S5: E: 8 Echos of a Tattered Past.

[Zhukdrashar Mrekrerhas]

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

[Surface - Kaimo IV]

The alien was male and roughly equal to his late teens. When Chloe began treating his injuries, he regained consciousness and was obviously terrified by the away team, especially by Zhuk. However, despite his injuries, he neither whimpered or cried out, except when Blackthorn and Savar moved the heavy branch under which he had been pinned.

Fortunately, the universal translators picked up on the local language quickly, allowing Akuuta, as he was called, to say that his people were the AritÁ¡ri. He explained that he, along with several others of his tribe, had been shadowing the 'strangers', trying to determine what they wanted or if they meant any harm.

Unfortunately, the bone knitter wasn't very compatible with AritÁ¡ri physiology and was only partially effective in treating Akuuta's injuries, as a result, the youth would not be able to travel under his own power for some time, likely days. This left the away team with yet another dilemma. Should they take him with them, or leave him in the hopes that he will be found by one of his own.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

The Universal Translator picked up the language fast. Nira smiled at understanding him. "Akuuta," she said gently, her rifle to the side to show she was no threat. "We'll get this off you."

She could feel his terror alright, but he made no noise until the branch was lifted off. She admired how brave he was. Especially with people like him. Looking at the away team, she could tell Lahr didn't especially like it, but she did explain.

Finally, Nurse Davies had finished, which prompted Nira to come over. She heard the diagnosis and now there came a decision: Leave him or take him along? She didn't like the first option; again, there could be more than just him watching him, and for another, there were all the hazards of the jungle to deal with. Davies' offer to stay behind was a worse idea, which prompted Nira's decision:

"We're staying together," said Nira. "I don't like the idea of you being alone in the jungle with Akuuta, even if you had either Mister Blackfeather or Zhuk to protect you."

"He won't be able to go under his own steam," Savar pointed out. "I'll support his weight, I'm strong enough for the endurance."

"Thank you, Savar," said Nira, then she turned to Akuuta. "Akuuta of the AritÁ¡ri, we are in need of help. We seek a way to the great mountain in the middle of that great lake. We are wondering if there are powerful beings there. Can you guide us a way to get there?"

She had asked in that she realized that having Akuuta guide them would save them a lot of trouble. In any case, recalling the powered room in the crevasse, his people would be more advanced than they look. Of course, she didn't want to elaborate any further, she didn't want to push her luck with the Prime Directive further as it is.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira furrowed her brow in befuddlement. What did Akuuta fear that would be at the island? Temple of Thunder and Fire? Well, that could be a hint of technology there, and potentially some "higher deities" that would be Romulans playing God.

"You won't make it; you need time to heal," said Nira. "We'll help you; it'll be a show of good faith to the villagers if we bring you back safely. Besides, these pathways in the trees..."

She left the sentence hanging to drive the point home, along with looking around. Then she turned back and said, "Besides, we wish to see this temple of yours. Though...what's dangerous about it?"

Savar looked around at Zhuk and Lahr to see what they thought, considering the significance of this Temple of Thunder and Fire...then he noticed something in the trees. Something big was climbing...maybe it was his imagination; even on Vulcans, hallucination was possible, whether or not by fatigue.

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

Lahr opened his mouth to protest Chloe's offer to stay but thankfully his words weren't needed.  The Commander removed that option from the table right away.  Finally, the new XO was making sense!

But his silent assessment of the far more senior officer dipped again when she sought out the youth's help in gaining intel.  Lahr's antennae writhed in agitation.   He was so very leery about getting more involved with the local especially in regards to their search for the signal.  Really?!  What was she going to do next? Ask for directions, or maybe a ride on the village canoe?

From his position standing at the edge of the new clearing where he was keeping watch for signs of other locals, the Andorian mumbled to himself "weresogonnabecourtmartialledforthis"

There went any hopes of a promotion to Chief Petty.  Because what Captain promoted someone who didn't speak up when the Prime Directive was being whittled away right in front of them?  Lahr glanced about at the others but he didn't see anyone else brave enough to call the Commander out of her poor suggestion.  The Vulcan was her doting follower - not unlike him and Ruth he had to admit, Chloe just seemed to be concerned that her patient wasn't going to be left solo, and well, the others were Security staff... so doubly under the Commander's orders.

Roohz!  Was it just him who thought this was wrong?

The kid looked spooked when the Commander suggested finding a way to the mountain.   The Andorian was intrigued a bit by this 'Temple of Thunder and Fire'.  Sounded like an apt description of a volcano to Lahr.

Then, just when Lahr thought his 'court-martial grave' couldn't get dug any dipper, Commander Said suggested their taking the kid back to his village 'as a show of good faith' - meaning she intended the village to see them.  The Andorian couldn't keep his mouth shut anymore.  "Whoa. Hold on a sec, Commander.  Is that wise?  Letting ourselves be seen by an entire village?"

It was bad enough them being spotted at a distance by what was apparently a local scouting team, or getting involved to save this kids life.. but to intentionally walk into what was essentially a pre-warp society village -without any sort of disguise or concealment - as if blue people and giant upright cats were normal for this planet - was just wrong.

With his attention on staring gape-mouth in disbelief at Commander Said, Lahr didn't notice what Savar was looking at.

Speaking out against the Commander while not good for his career, had one upside... he'd likely never get picked for an away mission gain.

While Lahr expected a reprimand for speaking out, the first voice he heard was Chloe's "Of course, you'd be the one to criticize. The guy who can barely follow orders at the best of times.  Do you have a better plan for getting Akuuta home? or getting to that mountain?" she asked pointedly.

Lahr feeling it was rhetorical, said nothing.

"Yeah, I thought not!  Brains were never your strong suit."  Chloe rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her patient.   It was troubling for the medical officer to not be able to help her patient as much as she thought she should be able to.   If she were on the ship and had access to a biobed she could figure why the bone-mender wasn't working.  But as it was Chloe couldn't do anything more to help Akuuta and that frustrated her to the point that she was taking it out on her ex.

Zhukdra'shar felt a little offended at seeing the fear in the eyes of the native when he turned to see him, especially as he had been a supporter of aiding him. A deep breath helped keep that feeling at bay, vanishing soon from his mind.  After all, he figured out he couldn't blame him. He was probably the oddest amongst the group, that with his feline configuration.

He felt much better too when Chloe began to work her magic, while Nira spoke with the wounded man. Things seemed to be looking up, and he figured out that even if he could not help them reach their destination, they would have done a great duty for this man. As Zhuk explored their general surroundings to make sure that nothing sneaked up on them, or if he could locate other members of the native's tribe, his ear remained peeled on what was transpiring. He was ready to offer to stay with Chloe if it meant that she would remain secure, not wanting to leave her behind with her patient. Fortunately, he didn't have the need to speak, as Lieutenant Nira determined that no one would be left behind. Then, he would have to be carried back to his tribe.

He was quite surprised to overhear that the man, named Akuuta, seemingly feared their destination, calling it a "temple of thunder and fire". Certainly concerning, but he supposed that he could assume it was just superstition from the man. Still, though he planned on being more of a neutral party when it came to the decision they would ultimately take, the whole discussion of what to do concerning the aid of the native, and the talk about violating the Prime Directive even further made him take a stance in the situation. Especially as Lahr explained and complained about his views on the matter, with Chloe certainly going for the throat as she replied to his grievances. He really didn't want to leave Lahr alone here, especially after providing solid statements about the potential wrong they could be doing by pushing the law of the Federation so far, yet...

"Forgive me, Petty Officer First Class ch'Verret, but I must object to your observations. While it is true that we are violating the Prime Directive if we assist the native, we are also potentially allowing an individual with a bright future to suffer a grisly fate if we do not aid him. Besides, if I recall correctly, Akuuta commented that he and his fellows had been trailing us for some time already. Thus, our incursion has already proven to have affected them in some capacity. Akuuta's fall is, no doubt, a result of our interference, as unaware as we were. My final verdict is that we have already done harm, the least we may do is do good by assisting him on returning home." Ah, said like a true poet, Zhukdra'shar, the Caitian complemented himself internally, showcasing it externally with a heroic pose. Well done.

