ST:SoD004 | "Eye for an Eye Pt. I"
Updated: Mar 8
Stardate [redacted]
The Latenter crew end up getting far more involved in affairs with the Scryer Network than they ever anticipated. Now they have their work cut out to reign in the situation before they can move on to catch up to the Valley Forge.
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T'Lana@anncarise FX | The Latenter continues to hold position on the edge of the Carr System as Eirril sets up the connections to the Carran Eye's network on board the ship, under heavy supervision.
T'Lana@anncarise exits the turbolift and strides out into the main CIC, where there is more activity than usual as various members of the crew monitor the setup as well as information coming from Underworld.
T'Lana@anncarise makes her way to the centre, "Commander."
Mischa@crystyll sdits amidst the activity, appearing more comfortable than usual in the centre of the activity as she busily reviews report padd's as they come in and guides the analysts
Mischa@crystyll glances up as she hands a padd back to one with instruction, "T'Lana, how goes?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "The setup is nearly complete. We should be ready to continue on our journey within the day, if we are also satisfied with the amount of information we have collected."
T'Lana@anncarise: "I have found some information that may be of interest, however."
Mischa@crystyll flashes a slight grin, "One can never be truly satisfied with the information gained"
T'Lana@anncarise: "Especially in a place such as this, I would expect. There is something that could be of particular importance, though."
Mischa@crystyll: "You have a fresh lead already?" she hands her current report padd offhandedly, focus diverted fully to T'Lana
T'Lana@anncarise: "Not one related to the Network, but it is something I found in the Carran Eye's files."
T'Lana@anncarise nods towards the ready room.
Mischa@crystyll almost jumps from her seat, "Well then, let us take a look shall we" she beams, heading that way
T'Lana@anncarise follows her over.
Mischa@crystyll stops at the replicator as they enter, "Can I offer you anything?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "A tea will be nice."
Mischa@crystyll smiles, "A tea is always nice. Please, no need to stand on ceremony. So what do you have?"
T'Lana@anncarise takes a seat, "How familiar are you with the information we obtained on Decen history?"
Mischa@crystyll pauses for thought, "Overall reasonably so, but in the grand scheme of things the best of our information there is limited to little more than unconfirmed hearsay"
Mischa@crystyll returns, presenting T'Lana's tea before sitting with her own
T'Lana@anncarise takes her tea, "Thank you."
T'Lana@anncarise has a sip before continuing, "I will cover what we know of the background then. Some years in the past, there were still seven Decen Ruling Families. One of those was called the Covin Family, and -
T'Lana@anncarise: - the other Sundar."
T'Lana@anncarise: "The Sundars made a deal with a group of Nausicaan mercenaries who ventured into the region. With the Nausicaans' superior technology, the Sundars destroyed the Covin Family and proved enough of a -
T'Lana@anncarise: - threat for the Five Families who survive today to temporarily join forces."
T'Lana@anncarise: "The Decen believe that the Covin and Sundar Families are extinct. Lesser Families they once controlled exist still under the command of one of the modern Five Families, but all members of the Covin -
T'Lana@anncarise: - and Sundar bloodlines were believed to have been eliminated."
Mischa@crystyll: "...'believed' to be, sounding like it is the operative word there"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "Precisely." She takes out a PADD and slides it over the table. On its screen is a rather unclear surveillance image displaying a figure with the characteristic silver hair of the Decen.
Mischa@crystyll perks a brow as she reviews the image, "Well I hope this is not the entirety of the evidence here" she chuckles a little, taking a sip of her drink
T'Lana@anncarise: "There is much more, of course. This is merely the most recent image in the database. He is Vilo Sundar, last of his name."
T'Lana@anncarise: "Vilo was smuggled out by members of loyal lesser Families when the Decen systematically eliminated the rest of his Family. He hid on Underworld, and the Carran Eye had quite extensive records on him.
Mischa@crystyll: "So... it is possible there remain lesser Family leaders aware of Vilo's survival, who may even be looking to use his existence to usurp the current treaty"
T'Lana@anncarise: "That is a probability, but it is Vilo himself who concerns me more. Over the years, he has become a rather successful business magnate on Carr, with connections in the Scryer Network and beyond. -
T'Lana@anncarise: - He is using his wealth and influence to hire a mercenary force like the other Sundars before him, but one significantly larger. The Carran Eye's file on him states that his goal is to not only -
T'Lana@anncarise: - restore his Family to glory, but to lead all Decen. Influence from other cultures he has come into contact with while at Underworld has led him to calling himself 'Prince Vilo.'"
T'Lana@anncarise taps the datapad, revealing more information on Vilo's entire file.
Mischa@crystyll sighs, setting her tea down and leaning back thoughtfully, "That is a less desirable situation..."
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "The latest information here indicates that Vilo is concluding preparations and will likely initiate his conquest soon. The formation of the Decen League may have forced his hand."
