trapped, this didn't take long to resolve itself as briefly stepping into view of the cell - which the three Starfleet officers were now trapped in - was another Xes'dnu, she'd operated the brig controls. She nodded to VaS'inKir and turning to watch his progress as he took the stumbling NaZ'inhriss from the brig. With a glance at the Starfleeters as VaS'inKir and Wolki left the room she followed them out.
There was no intercom in the cell, any communication to the outside was impossible for the moment, they were reliant on someone entering the room.
"How did she get aboard?" Wundt said from her position leaning against the cell wall, glancing at Schirra, the magnitude of his potential action having faded from memory.
Karka rubbed the side of his neck as he tried to sit up; his limbs, his joints felt as if they were experiencing a continuous EM discharge, he gasped in pain, trying to minimise its display, "She may have been here all along. Consider..." he took a breath, his lungs and throat felt like burnt paper, "How did VaS'inKir know that Nazin had seized your family, Captain?"
"If so why wouldn't she have acted before now, if she represents the Triangulum? She could simply have detained or incapacitated Wolki," the CO replied.
"With your family at risk if Nazin's person came to harm, she may have been striving to prevent their coming to injury," Karka said after thinking a moment. A monumentally frustrating further 15 minutes passed before someone entered the cell and noted their predicament. In that time, unbeknownst to the third of the crew on board, VaS'inKir and his helper had attempted to smuggle themselves and Wolki off the ship, however, shields being up they'd had to change their plans. They were still on the Excalibur but their exact location was unknown.
Wepsomu and the impostor T'Seng sat in the former's house in San Jose. From his couch watching the surveillance footage of his own property and of the various devices planted round Starfleet Command HQ, Wepsomu spoke, "Wolki has been seized by the Triangulum."
Several minutes passed before 'T'Seng' replied, also watching the screens, seeing Starfleet cadets entering and leaving lecture rooms, "Has the family's execution order been given?"
Wepsomu responded eventually, "Not yet. Tel'zis wants to give the Triangulum time to consider the ultimatum."
"Internal sensors return nothing, Captain," Wentworth reported, having been notified in advance of the situation as Schirra returned to the bridge.
Wundt meanwhile had Psonoir taken to sickbay, she had Psonoir step into the main room before entering herself, Karka - still in his immensely weakened state - immediately realising something was wrong. He turned a wary eye towards the primary biobeds, and there was VaS'inKir with a junior doctor at phaser point. Wolki was on the floor unconscious and the female Xes'dnu was on one of the biobeds, evidently having been put there for recuperation by VaS'inKir after a crewmember had incapacitated her somewhere on the ship.
"A way off your vessel, please, Doctor," VaS'inKir addressed Wundt as Karka fell irretrievably to the floor, he felt the paralysis spread once more through the right side of his body. He happened to be facing Wolki whose glazed eyes stared back at him sightlessly. VaS'inKir pressed the phaser to the junior doctor's neck, "You'll have the shields lowered, or your subordinate medic will be disposed with. Do not..." he warned as Wundt began moving to an intercom, "Do not, contact your bridge, Doctor."
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 18, 2020 14:52:34 GMT
USS Excalibur Brig :: Daniel stood less than a meter from the forcefield, eyes glaring into the distance as the others discussed their plight ..... "With your family at risk, if Nazin's person came to harm, she may have been striving to prevent their coming to injury," Karka was saying, but it was all Schirra could do to restrain from slamming his fists into the forcefield in frustration. Almost fifteen minutes into their incarceration, a technician entered heading over to the Security Station when he glanced to occupants of one of the cells. He did a double-take as he sprinted over to release the 'field ..... USS Excalibur Bridge :: "Captain... There's no way they could have transported off the ship, they 'must' be on board somewhere," Sarah Wentworth was saying. "Then find them...!" Schirra spat, instantly regretting his outburst, "... Apologies, please, try to locate them Lieutenant," he finished, dropping into the centre seat. "Sir? ....." Lieutenant Yukigori began from Tactical, "... Someone is attempting to access shield control," "What?" "Confirmed," Wentworth said, hands flicking over her panel, "The attempt is being made from, Doctor Wundt's terminal in her office," "Why would she want to disab ....." Unwin began as Schirra shot out of his seat. "It's THEM, Deck five! ..... Lieutenant, erect a Level Eight force field around sickbay, seal the doors now, disable Comms in and out until further notice..." Daniel ordered quickly, before heading for the turbo-lift, "... Taka, you're with me. Mister Reneus you have the Conn." "They're trying to get off the ship," Taka said as the 'lift dropped. As the doors opened the two sprinted down the corridor, two Security Personnel, phasers in hand, were already stood at the junction where the force-field had been erected. Another two were at the far end of the corridor similarity armed. Daniel moved to a Comm panel and tapped: =^= Bridge .. Schirra .. Open a Comm to Sick-bay =^= =^= Done Captain =^= Jenni Gold confirmed. =^= Sick-bay this is Captain Schirra .. You can't escape .. Force-fields have been erected so even if you lower the shields your vessel will not be able to retrieve you .. .. Agree to talk and I wi .. .. .. =^= =^= Lower the shields and the force-field Captain .. I have people in here and no qualms about killing any of them if you do not comply =^= =^= Sir .. .. Doctor Wendt .. VaS'inKir is holding a phaser to the throat of one of my Staff .. The Woman .. Along with Commander Psonoir and the man known as Nazin are here also =^= Schirra moved away from the Comm panel: "Lieutenant, Is there any way we could transport the Xes'dnu or our people out unharmed?"