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira furrowed her brow in befuddlement. What did Akuuta fear that would be at the island? Temple of Thunder and Fire? Well, that could be a hint of technology there, and potentially some "higher deities" that would be Romulans playing God.

"You won't make it; you need time to heal," said Nira. "We'll help you; it'll be a show of good faith to the villagers if we bring you back safely. Besides, these pathways in the trees..."

She left the sentence hanging to drive the point home, along with looking around. Then she turned back and said, "Besides, we wish to see this temple of yours. Though...what's dangerous about it?"

Savar looked around at Zhuk and Lahr to see what they thought, considering the significance of this Temple of Thunder and Fire...then he noticed something in the trees. Something big was climbing...maybe it was his imagination; even on Vulcans, hallucination was possible, whether or not by fatigue.

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

Lahr opened his mouth to protest Chloe's offer to stay but thankfully his words weren't needed.  The Commander removed that option from the table right away.  Finally, the new XO was making sense!

But his silent assessment of the far more senior officer dipped again when she sought out the youth's help in gaining intel.  Lahr's antennae writhed in agitation.   He was so very leery about getting more involved with the local especially in regards to their search for the signal.  Really?!  What was she going to do next? Ask for directions, or maybe a ride on the village canoe?

From his position standing at the edge of the new clearing where he was keeping watch for signs of other locals, the Andorian mumbled to himself "weresogonnabecourtmartialledforthis"

There went any hopes of a promotion to Chief Petty.  Because what Captain promoted someone who didn't speak up when the Prime Directive was being whittled away right in front of them?  Lahr glanced about at the others but he didn't see anyone else brave enough to call the Commander out of her poor suggestion.  The Vulcan was her doting follower - not unlike him and Ruth he had to admit, Chloe just seemed to be concerned that her patient wasn't going to be left solo, and well, the others were Security staff... so doubly under the Commander's orders.

Roohz!  Was it just him who thought this was wrong?

The kid looked spooked when the Commander suggested finding a way to the mountain.   The Andorian was intrigued a bit by this 'Temple of Thunder and Fire'.  Sounded like an apt description of a volcano to Lahr.

Then, just when Lahr thought his 'court-martial grave' couldn't get dug any dipper, Commander Said suggested their taking the kid back to his village 'as a show of good faith' - meaning she intended the village to see them.  The Andorian couldn't keep his mouth shut anymore.  "Whoa. Hold on a sec, Commander.  Is that wise?  Letting ourselves be seen by an entire village?"

It was bad enough them being spotted at a distance by what was apparently a local scouting team, or getting involved to save this kids life.. but to intentionally walk into what was essentially a pre-warp society village -without any sort of disguise or concealment - as if blue people and giant upright cats were normal for this planet - was just wrong.

With his attention on staring gape-mouth in disbelief at Commander Said, Lahr didn't notice what Savar was looking at.

Speaking out against the Commander while not good for his career, had one upside... he'd likely never get picked for an away mission gain.

While Lahr expected a reprimand for speaking out, the first voice he heard was Chloe's "Of course, you'd be the one to criticize. The guy who can barely follow orders at the best of times.  Do you have a better plan for getting Akuuta home? or getting to that mountain?" she asked pointedly.

Lahr feeling it was rhetorical, said nothing.

"Yeah, I thought not!  Brains were never your strong suit."  Chloe rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her patient.   It was troubling for the medical officer to not be able to help her patient as much as she thought she should be able to.   If she were on the ship and had access to a biobed she could figure why the bone-mender wasn't working.  But as it was Chloe couldn't do anything more to help Akuuta and that frustrated her to the point that she was taking it out on her ex.

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

Zhukdra'shar felt a little offended at seeing the fear in the eyes of the native when he turned to see him, especially as he had been a supporter of aiding him. A deep breath helped keep that feeling at bay, vanishing soon from his mind.  After all, he figured out he couldn't blame him. He was probably the oddest amongst the group, that with his feline configuration.

He felt much better too when Chloe began to work her magic, while Nira spoke with the wounded man. Things seemed to be looking up, and he figured out that even if he could not help them reach their destination, they would have done a great duty for this man. As Zhuk explored their general surroundings to make sure that nothing sneaked up on them, or if he could locate other members of the native's tribe, his ear remained peeled on what was transpiring. He was ready to offer to stay with Chloe if it meant that she would remain secure, not wanting to leave her behind with her patient. Fortunately, he didn't have the need to speak, as Lieutenant Nira determined that no one would be left behind. Then, he would have to be carried back to his tribe.

He was quite surprised to overhear that the man, named Akuuta, seemingly feared their destination, calling it a "temple of thunder and fire". Certainly concerning, but he supposed that he could assume it was just superstition from the man. Still, though he planned on being more of a neutral party when it came to the decision they would ultimately take, the whole discussion of what to do concerning the aid of the native, and the talk about violating the Prime Directive even further made him take a stance in the situation. Especially as Lahr explained and complained about his views on the matter, with Chloe certainly going for the throat as she replied to his grievances. He really didn't want to leave Lahr alone here, especially after providing solid statements about the potential wrong they could be doing by pushing the law of the Federation so far, yet...

"Forgive me, Petty Officer First Class ch'Verret, but I must object to your observations. While it is true that we are violating the Prime Directive if we assist the native, we are also potentially allowing an individual with a bright future to suffer a grisly fate if we do not aid him. Besides, if I recall correctly, Akuuta commented that he and his fellows had been trailing us for some time already. Thus, our incursion has already proven to have affected them in some capacity. Akuuta's fall is, no doubt, a result of our interference, as unaware as we were. My final verdict is that we have already done harm, the least we may do is do good by assisting him on returning home." Ah, said like a true poet, Zhukdra'shar, the Caitian complemented himself internally, showcasing it externally with a heroic pose. Well done.

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta listened to the exchange intently even though he did not understand much of what was being said. He did know that they were debating if they would help him or leave him and he was afraid of both possible answers. He remained silent and hoped one of the other trackers would know where he was and would know what to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blackfeather had remained vigilant as the others debated, because that was both his way and his job. He didn't like the idea of having his career ended by a violation of the Prime Directive. He'd been on duty on the bridge nearly a year and a half ago when Captain Galloway had had to watch as two primitive planets attempted to wipe each other out with nuclear weapons. Both planets eventually asked for help, but one leader waited too late and millions died. Blackfeather would never forget the images on the viewscreen as mushroom clouds bloomed all over the planet Trellion.

Despite having the ability to stop the annihilation, because of the Prime Directive, Captain Galloway was forced to stand by helplessly as the unimaginable occurred. To Blackfeather, the fate of one native paled in comparison to what happened on Trellion. However, he wasn't in command, this was Said's call. She was new and he didn't know if he'd back her if she chose to violate the law or not. He'd have to see how things played out before he could decide where his duty lay. As it was getting late, he figured it was time to hurry this decision up.

"Light's starting to fade, whatever you decide Sir, you will have to do it now."

[Nira Said]

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

Lahr opened his mouth to protest Chloe's offer to stay but thankfully his words weren't needed.  The Commander removed that option from the table right away.  Finally, the new XO was making sense!

But his silent assessment of the far more senior officer dipped again when she sought out the youth's help in gaining intel.  Lahr's antennae writhed in agitation.   He was so very leery about getting more involved with the local especially in regards to their search for the signal.  Really?!  What was she going to do next? Ask for directions, or maybe a ride on the village canoe?

From his position standing at the edge of the new clearing where he was keeping watch for signs of other locals, the Andorian mumbled to himself "weresogonnabecourtmartialledforthis"

There went any hopes of a promotion to Chief Petty.  Because what Captain promoted someone who didn't speak up when the Prime Directive was being whittled away right in front of them?  Lahr glanced about at the others but he didn't see anyone else brave enough to call the Commander out of her poor suggestion.  The Vulcan was her doting follower - not unlike him and Ruth he had to admit, Chloe just seemed to be concerned that her patient wasn't going to be left solo, and well, the others were Security staff... so doubly under the Commander's orders.

Roohz!  Was it just him who thought this was wrong?

The kid looked spooked when the Commander suggested finding a way to the mountain.   The Andorian was intrigued a bit by this 'Temple of Thunder and Fire'.  Sounded like an apt description of a volcano to Lahr.

