014 : A New Adversary

[Elena de Luca]

Elena had been about to go to help after Helen McMillan was hit, but she heard someone else approaching - Another Lentarai.

He stood motionless, watching until the retreating guards were well out of earshot before he knelt and began to help McMillan to her feet.

"He will kill you soon, lady," the man said, shaking his head as he pulled a cloth from his pocket and offered it to her.

"Not if I kill him first," McMillan had replied, spitting blood and mucus into a corner before wiping her mouth with the cloth .....

Elena watched as McMillan turned away and headed back along the corridor without another word. The Lentarai watched her, shaking his head in what, dismay, disappointment, before he too returned to whatever duty he was assigned. De Luca looked back at the corridor Helen had entered, and with the coast clear, she crossed the open space and followed.

"Where's she going?" Elena muttered to herself as the Engineer continued past the turn that would have returned her to the others.

She followed for several minutes, keeping a mental note of her return when a Cardassian approached, de Luca stepped back into the shadows as McMillan paused, seemingly listening to whatever the other was saying, she silently cursed herself for not having been closer. Then man began to raise an arm, Elena half expected the woman to receive another beating, but rather than hit out, the Cardassian placed a hand on McMillan's shoulder for a second before removing it!

"What the hell was 'that' about?" de Luca pondered, surprised.

She remained concealed as the two conversed for several minutes, then the Cardassian turned to retrace his steps, while Helen McMillan entered an office to her left. Elena quickly approached, flattening herself against the rough wall beside the single window. Taking a breath she leaned forward, turning her head to see through the dirt-coated glass. Inside McMillan was looking at several screens, all seemingly displaying various sections of a Galor Class Waship - Some were greyed-out, while others were highlighted - Possibly indicating sections of the ship currently under construction?

Cautiously, de Luca looked back and forth along the wide corridor wondering if she should make contact with the engineer, but she was still harbouring concerns: Not least, her apparent capitulation when she had allowed the unknown Cardassian she had just been speaking with touch her without her objecting either verbally or physically! ... She knew she couldn't read anything into McMillan's actions without positive proof one way or the other, maybe the woman was doing what most in her position might do, ensuring her actions didn't incur punishment, or could her demeanour indicate something more?

She watched as McMillan moved further into the long room before lowering herself into a seat in front of several large screens ... When de Luca was sure her actions wouldn't be overheard, she tentatively placed a hand on the door, then began to slowly open it, all the while eyes locked on the back of the engineers head ready to act if the woman suddenly turned around. Once the space between the door and frame allowed, she crouched and then slipped inside the room, her back to the wall while allowing the door to silently close behind her. Moving as quietly as she could she began to edge into a position where she could see what was being displayed in more detail.

It was clear that McMillan was going over ships' schematics - Making alterations as she worked - Frustratingly, de Luca couldn't know which section or area of the Galor Class she was working on. Was she implementing minor errors, invisible to anyone not versed in warship manufacture? Errors that, undiscovered, could prove fatal once the ship was in the unforgiving vacuum of space? ..... She watched as the woman worked for almost an hour before finally standing to stretch out the ache in her lower back.

'Is she helping, or hindering?' de Luca silently pondered, as McMillan deactivated each screen in turn.

Helen crossed the room, stepping into the corridor, de Luca moved quickly, not wanting to lose McMillan, but wary of being seen by any of those overseeing her and the others. After ten long seconds, she risked opening the door a fraction, listening intently she thankfully heard nothing but the woman moving away. Opening the door she stepped into the corridor, seeing McMillan already thirty metres ahead of her, she moved quickly, silently closing the distance as fast as she could.

-----

It didn't take too long for McMillan, with de Luca following, to reach the accommodation section where the engineers were housed, elena remained hidden as she watched the woman enter her room, the door sliding closed behind her. She almost jumped out of her skin when she heard the whisper, so close she could feel the breath on her ear:

"Anything.....?" She turned her head to see Sean O'Toole grinning at her, he nodded his head left and she could see the others keeping out of sight. With a glare at the Irishman, she joined them and relayed what she had seen:

"She worked on what looked like ship schematics, I'm no engineer, it could have been drive systems but I couldn't sware to it. But one thing seemed obvious - I don't think she has any restrictions on access,"

"Now that would stand to reason..." O'Toole mused, winking at de Luca before continuing, "... Especially if she's maybe overseein' what the others are doing?"

"You think she would cooperate if we approached her?" David asked, eyeing the frowning de Luca.

"She reacted... Earlier, she was hit, hard, presumably to put her in her place. But later, she reacted strangely when confronted with one of the Cardassians,"

"In what way?" Clancy queried.

"I wasn't close enough to overhear the conversation... But at one point the Cardassian put a hand on her shoulder ..... It didn't 'look' as if he were disciplining her," Elena replied.

"Self-preservation?" David mused, but Elena could only shrug ..........

[David Tan]

"....."Self-preservation?" David mused, but Elena could only shrug.

I think we might be missing what could be a vital angle to all this," Nate Massa said, frowning.

"Which is?" Tan asked.

"Well, we were sent here to search and recover our missing engineers - What we didn't expect to find, was a fully functioning construction facility - So, my problem is this: 'Who' controls all this, the Cardassians, or the Tendarans?"

"They're constructing Galor Class warships, so wouldn't the Cardassians be running the show, using Tendaran, and Lentarai as a labour force?" Iezelda asked.

"Not necessarily ... What if the Tendarans have some agreement with the Cardassians, say locations to base, or service, their fleet? ... Tendaris Three is practically in Federation Space, closer than the nearest Cardassian outpost,"

"Plausible, but why?" Tan commented.

"The Tendarans have practically no usable space-faring fleet, that much we know, and maybe that's why they have kept themselves to themselves ... A deal with the Cardassians would give them both a fleet, and a means to expand?" Clancy mused, silently pondering the implications.

"I'm guessing no one else has noticed something that should have been obvious from when we turned up...?" Sean O'Toole interjected, pausing as everyone turned in his direction, he pointed at a wall-mounted schematic of the facility "... First off - Looking at this - This facility is roughly three square kilometres in size, there's no way the Tendarans could build this without help ....."

".....And second?" Tan urged.

"Second ... If it 'is' the Cardassians, why all the secrecy? ... They have never hidden their construction from anyone, least of all the Federation, that alone makes me think the Tendarans are trying to arm in as much secrecy as possible,"

"Well, kidnapping Federation engineers isn't likely to keep their secret safe for long, they must have known that we would come looking for them," Iezelda commented.

"Unless something went wrong..." Tan commented, "... The engineers were brought here legitimately, they were contracted to build hospital and research facilities, which we agreed to. Now in place, several are moved here, without their consent?" O'Toole said.

"But Erik McMillan found the plans and then the proverbial 'secret' was about to be out, so they disposed of him in what they hoped would be seen as an accident, alas his wife also knew what he'd found," Tan speculated, seeing the former Intel man nod.

"The Tendarans ... Or more likely, the Cardassians, must have known that it would only be a matter of time before the Federation cottoned on to their activities," de Luca said, unconvinced.

"What if the Tendarans took it upon themselves to kidnap the engineers they needed? ... Once done, the Cardassians would have no option but to capitulate. If they objected strongly enough, who knows what could have happened," O'Toole finished.

"..... And our people would have been stuck right in the middle!" Iezeld commented.

"Exactly...!" Sean replied, deep in thought.

"Which brings up another point..." de Luca began, "... We already know that 'whoever' was on board the escape pods it certainly wasn't Helen McMillan and her Daughter. Which brings me back to how the elder McMillan was acting earlier,"

"You think she might be helping willingly?" Nate Massa asked, shaking his head.

"I don't know. But it wouldn't be the first time someone's sympathies have been, let's say 'manipulated' to suit someone else's purpose," Elena replied.

"Sorry, but either the Cardassinas or Tendarans were responsible for her husband's death, you can't think that she would ignore that fact in favour of aiding a race to arm for possible conflict, maybe against her own people?" Massa replied.

"There's only one way to find out..." Elena said, eyeing the others before continuing, "... We'll have to ask her,"

"Not the best idea," Tan said, already running through the possible repercussions of asking a possible traitor where her allegiances lie.

"You think she's aware that her daughter is down here?" Iezelda asked in the following silence.

"She has too, in fact, that could be the domineering factor in the behaviour we've seen from her thus far," Massa answered.

"I think we need to move forward with two goals in mind - Primarily, we need to get our people out - Our secondary consideration has to be do we allow this facility to remain functional?" David said, falling silent ..........

[Iorte Clancy]

Tendaran warrior Xalk, meeting hall, sub-level 9

Xalk had been kept waiting for a long time. Too long. He began to wonder if something was amiss; there had to be a reason why the senior Cardassian in the subterranean shipyard hadn't shown his spoonheaded face, hadn't appeared at this meeting with he, the lead Tendaran administrator in this whole enterprise.

They were equal partners, only they had divided areas of responsibility. Xalk's Tendarans managed the whole administration and military business of the Tendaran species' wish to obtain a space fleet, by which it might expand its territory through war and trade; that included this shipyard and its functions. The Cardassians, led by Barim Muccha, rank Legate, had overseen construction work on the shipyard, and were in full charge of its day to day operations.

At last Muccha showed, along with his second-in-command, a stout Cardassian of Gul rank named Ericet Rimak, and two regular Cardassian soldiers bearing arms. The four entered the meeting hall, which was situated at one end of the subterranean shipyard.

Xalk and his Tendarans bristled slightly at the apparent lack of trust, seeing as none of his own group had brought ranged weapons while the Cardassians had brought at least two...

"Well, Muccha... What else is there I can do for you? You wanted to discuss our arrangement?" Xalk said mildly.

Legate Muccha's features contorted in obvious revulsion, "I think you know what's missing, Xalk... The payment."

"We've offered you and your soldiers full rights to the cobalt deposits on this world and throughout the system. You'll recall that the cobalt is pure, in need of little or no refinement. You won't find another source like that in the whole Alpha Quadrant. Is that not enough?"

"The agreement included a payment of 5,000 bars of gold-pressed latinum," the Cardassian second-in-command Gul Rimak put in brusquely, "To be made over to us once the shipyard was fully operational!"

Xalk gazed coolly at the man. He knew (and he was aware this knowledge was recognised, from how Rimak stared back at him) about Rimak's liaison with the human woman McMillan. He saw no reason to reveal that information to Rimak's superior Muccha, who'd expressly forbidden such relationships with captive workers.

Xalk wouldn't reveal it yet anyway. He would wait for a time - if a time ever came - when he needed Muccha's favour, and such would be the occasion he would inform on the Gul.

"Our reading of the agreement is that by 'operational' status, is meant that half a dozen warships should've been delivered and proven spaceworthy," Xalk replied, "That time hasn't yet come."

"We've built you this shipyard. We've built a number of our Galor class vessels. For us and for you!" Legate Muccha was spitting his words again. "And all in secrecy, which is not our normal practice. We've also helped you to develop and assisted you in building a new class of vessels of your own. And still you don't pay!"

"As I just said..." the Tendaran Xalk stopped, realised he was getting nowhere. He sighed and nodded to one of his unarmed guards who returned the nod and began trooping his small group of Tendarans out of the room.

"This meeting is concluded," Xalk told the Cardassians. "We'll pay once the Galor classes and our own ships have conducted their shakedown. In the meantime, help yourselves to our pure cobalt!" With that he marched from the hall, leaving the Cardassians bewildered.

---

Intel team, sub-level 16

Helen McMillan's quarters were just along the hall from where they were hiding and where they'd greeted de Luca upon her return. Opposite that quarters were the rooms belonging to Kumur and Bradshaw.

"We could simply go and knock. She went in there 10, 15 minutes ago, didn't she?" Iorte asked. Indeed, it was so. "So what, we just go in and ask if she's actually happy helping the Cardassians, and Tendarans?"