"Not before VaS'inKir could fire Sir, sorry," Yukigori replied. =^= My patience is warning thin .. Captain =^= they heard the Xes'dnu say then the Comm fell silent again. Yukigori frowned then spoke: "Sir, did his voice sound, strained, or, hesitant, to you?" =^= Doctor .. .. VeS'inKir .. Sick-bay .. .. Anyone? =^= Daniel called, but there was no answer. He waited then repeated the Comm with the same result, he ordered the force-field lowered then instructed the Security Personnel to approach the doors. Once in place, Taka used his override and the doors slid aside, immediately they could smell the gas and began to lose consciousness, everyone moved down the corridor as Yukigori instructed the Bridge to purge the atmosphere from Sick-bay. Finally able to approach they could see everyone in the room was unconscious. The Security Officers began lifted them onto bio-beds while one retrieved the phaser held moments ago by the Xes'dnu Council Member. Daniel watched as the Doctor was revived, she muttered something about anaesthesia gas, then moved to do help the Medic's revive the others, but Daniel stopped them: "Security, transport the Xes'dnu direct to the Brig from here and erect a second force-field around the room..." Taka nodded and seconds later the Xes'dnu dematerialised, "... Now, Doctor, let's get our people up," ..........
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jun 22, 2020 16:01:38 GMT
With the woman, VaS'inKir, and NaZ'inhriss all secured in the Brig once again, Daniel had some decisions to make .....
It was clear that they were in an almost impossible position. NaZin had his family, but VaS'inKir already knew of the Residuum's plans to overthrow the Ruling Trianguum, so confident was he that they would fail, he had put himself aboard the Excalibur for the sole purpose of gloating at NaZin's abject failure. Now both were incarcerated and Daniel still had no idea how he was going to retrieve his family ..... "Helm. Set course for the Gliese 641 Star System," Schirra ordered. "We're going back?" the Exec' asked, knowing they didn't have other options open to them short of torturing the Xes'dun into releasing Lana, Kendal, Kenzi, and their Tactical Officer Koni T'Seng. "Yes," Daniel said, clearly unwilling or unable to expand on his reply. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Sir, I'm picking up two vessels heading our way," Reneus informed Schirra. "Xes'dnu?" Karka asked. "One, yes... The other is Juno!" "All stop," Schirra ordered, rising from the centre seat before moving to stand in front of the window. Seconds later two ships appeared, closing rapidly before they too came to a full stop, hanging a mere two thousand meters from the Excalibur. Daniel stood immobile, eyes on the two ships, the Xes'dnu vessel was no real match, but the Juno, the only other Constitution Class Refit was on par with the Excalibur. "Sir, we're being hailed, from the Xes'dnu vessel," Jenni gold informed him. "On screen please Lieutenant," Karka replied. The image of two Xes'dun appeared, superimposed in the 'window' looking at the men Daniel had the feeling they were uncomfortable. =^= Captain .. .. It is good to see you .. .. I believe you are entertaining two of our colleagues .. We would be grateful if you could facilitate their return to our ship =^= =^= I assume you are referring to Mister NaZinhriss? =^= =^= Indeed so =^= the man smiled. =^= Well .. Alas .. He is helping us with an issue at present so returning him at this time would be .. Problematic .. .. .. I am sure that once our business is concluded he will be able to return =^= =^= I'm afraid that is unacceptable .. Captain .. .. =^= the man said, the smile still in place. Daniel simply shrugged. The man seemed to think on proceedings then appeared to have come up with a solution, he motioned to someone off-screen and a woman appeared. She was holding the hand of a little girl! =^= Kenzi .. Sweetheart =^= Daniel whispered. =^= Daddddddy =^= his daughter sobbed. Schirra's eyes returned to the man clearly in Command, every fibre of his being wishing him harm. =^= If you harm my family I swear I will level your homeworld and reduce your planet to a burnt husk! =^= he whispered through grating teeth. =^= I don't believe you would do that Captain .. Besides .. How are you to know that you are not firing on the very people you have come here to rescue? =^= the man said, the smile returning as he reached out to stroke Kenzi's long hair. The screen suddenly spits into two views, the second showing a replica of the Excaliburs' Bridge. Captain Peter Cernan was stood in the middle of the Bridge, Daniel could see several Xes'dnu occupying stations behind him. Cernan spoke after being jabbed in the ribs by someone unseen: =^= Daniel .. I'm sorry .. They took the ship before we knew they were coming for us .. They have been ordered to ensure you do as you are told .. .. Or .. .. Danny they hav .. .. .. =^= Cernan received a blow to the back of his head and fell from view unconscious. A man appeared to drag Cernan away unceremoniously. =^= Now captain .. Shall we arrange for my colleagues to be returned .. Or do you need further incentive? =^= the woman took a phaser from her belt and held it against his daughters' shoulder, Kenzi