Then, just when Lahr thought his 'court-martial grave' couldn't get dug any dipper, Commander Said suggested their taking the kid back to his village 'as a show of good faith' - meaning she intended the village to see them.  The Andorian couldn't keep his mouth shut anymore.  "Whoa. Hold on a sec, Commander.  Is that wise?  Letting ourselves be seen by an entire village?"

It was bad enough them being spotted at a distance by what was apparently a local scouting team, or getting involved to save this kids life.. but to intentionally walk into what was essentially a pre-warp society village -without any sort of disguise or concealment - as if blue people and giant upright cats were normal for this planet - was just wrong.

With his attention on staring gape-mouth in disbelief at Commander Said, Lahr didn't notice what Savar was looking at.

Speaking out against the Commander while not good for his career, had one upside... he'd likely never get picked for an away mission gain.

While Lahr expected a reprimand for speaking out, the first voice he heard was Chloe's "Of course, you'd be the one to criticize. The guy who can barely follow orders at the best of times.  Do you have a better plan for getting Akuuta home? or getting to that mountain?" she asked pointedly.

Lahr feeling it was rhetorical, said nothing.

"Yeah, I thought not!  Brains were never your strong suit."  Chloe rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her patient.   It was troubling for the medical officer to not be able to help her patient as much as she thought she should be able to.   If she were on the ship and had access to a biobed she could figure why the bone-mender wasn't working.  But as it was Chloe couldn't do anything more to help Akuuta and that frustrated her to the point that she was taking it out on her ex.

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

Zhukdra'shar felt a little offended at seeing the fear in the eyes of the native when he turned to see him, especially as he had been a supporter of aiding him. A deep breath helped keep that feeling at bay, vanishing soon from his mind.  After all, he figured out he couldn't blame him. He was probably the oddest amongst the group, that with his feline configuration.

He felt much better too when Chloe began to work her magic, while Nira spoke with the wounded man. Things seemed to be looking up, and he figured out that even if he could not help them reach their destination, they would have done a great duty for this man. As Zhuk explored their general surroundings to make sure that nothing sneaked up on them, or if he could locate other members of the native's tribe, his ear remained peeled on what was transpiring. He was ready to offer to stay with Chloe if it meant that she would remain secure, not wanting to leave her behind with her patient. Fortunately, he didn't have the need to speak, as Lieutenant Nira determined that no one would be left behind. Then, he would have to be carried back to his tribe.

He was quite surprised to overhear that the man, named Akuuta, seemingly feared their destination, calling it a "temple of thunder and fire". Certainly concerning, but he supposed that he could assume it was just superstition from the man. Still, though he planned on being more of a neutral party when it came to the decision they would ultimately take, the whole discussion of what to do concerning the aid of the native, and the talk about violating the Prime Directive even further made him take a stance in the situation. Especially as Lahr explained and complained about his views on the matter, with Chloe certainly going for the throat as she replied to his grievances. He really didn't want to leave Lahr alone here, especially after providing solid statements about the potential wrong they could be doing by pushing the law of the Federation so far, yet...

"Forgive me, Petty Officer First Class ch'Verret, but I must object to your observations. While it is true that we are violating the Prime Directive if we assist the native, we are also potentially allowing an individual with a bright future to suffer a grisly fate if we do not aid him. Besides, if I recall correctly, Akuuta commented that he and his fellows had been trailing us for some time already. Thus, our incursion has already proven to have affected them in some capacity. Akuuta's fall is, no doubt, a result of our interference, as unaware as we were. My final verdict is that we have already done harm, the least we may do is do good by assisting him on returning home." Ah, said like a true poet, Zhukdra'shar, the Caitian complemented himself internally, showcasing it externally with a heroic pose. Well done.

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta listened to the exchange intently even though he did not understand much of what was being said. He did know that they were debating if they would help him or leave him and he was afraid of both possible answers. He remained silent and hoped one of the other trackers would know where he was and would know what to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blackfeather had remained vigilant as the others debated, because that was both his way and his job. He didn't like the idea of having his career ended by a violation of the Prime Directive. He'd been on duty on the bridge nearly a year and a half ago when Captain Galloway had had to watch as two primitive planets attempted to wipe each other out with nuclear weapons. Both planets eventually asked for help, but one leader waited too late and millions died. Blackfeather would never forget the images on the viewscreen as mushroom clouds bloomed all over the planet Trellion.

Despite having the ability to stop the annihilation, because of the Prime Directive, Captain Galloway was forced to stand by helplessly as the unimaginable occurred. To Blackfeather, the fate of one native paled in comparison to what happened on Trellion. However, he wasn't in command, this was Said's call. She was new and he didn't know if he'd back her if she chose to violate the law or not. He'd have to see how things played out before he could decide where his duty lay. As it was getting late, he figured it was time to hurry this decision up.

"Light's starting to fade, whatever you decide Sir, you will have to do it now."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira turned to Lahr as he spoke. Seen by an entire village...that's a good point. It depended how many scouts had seen them. However, Nurse Davies' retort at Lahr certainly made Nira raise an eyebrow almost Vulcanlike. Zhuk raised a better point that made Nira think, only to be roused by Blackfeather's pointing out that night is falling. Fortunately, thinking quickly was one of Nira's strong suits; it came in handing for her investigative mind, also when it came to formulating hypotheses.

"Okay, in that case, we won't go into the village," said Nira. "The least we can do is for one of us, ideally the Nurse, to bring Akuuta as far as the outskirts of the village to drop him off."

She came back to Akuuta and said, "Akuuta? We decided that you can go on ahead back to your village, and the woman who healed you can take you back, but it's important that we don't be seen by the rest of your people. I have a few questions I want to ask, however: Firstly, how many other scouts are there and how many have seen us? Secondly, are any beaches that are close by, one where we can make our own means of getting to the Temple of Thunder and Fire? And thirdly, what can you tell us about the Temple of Thunder and Fire?"

Once Nira got the information from Akuuta, she turned to Davies and said, "Okay, we'll do it your way. Get Akuuta as close to his village as you can without being seen. Once you've parted ways with him, make sure you can find us again. I'm setting my comm badge to emit a frequency your tricorder can detect," she added, tapping her comm badge in a certain way. After that, she handed Davies her rifle.

"Take this, too, just in case any predators get the drop on you," she said. "I don't like the idea of you going off into the jungle by yourself, but with this, at least you'll be able to defend yourself. But if you need either Savar or Blackfeather helping you, feel free to ask them."

Turning back to the team, she said, "Okay, let's see how much more we can cover before night falls."

She was anxious to get going; she knew full well night fell fast in the jungle, as she recalled in staying inland in an island on Risa. In any case, she felt a little better about it; no need to push things further with the Prime Directive as needed, especially with the feelings she had felt from the team regarding her recent decisions; Lahr's feelings in particular made Nira feel like she was on his homeworld of Andor instead of a jungle.

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira turned to Lahr as he spoke. Seen by an entire village...that's a good point. It depended how many scouts had seen them. However, Nurse Davies' retort at Lahr certainly made Nira raise an eyebrow almost Vulcanlike. Zhuk raised a better point that made Nira think, only to be roused by Blackfeather's pointing out that night is falling. Fortunately, thinking quickly was one of Nira's strong suits; it came in handing for her investigative mind, also when it came to formulating hypotheses.

"Okay, in that case, we won't go into the village," said Nira. "The least we can do is for one of us, ideally the Nurse, to bring Akuuta as far as the outskirts of the village to drop him off."

She came back to Akuuta and said, "Akuuta? We decided that you can go on ahead back to your village, and the woman who healed you can take you back, but it's important that we don't be seen by the rest of your people. I have a few questions I want to ask, however: Firstly, how many other scouts are there and how many have seen us? Secondly, are any beaches that are close by, one where we can make our own means of getting to the Temple of Thunder and Fire? And thirdly, what can you tell us about the Temple of Thunder and Fire?"

Once Nira got the information from Akuuta, she turned to Davies and said, "Okay, we'll do it your way. Get Akuuta as close to his village as you can without being seen. Once you've parted ways with him, make sure you can find us again. I'm setting my comm badge to emit a frequency your tricorder can detect," she added, tapping her comm badge in a certain way. After that, she handed Davies her rifle.