"Why not? If treachery is suspected, it should be confronted," Iezelda answered.

So they approached the door and entered without vocalising their presence. McMillan spoke from another part of the room. Hers was bigger than Kumur's and Bradshaw's, "Yes? Rimak, is that you...?" Then she spun and saw the Intel personnel, tried to make it appear she hadn't jumped out of her skin, "Oh. It's you."

"Yes, it's us," Tan said, "Not Rimak. Who is he?"

She paused and went about ordering some items on a side-desk, "Oh, just one of the Cardassians. One of the officers. A Glinn or a Gul, I can't recall. I'm forced to work with him."

"Forced?" Clancy probed.

She started, made a face and threw something from the side-desk, "What do you mean by that?"

"How unwilling a participant are you really? In all this?" Iorte asked.

"How can you even ask, even think that?"

"I followed you," de Luca spoke up. "I saw you beaten by one Cardassian with a Tendaran present. I wanted to assist, but then saw the Lentarai man come to help you. And then I saw you working elsewhere, alongside one Cardassian in particular."

"I suppose that was Ericet. Ericet Rimak."

"Would you say you make a good team?" Elena asked.

"Some people might say that. Not that I care," McMillan shrugged almost violently.

"Is there any way we can help you, Helen?" Tan asked.

[David Tan]

Sub-Level Nine ::


"As I just said..." the Tendaran Xalk stopped, realised he was getting nowhere, "...This meeting is concluded. We will pay once the Galor classes and our ships have conducted their shakedown. In the meantime, help yourselves to our pure cobalt!" With that he marched from the hall, leaving the Cardassians bewildered.

"You risk much without consultation," one of the Tendaran accompanying Xalk said.

"I feel it is the only way to deal with these... Spoonheads... Weakness will only result in their believing they have the upper hand, so to speak,"

I am not referring to how you converse with the Cardassians, but rather you're presumption that the Council will automatically concur with any decisions you make without first soliciting their, opinions,"

"The Council will allow me to conduct proceeding as I see fit..." Xalk said, stopping to face his subordinate, "... As for you... I am well aware that you report to the Council," he finished before turning on his heel and walking away.

Deep in thought, the Tendaran could only watch his superior retreat .....

Helen McMillan's Quarters ...
Sub-Level Sixteen ::

It was clear to David, despite her efforts to conceal her shock at their unexpected appearance, Helen McMillan was suddenly frightened, her eyes darting to the door before returning to the Away Team. He listened to her replies and then spoke:

"Is there any way we can help you, Helen?" he asked.

"I'm assuming that taking us out of here to a conveniently waiting Starship is out of the question?" she replied, the sarcasm clear to everyone in the room.

"..... Rimak..." Elena interjected, "... Just how close are you two?"

"As I said, I am forced to work with him, he is uncouth, argumentative, domineering... He's Cardassian... What else 'is' there to say?"

"You're not, involved, outside your working relationship then?" de Luca pressed, seeing Helen's face darken before she replied.

"You believe I am 'COLLABORATING' is that it?" the woman spat.

"We couldn't help but notice you didn't exactly push the man away when he ....." Elena began but McMillan stepped forward so fast she almost ran into De Luca before glaring.

"You want to try working down here?" she hissed.

"Now, I'm sure that no one's accusing you of anything Ma'am," Sean said, smiling as he gently injected himself between the two women.

"It certainly sounds like it!" Helen replied, her eyes still on de Luca as she allowed herself to be led backwards, putting breathing space between the two.

"See it from our point of view..." David began, glancing over to make sure Elena hadn't moved before continuing, "... You hardly shook the Cardassian's hand away when he spoke with you, that 'lack' or reaction needs some explanation,"

Helen turned and took one of the chairs, not nothing to ask anyone else if they wanted to sit. She looked at David and then gave an almost resigned sigh.

"He isn't like the others. There is 'NO RELATIONSHIP' regardless of what you might have thought you saw. When we first arrived I point-blank refused to work. They killed one of the missing engineers, undoubtedly to prove a point, but I still refused to do anything to help, so they took Zoe away. Not far, close enough in fact for me to hear her screams as she was beaten!"

"..... So, from then on, you cooperated?" Nate asked sympathetically.

"Not at first, no. But when they showed me images of Zoe, chained to a wall, Muccha was there, watching, as they..." Helen stopped, tears flowing down her cheeks, "... I demanded they release her and received a beating of my own,"

"..... and then?" Massa urged.

"They said Zoe would be treated for her injuries, then she would be working in another section of the facility. She would remain 'well' as long as I complied. Rimak took it upon himself to directly oversee my work ....."

"So his actions are nothing more than a show of concern?" Elena asked.

"They murdered my HUSBAND!... Tortured my DAUGHTER!... If she were free of this place, I would take the first opportunity 'END' Muccha... Regardless of the consequences to myself!" she said, lowering her head.

David had watched her reaction, it rang true, but without being able to speak to Zoe, he knew that there was no way to verify a word she was saying. Helen McMillan was hardly going to openly admit to working for the Tendarans, let alone the Cardassians!

"Act normal, don't tell anyone we're here, we'll talk again," David said, heading for the door.

"..... You're not taking us out of here!" Helen asked, eyes widening in shock.

"Oh, we'll be doin' that alright. But I have a feeling that my associates would like a good look around the place, maybe even find a means to destroy it before we go on our way," Sean replied with a grin.

"If you are found here, they will kill all of us, you realise that!" McMillan spat. David was still unconvinced of her sincerity but didn't push any further believing that doing so would put them in more harm, after all, if Helen McMillan 'was' collaborating, then all she would need to do was inform her associates of their presence.

"We'll come to your quarters once we have something in place," Tan said as they left. They needed to find somewhere safe, moving back and forth from the surface only increased the potential for discovery.

"You don't trust her," Elena said as they retreated the way they had come.

"No ..... I don't ....." Tan replied ..........

[Elena de Luca]

"You don't trust her,"

"No ..... I don't ....."

Nate had seen what he thought was a disused section of the Level earlier - This was where they were now heading .....

The corridor was strewn with materials, disagreed sections of bulkhead, machinery, doors resting against the walls, crates, some opened, some damaged beyond usefulness. The lighting was sporadic at best with some tubes flickering annoyingly. The floor was dirty, as opposed to the rest of the place, which even to Cardassian standards looked clean and clear of obstructions. They waited, watching both ways along the Main Thoroughfare for any signs of company, while Massa entered the corridor.

In the semi-darkness, he checked doors on either side and then returned.

"The room at the far end seems our best bet, there's also an access hatch in there, presumably for maintenance, if we get stuck we can use that to move up or down a Level..." Nate said, wiping his hands, "... Keep to the left side, the muck and dust are heavier on the right," he warned as they entered the corridor.

At the room in question, Nate paused, then reached forward and pushed the door aside.

"We have power but I'm not sure if it would be monitored, we'll have to ask our friendly engineer next time we see her..." Massa said as he moved around the room, "... Two bedrooms, bathroom, working I might add," he finished with a wink.

"Sometimes is alright to 'limit' information you know," Iezelda said with a faux shiver.

"Helen said her daughter was working in another section. Any thoughts on how do we go about finding her...?" Elena asked as she looked into one of the bedrooms, "... There's only one bed," she finished.

"I was never one for the sleepin' in," Sean said.

"Any chance we could move around masquerading as workers?" Massa asked, looking at his already filthy clothes.

"There were rows of lockers across the Main Thoroughfare, maybe there are coveralls?" Iezeld commented.

"Go take a look..." Tan instructed, continuing after a pause, "... If there is only one pair in each locker, leave them. The last thing we want is someone complaining his workwear has been pilfered," Iezelda nodded, checking her phaser before heading for the door, seeing the coast was clear she set to her task.

"Mind if I ask you something...?" David turned to see Elena looking at him a puzzled expression on her face. Tan nodded, "... Any particular reason you don't trust Helen McMillan?"

"Call it a gut feeling, but something about her seems, off ..... Between how she acted with the Cardassian, and her obvious avoidance of questions. I don't know, maybe I'm just being paranoid," David shrugged.

"Well, if there's one thing I've come to be sure of, it's your 'gut feelings' ....." de Luca replied.

"You think this place runs twenty-four-seven?" Nate asked.

"I'm guessing there must be 'some' work being carried out throughout the night..." Tan mused, "... Maybe manual work, fixtures, fittings, while the engineering personnel would work on the technical stuff during the day,"

"There would be fewer guards then?" Massa prompted.

"I'd expect so. The Tendarans wouldn't need supervision given they're in cahoots with the Cardassians. The Lentarai might need to be watched, though I doubt they are involved in anything other than manual work,"

"So, you'll be thinking that moving around at night might be preferable to wandering in proverbial broad daylight? Sean commented.

"..... Seems a reasonable assumption," Massa replied ..........

[David Tan]

They were still discussing when Iezelda returned bearing gifts .....

Six pairs of overalls neatly folded. She put them on the table and explained:

Most of the lockers had one or two pairs, but on the table at the end of the corridor were these..." she said, motioning towards the neatly folded workwear, "... I 'borrowed' these," she said with a grin.

"OK, let's get these on..." Tan said, picking out a pair that fitted. The others did likewise, "... I think we should take turns exploring, six new faces are bound to attract attention,"

"We could split into pairs, we'll cover a fair amount that way," Elena suggested.

"OK ..... How about Iorte, you with Nate, I'll pair with Elena, Sean, Iezelda, you two will remain here for the time being?" David proposed, everyone nodded in agreement.

"You shouldn't stay out in the open too long, and should try to prevent being approached by any of the guards," O'Toole commented.

Leaving their hideout, the two teams split - One heading further down the Main Thoroughfare. The Second team would bypass the first, moving further towards the aft Section of the massive Galor Class above them. It was agreed they would meet back with Sean and Iezelda in one hour unless spotted before then .....

Each pair took one of their two 'Red' access cards, David and Elena, followed by Iorte and Nate, began moving cautiously down the Thoroughfare, keeping to the side, taking advantage of the rows of cargo carriers and crates that lined both sides to hopefully keep out of sight. After fifteen minutes Sean looked up, then back the way they had come. The others paused.

"I'm guessing we're about a third of the way down the ship above us, so the deepest section," the Irishman mused.

"Sounds about right," Massa replied, picturing the Warship's layout in his head.

"Maybe we should move up a level, take a look?" Sean suggested, David looked around and found both a cargo elevator, an access stairway beside it.

"We'll take the stairs," Tan said.

"We'll move ahead," Clancy replied as the two pairs split.

< Tag : Iorte & Nate ? >

Elena and David moved as quietly as possible - At the upper-level door they paused, listening for signs of life, de Luca cautiously opened the door a centimetre still listening then nodding at Tan she stepped out into the open - Directly ahead looked to be a sheer wall of grey/green recognised instantly as the outer bulkhead of a ship under construction, looking left and right they could see open sections where hull plating was still to be fitted. Above them, the Starboard side 'wing' of the ship.

"They 'could' be Cargo Bay doors, over there, looks like their Starboard Impulse engines," de Luca whispered.

"We can access the ship over there, take a quick look around?" Tan suggested, pointing towards a walkway running along the hull.

de Luca nodded. But, as they were about to climb the gantry, two Cardassians came into view, David grabbed Elena's arm and pulled her backwards into the shadows!

The two guards, both wielding phase-disruptor rifles, were moving slowly, focusing on their immediate surroundings. They suddenly stopped, both looking around, approximately thirty metres away, while one used his communicator. A minute later two Lentarai came from the opposite direction, both bowing. It was clear the guards were unhappy, one stepped forward and backhanded the smaller Lentarai, knocking her off her feet. David grabbed Elena's arm to prevent her from stepping into the open.

"You have been told not to leave your designated area, where were you!"

"Apologies Overseer, but it was our allowed break time," the standing Lentarai stuttered as the woman got unsteadily to her feet.

"ASSIGNMENT!" the second guard demanded.