Mischa@crystyll: "An unforeseen consequence to Starfleet's positive influence on the prominent society. And one which could not only tear down all the good work done here to sustain the Decen people, but with an +
Mischa@crystyll: + unacceptable loss of life to boot."
Mischa@crystyll: "Firstly, how accurate do we consider this intel given it's source. Enough so to rely on to act or do we need verification first?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "I believe the intel is accurate. I have corroborated the information with everything we are picking up from Underworld. The subsidiaries and fronts of Vilo's corporation are all real companies and -
T'Lana@anncarise: - our analysts believe their operations match that of a group with an ulterior motive in mind, beyond simply maximizing profits. Many of the mercenary crews under Vilo's pay are also known to the -
T'Lana@anncarise: - Carrans, and listed as unavailable for hire at the moment."
T'Lana@anncarise: "I could not verify the existence of Vilo Sundar as an individual beyond surveillance images extracted from Network sources, but regardless of whether or not Vilo is real, /someone/ is moving these pieces."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, that being the case then; we need a strategy as clearly this can not be allowed to play out naturally. Starfleet is responsible for the Decen, and if there is even a chance that our actions+
Mischa@crystyll: + have escalated this 'Princes' plans, we have a responsibility to protect our allies from a situation of our doing. What are your thoughts on ways to proceed?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "The Carran Eye has apparently attempted to dissuade Vilo from his course in the past, to no avail. There is too much contempt in him, he wishes to see the other Families destroyed as they did to his.”
Mischa@crystyll: "He is on a quest for personal vengeance" she comments in agreement
T'Lana@anncarise taps the datapad again to show the Carran Eye's report. She scrolls down to the very bottom, where the Eye made his finishing remark: 'All peaceful options have been exhausted. For the moment, -
T'Lana@anncarise: - Vilo Sundar is not yet an active threat to the stability of the region, but should he ever proceed with his plans, he must be forcibly removed. He is not very trusting. Manipulator operatives not -
T'Lana@anncarise: - recommended. Infiltration possible through posing as mercenaries. Assassination through Shadow operative ideal course of action.'
Mischa@crystyll purses her lips, carefully weighing the statement as she looks back to T'Lana, "Do you concur with this assessment?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "I am not sure if we should go as far as assassination. But Vilo's force is entirely mercenary, under his pay and his direction alone. If he is removed from the picture, there is a 99% probability that -
T'Lana@anncarise: - all his plans will collapse."
Mischa@crystyll: "Indeed, and I do not take the prospect of handing out death sentences lightly either. I would prefer a more... intelligent option. Clearly we can't just buy out his forces because he could simply +
Mischa@crystyll: + replace them. What about financial manipulation? Crash his holding companies and discredit him in the business community?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "That may be difficult given the complexities of Carran business, but possible. However, it is not without harm either. We must remember that most of the employees of these businesses are innocent -
T'Lana@anncarise: - people, and it is likely that many of the executives do not even know who they are truly serving. Crashing these businesses may cause suffering, perhaps even death, to a number of people who are -
T'Lana@anncarise: - caught in something larger than themselves."
Mischa@crystyll hrms, "A valid point, and in the grand scheme of things I would rather have the blood of one on my hands than the disarray of thousands. What about discrediting him as an individual, leaving the +
Mischa@crystyll: + companies intact. Surely our new Cell assets have some capacity for seizing control of business assets to ensure continued smooth running?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "That may be an optimal solution. His files state taht he has no regard for rules and is willing to do anything for his vendetta. If we can find some contract Vilo has broken, perhaps even a -
T'Lana@anncarise: - technicality, the Carran Contract Enforcement will take care of him for us."
Mischa@crystyll smiles, "I believe we have a priority task ahead of us then. If what you say about him is true, it should not be difficult to find infractions - likely even major breaches - of Carran contracts"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "And his mercenaries will be useless if the Carrans go after him. Not only are their ships formidible, but no mercenary will ever cross the Carran Enforcers if they wish to be able to find -
T'Lana@anncarise: - employment in the region ever again."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright then, we'll reassign the analytics teams to shift focus on finding us breaches to use against Vilo"
T'Lana@anncarise: "I will let them know of their new priorities."
Mischa@crystyll: "Thank you, do let me know as soon as we have something"
T'Lana@anncarise finishes her tea and stands, "I'll get back to you as soon as possible, Commander."
Mischa@crystyll nods, "I look forward to it" with a small smile
T'Lana@anncarise heads out to notify the analysts of their new mission.
T'Lana@anncarise FX | Over an hour later, the doorbell to the ready room rings.
Mischa@crystyll: "Come in" she calls out, looking up from her screen as the door opens and smiles, "Aah T'Lana, come in" she gestures to the seat, "You have news?"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "Yes. We've managed to find one contract breach and two minor infractions connected to Vilo Sundar. His record is far from clear. I suspect he has spent a considerable amount of effort -
T'Lana@anncarise: - keeping the Enforcers off him to begin with."