"Take this, too, just in case any predators get the drop on you," she said. "I don't like the idea of you going off into the jungle by yourself, but with this, at least you'll be able to defend yourself. But if you need either Savar or Blackfeather helping you, feel free to ask them."

Turning back to the team, she said, "Okay, let's see how much more we can cover before night falls."

She was anxious to get going; she knew full well night fell fast in the jungle, as she recalled in staying inland in an island on Risa. In any case, she felt a little better about it; no need to push things further with the Prime Directive as needed, especially with the feelings she had felt from the team regarding her recent decisions; Lahr's feelings in particular made Nira feel like she was on his homeworld of Andor instead of a jungle.

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta nodded when Nira asked her questions, but paused to gather his thoughts before he replied tentatively.

"The Elders sent four of us to watch you newcomers. The land past my village has a spit of land that one can reach the mountain twice a day when the water recedes with the rising and setting of the sun. I do not know anything of the Temple, no one from my village goes there, so I can tell you nothing of what awaits you there, but the stories are those who go, do not return."

[Nira Said]

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta nodded when Nira asked her questions, but paused to gather his thoughts before he replied tentatively.

"The Elders sent four of us to watch you newcomers. The land past my village has a spit of land that one can reach the mountain twice a day when the water recedes with the rising and setting of the sun. I do not know anything of the Temple, no one from my village goes there, so I can tell you nothing of what awaits you there, but the stories are those who go, do not return."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira took in Akuuta's words in pondering. So the only people who know about the away team, aside from the scouts, were the Elders. No doubt one of the two scouts they saw had reported their appearance. But a spit of land where the water recedes when the sun rises and sets? It sounded as if there won't need to fell a tree and cling on to pretend it's drift wood, the team camouflaged against it. She smiled a tad when he mentioned nobody ever came back from the temple.

"Well, I think we'll easily be exceptions," said Nira. "Where we come from, there are plenty of stories of other brave souls returning to tell the tale from places people never came out of."

As she talked with Davies, she laid out some additional instructions: "Now, if you can cover much terrain before nightfall, great, but you'll likely have to camp temporarily and wait until morning. But otherwise, you know how to find us. Just make sure you're not seen and part with Akuuta when you get as far as you can get without being seen."

She returned to the team to plan things out once she discussed things with Nurse Davies. "Okay, people, here's what we're going to do:

"According to our little friend," Nira elaborated, "there's a place where the water recedes when the sun rises or sets. Unfortunately, it's past the village some ways, and a handful of people know about us: Four scouts, including Akuuta, and the village Elders, no doubt whom they've reported to. As such, we're going to have to go around the village. However, we'll have to camp out somewhere soon; bad idea to travel a jungle at night, least of all this jungle. Come first light, we'll go around the village, get to that spit. Depending on the time of day we'll get there, we'll have to wait until sunset for the pathway to show itself when the water recedes, but if we get there fast enough, we should be able to make it in time for the sunrise receding."

"Shouldn't take Nurse Davies long," said Savar, "if the village isn't far from here. Of course, I can scan to triangulate the position of the village and how many inhabitants there are."

"What's important is that the deeper into the jungle we are, the less likely we'll be to be seen," said Nira. "Let's not push the Prime Directive as it is any further right now."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

[Ensign Zhukdra'shar Mrekrerhas | Jungle - Kaimo VI]

He was quite surprised to overhear that the man, named Akuuta, seemingly feared their destination, calling it a "temple of thunder and fire". Certainly concerning, but he supposed that he could assume it was just superstition from the man. Still, though he planned on being more of a neutral party when it came to the decision they would ultimately take, the whole discussion of what to do concerning the aid of the native, and the talk about violating the Prime Directive even further made him take a stance in the situation. Especially as Lahr explained and complained about his views on the matter, with Chloe certainly going for the throat as she replied to his grievances. He really didn't want to leave Lahr alone here, especially after providing solid statements about the potential wrong they could be doing by pushing the law of the Federation so far, yet...[/color]

"Forgive me, Petty Officer First Class ch'Verret, but I must object to your observations. While it is true that we are violating the Prime Directive if we assist the native, we are also potentially allowing an individual with a bright future to suffer a grisly fate if we do not aid him. Besides, if I recall correctly, Akuuta commented that he and his fellows had been trailing us for some time already. Thus, our incursion has already proven to have affected them in some capacity. Akuuta's fall is, no doubt, a result of our interference, as unaware as we were. My final verdict is that we have already done harm, the least we may do is do good by assisting him on returning home." Ah, said like a true poet, Zhukdra'shar, the Caitian complemented himself internally, showcasing it externally with a heroic pose. Well done.

Lahr all but rolled his eyes at the Caitian's argument as to why they should carry forward ignoring the Prime Directive - that because they already had been seen it was okay to interfere.  By that logic, because they'd already helped once... Lahr might as well offer them all replicators so they didn't go hungry!  And Chloe should give them full access to medical care because she'd already helped one.

Ugh.  While Lahr understood the desire to help, they had no business doing so... their rules expressly forbid this type of interference.  Whether those reasons were just or not were not Lahr's place to argue, he was just playing the Commander's conscience.  Besides which, the kid at this point would likely be picked up by those who had been watching them earlier.

But Lahr, being the runt of the rank litter, kept his mouth shut.  He'd said his piece.  If the Commander chose to ignore the Prime Directive, he could honestly say he tried to point it out to her.  Maybe that might save his career.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo VI]

Nira turned to Lahr as he spoke. Seen by an entire village...that's a good point. It depended how many scouts had seen them. However, Nurse Davies' retort at Lahr certainly made Nira raise an eyebrow almost Vulcanlike. Zhuk raised a better point that made Nira think, only to be roused by Blackfeather's pointing out that night is falling. Fortunately, thinking quickly was one of Nira's strong suits; it came in handing for her investigative mind, also when it came to formulating hypotheses.

"Okay, in that case, we won't go into the village," said Nira. "The least we can do is for one of us, ideally the Nurse, to bring Akuuta as far as the outskirts of the village to drop him off."

She came back to Akuuta and said, "Akuuta? We decided that you can go on ahead back to your village, and the woman who healed you can take you back, but it's important that we don't be seen by the rest of your people. I have a few questions I want to ask, however: Firstly, how many other scouts are there and how many have seen us? Secondly, are any beaches that are close by, one where we can make our own means of getting to the Temple of Thunder and Fire? And thirdly, what can you tell us about the Temple of Thunder and Fire?"

Once Nira got the information from Akuuta, she turned to Davies and said, "Okay, we'll do it your way. Get Akuuta as close to his village as you can without being seen. Once you've parted ways with him, make sure you can find us again. I'm setting my comm badge to emit a frequency your tricorder can detect," she added, tapping her comm badge in a certain way. After that, she handed Davies her rifle.

"Take this, too, just in case any predators get the drop on you," she said. "I don't like the idea of you going off into the jungle by yourself, but with this, at least you'll be able to defend yourself. But if you need either Savar or Blackfeather helping you, feel free to ask them."

Turning back to the team, she said, "Okay, let's see how much more we can cover before night falls."

She was anxious to get going; she knew full well night fell fast in the jungle, as she recalled in staying inland in an island on Risa. In any case, she felt a little better about it; no need to push things further with the Prime Directive as needed, especially with the feelings she had felt from the team regarding her recent decisions; Lahr's feelings in particular made Nira feel like she was on his homeworld of Andor instead of a jungle.

When the Commander stated that they wouldn't go to the village, Lahr's antennae perked up.  She'd listened?!  'That was great!' he thought...until she added that she wanted someone - naming Chloe in particular -  to bring the kid back close to the village.  Alone.  His antennae shot straight up in alarm.   Lahr looked to Chloe, silently willing her to speak out against this plan.
Chloe could feel Lahr's stare, which she pointedly ignored. In response to the Commander's orders, Chloe nodded - though she was a little uncertain about moving through the jungle on her own.   On the trek here, she'd needed Lahr's help.   Going solo to the Akuuta's village with the wounded youth didn't sound like it would be any easier, but she wasn't going to argue with orders - unlike some people.  "Yes ma'am." she acknowledged.