"Internal bulkhead fitting Overseer," the woman replied as the Cardassian scanned the identification label of her overalls.

"You are on report!... Do not leave your work area again!" the Cardassian said, glaring at the two before they began to continue their patrol. The Lentarai rushed onto the gantry and entered the ship.

"That scuttles our going for a look inside," David said not needing to whisper now the guards were out of earshot. There was no way they could enter the ship knowing that someone was possibly working close to their ingress point.

"At least we know people are working during the night," David said, shaking his head.

"Let's go back down... Update the others..." Elena suggested, "... We at least know we can access the ship from here if we want to throw a proverbial 'spanner in their works' if we choose to,"

Retracing their steps, David was annoyed at their lack of progress. Hopefully, the others have found something more substantial. Reaching their hideout, they were immediately concerned, the room was empty!... Moments later, Sean and Iezelda returned.

"We got bored of sitting around and decided to go exploring," Sean said with a shrug.

"There's a narrow corridor directly behind us, running parallel to the Main Thoroughfare. Automated mag-lev platforms are moving back and forth, some empty, some carrying equipment or cargo crates," Iezeld said.

"We managed to jump up onto one and open the crate," O'Toole said.

"It was carrying photon torpedoes!" Iezeld informed them.

"That's not all... They were 'Federation' photon torpedoes!" Sean added.

"What the 'HELL' are the Cardassians doing with Federation weapons!?" Tan asked, shocked ..........

[Iorte Clancy]

Iorte and Nate were approaching the stern of the vessel that lay impressively above them and to their right.

They seemed to be competing with one another for who could know the least about the design of the Galor class, and about engineering matters in general. In the end Massa trumped the Intel officer, having worked with the beleaguered Lieutenant Demik and his engineers more frequently, "The ship tapers off towards aft, ending in about six decks, finished with an end cap of about three or four decks in height," Massa informed him.

"What's that though?" Iorte pointed to the half-constructed 'tail fin' of the Galor - one or two decks in height - that lay above and to the aft of the aforementioned tapered section.

"Provides another means of propulsion. As well as centres of auxiliary control."

Iorte acknowledged this and wished he could contact the other team, who'd taken the stairs about one third the way down the vessel, prow to stern. What had David and Elena encountered? Were they in any difficulty?

"There's a shuttlebay..." Iorte observed as they reached round to the aft of the vessel and glanced up, staring at the end cap of the warship's stern, "I'd thought it was a warp nacelle."

"Indeed... Cardassian warships' warp drives are decentralised, as it were," Nate answered, "That end cap is a shuttlebay door. Six shuttlecraft is their normal complement, I believe. Whether those shuttles have been constructed and supplied to the ship, though, is another matter."

Iorte nodded to himself. He could see various two-man patrols moving back and forth in front of the stern and was for now put off trying to find a way past them. He glanced at Nate, nodded, both were aware of their critical position, of how important it was to have advanced to this position about the warship.

He thought again of what McMillan had said: Zoe was somewhere in this subterranean facility, there was nothing between Helen and the Cardassian officer Rimak, she hoped to escape from this shipyard as soon as she could... But Zoe tied her here, and she'd been a bit too insistent about the platonic nature of her relationship with Rimak, even though the idea of Rimak merely watching over her, and nothing more, seemed otherwise convincing.

The thought of that particular relation put Clancy in mind of Iezelda.

Iorte broke free of the security officer Massa, seeing a gap in the patrols. Nate wanted to cry out but knew better; such an action could get both the Intel officer and himself killed, but what was Clancy thinking?!

Iorte broke through the screens, unseen by one patrol, detected by another - he shot three times at the latter pair and killed the two Cardassians, who yelped as they were propelled off their walkway and over the railing, plummeting 20 to 30 metres to the floor of sub-level 16 below, their cries cut off as they impacted the shipyard's deepest floor.

The Intel officer entered the Galor class, at the starboard edge of the aft shuttlebay.

He ducked down inside against the aft-starboard bulkhead; thought in a moment - his notion understood and confirmed within the next couple minutes - that his entrance must've been undetected. Both Cardassians that had seen him he'd killed. Their bodies would be discovered on the bottom floor of the shipyard, eventually. The other pair of guards would also before long realise something was amiss and report the fact of their two missing colleagues to Legate Muccha and Gul Rimak.

Yet despite all that, and despite the fact he had no way to safely comm his colleagues, Clancy was now inside the ship....

<Tag rest of team>

[David Tan]

Hideout - Lower Levels ...
Construction Facility ::


"It was carrying photon torpedoes!" Iezeld informed them.

"That's not all... They were 'Federation' photon torpedoes!" Sean added.

"What the 'HELL' are the Cardassians doing with Federation weapons!?" Tan had asked, shocked.

"While I'd rather not state the blindingly obvious here folks..." Sean continued, "... But we have to face the fact that the Cardassians, or Tendarans, might be being supplied with the weapons we found....."

"That wouldn't happen," Elena replied, a little too quickly.

"..... Why not, we all know that the Federation pick and choose their friends to suit, who's to say they are not cultivating a long-term association with the Tendarans?" the Irishman asked.

"No, I just can't see it," Tan said, shaking his head.

"So just how, might I ask, do you explain what this young lady and myself found?" Sean asked. But David had fallen silent, he couldn't explain why Federation weaponry was down here, and being loaded aboard modified Galor Class Warships!

"We need to let the El Alamein know what we found," Iezelda said.

"You sent the shuttle back ....." Elena began.

"I put an audio instruction on a loop asking the El Alamein to return the shuttle remotely to its launch point..." Iezeld replied, grinning as she saw the confused expressions, "... After all, we'll need it to return to the ship... Right,"

"I'll go... Allowing for turnaround time, it should be back by now..." Sean said before anyone else could say anything.

"No, I should go..." Iezelda insisted, glancing at O'Toole, "... No disrespect, Sean, but I think I could make the round trip faster," she finished with a grin.

"Well, she's got you there Sean," Elena said laughing.

It was agreed that Iezelda would backtrack through the facility, and once on the surface would return to the location of the shuttle. The thought that Komin, for whatever reason, hadn't returned the shuttle had crossed David's mind, but seemingly the same thought had occurred to everyone. Still, they needed the El Alamein made aware of their findings, and the only way to do that was via the encrypted subspace transceiver they had installed on the El-Eisa - David agreed that Iezelda should go back. She checked her phaser and then with a nod, left - Once on the surface she would discard the overalls and head to the shuttle .....

"Can't say I fancied the run anyway..." Sean said coyly "... So what's next?"

"It's approaching dawn, I don't think we should risk further exploration..." Elena replied, frowning as she checked the time, "... It's likely to get busy during the day shift, and while numbers would help, it might also make us stand out to anyone on guard,"

"Then we wait for Iorte and Nate to return," Tan said, unzipping the overalls before finding a bunk to stretch out on.

Iezelda ::


Out of sight inside the large building, she could see that the Sun was already climbing over the horizon - Vehicles were moving around the site, some carrying personnel, others cargo crates of various sizes - Their infill path crossed a small area of open space behind the building, she waited for a break in traffic passing then ran towards the perimeter fence!

Once clear and hidden in the dunes, she located the Repulsor-sled, thankful when it spluttered to life. 'Though how much life was debatable' she thought worryingly, given the sounds terminating from the decrepit platform. She headed back to where they had left the shuttle El Eisa when they had arrived, but kilometres from her objective, the repulsor platform finally gave out... Even give her fitness it took four hours of pushing herself through the dunes before she reached her goal. Clambering up to the lip of the dune she could see the shuttle. She turned slowly through three sixty degrees then satisfied, crested the dune and ran towards the shuttle. She was twenty metres away when she saw the shadow!

Diving face-first into the sand she raised her phaser ready to fire. Whoever was behind the shuttle had ducked out of sight. She waited, there was no way anyone in the shuttle could have heard her approaching, so they, like her, must have seen movement in their peripheral vision and instinctively dove for cover. The fact that no one was firing was confusing.

Risking being seen, she began to crawl forward, trying to keep the slight one-metre rise in the sand ahead of her. She was only ten metres from the shuttle when she heard someone:

"Stand up and show yourself," Iezelda remained motionless, the voice sounded familiar, but with the breeze and the dampening effect of her surroundings, she couldn't be one hundred percent sure.

"You first," she replied, aiming at the rear of the shuttle.

"Iezelda...?" someone said, then after a pause, "... If that's you, please try not to shoot me when I come out, OK," Iezeld waited as someone stepped into the open, both arms raised, she sighed with relief when she saw Tom Demik! .....

She clambered to her feet and ran, relieved he was OK then grinned.

"Couldn't stay away?" she asked, hugging him fondly.

"No... I brought help too," Demik said as Don Finch and Jan Ward stepped out of the shuttle.

"It's good to see you, all of you" Iezelda said, genuinely pleased Doctor Adame had been able to return the Tactical Officer to full health.

"I'm still aching, but let's keep that to ourselves..." Demik said, wincing from the hug as Iezelda released him, "... We've brought a few things that might help," he said, motioning to the two crates set beside the far side of the El Eisa.

"..... We've found something inside the facility, Federation weaponry. I need to send a subspace message to the El Alamein..." Iezeld said urgently. As Finch and Ward unpacked the crates, Tom and Iezelda entered the shuttle. In the Pilot's seat, Tom brought systems online. At the Communications Panel, Iezelda established an encrypted subspace link with the El Alamein, she quickly outlined what they had found so far. Komin said she would relay the information back to the Starbase who would undoubtedly contact Command on Earth. In the meantime, she was to inform the group that under no circumstances was Federation weapons to be allowed to leave the surface!

"Good job I came back," Demik said quietly.

"What did you bring with you?" she asked. Motioning to the crates he gave a rundown of their contents:

"Grenades - Photon and frag - Phaser rifles, portable comms, to be used as a last resort given the minute we turn the thing on it will light up our location like a Christmas Tree ... There's food and water too,"

"We were going to bring a couple of maglev platforms, but given the terrain, we thought this would suit better," Jan Ward said, pulling a platform with four large, fat tyres from the rear of the shuttle.

The purposely under-inflated tyres allowed the platform to move over the sand with relative ease, and the mesh curtain hung from the rear would effectively conceal their treads. They put the two crates aboard, securing them, then Tom took the small remote from its holder and activated the platform moving it back and forth before nodding ..... It was harder going than anticipated, the low-slung platform kept burying the lead edge in the sand, causing the four of them to continually remove the buildup before moving again.

It was already late afternoon, Tendaris III time, when they finally arrived. They stopped half a kilometre from the fencing and unpacked. Pulling the trailing curtain over the platform they covered it in sand as best they could. Thankfully there seemed little activity around where they were, so with each pair carrying a crate between them, they moved to the fence and through, before quickly approaching the building where they could access the freight lift into the depths of the facility ..........

[Iorte Clancy]

USS El Alamein

The El Alamein had continued to remain concealed, rotating with the second planet in the system so that the third planet was occulted by the body the Defiant class orbited.

Alan Ross observed the tactical situation from the port side of the bridge. The El Eisa and the Intel team had been gone for some 48 hours now. The Defiant class had sent, received, and sent again the El Eisa to the third world. Latterly it had Demik aboard once again, his injury seen to, along with Finch and Ward... And a message passed to Starbase 47... no Fed tech was allowed to depart this system!

But now Demik's stand-in at tactical had reason to voice concern, "Picking up two engine signatures approaching us from the fourth planet, Captain, both Cardassian..."

Commander Ross checked his displays and rotated a quarter of a circle in his seat towards the captain's chair, "Confirmed, sir. Their shields are raised, weapons offline. They're hailing us."

The fourth 'planet' in this star system was little more than a nonspherical block of ice in an odd orbit with an inclination significantly out of the local ecliptic plane, but it was certainly large enough to conceal a couple ships - it might even hide an entire fleet if it was packed closely enough and if they rotated with the ice block as the El Al had rotated with the second planet...