flinched, trying to get away, but the woman simply dragged her back roughly. Daniel could see his five-year-old sobbing uncontrollably. It was all Schirra could do to remain upright as he watched his daughter. "Karka, go to the Brig, have NaZ'inhriss and the woman escorted to the transporter room," he ordered, eyes locked on Kenzi. "Yes, Sir," Psonoir said, leaving immediately. =^= Good .. Now isn't cooperation much more pleasant than these threats we are forced to succumb to? =^= =^= What about the other one .. .. A man calling himself VaS'inKir? =^= Daniel asked, seeing the colour drain from the mans face at the mention of the name. =^= You have him with you!? =^= =^= He's with NaZinhriss and the woman =^= =^= You will kill him .. IMMEDIATELY =^= =^= Return my daughter and it will be done .. I'll even transport his corpse a meter from you hull =^= he heard several gasps at his comment but no-one spoke. The man turned away, clearly conferring with someone off-screen, he then said something to the woman holding Kenzi. She began to object but received a slap across the mouth for her trouble before she lowered her head in submission. He leaned forward and whispered to Kenzi, who after a moment nodded, eyes still locked on her fathers' as she was moved a few paces forward and released. The woman still held the phaser loosely in her direction, and Schirra knew that she could fire before the child dematerialised. Taka Yukigori approached, whispering confirmation that the Exec' had transported NaZin and the woman off the ship. He spoke quietly to the Security Chief who left the Bridge at a run. =^= Our friend VaS'inKir? =^= the man on the Xes'dnu ship prompted. =^= You will die if my daughter doesn't appear in front of me .. Remember that =^= Daniel promised calmly, then ordered photon torpedoes be locked onto 'both' ships ahead of them ..... Seconds later, the body of VaS'inKin appeared adrift almost against the hull of the Xes'dnu vessel, he watched as Mackenzie materialised on the Bridge, he ran, managing to catch her before she collapsed to the carpeted deck. Scooping her in his arms he fought the tears as the Xes'dnu ship and the Juno turned away at high impulse. "NOW transporter room!" Yukigori ordered quickly. Moments later he confirmed that they had VaS'inKir in sick-bay and were trying to revive him ... Daniel could only nod as he walked to the turbo-lift, Kenzi cradled in his arms ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jun 26, 2020 12:22:08 GMT
Still unsteady on his feet from whatever VaS'inKir had injected him with, Karka operated the transporter controls to beam over NaZin and the Residuum female to the Xes'dnu vessel. NaZin, still slurring slightly, beamed at the Starfleeters present and chatted, "I told you Schirra would get his family back if you were cooperative. And here we are."
"We will withhold congratulations until the other two are returned safely," Karka replied and stared the Residuum agent down until he'd dematerialised him over to his waiting craft.
"You never found Wepsomu, did you?" the Xes'dnu's voice echoed as he vanished with a final sneer.
Karka did his best to ignore whatever possibilities lay in that question - was he merely teasing or did not having investigated Wepsomu mean something? With both Xes'dnu gone, he used internal sensors while the other hand finished operating the transporter levers, it was confirmed, Mackenzie had been transported onto the bridge.
Minutes later he entered sickbay to observe Wundt's attempts with VaS'inKir - strange, he considered, that the CMO should now attempt to save the Xes'dnu's life shortly after he'd threatened her subordinate and by implication herself with death. The last-minute rescue had been well executed, though if the Xes'dnu ship and the captured Juno had remained in the area, they couldn't very well have beamed VaS'inKir back. The Xes'dnu's skin was partially desiccated from vacuum exposure, his mouth open at a terrible angle showing his futile attempts to inhale life-giving oxygen from the nothingness; he continued to flatline until finally Wundt secured the biobed in its own oxygen-rich atmosphere and hooked VaS'inKir into a life support machine - there was still no pulse, but his brain activity would be preserved by the technology.
"I'll work on him, Captain," she spoke to the CO who stood nearby with his daughter in his arms. "You'll be the first to know when I have him revived."
Psonoir approached from near the door and nodded to Schirra, "NaZinhriss mentioned to me the Xes'dnu responsible for my assault on Earth. He may have been attempting to hint at something." Wolki wanted to assist them? he wondered, it was improbable but he may think it in his interest to lead them to the rest of the CO's family.
Not knowing yet what the mention of Wepsomu's name signified, Karka asked Daniel if they should communicate with Osami and Command. Schirra shook his head, "No, the Residuum still have Lana and Kendal. If we try to explain to Command they'll want to send at least another ship, which may force the Residuum's hand."
"Captain," Dr Wundt turned from the biobed where VaS'inKir was sitting up and gasping in agony. Wundt used the biobed controls, "Attempting to stabilise, emitting cordrazine aerosol into containment field."