Mischa@crystyll: "Excellent news! Now we simply need to determine the most effective means of controlling the information flow"
T'Lana@anncarise: "How do you suggest we proceed, Commander?"
Mischa@crystyll: "Well I have been thinking on this and see two potential routes forward"
Mischa@crystyll: "First, we directly forward the details to the Enforcers and leave them to it. This is direct, but also blunt. Such a move against a prominent figure may in itself raise suspicion"
Mischa@crystyll: "Alternatively, we place the information strategically so that the offended parties are able to discover it on their own"
Mischa@crystyll: "A begrudged party from a contract should make a much more convincing case to act upon, depending on the party and the nature of the breach"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "The latter option is certainly more preferable and will allow the situation to unfold naturally without appearing like anyone intervened."
Mischa@crystyll smiles, "A wise man once said that if you have done your job right in this game, nobody will be sure you've done anything at all. I proverb I have tried to live by my whole career"
T'Lana@anncarise: "I believe our field operatives may be able to plant the information we uncovered pertaining to the major breach within the company's communication archives."
Mischa@crystyll: "Let us also leave them a breadcrumb trail to find evidence of the additional breaches elsewhere"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "We may require more than one agent in different parts of Carr, but it should be doable."
Mischa@crystyll: "Then let's make it happen" she nods
T'Lana@anncarise: "One of the agents will likely be planting information within the building where Vilo resides. We additionally will be able to hijack the surveillance systems there, if you wish."
Mischa@crystyll: "I definitely want a presence on hand to monitor things, make sure everything transpires as needed" she smiles, "Up for a little field trip?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "As always, Commander."
Mischa@crystyll: "Then I think - given the stakes here - this warrants you and I setting up a remote observation post in the local area. We will coordinate the field agents around Carr from there"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "I concur."
Mischa@crystyll: "Very well then, we will put our agents on the ground and join them as soon as everything is in play"
T'Lana@anncarise: "I will assign the field agents and begin setting up an observation post. We will require several shuttles to ferry our people to different parts of the planet this time as well."
Mischa@crystyll nods, "I will inform the hangar bay to prepare them accordingly"
T'Lana@anncarise: "And one more thing, Commander."
Mischa@crystyll: "Yes T'Lana?"
T'Lana@anncarise: "This may not be related, but our monitoring of Decen subspace communications reveals that the Medan Family's mining world of Tusa has failed to report in this week."
T'Lana@anncarise: "All indication is that Vilo is still on Carr, however."
T'Lana@anncarise: "It may simply be a relay malfunction, or perhaps another civil situation among the Decen League as the Satri were recently given rights to mine on the other side of the planet."
Mischa@crystyll: "Ordinarily I would agree, but given what we know about Vilo's intentions and timescales I would not like to rule out the possibility..."
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "That is why I brought it to your attention."
Mischa@crystyll leans back pondering, "Perhaps it would be prudent then for one of us to remain here and take the Latenter out to investigate while the other runs the Underworld operation"
T'Lana@anncarise: "That is a suitable precaution. I believe I am capable of filling either role, so who remains where will be your discretion."
Mischa@crystyll smiles, "Much I would like to run a big ground op like the good old days, my place is here first and foremost. The Underworld Op is yours, so prep your team for an extended stay as we will be out of+
Mischa@crystyll: + range for a short time while I take the ship and investigate the mine"
T'Lana@anncarise nods, "Understood. If it is possible...I would like to utilize Eirril in this operation. While we cannot fully trust him yet, his contacts here on Carr may be very useful."
Mischa@crystyll: "At your discretion, T'Lana. It's your operation so set up your assets accordingly, I trust your judgement"
T'Lana@anncarise: "Thank you, Commander. I will ensure that he is under our watch at all times."
Mischa@crystyll: "I know you will" she smiles, "Alright, I know you've got a lot to do so don't let me keep you any longer"
T'Lana@anncarise: "I will begin preparations immediately."
T'Lana@anncarise nods and turns to head out.
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The Latenter approaches the Decen mining world of Tusa, a barren planet with no native life and no breathable atmosphere.
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Bee: "Initial scans are coming in now."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, what do we know?"
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Fel: "No signs that would indicate attack, Commander. There are lingering traces of energy consistent with weapons fire, but they are not uncommon in mining tools either. I do not see any -
T'Vek@anncarise: - severe structural damage, however."
Mischa@crystyll: "Lifesigns on the surface, active communications?"
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Bee: "There are no lifesigns."
T'Vek@anncarise | Victoria: "I'm not reading any communications."