When the offer came to accept the help of either Savar or Blackfeather, Chloe looked between the two trying to figure which would be the best for assisting her.   The Vulcan was strong and could practically carry Akuuta the entire way, but that would leave the 'guarding' of the two of them to her... or she could take Blackfeather and have the security personnel keep a watch on her while she helped Akuuta limp his way home.

Knowing that she'd been picked to tend to the youth's wounds not play guard, Chloe looked to Blackfeather.   "If you could guard Akuuta and I while we make our way to the village outskirts, I'd be grateful."

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta nodded when Nira asked her questions, but paused to gather his thoughts before he replied tentatively.

"The Elders sent four of us to watch you newcomers. The land past my village has a spit of land that one can reach the mountain twice a day when the water recedes with the rising and setting of the sun. I do not know anything of the Temple, no one from my village goes there, so I can tell you nothing of what awaits you there, but the stories are those who go, do not return."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira took in Akuuta's words in pondering. So the only people who know about the away team, aside from the scouts, were the Elders. No doubt one of the two scouts they saw had reported their appearance. But a spit of land where the water recedes when the sun rises and sets? It sounded as if there won't need to fell a tree and cling on to pretend it's drift wood, the team camouflaged against it. She smiled a tad when he mentioned nobody ever came back from the temple.

"Well, I think we'll easily be exceptions," said Nira. "Where we come from, there are plenty of stories of other brave souls returning to tell the tale from places people never came out of."

As she talked with Davies, she laid out some additional instructions: "Now, if you can cover much terrain before nightfall, great, but you'll likely have to camp temporarily and wait until morning. But otherwise, you know how to find us. Just make sure you're not seen and part with Akuuta when you get as far as you can get without being seen."

She returned to the team to plan things out once she discussed things with Nurse Davies. "Okay, people, here's what we're going to do:

"According to our little friend," Nira elaborated, "there's a place where the water recedes when the sun rises or sets. Unfortunately, it's past the village some ways, and a handful of people know about us: Four scouts, including Akuuta, and the village Elders, no doubt whom they've reported to. As such, we're going to have to go around the village. However, we'll have to camp out somewhere soon; bad idea to travel a jungle at night, least of all this jungle. Come first light, we'll go around the village, get to that spit. Depending on the time of day we'll get there, we'll have to wait until sunset for the pathway to show itself when the water recedes, but if we get there fast enough, we should be able to make it in time for the sunrise receding."

"Shouldn't take Nurse Davies long," said Savar, "if the village isn't far from here. Of course, I can scan to triangulate the position of the village and how many inhabitants there are."

"What's important is that the deeper into the jungle we are, the less likely we'll be to be seen," said Nira. "Let's not push the Prime Directive as it is any further right now."

Lahr's antennae sagged when Chloe accepted the task of taking the kid back to his village.  Dammit, this was stupid!   With three other 'locals' watching them from the trees, the away team should be able to just leave the kid for his friends to bring back.   Lahr wanted to point this out to the Commander, but didn't think his input would be welcome anymore.

The Andorian looked to the kid and figured he'd cut through the 'red tape'.  He leaned in close to the kid talking quietly while the Commander made plans with Savar, Chloe and the others.

"Akuuta.  Are the other scouts watching us right now?" he whispered.  "Signal one of them right now to come down and take you back to your village or swear I'm going to drag your ass to the mountain and that temple of thunder and fire with us myself if I have to." Lahr threatened fiercely. 

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Randall looked up from the Science One station when Ruth spoke and shrugged.

"Given the interference and sheer volume of lifeforms on the planet, we have not been able to detect any Romulans or signals that use their technology. Ensign McNair has been doing yeoman work trying to give us more resolution, but there is simply too much data to sift through for us to be able to report in real time Commander."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian chuckled at Ruth's comment about her namesake and took on a mock expression of outrage.

"If you mean ta say that I had summat ta do with that, you would be mistaken Commander. When you took your leave of absence ta do whatever it was you did at the Academy, one of the junior medical officers who was carin' for the Lasses, an Ensign Lagar, was the one that chose that name when one of the dolphins transferred. For once, I happen ta be innocent."

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"First time for everything I guess!" Ruth chuckled.  "I'll have words with Lagar if our paths ever cross again!"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian sat in the command chair, his head propped up on one fist and frowned.

"This is the part of command I bloody hate the most. Just sittin' around with my thumb up my arse and waitin'."

He thought as he stood to stretch. He then stepped over to the Science One station to talk to Lieutenant Randall, but as he approached, the young science officer straightened up suddenly and said.

"Sir. I'm picking up a probe entering extended orbit! Unknown power signature, but its definitely not Romulan."

"I get it, boss.  And Randall... I know, I'm confident that Mr McNair will give us every ounce of juice we've got, but I'm not having much luck, as you say... sheer volume of it."

Ruth was not quite mimicking Ian's appearance, her hand on her left palm under her chin, fingers drumming on her cheek.  She was still scanning stuff with her right hand and spotted something at the same time as Randall...

"Trying to boost signal now Captain, could we intercept the probe?"

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira took in Akuuta's words in pondering. So the only people who know about the away team, aside from the scouts, were the Elders. No doubt one of the two scouts they saw had reported their appearance. But a spit of land where the water recedes when the sun rises and sets? It sounded as if there won't need to fell a tree and cling on to pretend it's drift wood, the team camouflaged against it. She smiled a tad when he mentioned nobody ever came back from the temple.

"Well, I think we'll easily be exceptions," said Nira. "Where we come from, there are plenty of stories of other brave souls returning to tell the tale from places people never came out of."

As she talked with Davies, she laid out some additional instructions: "Now, if you can cover much terrain before nightfall, great, but you'll likely have to camp temporarily and wait until morning. But otherwise, you know how to find us. Just make sure you're not seen and part with Akuuta when you get as far as you can get without being seen."

She returned to the team to plan things out once she discussed things with Nurse Davies. "Okay, people, here's what we're going to do:

"According to our little friend," Nira elaborated, "there's a place where the water recedes when the sun rises or sets. Unfortunately, it's past the village some ways, and a handful of people know about us: Four scouts, including Akuuta, and the village Elders, no doubt whom they've reported to. As such, we're going to have to go around the village. However, we'll have to camp out somewhere soon; bad idea to travel a jungle at night, least of all this jungle. Come first light, we'll go around the village, get to that spit. Depending on the time of day we'll get there, we'll have to wait until sunset for the pathway to show itself when the water recedes, but if we get there fast enough, we should be able to make it in time for the sunrise receding."

"Shouldn't take Nurse Davies long," said Savar, "if the village isn't far from here. Of course, I can scan to triangulate the position of the village and how many inhabitants there are."

"What's important is that the deeper into the jungle we are, the less likely we'll be to be seen," said Nira. "Let's not push the Prime Directive as it is any further right now."

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

Lahr all but rolled his eyes at the Caitian's argument as to why they should carry forward ignoring the Prime Directive - that because they already had been seen it was okay to interfere.  By that logic, because they'd already helped once... Lahr might as well offer them all replicators so they didn't go hungry!  And Chloe should give them full access to medical care because she'd already helped one.

Ugh.  While Lahr understood the desire to help, they had no business doing so... their rules expressly forbid this type of interference.  Whether those reasons were just or not were not Lahr's place to argue, he was just playing the Commander's conscience.  Besides which, the kid at this point would likely be picked up by those who had been watching them earlier.

But Lahr, being the runt of the rank litter, kept his mouth shut.  He'd said his piece.  If the Commander chose to ignore the Prime Directive, he could honestly say he tried to point it out to her.  Maybe that might save his career.

When the Commander stated that they wouldn't go to the village, Lahr's antennae perked up.  She'd listened?!  'That was great!' he thought...until she added that she wanted someone - naming Chloe in particular -  to bring the kid back close to the village.  Alone.  His antennae shot straight up in alarm.   Lahr looked to Chloe, silently willing her to speak out against this plan.