VaS'inKir sat back with a sickly sigh and seemed to relax a fraction, he eventually spoke, "You impress me. I didn't think you were capable of such drastic measures. You are to be commended and I am to apologise." He glanced at them and winced, "My lungs are not what they were it seems," he wheezed, "Give me communications to my home planet and I'll contact the Triangulum security authorities - we'll begin a search for your wife and child, Captain. They are probably not on our homeworld; there are two moons, one of those is a more likely location."
"Does the name Wepsomu mean anything to you?" Karka asked.
"Yes, indeed, he's..." VaS'inKir cried out mutedly in pain, "... He's Wolki NaZinhriss's long-time associate. He was last heard of near Earth and Vulcan. A clever and elusive Residuum operative and part of their oldest cell."
"He was recently on Earth, I followed him," Karka informed the Xes'dnu, also musing. He asked,"Does the Residuum have a base of operations?"
"No, or not until recently. The Juno is their first base, a mobile fortress, they intended the same for your vessel. Merely a collection of cells spread throughout three star systems. However, our homeworld's moons, and the Juno, are the most logical places to start a search." VaS'inKir sat up, "For my health I'll have to remain in here, but shall we begin?"
Karka had a portable audiovisual comm device wheeled into sickbay and positioned next to the Xes'dnu's biobed. Schirra agreed and the Triangulum security forces were contacted.
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jul 1, 2020 17:17:08 GMT
"I'll work on him, Captain," Doctor Wundt informed Schirra who stood nearby with his daughter in his arms. "You'll be the first to know when I have him revived." "Fine," Daniel said, feeling Kenzi's arms tighten around his neck. The Head Nurse, Ellie Simm approached the two, she nodded to the Captain then smiled at his Daughter: "Captain, maybe I should give Kenzi a check-up, she's been through a lot over the last couple of days?..." she said, reaching for the five-year-old, but Kenzi tightened her grasp, even more. "It's OK Kenzi, I'll be right here," Daniel said as Ellie leaned in to whisper: "I heard that a certain little girl loves pink strawberry bon-bons? ..... Don't tell anyone, but I have a bag hidden in my desk, maybe I could sneak you one if you keep my secret?" she said with a sneaky grin.
"Two?" Kenzi whispered.
"OK, two, but you can't tell your Dad or he'll want one too," the nurse said, reaching forward once again. This time her grip around Schirra's neck began to ease until she slipped from his waist and into Ellie's arms, she headed over to one of the side rooms, making sure Kenzi could keep an eye on her Father outside. She sat Kenzi down and rummaged in a draw, looking around as if not wanting to be caught, Kenzi giggled at the pretence and Ellie held a finger to her lips secretively. She opened the bag, and with a look towards Schirra, she inched it towards Kenzi, who reached in and took one of the sweets. Before Ellie could take the bag Kenzi quickly took the second promised sweet, popping it into her mouth alongside the first. She sat on the Bio-bed allowing the Head Nurse to run her checks. Ten minutes later she gave her a clean bill of health but wanted to keep her occupied lest she dwells on her ordeal. Schirra popped his head in the side room asking Lieutenant Simm about progress. Ellie gave the Captain her report and her suggestions to keep Kenzie occupied, Daniel was at a loss as to what to do, but Ellie seemed to have already thought of this and suggested that as she was going off duty, maybe Kenzi could stay with her for the time being. Daniel turned to ask what Kenzi thought about it: "Am'ookeeey..." the five-year-old said in her best 'Squirrel' impression. "What you eating?" he asked, trying not to grin given he'd overheard about the 'secret' bon-bons. "Moofin," Kenzi replied, magnetically, a bon bon secreted in each cheek. "Hmmm," Daniel said, turning away before be burst into laughter, "If your sure Lieutenant?" "No problem, I'm sure we'll find plenty to do," she said with a wink at her new charge, who was inching towards the head of the Bio-bed and the bag of sweets. Dan finally regained control and approached his daughter, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead before turning to leave. "Do you smell strawberries?" he asked the nurse as he left the side room rejoining his Exec' ..... =^= Bridge to Captain .. .. .. =^= =^= Captain =^= =^= Sir .. We have the USS Juno on an intercept heading with us .. Their weapons and shields are active =^= =^= On my way .. Bring us on a heading for the largest of the two moons! =^= he was already in the corridor when confirmation of his order came through. Moments later he stepped out of the turbo-lift: "Status?" "The Juno is still approaching, but they seem to be holding station, maybe seeing what we're going to do next?" Mark Unwin reported as he vacated the centre seat. "What are they playing at?" Schirra mused. 'INTRUDER ALERT'
'INTRUDER ALERT' "WHERE!?" "Two life signs, Deck Seven, approximately sixty meter from the Brig... Sir, they beamed through our shields!" Yukigori reported. "They're going after their people. Get Security down there. Seal off Deck Seven a raise force-fields around the Brig 'AND' Sickbay!" Schirra said as he was jumping out of his seat ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jul 2, 2020 16:04:08 GMT
Sickbay
VaS'inKir reclined on his biobed, beginning to feel much better as the cellular therapy performed on his skin was restoring it to its previous hue and consistency. He sat in communication with headquarters via the portable comm device provided by the command officers, while Wundt's assistant and two security guards stood at a distance watching halfheartedly,
"Yes, it's to be regretted, but we have very little bargaining power left with these people," VaS'inKir said, "They have me in their power, and I for one am now happy to help them. Have Security begun the search?"