"On screen." The viewscreen now showed a Keldon class warship and an Hideki class light destroyer, before the view was replaced with what was evidently the bridge of the Keldon class...

"I'm Gul Sim'tar of the Cardassian warship Malisstra," the grey-skinned man said, rising from his seat, "You're trespassing on Cardassian and Tendaran territory. You'll lower your shields and prepare to boarded!"

---

Subterranean shipyard, Tendaris III

Iorte had edged his way towards the entrance of the aft shuttlebay and once again ducked down against the door that led into the rest of the warship. With each step taken he was debating more and more the wisdom of this move. Where was Massa? Presumably he'd found no gap in the patrols, had begun to return to the others? <Tag Tan, de Luca>. Either way, Clancy would have to go on alone.

In a corridor, he discovered at a distance two Cardassians and a Tendaran discussing some matter. He followed, keeping about 10 to 15 metres between him and his three targets, thankful that apparently the Galor class hadn't yet had its intruder alert system fitted.

He continued following, until almost too late he realised the trio had come to a stop, and then listened again from round the edge of the bending corridor as they conversed by a doorway...

"She should be in there already, Rimak," the Tendaran was saying brusquely and spat into the carpet.

"Watch it, Tendaran," the addressed Cardassian said, and Iorte watched with interest the Cardassian who was apparently Ericet Rimak, 'guardian angel' of Helen McMillan, "This vessel has been built for you, with Cardassia's own money! Now, before we go in... the McMillan girl is not to be touched, is that understood?"

"What? Because you and her mother are looking out for her?" the Tendaran asked mockingly, and for a moment Iorte thought the exchange was about to pass to physical violence. Clearly the Tendaran knew something about Rimak and Helen.

The second Cardassian interposed himself, "Now, now. Best of friends, aren't we?" he said and addressed Rimak, "Apologies, Gul."

Rimak stepped back and shrugged violently, his honour and his morals having received an affront, while the Tendaran slyly deflected from his own provocation and eyed both Cardassians with a certain cunning.

"Glinn Kelot. You've shown yourself to be particularly shrewd today, and wise," Gul Rimak replied to his fellow Cardassian, "Now that we and our friend here," he gestured near-contemptuously towards the Tendaran, "enter the lab to see Zoe McMillan, you would commend yourself by being consistent in your behaviour."

Iorte watched as the trio entered the 'lab' and he urgently made ready to pursue...

[David Tan]

USS El Alamein ::

Fran Komin was still wondering how the Cardassian vessel had seemingly originated from the fourth planet in the System when they were hailed .....

"On screen," Komin said, curious but also wary.

The viewscreen now showed a Keldon class warship and a Hideki class light destroyer, before the view was replaced with what was evidently the bridge of the Keldon class...

"I am Gul Sim'tar of the Cardassian warship Malisstra .. You are trespassing on Cardassian and Tendaran territory .. You will lower your shields and prepare to be boarded!" the grey-skinned man said, rising from his seat.

"Gul Sim'Tar .. I am Captain Fran Komin .. USS El Alamein .. .." Komin replied amicably.

".. .. You will not be told again .. .." Sim'Tar replied, clearly agitated.

"Under what authority are you 'requesting' to board this vessel, might I ask?"

"I am not here to answer your inane questions .. Any attempt to bring weapons online will result in our immediate response .. Now ready yourself for our arrival!" the Cardassian demanded, ignoring her query.

"I'm afraid that isn't going to happen .. For reasons I'm sure you're not interested in .. But under the terms of the 'Tau Crisnu Treaty' Federation vessels are in fact allowed in Tendaran Space .. So alas no .. You won't be coming aboard." Komin replied.

"They've just brought their weapons online..." the Duty Tactical Officer informed Komin, "... The Hideki Class is moving to flank us,"

"Bring us around to face the Malissta, bring weapons online..." Fran said, eyes on Sim'Tar, wondering how far the Cardassians would go, after a moment she continued, "... Lock phasers and torpedoes on the Malissta... Comms, send an encrypted sub-space message to Starbase Forty-Seven apprising them of our situation. Tell them assistance isn't needed but to await our next transmission,"

On screen, the Cardassian's eyes widened!

"Are you insane! .. You have no chance of destroying both of us before you face your own end!" Sim'Tar said, hardly believing they had disobeyed his direct instruction.

"Maybe so .. But you won't be around to witness our destruction .. We are more than capable of destroying your ship Sim'Tar .. And you well know it .. So .. What is it to be?" Komin replied calmly, actually surprised when the comm snapped off.

"Rude ....." Fran said with a wry grin.

"They are holding position," the Duty Tactical Officer said, shaking his head.

"I have the distinct feeling that Sim'Tar jumped the gun..." Fran said, eyeing the Keldon Class warship on the viewscreen, "... He must have realised that if they fire on us, help with come and fast. I can't see him being allowed to start a possible war to satisfy his ego. He's realised this, or is currently being 'instructed' by someone above him that he must not engage us,"

Fran sat back, wondering if the two Cardassian vessels would remain in close proximity to the El Alamein, knowing it could prove problematic should they need to communicate with the away team of vice versa ..........

Subterranean shipyard, Tendaris III


It was already late afternoon, Tendaris III time, when they finally arrived. They stopped half a kilometre from the fencing and unpacked. Pulling the trailing curtain over the platform they covered it in sand as best they could. Thankfully there seemed little activity around where they were, so with each pair carrying a crate between them, they moved to the fence and through, before quickly approaching the building where they could access the freight lift into the depths of the facility

Climbing onto the freight lift, Demik, Finch, and Ward tried not to hold their breath as the platform fell through level after level, until finally coming to a clattering halt.

"We need to go to the second freight platform," Iezelda said, suddenly realising he didn't have access - Thankfully Anna Rawlins was close by, and having heard the platform lowering, had waited - Had it been one of the Cardassian Overseers or one of the Tendoran, she would have said she was waiting on instructions, which wasn't precisely a lie as she did need to confirm where she would be working the following morning.

"You need to come with me, quickly...!" the Engineer said, not waiting for introductions, "... How many more are coming?"

"Just us," Iezelda replied as the four carried the crates between them.

At the 'Red Section Access Point' Anna swiped her card on the reader, eyes flashing back and forth. A moment later the doors slid aside.

"I have to remain here, I'm expecting to be briefed on tomorrow's schedule. Your associates are on the lowest level," Rawlins said as the doors closed and the platform dropped out of sight .....

"This way," the Intelligence Officer said, heading towards the darkest section of the Main Throughdare. She almost jumped out of her skin when Sean stepped out of the shadows:

"Ah, more company..." he said with a grin, "... Tis good to see you back on your feet Lieutenant," he said to Tom as they shook hands.

"Where is everyone?" the El Alamein's Tactical Officer asked.

"Just down here, hidin' in the shadows," Sean replied as he took the handle Iezelda had been holding and led the way ..... Minutes later he tapped gently on one of the doors which opened. He entered, with Iezelda and the others following.

"Tom, welcome back. I see Captain Komin sent reinforcements," David said, happy to see not only Demik but Don Finch and Jan Ward.

"We come bearing gifts..." Jan Ward said, raising the lid of the first crate, Don doing likewise with the second.

"Ah, now these will make a difference," Tan said, picking several magnetic grenades, both Photon and Fragmentation, remote detonators, along with four Phaser rifles, and food.

"We left water supplies and two rifles hidden on the surface," Jan explained.

"I'm guessing we're supposed to be doin' some serious damage to this place then?" Sean mused, eyeing the crates' contents.

"Where's Iorte and Nate?" Iezelda asked.

"They are still not back. We split into teams, they went towards the Aft Section..." Tan said, returning the grenades to the crate, "... I'm assuming they've found something,"

"Any signs of the others who were taken?" Demik asked, snapping open one of the food containers.

"We know Kirt DeJong was killed, Anna Rawlins and Xandor Pierce are working in this Section, Rawlins says Assan Kumar and Tom Bradshaw are at the other end of the facility. We've seen Helen McMillan who confirmed her Daughter is here too, although they are being kept apart, presumably to ensure her Mothers' cooperation," David replied, updating the newcomers.

"From what we've seen so far it looks like the facility can only construct 'one' Galor Class Warship at a time ....." David began.

"Just the one?" Demik queried.

"Given our new bounty..." Tan said, nodding towards the crates, "... I'd like to place grenades at vital areas of the facility, but doing so now could risk them being found,"

"We can't trudge them with us," O'Toole said.

"I've been thinking... Even if they are only constructing one ship at a time, wouldn't they still need to bring the matter and antimatter for their warp drive down here 'before' they could launch?" Tom Demik said.

"From what we can gather, the ship is raised once almost fully completed..." Elena replied, pausing to think, "... So if not installed down here, it would need to be in place before the ship could even get off the surface,"

"..... Which gives us one hell of an opportunity, right?" Tom speculated with a grin.

"OK... That's our next objective..." David said, "... The minute we see one of our Engineers, we ask about the matter/antimatter and where it's stored before installation,"

"Blowing that will certainly end any construction down here," Jan Ward said, nodding.

"We can't risk doing anything that might alert the Cardassians or Tendaran to our presence until Iorte and Nate get back," Elena warned ..........

[Iorte Clancy]

Outside laboratory, Galor class

Iorte followed the party of three as close as he dared to the threshold of the apparent lab, then once the two Cardassians - Ericet Rimak and his subordinate Kelot - and the Tendaran had entered, and after Iorte had checked the sides, he heading out into the open up to the lab.

Could he find some way of knowing what was happening inside? He daren't enter the lab itself; it would mean almost certain death. But perhaps... He put an ear to the corridor's bulkhead and listened intently. Indeed yes, he could hear noises from inside. People speaking.

"She hit me. She spat at me!" one voice was saying; Clancy recognised it as belonging to Glinn Kelot.

"I'm sure you can handle it. I'm sure your pride isn't too heavily dented, Glinn," came Gul Rimak's voice.

"No, Gul. I will not accept this affront to my honour. And you should know that I shouldn't have to; I would be backed in this by Legate Muccha... This you know. No... it's not acceptable. My apologies to you, Gul, but she dies."

With those words of finality Iorte had the impression of a weapon being raised, and knew that the target must be Zoe who, good for her, had shown spirit and spat at and hit the Glinn. But what was Clancy to do?!

The sound of a phaser being discharged reached him. There was a pause from within, then Iorte - now in great worry, nay panic - began to hear another voice - the cackling laughter of the Tendaran, "What have you... What have you done, you fool?"

Within, Rimak looked at the phaser in his own hand which had just killed his subordinate Kelot.

"Gul?" the mystified Cardassian laboratory chief present enunciated. The lab chief and the guard present went for their phasers, aiming for Rimak, but Rimak shot them down, also dead, just before they were able to train their eyes. The still laughing Tendaran was crouch-walking slowly for the door, seemingly careless of his life, and so the Gul was able - and indeed was obliged to - shoot him down as well.

Iorte withdrew his ear. He understood that there was no one else left in the lab except Rimak and, a presumably terrified, Zoe McMillan. From along the left exterior wall the Intel officer trained his phaser on the door, and soon after it hissed open; Rimak, and then Zoe, emerging in profile.

McMillan was utterly pale, cold sweat dripping from her petrified features.

"Drop it!" Iorte barked, his own phaser held two feet from Rimak. He found he had to lower the weapon slightly so it was pointed at Rimak's right temple; Rimak wasn't a tall man, but he was built very stoutly.

Now it was Rimak's turn to freeze, alongside McMillan. Obediently Rimak offered up his Cardassian-issue phaser and let it drop to the deck. He hadn't been aiming it, in fact he'd been leading Zoe by the hand.

"What do you intend to do?" the Cardassian said.

"You're coming with me."