Mischa@crystyll leans back, pondering, "Something's definitely not right. Increase sensor resolution and commence a full orbital sweep, there has to be some indication of things"
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Bee: "We are on it, Commander. There are carbon readings consistent with Decen around the mines, likely bodies, but not enough to account for everyone here. However, there are several mines -
T'Vek@anncarise: - whose mineral content prevents sensors from penetrating."
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "An ideal place to hide, if there ever was an invasion. Especially considering no one would know those mines better than the miners themselves."
Mischa@crystyll: "Indeed, it would certainly be the top of my list of places. I would also look to reinforce my position by bolstering defenses at any entrance points. Automated defenses or portable forcefields may +
Mischa@crystyll: + offer some small indication of power readings at those locations if anyone is there"
T'Vek@anncarise | Daurant: "I see a power reading in one of the mines our sensors are having trouble with. We can't tell what but something is definitely active down there."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, seems we're to do this the hard way then. Download everything we've got including tunnel layout to a PADD, I'll take a small detail down at the nearest beamin point to those readings"
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Bee: "There is a spot just through the entrance where our transporters can lock on. Life support appears active inside the mines, though I would recommend environmental protection as a safety -
T'Vek@anncarise: - precaution just in case."
Mischa@crystyll: "Always prudent" she smiles to T'Bee, "Alright, have my team ready at the transporter room in 15 minutes" she stands to leave and go get changed
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Mischa and her away team materializes in a damaged mine shaft with fallen panels and sparks raining around them.
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "Definitely signs of damage on the inside. This place has been attacked, no mistaking it."
T'Vek@anncarise | Buena checks a tricorder: "A lot of interference ahead. Still no lifesigns, but there are a few carbon signatures."
Mischa@crystyll: "That pretty much just confirms our suspicions then. Alright, weapons ready and stay sharp. We would still like to find survivors if nothing else, so check your fire"
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "Keep an eye on your tricorder too. In dark spaces like this, it's likely to pick up a threat before we can see it."
Mischa@crystyll nods and keep her tricorder on active scan in her offhand like a tracker against her raised weapon
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The rest of the mine is just as dark and damaged, if not more so, than the entrance area.
T'Vek@anncarise | Buena: "Carbon signs this way..."
Mischa@crystyll thinks better of it as the tunnels continue to appear so dark, she keeps the tricorder active but stowed away in her pocket, tapping on her visor instead to bring up a linked overlay to the eyepiece
Mischa@crystyll smiles, "That's better" as she looks which way Buena was indicating
T'Vek@anncarise | Buena points to Mischa's right.
Mischa@crystyll cautiously edges forwards, following the signal readout on her hud
T'Vek@anncarise FX | As they progress, their lights shine upon a number of bodies on the floor.
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan approaches cautiously, checking his scanner as he does, "No sign of hostiles in the area. Whoever did this seems to have moved on."
Mischa@crystyll holds a raised fist to halt the group before scoping the area for movement. Once satisfied it's clear for herself she waves Buena over to the bodies to check them closer
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno approaches the bodies, beginning to scan them.
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "These are as bad as what the Klingons leave behind. Gashes and punctures, looks like the enemy preferred close-quarters weapons."
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno: "Not weapons. Claws and teeth. There's signs of foreign tissue and bodily fluid in these wounds."
Mischa@crystyll: "Though not completely unheard of, most mercenaries in my experience tend to favour efficiency and distance"
Mischa@crystyll: "Either this is someone who does the job because of a passion for it, or we are dealing with something completely different. Can you get a bioscan for any residue on the injuries?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno nods, "Already on it, Commander. No match for whatever did this. It's organic, that's about all I can determine."
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "Pets, maybe. Like how the Klingon use targs and jackals."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, nothing we can do for them now. Let's press on"
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno stands and looks over the bodies solemnly before moving on.
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethaydgea motions further right, "This is the way deeper into the mine, according to what we could scan, at least."
Mischa@crystyll: "How far to the interferance zone?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethaydgea: "That's still about half a kilometre down. We'll need to take a lift, or it's going to be a long climb..."
Mischa@crystyll nods and continues forwards
T'Vek@anncarise | As Nethaydgea leads them through the mine, they pass by many more bodies, all killed in similar fashion.
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "There's some energy burns on the walls, but it seems like the Decen trying to defend themselves. None of the corpses are actually killed by an energy weapon."
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethaydgea checks a nearby control panel as they reach a dead end, "Looks like a lift, and it's still powered up. Lift position is currently about 600 metres down."
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "Which means someone went down and hasn't come back up yet."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, then that's our destination."
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno: "It might be survivors, or it might be whoever invaded..."
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethaydgea: "Or both."
Mischa@crystyll: "Either way, we're finding out. Be ready for anything when this lift arrives, if it is survives, well... if it were me, I'd booby trap it"
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethaydgea nods and takes a step back after he activates the lift. A few moments later, the lift arrives and opens...to two more bodies inside it.