The Xes'dnu Triangulum councillor on the screen responded from behind his small desk, "We've dispatched Marine units 4 through 7 to search the outskirts of Vlachi's main conurbation. Security forces and equivalent services in other cities are doing the same over the globe. Last known whereabouts of various Residuum members are being checked off our list. No joy so far. There were three of them still to find, is that right?"
VaS'inKir blinked and growled in frustration, "Yes, a woman and her child, and a female Starfleet officer. All human!"
The man nodded, he was about to respond when the security guards in sickbay approached and switched off the comm device. VaS'inKir turned to them, "Whatever for?"
"For your own protection, sir," a guard said, and pointed at the door, drawing her phaser and having her fellow guard do the same. "Two of your compatriots have boarded us - they may be after you."
VaS'inKir's eyes widened, "They won't be my compatriots. Residuum members, you fools, Residuum members." He and the guards heard the forcefield crackling outside. This went on for over a minute before everything fell strangely silent.
Bridge
Karka studied in the scope, registering sensor readouts from the scanners' focus on the Juno; they were detecting 78 Xes'dnu though strangely there was a large internal volume in which no lifesigns at all were detected - where there would normally be at least three or four in order for the ship to function correctly. He focussed the scanners on the mysterious section, working in tandem with the stand-in tactical officer - it included the secondary engineering room, auxiliary control and the cargo bays... Jamming was in effect he realised; a blind spot had been created, and also emanating from there was a transmitter's signal in the far UV.
"I believe we're being hailed..." he murmured, repeating it when bridge officers asked him to clarify, "Hailed, from the Juno's main cargo bay."
The ship rocked slightly. "Captain," T'Seng's deputy called out, "Explosion near main sickbay. I believe the two Xes'dnu intruders have tried to force the door... One security guard down in the corridor outside; inside, unknown. One intruder has left the vicinity, seemingly heading for crew quarters, attempting to breach a forcefield in section 5-alpha-45."
"Could they be making for Nurse Simm's quarters?" Unwin asked from port. Schirra once again jumped from his seat and made for the turbolift.
"Channel to somewhere on the Juno is open," Karka said, "Its blind spot has forced us onto the frequency. On screen."
Captain Cernan's visage appeared on the viewscreen, the Juno's cargo bay spread out behind him and at least 50 Starfleet crew ensconced there, "Whoever has the conn at the moment," a bemused Cernan said, seemingly looking about the Excal bridge's interior, "I see you've detected our jamming signal. I escaped and have taken cover with my crew in the cargo bays, our hijackers are attempting to breach the entrances, without success so far."
"It's good to see you, Captain Cernan. Do you see our predicament?" Karka asked from his station.
"Indeed. I know how the Xes'dnu Residuum transported through your shields - it was how they boarded us initially, - by using a chroniton-modified transporter system. They've applied the tech to our Heisenberg compensators. We can take advantage of the same from here using the cargo bay transporters. Knowing you'd be taken by surprise by the Xes'dnu, I've already beamed Lieutenant Billitt and Ensign Jaquet across to counter your intruders. They should be intercepting them soon."
"We're losing your signal," Karka said urgently as the screen filled with static and digital interference.
"Yes, we're passing behind the moon relative to you. We'll run into you again the other side no doubt. In the meantime we'll try to scan the moon's surface from here and attempt to locate your missing people. The Residuum will have them of course, so we've also contemplated waiting to see what our boarders do and perhaps transport down after them and follow them if that'll lead to your people."
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jul 8, 2020 14:33:59 GMT
=^= We're losing your signal =^= Karka said urgently as the screen filled with static and digital interference.
=^= Yes .. We are passing behind the moon relative to you .. We will run into you again the other side no doubt .. In the meantime we will try to scan the moon's surface from here and attempt to locate your missing people .. The Residuum will have them of course .. We have also contemplated waiting to see what our boarders do and perhaps transport down after them and follow them if that will lead us to your people =^=
=^= Good luck Capt .. .. .. =^=
Daniel had finally persuaded his Daughter to stay with the Head Nurse, Ellie Simm. Leaving sickbay, Daniel returned to the Bridge to hear the last seconds of the communication with Captain Cernan:
~~~~~~~~~~
"Status?"
"We are moving behind the moon, Captain Cernan seems to think your family could be on the surface. I'm having the moon scanned for any structures that could hold them,"
"Sir, picking up three structures on this side of the moon," Lieutenant Bek'Vos informed them from Tactical.
"Onscreen," Karka ordered... The image changed to show three distinct buildings: Toward the southern pole, one on the moons equator, and a complex of structures toward the north pole. The southernmost structure appeared to be disused, the equatorial likewise, but the northernmost complex appeared to be occupied, alas, it was also shielded.