"Perhaps I'd do so willingly," Rimak replied, and nodded to Zoe who nodded back and began to follow Clancy as Iorte began to back away out of the intersection which held the entrance to the lab. McMillan was still seemingly scared stiff but apparently very ready to do as Rimak advised.

"Perhaps," Iorte said, "But as far as I know you're the second-in-command amongst the Cardassians in this facility. Which leaves me a little confused as to what I just heard in that lab... what I just witnessed."

"I'm surprised by all this as well," Rimak said gruffly, warily watching the Intel officer as the Starfleet-issue phaser was kept on him, with Rimak being directed to take a very close point position, "How many of you are there?"

Clancy wasn't that stupid. He hoped Rimak would realise that without him needing to say anything.

Rimak realised and stifled a laugh, "You needn't worry; I have no intention of betraying your presence. I've already made my betrayal. To protect Miss McMillan here, I've killed my friend and confidant Glinn Kelot. I've killed two other of my people. And I've killed that Tendaran scum; of that I had no qualms, but he was an advisor to the Tendaran chief administrator Xalk. Once Xalk and Legate Muccha learn of this, and of Miss McMillan's disappearance, I will be a wanted man."

"Fine then. That's satisfactory, for now." They began making their way aft through the part-constructed Galor class, Rimak proving useful directions-wise. Iorte still wasn't going to tell the Gul how many were in their party though.

* * *

Aft shuttlebay, Galor class

"Where are we going?" Ericet Rimak asked.

"I think it best to find my colleagues. Look, Rimak, what's the story with you and the McMillans?" Iorte said tiredly as they managed to make it off the Galor class via the shuttlebay.

They headed along the starboard flank of the Galor class, trying to find the way back to the turbolift shafts (where they would use Iorte's red access pass).

"I am their protector. Guard of mother and daughter," the Gul said after a pause, clearly struggling between official duty and his own assumed responsibility, "On an unofficial basis."

Zoe turned and nodded to affirm this, though she still seemed petrified. Did Rimak have her under some form of coercive control? Iorte wondered, But then the Gul had killed three Cardassians and a Tendaran to save her life, apparently ruining his career. And Helen McMillan herself seemed to think well of him.

"Well, 'official' and 'unofficial' isn't any sort of distinction for you anymore, Rimak," Iorte replied.

He also had to wonder, given the lack of certainty over Helen McMillan's loyalties, whether Rimak had really repented and was now temporarily on the Feds' side, or whether the McMillans, one or both, were really further to the Cardassians' side... And so whether or not Rimak could really be trusted...

Just then they ran into Massa, who had apparently tried to make his way back, once separated from Clancy, but was without a red access card. "This is Zoe McMillan," Iorte introduced Helen's daughter, and then Massa's phaser came up as Rimak rounded the bend behind, "Don't worry. He's with us." For now.

[David Tan]

Hideout ::

David checked the time .. 02 : 46 : 12 .. Although he hadn't voiced his concerns, he was beginning to worry about Iorte and Nate Massa - They had been gone for several hours longer than David and Elena. Of course that didn't mean anything other than they must have found something worthy of further investigation. His only comfort was that no alarm had been sounded, so it was a given they hadn't been captured .....

At the small table in the centre of the room, Demik had been tampering with two tricorders, eyes flicking between displays before he nodded, satisfied. Rising, he left one device on the table and then went to the door:

"Be right back..." he said, leaving the room. Moments later he returned and activated the tricorder on the table. Everyone could now see something on the screen, "... I've concealed the other tricorder opposite this corridor, it will give us a real-time view, plus alarm should anyone enter the corridor,"

"Good thinking," Iezelda said, already feeling a little safer.

"I think we should talk to Anna Rawlins or Xander Pierce, they might have more information for us..." Elena suggested, "... It would be useful to know if they have told the others, Kumar and Bradshaw, that we're down here,"

"I'll go," David said, checking his phaser for what seemed the thousandth time.

"I'll come along... For company," Elena said as she too checked her weapon .....

Engineers Quarters ::

Leaving their room, David and Elena cautiously approached the end of the corridor. Glancing back Tan saw Demik holding the tricorder he'd placed on the table, he pointed to the screen and then nodded. 'At least our surveillance is working' Tan thought.

At the junction they turned left, making their way back towards the lift platform and the corridors where the engineers were billeted. Keeping to the shadows they approached the corridor and approached Anna Rawlins' door. Without knocking David entered, Elena close behind. He closed the door and reached over to activate the room's lights. Anna Rawlins blinked awake, rubbing her eyes before shielding them with one arm.

"WHA ....." the young engineer began, confused, before realising who was standing by the door.

"We need some information," Tan said quickly.

"About what?" Anna asked as she sat up, eyes flicking between Tan and de Luca.

"First off, we need to know if you have told the others that we're here," David said, taking one of the chairs.

"We also need to know about the drive systems for the ships, primarily how and when the core is installed," Elena added.

"Kumar and Bradshaw are working at the far end of the facility, but Xander managed to speak to them briefly. They want to know when you're taking us out of here," Anna replied.

"Not yet," David said.

"What about the matter/antimatter core?... Is it here?" Elena asked.

"No... We 'think' it is kept either off-world or somewhere well away from here. We don't see the core until it's due for installation, and then only under heavy security,"

"Damn!" Tan said.

"Why, were you planning on blowing one up?" Anna said almost jokingly.

"It crossed our minds," de Luca said as Anna climbed out of bed and walked over to the desk. She woke the terminal and made several inputs.

"According to this: The core for the ship outside is due to be installed in two days..." she said, reading from the on-screen schedule, "... Sooo, it should arrive topside tomorrow,"

"Which gives us roughly twenty-four to forty-eight hours," Tan said, deep in thought.

"Even dressed as Technicians, there's no way you'll get anywhere near the core..." Rawlins said, shaking her head as she scrutinised the display, "... The facility is usually locked down before it's brought down, all the lift platforms are disabled, and only those engineering personnel directly involved in the installation can move around the facility, and then only under Cardassian guard,"

"So we wait until the core's installed... Or... We go to the surface and destroy the thing up there," Elena speculated.

"These 'red' cards..." David said, holding up the security pass, "... They give us full access throughout the facility, right?"

"Yes, but as I said, even with that, unless your names are on the list for the install, you won't get anywhere near,"

"What about you?" de Luca said.

"What about me, what?" Rawlins asked shutting down the screen and returning to the bed.

"Are you or any of the others scheduled for the install?" Elena asked, losing her patience.

"Xander isn't qualified, neither is Bradshaw. Kumar is a warp specialist, I'm qualified too, but I'm not on the list this time around,"

"So if you were on this 'list' you would have full access?" Tan said quickly.

"Yes... But as I said... I'm not..." Anna said with an exasperated shrug.

"You're not exactly jumping through hoops to help out here," Elena said, glaring at the engineer.

"You have 'NO IDEA' what we have to put up with down here lady...!" Rawlins said, suddenly angry, "... You might 'THINK' we just get up in the morning and stroll to work. It isn't like that by a bloody long way!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply anythi ....." Elena began to say, but Anna hadn't finished:

"One of us... Kirt DeJong... was killed 'JUST' because he opened his mouth once too often. We're watched like hawks, practically everything we do is double-checked by either the ever-present Cardassians or the Tendarans. Even the damn Lentarai seem to be watching us constantly. We can't do anything without our work being scrutinised, they want everything done quickly, but then practically make us stand against the wall while our work is checked!"

"..... I'm sorry," was all Elena could say, seeing the tears welling in the young engineer's eyes.

"OK. So we'll need to come up with some way of getting close to the core once it arrives, it seems the best way to put this place out of action for the foreseeable future," David said quietly as he handed Anna a tissue.

"Let's get back..." Tan said, standing before approaching the door, he looked back at Anna, "... We'll get in touch once we come up with something," he said, stepping out of the room, Elena behind him ..........

[David Tan]

Undisclosed Location ::


The Cardassian was angry .....

"We have concerns regarding our agreement,"

"You have been fully reimbursed for the five vessels currently launched and certified, I am unsure as to what you are referring to," the Tendaran replied with a disrespectful shrug.

"The last shipment of Cobalt Ore was sub-standard; therefore, you must replace it,"

"I think not," One Tendaran said in disbelief.

"Then all work will cease on the remaining vessels until the debt has been satisfied," the Cardassian said.

"But you cannot do that!"

"I believe you will find that we can, and will ..." the Cardassian said, "... No further supplies will be sent below, and all workers will vacate the facility until further notice. Unless, of course, our demands are met!"

"We have mined much more Cobalt than the quota you originally demanded for each warship, now you are trying to find ways of reneging on your agreement,"

"This is not about non-payment or the quality of the ore you are supplying, it is about opportunity....."

"Meaning what, precisely?" the Tendaran asked nervously.

"On your first approach to us, you stated that you wanted to possess a fleet capable of defending Tendoran Space, a commendable goal, and one we were happy to aid you in accomplishing. But information has come into our hands that suggests you intend to use the ship in more than a defensive role, this concerns us... Something that in the circumstances, might require a 'modification' of our original agreement,"

"If I recall, both you and your government were extremely happy at the quantity of ore we were paying. As for what we decide to use the ships for, it is our business. Maybe we misunderstood your initial eagerness, for mere greed... Something we were warned about even before we approached you,"

It was clear the Cardassian was losing interest in the conversation.

"You will replace the last Cobalt shipment and add a further thirty percent to future consignments until our contract is concluded," the man said, standing. The two Cardassian guards that had accompanied the official into the chamber raised their weapons just enough to signify they would use them should the need arise.

The three Tendarans sat in silence until the doors closed behind the departing official:

"Can we supply the ore in the quantities they demand?"

"Yes, of course, but you must see that they are taking advantage – Now that our contract is beyond the point where it can be dissolved, they believe they can demand more. Where, I ask, will their demands end?"

"We have no option but to comply, and the Cardassians know it... So why argue a point that is clearly moot," one of the group said.

"..... And if they return in due course and demand even more than we can supply?"

"Then I would have thought the answer obvious… We would be forced to find a way..." the second replied with an exaggerated sigh, "... I think we need to remember, that once the contract to construct the eight warships is complete, the Cardassians have agreed to leave the construction facility intact, allowing us to continue construction as we deem necessary,"

"We would still need their help, It would be beyond useless to construct a vessel that would be so much scrap without a matter/antimatter core to power it, and weapons to use as we see fit,"

"Let’s not dwell on what might be. The Cardassians are willing to complete the ships ordered. Yes, we are being forced to pay more, so we will put it down to our naivety on this occasion. Next time, we will be more astute!"

"You know they are demanding we turn over the Federation Engineers to them on completion of the contract,"

"That wasn’t part of the agreement,"

"Nevertheless....."

"No... It was we who took the risk in bringing them here. The Cardassians have already killed one of the Engineers out of sheer annoyance. The blame for that death is on them, not us..." the lead Tendaran said, continuing when no one spoke:

"... The Engineers are ignorant of their location and will remain so... When we return them, they will undoubtedly be thankful they still have lives to live,"

"Then I hope your assumptions prove correct," One said as the three rose to leave the chamber ..........

[Elena de Luca]

Hideout
Sub-Level Eighteen ::

"She's not going to help us... You know that, right?" Elena asked as they returned to the quarters they were using.

"She won't have any option... She's Human, and a Federation Member, failing to help us is only going to go bad for her if or when she returns to any Federation world... How long have Iorte and Nate been gone now? David asked, changing the subject.

"Over three hours... It's going to be dawn soon and this place will fill up quickly,"

"If they have found something worth investigating they'll do so. I can't imagine them being stuck somewhere unable to get back when they need to,"

"I suppose so," de Luca said, hardly convinced.

They made their way back along the main thoroughfare until they reached the corridor where the team were holed up. David couldn't see the tricorder that had been placed to give them a warning should anyone enter the corridor unexpectedly, so he wasn't surprised when the door opened before they reached it ..... Entering, David took the meal packs offered and began warming them up as Elena updated the others.