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan checks his tricorder: "No sign of any traps."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, let's keep moving then" she heads in
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The lift brings them to another layer of the mine that looks essentially identical to where they came from. In front of them is a door which does not open as they approach.
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno: "There's a force field behind that door! There might be- and the field just deactivated..."
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The door slides open...
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Beyond is a much better lit room, with, unsurprisingly, more bodies.
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno: "I'm picking up lifesigns here somewhere..."
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Mischa's eyepiece would also alert her to nearby movement...
Mischa@crystyll nods and indicates the direction of movement she can see
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The door behind them suddenly seals, and a force field snaps into place across it.
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethaydgea: "Great...it was a trap."
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "I am not surprised..."
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The movement draws closer and closer...
Mischa@crystyll: "Did you really suspect anything less. Those bodies were laid out like a breadcrumb trail"
Mischa@crystyll: "Inbound movement. Stand ready"
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The team readies their weapons and points in the direction of the movement. It should be visible now, but they still see nothing...
Mischa@crystyll checks above and below as well
T'Vek@anncarise | ...until it comes close enough to be registered as directly above them!
T'Vek@anncarise | Mischa sees a shape dashing across the roof before leaping down towards the group!
Mischa@crystyll: "Scatter!" she dives clear
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Something long like a whip narrowly misses Mischa, but smacks Neth right across the face! Hassan raises his rifle to fire at the incoming figure but it is far too fast and in a blur all -
T'Vek@anncarise: - Mischa can see is Hassan's rifle dropping as he is sent staggering back.
Mischa@crystyll would try and combine her eyepiece visuals wide a wide beam setting to catch their attacker at least enough to slow it to get a proper look
T'Vek@anncarise | Mischa only manages a glimpse of a slender figure with a long tail which disappears as quickly as it struck, with no opportunity to hit it at all.
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno rushes over to Neth, scanning him briefly before turning her attention to Hassan, whose arms are left bloodied by the attack.
T'Vek@anncarise | She kneels down beside him, taking out a regenerator from her medical kit to mend his wounds.
Mischa@crystyll focuses on defending Buena while she works
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The movement fades into the distance, but there are still lifesign readings in the area somewhere.
T'Vek@anncarise | Buena puts the regenerator away and gives Hassan a hypo before turning to Mischa, "They'll be fine, but Neth is out cold, and Hassan probably wouldn't be using a rifle again for a few days."
T'Vek@anncarise | Buena: "Certainly not until we get him back to a proper sickbay."
Mischa@crystyll tries her combadge
T'Vek@anncarise FX | No signal. These things never work when they're needed most, do they...
Mischa@crystyll had a feeling that would be the case, "Well we can't do anything for them until we can get back out past that forcefield. We need to fortify a position here that one of us can hold to protect them +
Mischa@crystyll: + while the other continues the search"
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno: "I'll stay with them. I'm better suited to looking after the wounded."
T'Vek@anncarise | Hassan: "I might not be able to fight, but I'll keep an eye on scanners. Let you know if that thing closes in again."
Mischa@crystyll nods, "I'll help you move Nethay"
Mischa@crystyll eases the Olelian up and over to a defensible position in the corner
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno sets her phaser to wide beam, staying in the corner with the others as Hassan watches the tricorders along with her.
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright you two, stand your ground and maintain open comms. Call me back at the first sign of trouble, I'll be as swift as I can in finding a way to drop that barrier"
T'Vek@anncarise | Bueno: "Good luck, Commander."
Mischa@crystyll smiles gently, resting a hand on Buena's shoulder, "You'll be fine" followed with a silent nod to Hassan before she checks her scanner for direction and moves off
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The scanner indicates a power source deeper into this layer of the mines.
Mischa@crystyll follows a route to the power source as the best lead, staying sharp on the motion tracker
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Mischa rounds a corner and her scanner suddenly registers a burst of energy beside her...
Mischa@crystyll checks her surroundings
T'Vek@anncarise | A mining laser to her left is starting to charge up!
Mischa@crystyll would dash clear, still moving forward is feasible
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Mischa manages to dash forward as the laser activates behind her, slowly drilling a hole in the tunnel wall. It doesn't turn off and the thick beam blocks her way back completely, though the -
T'Vek@anncarise - emitter is in clear view and can be disabled with a phaser shot. However, as soon as the laser activates, her scanner goes wild with movement...
Mischa@crystyll spins around again, focusing on the direction of the movement for now
T'Vek@anncarise | There are several figures moving towards her from the front...and something beneath her...
Mischa@crystyll: rolls 93 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise | The floor panels beneath Mischa bursts open, knocking her to the ground, but she manages to keep her grip on her phaser!
Mischa@crystyll would focus on getting a decent aim on whatever knocked her back before attempting to regain her footing, knowing she has options to roll etc while on the floor
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The creature emerges from below the floor grate and dashes right at her. With pistol in hand, she could risk a shot, though the creature was fast and might get her as she gets it...