Any signs that the Erinome has located us?" Daniel asked.
"She's not in this System Captain," Bek'Vos replied.
"Any chance we can use their technology to transport into that complex?" Schirra asked his Exec'
"You don't need to Captain..." the Duty Tactical Officer informed the two Senior Officers, "... The shields are basic, presumably, they believe there wouldn't be any need for the modified shields down there,"
"So we can get in!" Schirra said.
"I believe so," Bek'Vos confirmed.
"It might be prudent to take a minimal complement," the Exec' suggested.
"Agreed... Me, you, and Lieutenant Yukigori..." Daniel decided quickly, "... Lieutenant Bek'Vor, try to find somewhere secluded within the complex," Schirra said as he headed for the turbo-lift, Psonoir and Yukigori following. As they entered the transporter room taking the readied phasers set to heavy stun from the Security Officer, Bek'Vor informed them there was a section of the complex seemingly disused, Schirra agreed and asked the Transporter Chief to set the coordinates.
"Ready Captain," the man confirmed a moment later. All three checked their weapons and held them pointing outwards. Daniel nodded and felt the tell-tale caress of the transporter, a second later they materialised in a dark corridor, all three crouched as a silhouette appeared against the semi-lit corridor. Yukigori fired instantly, dropping the man to the floor, Karka edged towards the door, peering left and right before grasping the boots of the man dragging him inside the room.
"I'll have to have a word with our Lieutenant Bek'Vos on what we consider secluded," the Exec' said with a sigh. Rummaging around he found something to bind and gag the man, though he should be unconscious for several hours, he wasn't taking any chances. Once tied, he dragged the man to a corner where he hopefully wouldn't be discovered by accident, then, taking his phaser, shot him again for good measure. He turned, seeing Schirra and the Tactical Officer watching him:
"Better safe than sorry," he said with a shrug.
"Fair enough..." Daniel said as Taka Yukigori took a tricorder containing a schematic of the complex from his jacket pocket, "... Which way Lieutenant?"
"Left Sir, ninety-five meters, then right. From there the complex appears to be fully operational,"
"..... and presumably occupied," Daniel said.
"After you," Karka said to the Security Chief with a wry grin ..........
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jul 12, 2020 1:11:10 GMT
Below decks, USS Juno
In the cargo bay on the Juno, Cernan asked Thamkon whether the doors were still secure, the marine signified that they were - it would be a while before the Xes'dnu were able to breach the combination of forcefields and security lockouts. "Then when they beam down, we beam down as well. Are we still able to mask our own transporters?"
"Yes, Captain," Lappisker reported, "Our beam out to the Excalibur went unnoticed by the Juno's bridge."
"Are Billitt and Jaquet on the Xes'dnu intruders aboard the Excal yet?"
"Sensors are unable to ascertain that, Captain - we lost comm signal when our ships passed out of sight of each other behind the moon. The last we were able to tell, Billitt and Jaquet were 30 metres distant from one of the Xes'dnu near Excalibur crew quarters."
Cernan nodded in response, his tactical officer Billitt hopefully knew what he was doing. "Begin scans of the surface of the moon. What do we find?"
A quarter of an hour later, Lappisker made a report of surface conditions. The moon wasn't dissimilar from Luna in the Sol system, marginally warmer overall if slightly more inhospitable in terms of the atmospheric constituents. There were no oceans, one grey-gold landmass with anomalous amorphous areas that on a more tectonically interesting world would be considered signs of volcanic activity, but here appeared to be what could be compared to large areas of quicksand - they may have a similar effect if encountered. Three large complexes averaging 200 square kilometres in extent adorned the hemisphere locked towards the orbited planet, the 'dark side' perhaps considered too warm for comfortable living conditions. They were atmospherically pressurised although only one was occupied, containing some 20,000 people - they were Triangulum-operated outposts and in the case of the occupied complex residential habitats (upmarket luxury), but according to the authorities also a hotbed of covert Residuum activity.
20,000 inhabitants, but no way to refine the beam to return species indicators, no way to discern the possible Excal crewmember and Excal CO family members amongst them. "Make sure our signal is masked," Cernan wasn't taking any chances and wanted this to be perfectly clear, "And prepare to beam myself and four marines down in the wake of the Xes'dnu aboard us, when or if they transport."
"Several appear to have beamed down already, sir," Lappisker reported, "My apologies, I only just detected it. There's a delay in the cargo bay's systems' readings of things happening external to the ship, or involving unconnected ship systems."
"Then beam us down now, the set of northern structures, coordinates approximately 10 metres from where the Xes'dnu beamed down - try to place us so that we can easily neutralise them, if need be; otherwise, we plan to follow them." Cernan boarded the cargo transporter pad along with the marines led by Captain Thamkon, they were transported away.