"She won't leave her daughter," Sean said.

"I'm not asking her to..." Tan replied, ripping the seal on the ration pack, "... Why is it that 'everything' tastes like chicken in these things?" he moaned.

"Could be worse," Elena said, taking the offered pack.

"We've been discussing options..." O'Toole began, eyeing the others, "... Tom here thinks we should cut our losses, so to speak, plant the grenades as best we can and blow this place up before they can start on another ship,"

"I'd prefer to wait until we can get access to the core they'll bring down. Destroying that would put an end to this place..." David said, pausing to squeeze more protein from the ration pouch, "... Besides, we still need to know the precise location the Engineers were being held, and would need to get them out before we even consider destroying this facility,"

Elena threw her empty food pouch in the disposal and stood up.

"I'm going to take a look around while the place is still relatively clear,"

"Give me a moment, I'll come with..." Tan said, finishing his meal. He plucked four grenades from the crate handing two to Elena, "... Might as well place these while we're wandering around, Tom, take Don and Jan, set some of the grenades along the main Thoroughfare, the more we can collapse when the time comes, the better,"

Leaving the room once again, de Luca and Tan retraced their steps, passing the accommodation corridor where Helen McMillan and some of the others were berthed. They continued on, ducking out of sight every five minutes to avoid the roaming Cardassian guards. Overhead was the forward section of the Galor Class Warship.

"You think they're on board?" Elena asked, glancing upwards.

David paused - Up to that moment it hadn't occurred to him that 'if' Clancy and Massa had boarded the ship above them, they might still be aboard, either checking what they could, or worse-case, unable to disembark for some unknown reason - For obvious reasons, they couldn't simply speak to Clancy and Massa via comms, and the agreed-upon 'three-taps' causing the recipient commbadge to 'chirp' still established, however brief, a comlink that could, in the right circumstances be detected, thus alerting the Cardassians to their presence. Sighing he turned to Elena:

"It's possible they boarded and are still investigating..." he replied, understanding de Luca's concern, "... But I don't think us entering the ship is the wisest move, we could pass each other without even knowing in there,"

"Well no alarms have been raised, so we could assume they haven't been captu ....." Elena was saying as the beam of a torch lit the pair up.

"YOU!... What are you doing?" they turned to look down at a Cardassian. He was holding the light in one hand, the business end of his disruptor rifle aimed between them.

"We were sent to check the readiness of the Cargo Hold in preparation for the doors to be fitted," David replied as if they had every right to be where they were as de Luca slowly picked her phaser from her belt.

"Come down. I want to see your work order!" the Cardassian ordered. Hiding her weapon behind her back, Elena followed David down the steps to the ground, the Cardassian watching their every step.

"We didn't complete the work during our shift, we didn't want trouble from the Overseer ....." Davin began, bowing while keeping his eyes on the Cardassian.

"I have not seen you before ..... Identification and work order ..... NOW!"

David made a show of checking first one pocket, then the next, continually apologising, but the Cardassian, convinced something was amiss was already reaching for the communicator attached to the sleeve of his jacket.

Without hesitation, Elena brought her phaser into view, and before the Cardassian could react, she fired. The man's look of shock disappeared as he was vaporised into molecule-sized atoms which were quickly sucked into the air purification system. Tan and de Luca crouched in the shadows, listening intently for signs someone had overheard the altercation and was coming to investigate further.

"It's a given he's going to be missed at some point," Tan said.

"We need to alert Iorte and Nate," Elena replied, reluctantly, David had to agree. He reached into his overalls to bring out his communicator, then with a resigned 'sigh' tapped the device three times in quick succession - Seconds later his commbadge gave an almost inaudible 'chirp' in reply.

"At least they are still with us," Elena said.

"We should go back to the others, now Clancy and Massa know there's a problem they will make their way back too," David said, hoping he was right ..........

[David Tan]

Hideout
Sub-Level Eighteen ::

While David wasn't saying anything to the others, he was becoming increasingly worried about the whereabouts of Iorte Clancy and Nate Massa. They had been gone for over three hours now, and he was concerned that once the morning shift arrived for work, their chances of getting back to the hideout in the disused Section of the facility would be even more difficult. Tom Demik, Don Finch, and Jan Ward had returned moments ago confirming they had hidden twelve grenades in total .....

"Someone's coming..." Iezeldz said, nodding to the tricorder relaying a live feed from the one at the head of the corridor, "... "It looks like one of the engineers, Xander Pierce,"

A few seconds later there was a slight tap... With phasers ready David opened the door allowing the young engineer to enter:

"Something has happened," he said, eyes flicking around the room.

"What?" David said, silently hoping he wasn't going to inform them of the capture of their colleagues.

"I think the Cardassians and the Tendarans are having some sort of disagreement,"

"..... And you would know this, how?" Elena asked.

"We're not deaf..." Pierce said, a little too quickly, "... One of the Lentarai overheard arguments in the early hours, the Cardassians are demanding more for their services, claiming that the Cobalt the Tendarans are supplying is sub-standard,"

"That can't be right, the Cobal Ore here is practically pure grade, everyone knows that," Iezeld said with a frown.

"The Cardassians are trying to get more, it's a usual tactic, one the Tendarans know well..." Pierce replied with a shrug, "... But the Cardassians have threatened to cease work on the remaining three ships,"

"Well, that could be a good thing, the Tendarans are hardly going to be a force to reckon with if they only have five warships," Iezelda said.

"Five?" Pierce replied, frowning.

"Five completed, one still under construction, leaving two to begin construction, or so Helen McMillan said," David said, but Xander was already shaking his head:

"You're wrong ..... Or rather in error as regards the number of ships set to be constructed at this facility... More importantly, the Tendarans have a second, older, construction site on one of the Moons at the outer edge of the System. They have successfully launched sixteen warships from there already, the Cardassians are training crews for those vessels as we speak,"

This news didn't go down well at all. They had been thinking that destroying the facility would effectively put an end, at least for the foreseeable future, to any threat the Tendarans may intend to become. But now that they know of the second facility, one that had already completed sixteen of the modified Galor Class Warships, that could prove problematic should the Tendarans wish to strengthen their position forcibly, the Federation Council needed this information as soon as possible!

"You still need to destroy this place!" Pierce said worriedly.

"We will, but the news that there's a second facility ....." David began but was interrupted by the engineer:

".... And you need to get us out of here!"

"We'll do that too," David replied, trying to reassure the engineer.

"Has the warp core arrived for the ship under construction?" Demik asked.

"It arrived yesterday, it is currently under heavy guard on the surface," Pierce replied, the information putting a swift end to anyone going to the surface to destroy the core there.

"Where and when will it come down?" Tan asked.

"The matter-antimatter core itself is lowered directly above the primary lift platform and installed through the upper section of the ship, it is then connected to the two warp drives situated within the 'wings' of the vessel. It is scheduled to be brought down at fifteen hundred today... But as I said, it is heavily guarded, there is no possibility of you getting access, even we are moved out of the section while the core is lowered!"

"What about the lower levels of the ship?" Demik asked.

"Evacuated until the core is in place, thenonly  those with the required access are sent in to complete installation," Pierce answered, David shook his head, his frustration at not being able to get word to Clancy and Massa was annoying him.

"How long 'before' the core is lowered is the ship evacuated?" Demik urged.

"Usually thirty minutes, unless there are issues,"

"I think we need to risk taking a look..." Tom said, turning to the others, "... Maybe we could rig something prior to the core being installed?"

"You can't, firstly, you do not have the required access to enter the Drive Sections, and even if you did, the Cardassians know everyone authorised by sight, you would be challenged and undoubtedly killed before you even entered the ship!"

"We'll think of something," Demik said with a grin but Pierce just shook his head dismissing the man's claim.

"I must go, I will be missed," Pierce said, standing suddenly before approaching the door.

"Xander..." David said, opening the door, "... Don't tell anyone you've been here this morning,"

"What, why?"

"Just keep your visit to yourself for the time being... OK?" Tan said, making sure that Xander didn't mistake the 'instruction' for a request. After a moment Pierce nodded and stepped out of the room, David closed the door ..........

[David Tan]

HIdeout ...
Sub-Level Eighteen ::


"Just keep your visit to yourself for the time being... OK?" Tan said, making sure that Xander didn't mistake the 'instruction' for a request. After a moment Pierce nodded and stepped out of the room, David closed the door .....

Once the tricorder monitoring the corridor showed Xander Pierce had left, David fell into one of the empty seats, deep in thought.

"They should have been back by now..." he said to no one in particular, referring to Iorte and Nate, he looked at the time then stood checking his phaser, "... Helen McMillan said the day shift begins at zero eight hundred, it's almost that now,"

"There hasn't been any word that they have been captured, maybe they found something that's taking time to investigate?" Iezelda suggested, but Tan wasn't convinced.

"I'm going to take a look around, the rest of you, stay here, single-tap a comm if they return," he said, approaching the door.

"You're sure you want to go alone?" de Luca asked worriedly.

"Less chance of being seen," David said, opening the door to step into the semi-darkness of the abandoned corridor. He took a moment then headed for the light of the main thoroughfare .....

Wearing the coveralls used by the workforce, he stepped into the open to cross the wide corridor then began to cautiously make his way beneath the Galor Class warship above him. Twice he was forced into the shadows as workers passed, presumably heading towards their assigned workstations... Moving as quickly but quietly as he could, he continued along the length of the suspended warship until reaching the mid-point, roughly where the rear edge of the Galor's 'wings' connected with the body of the ship.

He was about to risk climbing the ramp to allow ingress to the ship when he noticed Anna Rawlins and Xander Pierce approaching.

"What are you doing!?" Rawlins asked, her eyes darting back and forth along the thoroughfare.

"Two of our people are overdue, I'm hoping to find them aboard," David said, suddenly realising how dangerous his actions could be to everyone.

"You can't board the ship, the core is due to be brought down this morning, we'll all be evacuated from the section beforehand..." Xander said nervously, "... Besides, the ship will be crawling with both Tendaran and Cardassian Overseers!"

"Two of my team are possibly on that ship!" Tan said.

"Then unless they can get out of the ship quickly, they will undoubtedly be discovered and taken," Anna said almost apologetically.

"You can go aboard, look around?" Tan asked.

"We are due in the Engineering Section this morning... I could try," Anna confirmed hesitantly, glancing at Pierce as if for approval.

"You should return to concealment," Pierce said, clearly worried about consequences for himself and Anna should the Intelligence Officer be found talking to them. Unfortunately, his fears were justified as they watched a Cardassian Overseere approaching.

"Your Stations?" he said, prodding Pierce with his rifle.

"Apologies Overseer, I was just instructing this new arrival on protocols," Xander said, nodding submissively. David lowered his eyes hoping the Cardassian would confine his questions to the Engineer, but he kept on hand resting on his concealed phaser.

"He is assigned to this Section?" the Cardassian asked, eyes moving to Tan.

"Yes, but his pass has been delayed. He was escorted here by one of the Tendaran Overseers," Pierce said.

"Name?" the Cardassian demanded, glaring at Tan.

"Michor," Tan replied, plucking a random name from the ether.

"Section?"

"Engineering," David replied. For a long moment the Cardassian seemed to be contemplating something, and then he spoke again:

"You will collect your pass before days end...!" he snapped, seemingly accepting Tan's reply, then as if to ensure they knew who was in charge, he hit Pierce hard on the side of his head with the butt of his rifle, "... Go to your Stations, NOW!" then, smiling at the blood running down Pierces' face, he walked away.

"Sorry....." David said as Anna wiped the blood from the cut on Xander's temple.

"Get back into hiding before you kill us all!" she said, turning to tend to her colleague.

David reminded for a few seconds, then turned away to retrace his steps, hoping Anna would do as she promised once they boarded the ship.