Mischa@crystyll tries to land a series of less aimed shots as she rolls out of the way before getting back to her feet
Mischa@crystyll: rolls 60 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise FX | One of her shots graze the creature and it staggers back, letting out a deafening shriek as it swings its tail at her.
T'Vek@anncarise: rolls 67 (1-100)
Mischa@crystyll: rolls 45 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise | The tip of the tail, now visibly bladed, narrowly misses Mischa's head, though it doesn't seem to have been aiming to kill her as the rest of the appendage slaps her across her arms, knocking -
T'Vek@anncarise - her weapon out of her hands.
Mischa@crystyll curses, opting for optimal countermove rather than trying to retrieve her weapon. She goes for a classic two-footed lunge at the creature aiming to stagger it further into the active mining laser
Mischa@crystyll: rolls 90 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The creature rises to its full height, towering above Mischa at over two metres tall. Through the light of the mining laser, she can now see some details of it. Her attacker seems to possess -
T'Vek@anncarise: - a roughly reptilian shape though capable of supporting itself on two legs as its current stance makes clear. Its body is covered in a thick scaly hide and two antennae sprout -
T'Vek@anncarise: - from its head, angled at Mischa. It lets out another shriek as it stands, almost taunting Mischa, but its attempt to relish the moment allows Mischa to land her kick square in its chest.
T'Vek@anncarise | The creature staggers back, its tail caught in the laser and completely disintegrating. It shrieks again and lunges at Mischa in a blind fury, jaws open...
T'Vek@anncarise | ...but suddenly a series of bolts riddle it and it drops down mid-leap!
Mischa@crystyll lays on the floor at the creatures feet, half drawing her blade from the side of her boot as she glances backwards to see an upside-down view of the source of the bolts
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Two armed Decen steps up from the direction the bolts came from, weapons raised and pointed at her. Several more approach from behind them.
Mischa@crystyll slowly releases her grip on the blade and holds her hand out non-offensively, "Forgive the intrusion, I would have knocked but you are rather well hidden down here. Do you mind if I get up, this is +
Mischa@crystyll: + the most dignified position to find oneself in"
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen 1: "Get up, but don't move or we'll shoot."
T'Vek@anncarise | The two Decen step aside slightly to make room for a third, a female in a long coat.
Mischa@crystyll calmly stands, noting the location of her phaser but leaving it be for now. She maintains a non-offensive posture, "Most kind" she focuses on the female as she approaches
T'Vek@anncarise | The female Decen shines the flashlight on her rifle straight into Mischa's eyes before slowly trailing it down, looking over Mischa closely, "Well you're definitely not Toroki."
Mischa@crystyll glances back over her shoulder, "Is that what you call that thing?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen Leader: "You must be new around these parts. I thought you looked a little like these aliens from the Valley Forge."
Mischa@crystyll nods, "I am Human, yes. And I am here with Starfleet, though not the Valley Forge"
T'Vek@anncarise | The Decen female simply nods as she heads over to the corpse of the alien attacker, turning it over with her boot, "Great, you vapourized its stinger. These things are quite valuable, you know."
T'Vek@anncarise | She turns back to Mischa, "You handled yourself pretty well against it, though."
Mischa@crystyll turns and watches, "Sincerest apologies. Had I known, I would have made a conceited effort to disintigrate it front first instead" she smiles, "Not that I still don't appreciate your timely +
Mischa@crystyll: + intervention. And on the subject of our little smouldering friend here. Is this a lone hunter or are there more, because I have injured people further back in the tunnels"
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen Leader: "They like to operate alone in situations like this, but I doubt there's just one here. Everyone's dead, all the miners, Satri and Medan."
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen Leader: "The Toroki are good, but not /that/ good. And to get here in the first place, they must've used at least one of their stealth ships."
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen Leader: "Which means they at least have backup, if they're not down here right now."
Mischa@crystyll: "And who exactly are you then?" she indicates the group
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen Leader: "I'm Edel Satri. They're members of my crew. My group was the closest when we lost contact with Tusa, so we came to investigate."
Mischa@crystyll: "Edel Satri... you were your Family's representative at the Valley Forge conference were you not?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel nods, "That's me. What about you? What brings you here? I thought the Valley Forge was the only Starfleet ship here."
Mischa@crystyll: "We came along afterwards, had to make sure nothing happened to upset the balance of what you achieved that day. But knowing who you are is good enough for me" she looks around, "Is this all that +
Mischa@crystyll: + remains of your forces here?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel: "You mean you didn't see a ship above Tusa?"
Mischa@crystyll shakes her head, "Latent energy readings, but nothing definitive of combat. If you have nobody else on the ground might I suggest we vacate the area. I assume you have control of the forcefield +
Mischa@crystyll: + blocking this protected area? My people are not far from there, and we can beam up to my ship once we are clear of the mineral interference"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel frowns, "Sneaky buggers...I guess my ship either tried to run or wanted to lead the Toroki away. I guess we are all that's left, then."