Chloe could feel Lahr's stare, which she pointedly ignored. In response to the Commander's orders, Chloe nodded - though she was a little uncertain about moving through the jungle on her own.   On the trek here, she'd needed Lahr's help.   Going solo to the Akuuta's village with the wounded youth didn't sound like it would be any easier, but she wasn't going to argue with orders - unlike some people.  "Yes ma'am." she acknowledged.

When the offer came to accept the help of either Savar or Blackfeather, Chloe looked between the two trying to figure which would be the best for assisting her.   The Vulcan was strong and could practically carry Akuuta the entire way, but that would leave the 'guarding' of the two of them to her... or she could take Blackfeather and have the security personnel keep a watch on her while she helped Akuuta limp his way home.

Knowing that she'd been picked to tend to the youth's wounds not play guard, Chloe looked to Blackfeather.   "If you could guard Akuuta and I while we make our way to the village outskirts, I'd be grateful."

Lahr's antennae sagged when Chloe accepted the task of taking the kid back to his village.  Dammit, this was stupid!   With three other 'locals' watching them from the trees, the away team should be able to just leave the kid for his friends to bring back.   Lahr wanted to point this out to the Commander, but didn't think his input would be welcome anymore.

The Andorian looked to the kid and figured he'd cut through the 'red tape'.  He leaned in close to the kid talking quietly while the Commander made plans with Savar, Chloe and the others.

"Akuuta.  Are the other scouts watching us right now?" he whispered.  "Signal one of them right now to come down and take you back to your village or swear I'm going to drag your ass to the mountain and that temple of thunder and fire with us myself if I have to." Lahr threatened fiercely.

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo Vi]

Blackfeather shrugged, slung his rifle, and moved to help Akuuta to his feet. The young AritÁ¡ri winced, but did not cry out. As the three prepared to depart, Lahr intervened and the tone of the Andorian's voice made him bristle.

"I do not fear you Blue Man. An AritÁ¡ri scout's mission is to observe. If I were to signal them, they would not come as it would likely mean a trap, thus your words are like the wind. My people are peaceful, but if you would fight, I will fight you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

"First time for everything I guess!" Ruth chuckled.  "I'll have words with Lagar if our paths ever cross again!"

"I get it, boss.  And Randall... I know, I'm confident that Mr McNair will give us every ounce of juice we've got, but I'm not having much luck, as you say... sheer volume of it."

Ruth was not quite mimicking Ian's appearance, her hand on her left palm under her chin, fingers drumming on her cheek.  She was still scanning stuff with her right hand and spotted something at the same time as Randall...

"Trying to boost signal now Captain, could we intercept the probe?"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Randall made a few adjustments to the sensors and he reported what he'd found.

"The target is seed-shaped, approximately 500 meters in length and 100 meters across. The outer shell appears to be composed of... interesting... it reads as an diburnium-osmium alloy. I'm detecting extensive weathering. This thing is old, indications are the probe is on the order of 200,000 years old. I'm also seeing that many of the external components appear to be nonfunctional, with considerable heat and blast damage to the entire structure. Sensors indicate extensive long-term radiation exposure."

Randall faced Ruth and added.

"This thing is large and slow moving, no reason we can't intercept it. I'd like to have Hyperion run an analysis of the probe's trajectory."

Randall then sent the data from the sensors to the Astrometrics Lab for Hyperion's response.

[Hyperion]

[Astrometrics Lab - USS Challenger]

When the data arrived from the bridge, Hyperion was able to quickly process the information and contacted Randall with his findings.

"Lieutenant Randall, backtracking the probe's course and radiation wake, it appears to have been launched from Kaimo IV on an extreme elliptical orbit designed to last through the flares and solar expansion. Materials analysis confirms that the probe was built of indigenous materials. Based on the level of development of the current inhabitants, it is impossible that they were responsible for the construction of this device."

[Buck McNair]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Randall made a few adjustments to the sensors and he reported what he'd found.

"The target is seed-shaped, approximately 500 meters in length and 100 meters across. The outer shell appears to be composed of... interesting... it reads as an diburnium-osmium alloy. I'm detecting extensive weathering. This thing is old, indications are the probe is on the order of 200,000 years old. I'm also seeing that many of the external components appear to be nonfunctional, with considerable heat and blast damage to the entire structure. Sensors indicate extensive long-term radiation exposure."

Randall faced Ruth and added.

"This thing is large and slow moving, no reason we can't intercept it. I'd like to have Hyperion run an analysis of the probe's trajectory."

Randall then sent the data from the sensors to the Astrometrics Lab for Hyperion's response.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Well-

That sounded positive.

There was at least something which lurked out there; even if it was not a cloaked Romulan vessel - it was something that perked the interests of several members on the bridge it seemed. Buck folded his arms cross his chest as he listened to the readings. "Tin bucket seems like...." He muttered under his breath as he tried to think what it could have possibly been.

And it looked as if there was a high chance that they were going to keep a close observation of the unidentified object.

500 meters.

Just as long as the Challenger was, only shy of a couple meters.

Nor did it seem that whilst originating from Kaimo IV, it wasn't built by them. Due to the recent lottery pickings of the scans, Buck began to turn off those that were not as useful to them in the search for other lives; having confirmed that bio-scans had only detected that of the Away Team.

"Satellite? Mighty large one if it is." Buck chimed in. "You want me to do anything with this new information, captain?"

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Well-

That sounded positive.

There was at least something which lurked out there; even if it was not a cloaked Romulan vessel - it was something that perked the interests of several members on the bridge it seemed. Buck folded his arms cross his chest as he listened to the readings. "Tin bucket seems like...." He muttered under his breath as he tried to think what it could have possibly been.

And it looked as if there was a high chance that they were going to keep a close observation of the unidentified object.

500 meters.

Just as long as the Challenger was, only shy of a couple meters.

Nor did it seem that whilst originating from Kaimo IV, it wasn't built by them. Due to the recent lottery pickings of the scans, Buck began to turn off those that were not as useful to them in the search for other lives; having confirmed that bio-scans had only detected that of the Away Team.

"Satellite? Mighty large one if it is." Buck chimed in. "You want me to do anything with this new information, captain?"

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Ian's faced scrunched up as he took in the information provided by Randell in depth. After a moment, he replied with confidence.

"Helm, break orbit. Let's go give this probe a wee gander. One quarter impulse and steady as she goes. Let's keep the shields down and weapons offline. We're all friends out here, no need ta gettin' anyone's feathers ruffled."

[Nira Said]

NPC Lieutenant JG Chloe Davies, Head Nurse  and  PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

Lahr all but rolled his eyes at the Caitian's argument as to why they should carry forward ignoring the Prime Directive - that because they already had been seen it was okay to interfere.  By that logic, because they'd already helped once... Lahr might as well offer them all replicators so they didn't go hungry!  And Chloe should give them full access to medical care because she'd already helped one.

Ugh.  While Lahr understood the desire to help, they had no business doing so... their rules expressly forbid this type of interference.  Whether those reasons were just or not were not Lahr's place to argue, he was just playing the Commander's conscience.  Besides which, the kid at this point would likely be picked up by those who had been watching them earlier.

But Lahr, being the runt of the rank litter, kept his mouth shut.  He'd said his piece.  If the Commander chose to ignore the Prime Directive, he could honestly say he tried to point it out to her.  Maybe that might save his career.

When the Commander stated that they wouldn't go to the village, Lahr's antennae perked up.  She'd listened?!  'That was great!' he thought...until she added that she wanted someone - naming Chloe in particular -  to bring the kid back close to the village.  Alone.  His antennae shot straight up in alarm.   Lahr looked to Chloe, silently willing her to speak out against this plan.

Chloe could feel Lahr's stare, which she pointedly ignored. In response to the Commander's orders, Chloe nodded - though she was a little uncertain about moving through the jungle on her own.   On the trek here, she'd needed Lahr's help.   Going solo to the Akuuta's village with the wounded youth didn't sound like it would be any easier, but she wasn't going to argue with orders - unlike some people.  "Yes ma'am." she acknowledged.

When the offer came to accept the help of either Savar or Blackfeather, Chloe looked between the two trying to figure which would be the best for assisting her.   The Vulcan was strong and could practically carry Akuuta the entire way, but that would leave the 'guarding' of the two of them to her... or she could take Blackfeather and have the security personnel keep a watch on her while she helped Akuuta limp his way home.