While returning the thri hideout, all he could do was hope that both men had disembarked and were even now making their way back. If they had found something worthy of further investigation all well and good, but if not, with time running short before the Galor Class warship was raised to the surface in preparation to be launched, they would have to make a decision on 'if' or 'when' to destroy the facility ..........

[Iorte Clancy]

Workshop sections, subterranean shipyard

The four of them, Iorte, Nate, Zoe, Rimak, were not far from making it back on to the main thoroughfare, three of them having found their way off the under construction Galor class, and the fourth of them - Massa - having been roaming about the lower levels of the shipyard lacking a red access card.

The time was about 0745. Between them and the thoroughfare was a narrow metal walkway over a seeming abyss, leading from various deserted workshops on to the thoroughfare.

"Ok, almost there now," Clancy saw this and said encouragingly, trying to raise their spirits. It'd been a long slog trying to find their back while staying out of the way of night patrols.

But now there were Cardassians and Tendarans - three and two respectively - ahead the other side of the walkway, and one of the Cardies recognised Rimak, "Gul! What are you doing here? Where are you escorting these workers?"

Rimak's stout frame rose up and puffed itself out, "Glinn... You'll let me pass. I have orders from our Legate Muccha..." he lied.

The addressed Glinn paused, seeing Zoe, "Wait... Isn't that the McMillan girl? She's not to be tampered with, you know that, Gul. You must've taken her from the warship!"

"You do not comprehend..." Rimak trailed off as things were very evidently and quickly escalating towards violence. Voices climbed energetically in pitch and volume and weapons were raised either side; lethal volleys of high-setting phaser fire arced out either direction.

A Cardassian and a Tendaran went down, and on their own side Massa and Rimak were hit. Rimak shrugged off what was only a flesh wound, but Massa fell beside the gantry, his arm now trapped between two railings; the surviving Tendaran approached and kicked with the flat of his foot against Massa's upper arm and quite cleanly broke the bone.

Shot in the stomach and now with his upper arm broken, Massa cried out, while Iorte spun away from close combat with the Cardassian Glinn and managed to get a good shot off at the Tendaran who'd attacked Massa; the Tendaran's head parted from its body, spinning up and away in the air and into the abyss, while the body flopped lifelessly to the walkway floor.

Now, after a good bit more shooting and shouting, they had the two surviving Cardassians at their mercy, both on their knees, and while Iorte called to Gul Rimak to stop, the latter carried out summary justice on the two captives and shot them sequentially in the back of the neck. They collapsed dead.

"You damn fool, Gul..." Clancy began but lost the will, and shook his head sourly; without a further word to one another in remonstrance, only a bitter and necessary comradeship, they threw the bodies of the hostiles over the edge of the walkway and into the abyss. Iorte knew it would've been too dangerous to keep the two captives alive.

Assisting the stricken Massa, and taking care of Zoe McMillan - while she hadn't reacted much to what'd just unfolded, she seemed numb with terror - in stubborn silence they crept off the walkway and on to the thoroughfare.

* * *

Back at hideout, subterranean shipyard

It was 0815 when they arrived at the hideout. Fortunately they'd entered the disused sections of the thoroughfare only shortly after 0800 had arrived and the new working day had begun, thus they'd avoided most of the rush of workers and overseers to their designated stations.

"It's Clancy!" Iezeld blurted to the others in the hideout as she viewed the screen of the surveilling tricorder, "And he has company."

"Well, Massa, I hope."

The quartet of Iorte, Massa, Zoe, Rimak, headed along the corridor and the door of the hideout opened. The business ends of seven phasers were there to meet them.

"Forget about that. Find a medical tricorder," Clancy said and gestured to the wounded Massa who was being dragged along by himself and Rimak.

"He has a third degree burn in his abdomen; broken right humerus," Gul Rimak indicated the man's injuries to Ward and Iezeld, who'd lowered their phasers and now uncertainly brandished medkits under Rimak's seemingly menacing eye.

Rimak took Massa's weight, the Cardassian lowering him on to the room's heavily worn couch. Iezeld spoke to the barely conscious Nate, reassuring him as she and Jan Ward started to tend to his injuries.

"Where's my mother?" Zoe McMillan crept into the room last of all, stunning Tan and de Luca. Here at last was a very good reason for Helen McMillan not to want to remain in the shipyard; now they had her daughter, if they could only find a way out of the facility, destroying it, and off this planet...

"Well, without wishing to ask the obvious question," Tan said after a moment... "Well, Iorte? Are you going to enlighten us?"

"I found Zoe aboard the Galor class. Rimak and some others were going in to meet her in one of the ship's labs. Then..." he glanced at Ericet Rimak who now stood silent, "Rimak killed his colleagues, because one of them was going to kill Zoe for spitting at and hitting him. Rimak took Zoe from the lab, they ran into me just outside of it. The three of us went to find Massa... and after some further troubles... we've found ourselves back here."

"Well, we have news, too," Elena said, "There's another shipyard, on a small moon near the edge of the system. According to Xander Pierce, it has already produced and launched 16 modified Galor classes." Rimak was nodding at this.

Tan then took Clancy and de Luca aside, "You sure we can trust him?" he whispered to Iorte sharply.

Clancy smirked and grunted, "Definitely not. But he has now killed several Cardassians and Tendarans, all seemingly to save Zoe. He seems to want to look after both her and her mother. Unless this is all some elaborate set-up, he's destroyed his career. He won't be able to go back to his fellow soldiers even if he wants to."

"We're trying to find a way to destroy this facility. We figure we might be able to destroy the matter-antimatter core of the Galor class. It's not installed yet, being delivered to it this afternoon," Elena said.

"But we don't have access to the ship," David added, "Finding our way on to it during time of core installation seems to be virtually impossible."

"Perhaps I can help," Rimak was suddenly behind them. Apparently, he'd heard the whole conversation.

<Tag Tan, de Luca>

[David Tan]

Hideout ..
Sub-Level Eighteen ::


..... David watched nervously as Iezelda and Jan Ward began to tend to Massa's injury .....

"I'd say it's a given that the people killed will be missed," Elena said as she watched Iezelda and Jan tend to Massa.

Jan used a hypospray to administer painkillers, while Iezelda used the dermal regenerator from her medkit to repair the skin around the wound:

"You're going to need some corrective treatment once we can get you to a med-bay, but this will have to do for the time being," Iezelda said, pulling Massa's tunic down to cover the hastily repaired skin beneath. Nate clambered to a sitting position, waves of pain easing. Within a few moments, he tentatively got to his feet.

"We're trying to find a way to destroy this facility. We figure we might be able to destroy the matter-antimatter core of the Galor Class. It's not installed yet, being delivered to it this afternoon," Elena said.

"But we don't have access to the ship..." David added, "... Finding our way onto it during the core's installation seems virtually impossible."

"Perhaps I can help....." Rimak was suddenly behind them, having overheard their conversation.

"Just how, precisely?" De Luca asked.

"As you are aware, the facility is evacuated during the lowering of the warp core, but there still needs to be Engineers present..." Rimak said, pausing as he glanced at those present, "... Each 'Senior' Engineer is issued with one of the Red passes, these allow unhindered access throughout the facility, but on the day the core is lowered, a second pass is issued to those assigned to the initial installation,"

"Great... Another pass...!" Don Finch said, shaking his head as he turned to the Cardassian, "... I'm guessing you have some way of getting your hands on some of these passes?"

"I may, but it would mean taking one or more from those issued,"

"My Mother will have one, as well as Myself, Assan Kumar and Tom Bradshaw....." Zoe informed the group.

"Could we somehow intercept Kumar and Bradshaw 'before' they board the ship?" Elena asked.

"It would be difficult, but I think I could have them brought to one of the offices," the Cardassian replied.

"..... And getting their passes?" Massa asked as he eyed the scorched hole in his tunic.

"They'll give them up without complaint!" David said confidently.

"What about boarding? ..... Will the Overseers know Kumar and Bradshaw by sight?" Clancy asked.

"It is doubtful... Ship construction Overseers will be evacuated from the area along with the workforce, the Overseers coming down with the core will not have worked on the ship itself," Gul Rimak said.

"How do you propose to separate Kumar and Bradshaw?" Elena asked.

"I am one of those in charge, my requesting their presence before the lowering of the core will not be questioned," Rimak replied confidently. David checked the time, it was already well past zero nine hundred - The core was due to be lowered at approximately noon, allowing the following eight hours for installation - Once done, the Engineering Section of the Galor Class will be off-limits to all but the assigned Engineers and their Overseers.

"You wish me to proceed?" Rimak asked, interrupting Tan's thoughts.

"I don't see we have any other option useless someone can come up with an alternate option," Nate commented.

"It would look better if I were to go with him..." Zoe said, making everyone turn in her direction, "... I will be issued my pass along with the others, Eri... Gul Rimak can instruct Assan and Tom to remain behind. Once the others enter the ship we can return here and give two of you the passes?"

"Three," Elena corrected.

"Sorry... No... 'I' must be allowed to board, I have to get my Mother and the others away from the ship before you do anything!" Zoe insisted.

"Alas, I fear her absence will be noted," Rimak said.

"I thought you said the people coming down with the core won't know anyone," Sean O'Toole queried.

"..... And they won't, but it is possible they would recognise Helen McMillan and her Daughter, who have both attended briefings in preparation for the core's arrival. If Miss McMillan was substituted ....." Rimak explained before falling silent.

It was clear to everyone that he was doing all he could to protect the McMillans.

"If I am to speak to your Engineers we should leave now,"

"Tom..." David said, turning to the El Alamein's Tactical Officer, "... Go with them," Demik nodded and moved to the door.

"Rimak ..... Just so you know, if Mister Demik here senses 'anything' out of place, he's going to act accordingly, understood?" Tan added the warning.

"You do not need to be concerned," the Cardassian said, his concern for Zoe obvious, before both of them joined Demk who was now holding the door open.

----------

The thirty-minute wait was understandably tense, but eventually, Iezelda informed them that five people had entered the mouth of the disused corridor and were approaching!

As they entered, both Assan Kumar and Tom Bradshaw began a barrage of questions before Clancy held up a hand to silence the cacophony.

"Issues?" Tan asked Demik.

"None... We joined the briefing without any problems. The Cardassian and Tendaran Overseers gave final instructions regarding the core and issued the second passes to the relevant Engineers, then ordered everyone else to vacate the Level..." Tom explained, glancing at the Cardassian before continuing, "... Rimak instructed McMillan, Kumar, and Bradshaw, to wait behind so he could issue additional instructions. Neither of the Cardassian Overseers questioned his actions," Demik finished.

"What about the Tendarans?" Clancy asked.

"Xalk was at the briefing, but I don't believe he suspected anything untoward..." Rimak said, "... It is usual for specific instructions to be issued before installation of each vessel's core,"

"We should discuss how we're going to get everyone to evacuate before we detonate..." Iezelda commented, continuing when no one spoke, "... We can't just destroy the place while it's full of people!"

"We won't..." Sean replied, seeing the others nod in agreement, "... Surely there's got to be some kind of evacuation procedure, on the off-chance something goes awry?" the Irishman queried.

"Procedures are in place of course," Rimak confirmed.

"How long after the core is brought down would you take to get the ship on the surface?" Clancy asked the Cardassian.

"Approximately forty-eight hours... The core will be brought online following installation, once they confirm operational status, the ship will be raised to the surface where final checks will be carried out on all systems," Rimak answered.

"What about the Engineers, do they stay aboard?" Elena asked.

"It would depend on the progress of the installation, some may be required, others not," the Cardassian answered.

"To be sure of destroying this facility, we need to 'set' the charges 'and' detonate while the ship is still down here!" Demik commented.

"Then we need to be ready..." David said, glancing at the crates containing their supplies and the explosives. He wasn't happy about having to allow Zoe McMillan to go with them, but as Rimak had pointed out - Her absence would be noted - The more immediate problem was who would board and set the charges. He was thinking possibly Iorte and Tom Demik might be the best option, with himself and the others leading the rescued Engineers to the surface and well away from the facility, but their options would be disguised in depth before any final decision was made ..........