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel looks to the path ahead, which appears to be blocked by a cave-in. "The force field is a function of the mine, but the Toroki was controlling it. Collapsed the path to it, but now that -
T'Vek@anncarise: - it’s given us a mining laser..."
T'Vek@anncarise | She nods to her people, who promptly move over to turn off the laser and reposition it.
Mischa@crystyll smiles, "How very considerate" taking the movement as a sign that they are all friendly now and retrieving her weapon to stow away in it's holster
T'Vek@anncarise FX | As the Decen begin to operate the mining laser on the cave-in, Mischa's comm sounds.
Mischa@crystyll taps her combadge, "Status?"
T'Vek@anncarise <C - Buena> "Commander, we've got more movement coming towards us..."
Mischa@crystyll: "Hold tight, I'm on my way"
Mischa@crystyll looks to Edel, "I have to help them"
T'Vek@anncarise | Decen Crewman: "Movement above us! Another Toroki!"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel curses untranslatably, "They're trying to split us up."
T'Vek@anncarise | She looks to Mischa, "You have good weapons, right?"
Mischa@crystyll: "We do, and my people have more if we can get back to them"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel nods, "Abandon the laser! Follow the alien's lead!"
T'Vek@anncarise | The Decen crew turn and converge on Mischa and Edel.
Mischa@crystyll gives a curt nod in response as she draws and checks her phaser before cautiously and hastily returning along her route
T'Vek@anncarise FX | They return just in time to see another Toroki crawling along the wall towards Buena.
Mischa@crystyll would immediately open fire attempting to draw it's attention if not land a crippling blow
Mischa@crystyll: rolls 3 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise | The Toroki leaps out of the way of Mischa's shots, swinging its tail as Bueno tries to fire and knocks her back as well. Its tail curls down as it...picks up Hassan's phaser rifle which had -
T'Vek@anncarise: - been left beside him. It darts behind several crates for cover as the Decen opens fire before suddenly appearing on top of the crates, unleashing the phaser rifle and taking out two of Edel's crew.
T'Vek@anncarise: rolls 99 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel rolls out of the way of the shots and lines up her own, nailing the Toroki just before it could get back into cover. It tumbles off the crates and drops dead, the rifle clattering out of -
T'Vek@anncarise: - its clawed hands.
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel: "Not so fast now, huh?!"
Mischa@crystyll glances back, "Impressive" before moving to Buena's side, "How is Nethay?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Buena pushes herself up, "He's awake, but he's got a minor concussion. I've given him something so he's clear now, and I'll fix him up fully once we're back on the ship."
T'Vek@anncarise | Nethay looks to the Decen, "You found survivors, Commander?"
Mischa@crystyll nods, "Good job" and looks back briefly, "Something like that. Edel, where do we stand on getting past the forcefield now?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel: "The other Toroki has probably gotten rid of the laser now. Hopefully your weapons will do the trick. I suspect it's waiting for us to get back to the cave-in, too."
Mischa@crystyll: "We can but try. She retrieves the rifle the Toroki had and hands it to Edel, "A concentrated burst from all weapons should present our best chance"
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel admires the weapon for a moment, "Nice toy. Let's get moving before more of them start showing up."
Mischa@crystyll lines up a shot on the centre, "Sustained fire, let's hope the power source is sufficiently weakened for this to work..." and begins firing
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel and all the other Toroki join in, as well as Buena and Nethay...
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The force field slowly buckles under the sustained fire before flickering and disappearing, and the remaining shots begin cutting through the door.
Mischa@crystyll: "Nicely done!"
T'Vek@anncarise | The door, not built to sustain such energy, soon disintegrates.
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel: "Let's get out of here. I...might need a ride afterwards, too..."
Mischa@crystyll: "The least we can do" she glances to the downed creature, moving over and kneeling beside it while drawing her blade from her boot. She slices off the tip of it's tail and returns handing it - still+
Mischa@crystyll: + dripping - to Edel, "Not as valuable as two, but something at least" she smiles
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel smiles back, "Thanks."
Mischa@crystyll maintains vigilance for more Toroki as they move back to the lift
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The area appears clear of movement and lifesigns as they return to the lift.
Mischa@crystyll would try and establish comms with the ship once clear
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The team and remaining Decen enter the lift, which begins to move up for a few seconds before stopping...but the doors don't open.
T'Vek@anncarise | Mischa manages to establish comms as more movement begins to show up on their scanners, from both above and below...
Mischa@crystyll readies her weapon, watching all angles including above and below
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel mutters, "Of course they would stop the lift..."
Mischa@crystyll: <C> Latenter, do you read me? We need emergency beamout"
T'Vek@anncarise: <C - Latenter> "We read you, Commander. There's still some interference but we can see and lock on to multiple lifesigns around you."