Knowing that she'd been picked to tend to the youth's wounds not play guard, Chloe looked to Blackfeather.   "If you could guard Akuuta and I while we make our way to the village outskirts, I'd be grateful."

Lahr's antennae sagged when Chloe accepted the task of taking the kid back to his village.  Dammit, this was stupid!   With three other 'locals' watching them from the trees, the away team should be able to just leave the kid for his friends to bring back.   Lahr wanted to point this out to the Commander, but didn't think his input would be welcome anymore.

The Andorian looked to the kid and figured he'd cut through the 'red tape'.  He leaned in close to the kid talking quietly while the Commander made plans with Savar, Chloe and the others.

"Akuuta.  Are the other scouts watching us right now?" he whispered.  "Signal one of them right now to come down and take you back to your village or swear I'm going to drag your ass to the mountain and that temple of thunder and fire with us myself if I have to." Lahr threatened fiercely.

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo Vi]

Blackfeather shrugged, slung his rifle, and moved to help Akuuta to his feet. The young AritÁ¡ri winced, but did not cry out. As the three prepared to depart, Lahr intervened and the tone of the Andorian's voice made him bristle.

"I do not fear you Blue Man. An AritÁ¡ri scout's mission is to observe. If I were to signal them, they would not come as it would likely mean a trap, thus your words are like the wind. My people are peaceful, but if you would fight, I will fight you."

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira nodded in understanding and then gave a gesturing nod in Davies' direction to Mister Blackfeather. But then she saw Lahr come over and she saw his body language, and she was sure she heard a threatening undertone in his voice, even if she didn't hear exactly what he was saying.

"Mister ch'Verret," she snapped, "Whatever you are saying, don't push him. Leave him be."

She pulled Lahr aside and jabbed a finger at him. "Listen to me, mister," she said with a quiet snarl, her hard expression going with her black eyes making her look intimidating, "I don't know what you are talking about with Akuuta, but it's obvious he didn't like what you are saying. We don't want to give the impression we are hostile. Don't try to push him again, and I don't mean push him literally. Nor try to do so with his fellows on the likely chance we see them. We're wasting time here, but if need be, I can send you to escort Nurse Davies instead of Blackfeather."

It was the best threat of punishment she could think of, seeing as how it was clear that Lahr and Davies had a negative history, the way they behaved around each other. She couldn't necessarily send Lahr back to Challenger, she needed him. She was sure the threat of putting him and Davies, two people who would feel awkward or hostile with each other, will make him compliant.

Nira turned back to Akuuta and said, "My apologies, Akuuta, sometimes the blue people can be cold..." Well, naturally there was no pun intended; Andorians didn't just come from a cold planet, they could be plenty cold themselves.

Nira looked around to the team and said, "Anybody have any further objections? Comments? Concerns?"

Any replies given she could reply to, but the light was dimming. The team split up and made their own paths. Nira looked at Savar and said, "Any potential places to make camp for the night? Specifically any big strong trees we can climb up and sleep in? I feel we'll be safe from predators if we sleep up trees with strong branches."

Savar got to work with the tricorder, determining the right trees suitable for climbing and rest, while pinpointing the lifesigns of the village to determine distance.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo Vi]

Blackfeather shrugged, slung his rifle, and moved to help Akuuta to his feet. The young AritÁ¡ri winced, but did not cry out. As the three prepared to depart, Lahr intervened and the tone of the Andorian's voice made him bristle.

"I do not fear you Blue Man. An AritÁ¡ri scout's mission is to observe. If I were to signal them, they would not come as it would likely mean a trap, thus your words are like the wind. My people are peaceful, but if you would fight, I will fight you."

Lahr grimaced as the youth called his bluff; and in doing so Akuuta even managed to make his scouting duty sound noble instead of being the village's expendable runts that Lahr knew from experience that scouts truly were.  How many scouts had been lost on Innominatum trying to gain intel on the positioning of Leyton's followers?  That this kid felt such pride in his role as one only proved how young Akuuta really was.

Yet despite his earlier words to Akuuta, fighting wasn't what Lahr wanted.  With his threat nullified, Lahr shrugged off the kid's words.  The Andorian wasn't sure what he could try next.. but before he could even think of anything the Commander was calling him out on his words to the kid.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira nodded in understanding and then gave a gesturing nod in Davies' direction to Mister Blackfeather. But then she saw Lahr come over and she saw his body language, and she was sure she heard a threatening undertone in his voice, even if she didn't hear exactly what he was saying.

"Mister ch'Verret," she snapped, "Whatever you are saying, don't push him. Leave him be."

She pulled Lahr aside and jabbed a finger at him. "Listen to me, mister," she said with a quiet snarl, her hard expression going with her black eyes making her look intimidating, "I don't know what you are talking about with Akuuta, but it's obvious he didn't like what you are saying. We don't want to give the impression we are hostile. Don't try to push him again, and I don't mean push him literally. Nor try to do so with his fellows on the likely chance we see them. We're wasting time here, but if need be, I can send you to escort Nurse Davies instead of Blackfeather."

It was the best threat of punishment she could think of, seeing as how it was clear that Lahr and Davies had a negative history, the way they behaved around each other. She couldn't necessarily send Lahr back to Challenger, she needed him. She was sure the threat of putting him and Davies, two people who would feel awkward or hostile with each other, will make him compliant.

Nira turned back to Akuuta and said, "My apologies, Akuuta, sometimes the blue people can be cold..." Well, naturally there was no pun intended; Andorians didn't just come from a cold planet, they could be plenty cold themselves.

Nira looked around to the team and said, "Anybody have any further objections? Comments? Concerns?"

Any replies given she could reply to, but the light was dimming. The team split up and made their own paths. Nira looked at Savar and said, "Any potential places to make camp for the night? Specifically any big strong trees we can climb up and sleep in? I feel we'll be safe from predators if we sleep up trees with strong branches."

Savar got to work with the tricorder, determining the right trees suitable for climbing and rest, while pinpointing the lifesigns of the village to determine distance.

Lahr kept his gaze fixed straight-ahead throughout the Commander's reprimand.  That she didn't even know what it was that he'd done wrong was somewhat amusing but Lahr knew he'd been in the wrong - which was why he'd tried to hide it in the first place - so he accepted the dressing-down as intended and didn't crack a smile throughout it all.

Her own threat of sending him in place of Blackfeather escorting Chloe and the kid, might have worked better if Lahr hadn't been assisting Chloe all afternoon - trekking through the jungle... climbing cliffs - and being reminded of past happier times spent with her.  It was a better deterrent to Chloe he bet

That he'd been trying to figure a way to save Chloe - or anyone, but yeah Chloe especially, from having to bring the brat to the village must have gone right over the Commander's head.

"Yes, ma'am." Lahr acknowledged her order to leave the kid be.  He continue his amends. "I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, sir.  It won't happen again."

That the Commander referred to him and his people, like the kid had done, by the color of his skin and described him as cold, almost as an intentional pun to his homeworld was a bit surprising.   Lahr would have thought that Starfleet Academy would have taught officers better than that.  Yeah, sure Ruth was constantly calling him her Blue man or Bluey and Lahr never took offense to that.  But with Ruth it was different; they'd had a bond almost right from day one - even if it had taken a year or more to make the relationship official.  The Commander however was all but a stranger to Lahr.  A higher ranked stranger, yes, but still not someone Lahr felt had the right to be making generalizations of him or his people based on skin color.

Lahr was anything but cold.  When in his element, Lahr was lively and charismatic.   He normally got along great with people but... today... .the Commander certainly wasn't seeing him at his best.

Lahr sighed, and left the slight to him and his people go unremarked and instead turned away to watched Chloe, Blackfeather and the brat leave.   He almost wished he hadn't talked the Commander out of the whole team going to village in deference to the Prime Directive... at least traveling together, it would be safer for them against the flying bears and grasping vines.  Lahr worried about Chloe.

It was obvious who the Commander was directing her question to when after she called camp suggesting that they rest up in the trees, she asked if anyone had objections or comments.   Commander Said didn't look directly towards him, but she might as well have.  Ugh... Lahr had been become THAT teammember.    His antenna sagged heavily but he kept his mouth shut.   