[Iorte Clancy]

Hideout, subterranean shipyard

They absorbed and weighed the various things that'd been said already regarding their next steps.

Iezelda thought a moment and spoke, "Wait a minute, I thought it was the case - from what Xander Pierce told us - that the Cardassian and Tendaran overseers know the engineers assigned to the core installation on sight? So how is Iorte, Tom, or anyone else going to get aboard to set the charges on the newly installed core?"

"Well, my thinking was that they, or myself, would board the vessel and head to the deserted engine bay after the evacuation order's been given," David answered.

"I see, sir, my apol-" Iezelda began but Rimak cut her off,

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. Once orders for an evacuation are given, places such as the engine bay of the vessel currently under construction, and dozens of other sensitive locations throughout the yard - I'm sure you can imagine - are locked down for safety, with only personnel currently inside those secured sections able to activate security protocols to allow blast doors to open temporarily so that they may leave."

"So how about we use the engineers themselves?" Iorte asked, nodding to the three civilian engineers present, "Kumar, Bradshaw, and you and your mother, Zoe, have the additional access passes needed for the Galor class, isn't that correct?" The three nodded unhappily.

"So we give the photon grenades to Kumar, Bradshaw and Zoe, for placement on the core during the time it's being installed and checked out," Elena suggested. "What's the time now?"

The time now was about 1215 hours. At 1430, the Galor class would be evacuated of all workers and overseers. At 1500, the ship's fresh out of the factory core would begin being lowered through an access point from the surface, cleared engineers only would head for the Galor class's engine section, and for the next few hours the installation and check-out would take place.

Then less than 48 hours later the ship would be raised, via the huge platform on which it rested, to the surface.

Kumar, Bradshaw and Zoe McMillan were now due back in the vicinity of the Galor class, awaiting clearance from 1500 hours on to head on to it for the installation.

Clancy, Tan and Demik went to their equipment and weapons' crates, withdrew six photonic explosives. They put them in the hands of Kumar, Bradshaw and Rimak, "Take these. Keep them secure. Rimak, if any of your former colleagues come by and want to search these engineers' toolkits, don't let -"

"I know what to do!" the stout Cardassian snapped then drew himself up, "Apologies, officers. It's been a trying time for me these last few hours, as you may be aware."

Iorte nodded. The man did after all seem to be throwing away his career.

Rimak continued, "Now, once the explosives are set, I will find a way to communicate with you. Then, assuming all is well in what we report to each other, and that you'll by then have gathered the rest of the engineers, I'll trigger an emergency evacuation... assuming my security codes haven't yet been taken offline..."

With that not so reassuring remark Rimak departed with the three human engineers and made towards the under construction Cardassian warship.

"Right," Iorte turned to the others, "I guess we now have to round up the rest of the engineers before Rimak issues his evacuation order. That's Xander Pierce. Anna Rawlins. Everyone else in the shipyard should head for the surface by themselves?"

"Yes, but aren't you forgetting someone? Helen McMillan," Tan said.

Iorte nodded, though he assumed Helen would also be aboard the Galor and would join Gul Rimak, Kumar, Bradshaw and Zoe's group. Helen was the unknown quantity. Could she be trusted? Iorte thought she could, considering she'd soon be presented with her daughter.

Clancy spoke, "Ok, we have until the time the core is fully installed, and loaded with half a dozen explosives, to find Rawlins and Pierce and develop a proper means to get the hell out of here once the claxons start blaring. So that's about four or five hours time?"

<Tag Tan, de Luca>

---

Command and control centre, subterranean shipyard

A pale blue warrior appeared in the doorway the other side of the room from the bank of control panels. The Cardassian Legate turned from his vantage point over the vast interior of the shipyard - seen through the transparent aluminium windows of the control centre - to bring into the focus the warrior who'd been in his periphery.

"What is a Tendaran doing here?" he sneered and cackled in disgust. "My fellow," he called to the pale blue warrior as the latter approached with armed Cardassians keeping watch on him either side, "This is the command and control centre of this shipyard, which is administered, maintained and operated by Cardassians, for you and your puny race."

"Enough of the theatrics, Muccha. There's a problem."

"What does your glorious Administrator Xalk want now?" he asked the equerry and advisor to the chief Tendaran and snorted derisively, "Another half dozen warships on credit, I expect?"

"No. Not this time. There is a problem, internal to the shipyard. My Administrator Xalk has noticed that a number of his warriors have gone missing. Four of them. It may possibly now be six."

Legate Muccha vocalised something guttural, "I see... And in a sense, I know. Several of my personnel have taken longer than usual to report, including some who are usually most punctual! Let me guess. Some have been reported missing in the lab sections of the Galor, some around the Galor's hull, some in the yard's workshops?"

The Tendaran warrior paused and bowed his head slightly, "That is correct."

"Then we have a bad actor down here somewhere. Someone working against us from within..." Muccha spoke with a glint in his eye. For once, he hadn't mean Xalk and his cronies.

Anyway, Muccha thought, where is that laggard Gul Rimak...?

[David Tan]

Hideout ..
Sub-Level Eighteen ::


..... With weapons, photo grenades, and importantly 'instructions' reviewed, Everyone had gone to their assigned positions, David and the others readied to leave their hideout .....

David was still worried about how Zoe's mother, Helen, would react to learning that in hours, nothing would remain of the construction facility and a substantial area of land surrounding the underground construction site!

They had agreed that it should be Remik, given their apparent 'closeness' that informed the Engineer.

Now, Clancy, Tan, and Demik left the hideout - They would move around the facility as best as possible, either planting, or checking on previously hidden grenades - All would be set to be detonated either remotely, once everyone was clear, or in a cascade detonation if suddenly tampered with without first being made safe!

Sean, Iezelda, and the others had been tasked with ensuring all possible egress locations remained accessible. Once the alarm was sounded they could only hope that everyone working below the surface had been given evacuation protocols. If not, the possible loss of life could be substantial, and the last thing they wanted was any unnecessary deaths on their hands. David hoped that Sean and the others had located the Starfleet Engineers and passed on their instructions.

At fourteen-fifteen hours, the announcement of the pending evacuation alarm was given and people began filing towards the massive lift platforms in preparation to leave.

David was about to sigh in relief when one of the Tendaran Engineers approached.

"I have a message, from Gul Remik," the man said nervously.

"Go on," Clancy said, watching the man, holding his phaser out of sight.

"He has spoken to the Engineer - Helen McMillan - She has agreed to come to the assigned location at fifteen hundred,"

"Location?" David queried, trying to keep the comment casual so as not to unduly alarm the Tendaran.

"Remik gave instructions... To ensure our well-being... The Human Engineers, along with four of my brethren, will converge on Number Two lift platform at fifteen-thirty today..." the man said, eyes flicking around the group, "... Is that not correct?" David glanced at Massa, who gave a minute nod past Tan, indicating the platform they would use to get to the surface.

"Yes, that is correct," Clancy assured the man, who visibly sighed with relief.

"What about the others, they will be evacuated before..... Before?"

"The commencement alarm will be sounded as scheduled, some minutes later, Gul Remik will activate the emergency alert, we expect everyone will follow protocols to get to the surface. Once there, I would suggest you and your associates put as much distance between this place and yourselves before it goes up,"

"But that is not possible...!" the Tendaran said quickly, "... During all other evacuation drills we have been held in sections close to whichever platform we used. The Cardassians use their weapons to cover everyone on the surface!"

"Damn...!" Tan said before he could stop himself. He turned away thinking quickly, "... You will need to tell your people to disarm the Cardassians either on the way up, or the moment you get to the surface... There isn't time to change our plans now, besides it's highly likely that any further delay will risk the explosives being discovered and disarmed!"

"We cannot fight the Cardassians!" the Tendaran spluttered.

"Then you will all perish, and I'd rather 'not' have that on my conscience," David said, glaring at the terrified Engineer until Sean took David's arm and steered him out of earshot:

"We can't trust him, you know that... Right?" O'Toole whispered.

"We don't have much choice," Tan replied, glancing at the trembling Tendaran.

"The second one of the Cardassians or Tendarans, for that matter, the state of him, he'll crumble and start jabbering well 'before' anyeone threatens to force information out of him. Look at him, Davey boy, he's a dithering 'wreck' of a man!"

Tan could see Sean was right, the man looked as if he was about to have a coronary. If he was reacting like this by being sent here, it was a given he would collapse should anyone ask questions.

"Where are you supposed to be working?" David asked.

"Forward Upper Engineering Deck,"

"Will you be missed if you don't turn up?" Clancy asked.

"I am tasked with relaying the progress of the warp core through the ship. If I am absent, another will take my place,"

"But you're not turning up for your assigned duty will raise alarms?" Clancy pressed.

"Yes, I believe so," the Tendaran replied nervously.

"Then he'll have to be in position..." Tan commented, the others reluctantly agreeing. David turned to the engineer, "... We can't risk the Cardassians bringing a halt to the installation... Will you be able to confirm to Remik that you have spoken to us?"

"He has given instructions that once I have spoken with you I am to gather the Human Engineers and my associates together. But he has said nothing else,"

"Fine, go back to Remik. Tell him we'll be ready to detonate at sixteen hundred hours,"

"Sixt..." the Tendaran spluttered.

"That's... FOUR O'CLOCK... Today...!" Clancy almost shouted. Nodding so vigorously, that Tan was convinced the man was going to be suffering whiplash issues for the rest of his days. 'Should there be any further days for him' he thought as he pointed to the corridor allowing the Tendaran to leave.

They had work to do!

Command and Control Centre ..
Subterranean Shipyard ::


Legate Muccha was nervous - He always was at this juncture - Not that he let his concerns manifest themselves in his constantly disgruntled expression - In fact, the unannounced arrival of one of the Tendaran Overseers helped him fix his usual expression - His concern regarding his missing personnel was a worry, but he didn't show it, and the loss of several Tendarans made little difference to him as to be moot, yet he had to show 'some' concern if only to placate the Tendarans .....

"These are essential personnel?" he asked.

"No, or at least, not assigned to the core installation," the Tendaran replied.

"Then they are on no consequence. Have a search conducted..." Muccha instructed, grinning as the Tendaran turned, clearly relieved to be leaving the Cardassian's presence "... 'AFTER' the core installation... Naturally,"

Legate Muccha moved to the bank of control terminals, each manned by one of his own Officers or Engineers. The main screen, suspended above the others, showed the scene at the surface, where the warp core, now bereft of its transport container, was currently being manoeuvred onto the lift platform in readiness for lowering into the bowels of the Galor Glass Warship. With his subordinate still on his mind, he jabbed at the comm-link tab on the closest terminal:

'Muccha to Remik .. Where are you!'

'I am giving final instructions to the Engineers .. Why do you ask?' he replied, imagining Muccha fighting to maintain composure at his answer.

'You will come to the Command Centre immediately'

'I have duties to perform .. Unless you are halting the installation .. ..?' Remik replied, grinning inwardly. He knew that Muccha was already plotting his demise - Something undoubtedly humiliating to both his family 'and' himself. But if all went well, and the plans to get his family off Cardassia were progressing, then he and they would be well out of his insane superiors' reach. So his insubordination was more humorous than troublesome in his opinion, which was all that counted.

Muccha turned to one of the four Guards stationed in the Control Centre:

"The second the core is in place, you will arrest Gul Rimak... Is that understood?"

"Fully... Legate," the man said, relishing the thought that he might be able to inflict pain on a fellow Cardassian, regardless of their rank.

"Legate. Engineers on the surface wish permission to commence,"

"Give it," Muccha answered, eyes on the large screen and the warp core. The sooner he was rid of this task, and his forced association with the Tendarans, the better, he thought.

Less than five hundred metres away, matters were progressing ..........