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Karka Psonoir
Commander
Registered: Apr 9, 2013 19:55:13 GMT
Posts: 422
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Post by Karka Psonoir on Jul 12, 2020 1:11:33 GMT
Northern complex, Xes'dnu homeworld moon #1
Karka studied the identification badge he'd taken from the Xes'dnu guard, realising as he read the hastily learnt language and writing system that the incapacitated man was a Triangulum security forces member. He told this to the others - it seemed that far from a Residuum base this place belonged to the Triangulum; perhaps the Residuum agitated here in an underground fashion, or this was home to several of their rebel cells. VaS'inKir had after all told them the Residuum had had no fixed base of operations until they'd hijacked the Juno and made it their mobile fortress.
Psonoir felt they had to tread carefully, VaS'inKir had promised to assist them in having the Triangulum conduct its own search for the remaining two of Schirra's family that were missing as well as Koni. This independent action of theirs may cause the Triangulum to withdraw from the hunt - if, however, VaS'inKir's friends were even looking particularly hard.
They made it into the inhabited section down the 95 metre stretch of corridor and around to the right, now heading northwards in a wide concourse - thankfully deserted, yet with plenty of places to obscure themselves should anyone come along, pillars casting deep shadows in the sunlight and so on - with panoramic viewing ports either side showing a view out onto the satellite's landscape. Hills of golden ash, it seemed, rolled away to the horizon in all directions, the dust glittering as it caught the Xes'dnu sun at certain angles. The sheer size of the complex was realised by them at that moment, as they saw stepped structures, veritable terraces piled atop one another stretching away into the middle distance; if Karka had to guess, most of these were residential buildings, he saw palm tree analogs, other flora, gardens and patios encased presumably in forcefields; there were very few people, but at least the Excal officers could now see some of them. Psonoir believed there may be a thousand Xes'dnu here, perhaps many more.
The concourse narrowed as it branched off into numerous smaller passageways, the three making their way through a short corridor and emerging onto the upper level of something not dissimilar from a Starbase promenade, again it was almost deserted, three or four people milling about the lower level. They turned and made their way covertly, as they thought, into a sequence of passages, their course ending in something analogous to a...
"Reception," Karka said quietly to himself as a Xes'dnu popped up from behind a sort of desk.
The Xes'dnu smiled, "Welcome to the Bacheun Suite. Have you pre-booked?"
"Yes," Schirra said quickly, Karka and Yukigori glanced at him in surprise.
"Very good, your names?"
Karka cleared his throat, "I am... VaS'inKir, Triangulum official, and these are my colleagues, Berest'aHjk and... TaZhiss. Our uniforms, yes, I see you've noticed them. The Triangulum are giving a trial run to a new set of ergonomically designed suits, the very same," he gestured to his blue uniform.
"I see," the Xes'dnu frowned, he seemed uncertain as he perused an electronic guest book, "Yes, I have your name here, VaS'inKir, sir. It is good to see you again. Your rooms are on the seventh level, the sector is fully booked but to accommodate your friends I will have two occupants turned out. Enjoy your stay at Bacheun. There is an entertainment in the main hall at sunset, a dancing troupe from the homeworld's southern continent and a musical demonstration, we hope you will join."
"That was lucky, mentioning VaS'inKir like that," Schirra muttered to him as they climbed a flight of stairs.
"Yes, I made an educated guess that this may be a popular holiday spot for the Triangulum elite." The three exited the stairs on the seventh level, Karka looking around, "This Bacheun Suite seems upmarket, but perhaps disreputable. Corruption accompanies material wealth, after all, it may possibly be the kind of place Residuum agitators would flourish, we may find a lead to the Residuum holding the prisoners, perhaps at the entertainment this evening that the receptionist alluded to."
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jul 21, 2020 16:44:42 GMT
"That was lucky, mentioning VaS'inKir like that," Schirra muttered to him as they climbed a flight of stairs. "Yes, I made an educated guess that this may be a popular holiday spot for the Triangulum elite." Karka replied, looking around, "This Bacheun Suite seems upmarket, but perhaps disreputable. Corruption accompanies material wealth, after all, it may possibly be the kind of place Residuum agitators would flourish, we may find a lead to the Residuum holding the prisoners, perhaps at the entertainment this evening that the receptionist alluded to." "Did you see the expression on the man's face," Yukigori commented. "Most likely wondering why we chose to use the stairs," Daniel said, the sarcasm obvious. They walked along the corridor looking for their suite, falling silent as one of the staff approached from the opposite direction. He had been helping himself to a morsel of food from one of the trays he was carrying but stopped quickly as he realised he wasn't alone. He nodded respectfully to the three as they passed, presumably heaving a silent sigh of relief that his misconduct had gone unnoticed. At the far end of the corridor, he risked turning to look at the newcomers but to his utter shock, one of them had backtracked and was only a meter away. The employee drew a breath to sound the alarm, but the fist slamming into his carotid artery silence him instantly and he was unconscious before he hit the plushly carpeted floor. Taka Yukigori lifted the man over his shoulder and sauntered towards the others who were standing in the doorway of their suite... Entering, the Security Chief dropped the man unceremoniously on the long settee before kneeling beside him. "You're sure Sir because he's going to be missed?" Taka asked as he slapped the man to revive him. "Sure, no... But he was carrying three trays, might be a coincidence of course, but I didn't want to pass up the opportunity," Schirra replied, suddenly unsure. "Which room did you get the tray's of food from?" Taka asked the wide-eyed employee. "You attacked me!" he said, eyes flicking from one to the next. "I am VaS'inKir, Triangulum official, the names of my colleagues, Berest'aHjk and... TaZhiss... Now, answer the question, unless you wish your employer to know you are stealing food from the plates of guests like a common THIEF!," the waiter was clearly petrified, but something was keeping him defiant as he looked the three up and down. "You're attire, it is, unfamiliar to me," "Our 'ATTIRE' is none of your concern. TaZhiss, contact those in charge, I weary of his insolence!" Karka said, snapping the man's head back with a blow from the back of his hand. "I beg forgiveness sirs, please, I will answer your question," the man said, clearly terrified of the consequences of facing his superiors, "Suite 'R' along this very corridor, A party of six I believe," "Children?" Daniel asked too quickly. "Young ones?" Karka asked, keeping the employee's attention on him and not Schirra. "One fledgling, a female, very disobedient," the man said, eyeing the stains on his tunic with narrowed eyes, "She disliked the meal provided and showed her 'discontent' by throwing the tray... I was 'ordered' to retain a second meal," The Starfleet Officer's moved away in order to speak without being overheard: "It has to be them!" Daniel whispered.