[Ian Galloway]

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira nodded in understanding and then gave a gesturing nod in Davies' direction to Mister Blackfeather. But then she saw Lahr come over and she saw his body language, and she was sure she heard a threatening undertone in his voice, even if she didn't hear exactly what he was saying.

"Mister ch'Verret," she snapped, "Whatever you are saying, don't push him. Leave him be."

She pulled Lahr aside and jabbed a finger at him. "Listen to me, mister," she said with a quiet snarl, her hard expression going with her black eyes making her look intimidating, "I don't know what you are talking about with Akuuta, but it's obvious he didn't like what you are saying. We don't want to give the impression we are hostile. Don't try to push him again, and I don't mean push him literally. Nor try to do so with his fellows on the likely chance we see them. We're wasting time here, but if need be, I can send you to escort Nurse Davies instead of Blackfeather."

It was the best threat of punishment she could think of, seeing as how it was clear that Lahr and Davies had a negative history, the way they behaved around each other. She couldn't necessarily send Lahr back to Challenger, she needed him. She was sure the threat of putting him and Davies, two people who would feel awkward or hostile with each other, will make him compliant.

Nira turned back to Akuuta and said, "My apologies, Akuuta, sometimes the blue people can be cold..." Well, naturally there was no pun intended; Andorians didn't just come from a cold planet, they could be plenty cold themselves.

Nira looked around to the team and said, "Anybody have any further objections? Comments? Concerns?"

Any replies given she could reply to, but the light was dimming. The team split up and made their own paths. Nira looked at Savar and said, "Any potential places to make camp for the night? Specifically any big strong trees we can climb up and sleep in? I feel we'll be safe from predators if we sleep up trees with strong branches."

Savar got to work with the tricorder, determining the right trees suitable for climbing and rest, while pinpointing the lifesigns of the village to determine distance.

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Surface of Kaimo VI]

Lahr grimaced as the youth called his bluff; and in doing so Akuuta even managed to make his scouting duty sound noble instead of being the village's expendable runts that Lahr knew from experience that scouts truly were.  How many scouts had been lost on Innominatum trying to gain intel on the positioning of Leyton's followers?  That this kid felt such pride in his role as one only proved how young Akuuta really was.

Yet despite his earlier words to Akuuta, fighting wasn't what Lahr wanted.  With his threat nullified, Lahr shrugged off the kid's words.  The Andorian wasn't sure what he could try next.. but before he could even think of anything the Commander was calling him out on his words to the kid.

Lahr kept his gaze fixed straight-ahead throughout the Commander's reprimand.  That she didn't even know what it was that he'd done wrong was somewhat amusing but Lahr knew he'd been in the wrong - which was why he'd tried to hide it in the first place - so he accepted the dressing-down as intended and didn't crack a smile throughout it all.

Her own threat of sending him in place of Blackfeather escorting Chloe and the kid, might have worked better if Lahr hadn't been assisting Chloe all afternoon - trekking through the jungle... climbing cliffs - and being reminded of past happier times spent with her.  It was a better deterrent to Chloe he bet

That he'd been trying to figure a way to save Chloe - or anyone, but yeah Chloe especially, from having to bring the brat to the village must have gone right over the Commander's head.

"Yes, ma'am." Lahr acknowledged her order to leave the kid be.  He continue his amends. "I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, sir.  It won't happen again."

That the Commander referred to him and his people, like the kid had done, by the color of his skin and described him as cold, almost as an intentional pun to his homeworld was a bit surprising.   Lahr would have thought that Starfleet Academy would have taught officers better than that.  Yeah, sure Ruth was constantly calling him her Blue man or Bluey and Lahr never took offense to that.  But with Ruth it was different; they'd had a bond almost right from day one - even if it had taken a year or more to make the relationship official.  The Commander however was all but a stranger to Lahr.  A higher ranked stranger, yes, but still not someone Lahr felt had the right to be making generalizations of him or his people based on skin color.

Lahr was anything but cold.  When in his element, Lahr was lively and charismatic.   He normally got along great with people but... today... .the Commander certainly wasn't seeing him at his best.

Lahr sighed, and left the slight to him and his people go unremarked and instead turned away to watched Chloe, Blackfeather and the brat leave.   He almost wished he hadn't talked the Commander out of the whole team going to village in deference to the Prime Directive... at least traveling together, it would be safer for them against the flying bears and grasping vines.  Lahr worried about Chloe.

It was obvious who the Commander was directing her question to when after she called camp suggesting that they rest up in the trees, she asked if anyone had objections or comments.   Commander Said didn't look directly towards him, but she might as well have.  Ugh... Lahr had been become THAT teammember.    His antenna sagged heavily but he kept his mouth shut.

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta watched the exchange between Nira and Lahr intently, but had the courtesy not to smile when Lahr had been reprimanded. With the conflict resolved, for now, the two groups split up with Chloe, Akuuta, and Blackfeather remaining on the floor of the jungle and the rest of the away team returning to the trees.

Pressing on with what little light remained, the away team made decent progress before night fell and it became too dark to continue. As per Nira's directions, the away team found a 'bypass' of the main branch highway to camp in. With only four present, it wasn't like they could set up a proper perimeter and had to settle for having one person on a rotating watch to guard the others as they attempted to sleep.

Meanwhile, while it was hard going with Akuuta's injuries slowing them substantially, the young scout was correct about the distance to the village which the trio reached just before night fell. Chloe and Blackfeather faced a hard decision, leave Akuuta and attempt to shelter for the night in the already established as dangerous jungle or deal with violating the Prime Directive even further by entering the village.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The distance to the ancient probe closed slowly until reaching 300,000 kilometers, when a powerful beam began to scan the Challenger. Ian didn't order the shields raised as he figured the probe, being so old, had to be automated, thus a scan would be a normal response to an unknown object.

However, the instant the scan ended, Lieutenant Commander CatalÁ¡n spoke up.

"Sir, we are being hailed."

"On screen."

The message was visual with no text or audio. Based on the report from the away team, the symbols were familiar if not immediately obvious.

[Nira Said]

[Jungle Floor - Kaimo IV]

Akuuta watched the exchange between Nira and Lahr intently, but had the courtesy not to smile when Lahr had been reprimanded. With the conflict resolved, for now, the two groups split up with Chloe, Akuuta, and Blackfeather remaining on the floor of the jungle and the rest of the away team returning to the trees.

Pressing on with what little light remained, the away team made decent progress before night fell and it became too dark to continue. As per Nira's directions, the away team found a 'bypass' of the main branch highway to camp in. With only four present, it wasn't like they could set up a proper perimeter and had to settle for having one person on a rotating watch to guard the others as they attempted to sleep.

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

The distance to the ancient probe closed slowly until reaching 300,000 kilometers, when a powerful beam began to scan the Challenger. Ian didn't order the shields raised as he figured the probe, being so old, had to be automated, thus a scan would be a normal response to an unknown object.

However, the instant the scan ended, Lieutenant Commander CatalÁ¡n spoke up.

"Sir, we are being hailed."

"On screen."

The message was visual with no text or audio. Based on the report from the away team, the symbols were familiar if not immediately obvious.

[Lieutenant Commander Nira Said | Treetop Pathways | Kaimo IV]

Nira was impressed with the progress they made, and they were just in time before night fell and it got too dark to continue. Savar pointed to the right place and they got themselves settled as best as they could in the tree.

"Okay, now that we're settled, time to arrange the watch patterns," said Nira. "After all, we are one security officer short, not to mention a medical officer short. We'll rotate every three hours. And don't forget your flashlights, but don't make them so bright that they draw attention, just enough to get a bearing of your surroundings. Lahr, you have first watch."

She decided that she could subtly punish Lahr that way; she had a feeling her threat of sending him with Davies didn't seem as effective as it was, the potential of reigniting a relationship. But having him do first watch seemed logical.

"After three hours," continued Nira, "the next watch goes to Zhuk. I'll have third watch, then Savar has the last watch. Okay, I hope you have a good night. Set your timer for three hours, Lahr."

She then snuggled into Savar's embrace and they laid comfortable with each other as they could against the trunk of the tree.