T'Vek@anncarise: <C - Latenter> "Should we extract the Decen as well?"
Mischa@crystyll: "Yes, away team plus four. Energize"
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Nethay, Buena and one of the Decen disappear into transporter beams.
T'Vek@anncarise: <C - Latenter> "We're just fighting the interference, Commander, we'll have the rest of you up shortly..."
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Above the open ceiling of the mine lift, they can see several Toroki climbing down at them...
Mischa@crystyll: <C> Expediency would be appreciated. Get Hassan and the Decen out as priority
T'Vek@anncarise | Edel and the two other Decen begin to open fire, not managing to hit any of them but warding back the advance.
Mischa@crystyll joins in the suppressing fire while they wait for a timely retrieval
T'Vek@anncarise FX | One of the Toroki makes a leap for it, pouncing at one of the Decen and impaling her with its tail stinger. Edel fires the SFI rifle, blasting away one of its arms and causing it to shriek with pain.
Mischa@crystyll: rolls 24 (1-100)
T'Vek@anncarise | The Toroki manages to dislodge its tail and jump away into the shadows before Mischa can finish it.
T'Vek@anncarise FX | Another Toroki leaps down for Hassan, but he disappears into a transporter beam along with Edel and the other Decen crewmember...
Mischa@crystyll won't complain at that outcome in the present circumstances
T'Vek@anncarise | The Toroki lands on the lift and shrieks in annoyance before turning to Mischa, who quickly begins to dematerialize as well.
Mischa@crystyll looks around and smiles as she hears the beam energizing, "Not today"
T'Vek@anncarise | She sees the Toroki swipe its stinger-blade at her, but she is already gone by the time it reaches her.
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Fel: "Welcome back, Commander. Our thorough scans have detected what appears to be two raider-sized vessels using primitive cloaking technology in orbit of the planet."
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Fel: "Warp trails indicate two more were present but left to follow a Decen warp signature, likely a fleeing Decen vessel."
Mischa@crystyll: "That could be our Satri guests ship. Engage on a pursuit course before the trail runs cold"
T'Vek@anncarise | Backup Navigator: "Aye aye, ma'am. Pursuing now."
T'Vek@anncarise FX | It only takes two minutes of travel before they reach the end of the Decen's trail, a small cloud of debris.
T'Vek@anncarise | The raiders' warp trails seem to continue onwards, but not back towards Tusa.
Mischa@crystyll: "Can we get a positive ID on the debris field?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Daurant: "Hull composition is consistent with Decen vessels, Commander."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright... sweep for survivors, then we shall continue to follow that warp trail. Start plotting potential destinations as we track it, I don't want this trail going cold on us"
T'Vek@anncarise | Daurant: "I'm picking up one intact escape pod. Seven lifesigns on board."
Mischa@crystyll: "Bring them on board then resume course"
T'Vek@anncarise | Daurant: "Bringing them in now."
Mischa@crystyll taps her intercom to Edel's quarters
T'Vek@anncarise: <C - Edel> "Hello? Is this how this thing works?"
Mischa@crystyll: <C> "Yes Edel, I just thought you should know that we have recovered several survivors from a Decen escape pod. Your escort outside the door will be able to take you to them. I suspect they are all +
Mischa@crystyll: + that remain from your ship, but am sure you will be able to verify their identities better than I"
T'Vek@anncarise: <C - Edel> "I see. Thanks for picking them up. I'll talk to them, figure out if they were trying to run or something else."
Mischa@crystyll: <C> You should also know that we are continuing the pursuit of two raiders we suspect to be responsible for the ship's destruction. I will keep you informed as the situation develops"
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Fel: "Commander, something is occuring back at Tusa. I am reading a tachyon signature and the appearance of a new presence."
Mischa@crystyll: "Another cloaked vessel?"
T'Vek@anncarise | Victoria: "No...it's Carran. And it's hailing us on an SFI frequency..."
Mischa@crystyll: "Alright, patch it through. Helm continue pursuit until we have reason to divert"
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The comm comes through...and T'Lana and Eirril appears on the screen.
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Lana: "This is Commander T'Lana reporting. We have information which-"
Mischa@crystyll smiles at the familiar face appearing
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The other side of the screen shakes suddenly.
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Fel: "I'm detecting weapons fire in orbit of Tusa."
Mischa@crystyll leans forward, mood soon turning, "T'Lana? What is your situation?"
T'Vek@anncarise | T'Lana: "I am on board the Carran courier vessel. Two ships have just decloaked and are targetting us."
Mischa@crystyll: "Two cloaked raiders again..." She muses, "Helm... bring us about, maximum warp back to Tusa"
T'Vek@anncarise FX | The Latenter turns around, heading back to Tusa...
Mischa@crystyll: <C> Hold tight T'Lana, we are on our way back to you now