"It does seem too much of a coincidence," Taka replied with a shrug as he eyed the employee still lay prone on the settee dabbing blood from his bruised cut lip. Karka was about to reply when there was a knock on the door!
Taka quickly moved to the employee and placed a hand over his mouth, reinforcing the act by pushing his phaser into the man's ribcage. Daniel approached the door, phaser held out of sight as Karka moved to the opposite side, his own weapon ready. Silently checking everyone was ready, Schirra activated the door. "Getting comfy?" Daniel almost laughed as the Captain of the USS Juno breezed past him into the room, five Marines following in short order, one holding three empty trays under one arm, their phaser-rifles covering every possible angle, "Who's your friend?" Cernan asked Psonoir with a wry grin as he surveyed the room, the Marines covering the rooms off the main living area. "How the hell did you find us?" Schirra asked. "We transported in behind some of the Xes'dnu, we followed 'them' not you. Imagine our surprise when we watched you wander in here bold as brass. Took us a while to check which floor you were on, but we figured the discarded trays were as good a clue as any. We scanned each room until we found you, seemed only polite to pay a visit." "It's possible Lana, Kendal and Koni are being held on this floor!" Daniel whispered.
"Any thoughts on how to proceed?" the Marine Captain asked as one of his men secured the employee ..........
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Daniel Schirra
Captain
Registered: Apr 8, 2013 21:02:47 GMT
Posts: 468
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Post by Daniel Schirra on Jul 29, 2020 14:12:39 GMT
"It's too easy!" Karka muttered, glancing at the waiter. "Granted... But what are the odds on us stumbling on a group of people with an unruly child? Daniel asked. "That's true," Psonoir replied with a wry grin. "If I may... We need to consider the repercussions should it 'not' be your family Captain," Cernan whispered as the Marine Captain joined the conversation: "We'll be forced to secure the group and hope they are not missed, easily enough done, Thamkon conceeded. "Then we go, phasers on heavy stun," Schirrs decided, checking his phaser setting and heading towards the door, the others following as one of the Marines ensured the waiter would remain silent ..... Daniel moved aside to allow Thamkon to open the door, listening for several seconds he stepped into the corridor, phaser moving left to right in a tight arc as one of the Marines joined him, thus covering the corridor in both directions. The group filed out of the room and moved quickly but silently towards the suite indicated... At the door, Captain Thamkon held a tricorder close to the door studying the readings intently. Satisfied, he held up three fingers and pointed at Schirra. Daniel nodded, then he held up three fingers again to indicate the others in the room. Glancing ahead, then behind the group, he stepped in front of the door tricorder out before him, then pointed left holding up one finger, right holding up two. His family were in the middle of the room, one Xes'dnu to the left of the door, two to the right. The Marine contingent moved into position as Daniel neared the door... Thamkon activated the door which slid silently aside. Daniel leaned into the room seeing his daughter almost leap to her feet! Quickly he held up a hand then placed a finger on his lips. Lana and Koni had also seen the door open and Koni had put a hand on Kendal's shoulder to stop her running. Lana pointed left then right as Schirra moved aside. The Marine contingent entered the room each firing at a designated target, within a second all three Xes'dnu lay unconscious as his eldest daughter threw herself into his arms. Lana followed her daughter as Koni helped the Marines to secure the prone Xes'dnu, dragging the three into a side room. "We're getting out of here," Daniel said as he tried to lessen Kendal's grip on his throat. Karka took out his communicator and flicked it open: =^= Away team to Excalibur .. .. =^= =^= Away team to Excalibur .. .. =^= The door opened as Karka was about to try to contact the ship again. "I'm afraid contacting your vessel is out of the question, Commander," Daniel could only sigh as he turned to see VaS'inKir ..........
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