Crossfire

 Episode Name:  Crossfire

   Written By:  Belgarath

         Cast:  Ashilav, Belgarath, Ghorev, P'Trell and Saxby.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Belgarath

     Aired On:  Sat Aug 03 03:51:39 2002

     Stardate:  52531.1

Time: Fri Aug 02 20:39:44 2002

Stardate: 52530.4

A minor problem arose on Fimdari, resulting in the request for the presence of nearby Andorian Starfleet officers. While on the way to Fimdari, a large ion storm required the runabout to change course to swing around the storm, passing near an uninhabited solar system. As the Amazon flies by, the computer picks up a very faint distress signal coming from the first planet in the solar system.

Ghorev eyes the communications readouts. "Bring us in towards the first planet, Lieutenant P'Trell. Mister Ashilav, do what you can to enhance that signal."

P'Trell says, "Changing course for the first planet now."

<CONTEST> Ashilav contests her Shipboard Systems skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Ashilav frowns as her console chimes a negative tone. "Can't seem to enhance it, sir. It is an automated general distress signal. Nothing more specific than that." She looks up towards Ghorev, looking for his next order.

The ship drops out of warp and heads toward the designated planet at impulse, as per protocol when entering a solar system. As the planet grows larger in the viewports, one can see a globe of mostly brown earth with very few splotches of blue.

Ghorev nods and turns back to P'Trell for a moment. "Estimated time to arrival?"

P'Trell says, "We'll be in high orbit around the planet in about three minutes."

Ghorev says, "General hail, then. See if someone responds."

Ashilav taps at her console, and the open frequencies chime sounds. "This is the USS Amazon, responding to a general distess call. Please respond if you can," she says, and transmits with a touch.

As the runabout nears high orbit range, the planet takes up a big chunk of the viewport. From the communications panel, there is a distinct lack of any response.

P'Trell says, "Odd."

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Ghorev says, "I've got a couple of crashed ships. Teirian and Rynkan." A pause. "Big surprise. Someone summon Mister Saxby from the aft. We may need to go down there."

P'Trell says, "We're in orbit around the planet now."

Ashilav frowns slightly at the news. "Perhaps they're dealing with their differences in a civilized manner. Is there any ice down there?"

Just then, the ship rocks violently, tossing around anyone without a sure footing. The systems begin to blink on and off, and the runabout dips toward the planet.

Ghorev grips his console. "Stabilize us! Mister Ashilav, what hit us and how badly?"

P'Trell says, "We have a problem here, the controls aren't responding."

Ashilav clings to her console, wrestling to get back into her seat. "Systems are not too badly damaged, sir! It looked like an ionic discharge from the atmosphere! Some systems seem to be reinitializing now."

Saxby emerges from the aft area, rubbing at his elbow as he walks. He moves warily incase there is to be more rocking of the vessel. He makes his way over to where he can observe an aft console, grabbing on to something secured as soon as he gets there.

The planet has quickly grown in size, taking up all of the viewports. The ground approaches rapidly, showing off the vast yellow sand dunes of the planet. The systems begin to stabilize, and the lights stop flickering.

P'Trell says, "Alright , the flight controls are back online but we don't have thrusters and the impulse engines are shocked as well. We're going to have to make an emergency landing."

Ghorev says, "If you can steer us at all, try to coast or skim us to a landing we can walk away from. Mister Saxby, if the tractors are online, assist in slowing and stabilizing our descent with some reverse tractor thrust."

Ashilav winces at the notion of an emergency landing. She glances over to Saxby, and offers, "I can possibly assist you, Ensign, if you require help."

Saxby nods to Ashilav, turning his attention quickly to her console. "Probably not a bad idea" he says as he goes to share the console for his attempt at bringing the tractors in to use.

GAME: Ashilav spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Saxby (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Tractor Beam) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Saxby stares down at the console a few seconds, then quickly starts keying in the commands, glancing at Ashilav to ensure she seems to approve of what he is doing, then activates the tractor beam.

The reverse tractor beam bursts forth the runabout in an attempt to slow its descent. Even with the limited thrust capability, P'Trell manages to steer the runabout into something resembling a landing course, and the runabout slowly becomes more horizontal with the planet surface. Through the viewports, two man-made objects are evident, off to either side of the runabout. As the vessel touches ground, there is major bumping and tossing around, but the sand manages to absorb much of the shock, and everyone escapes from the crash landing without major injuries.

P'Trell says, "Wow. That was really exciting."

Ghorev says, "Damage report? And, for that matter, are we all intact?"

Ashilav crawls out from underneath her console, her hair's braid in disarray, but otherwise looking whole. "I'll live, I believe," she offers up, and then rights herself into her chair to start scanning for damage.

Saxby barely managed to hang on, bumping against the wall somewhat. Easing his fingers free he nods, "I'm fine" he says, looking out of the windows as he tries to see if there are any people moving around on the planet surface nearby.

From the viewport, one can see sand, sand, and more sand. There is a bright sun in the sky.

Ghorev eyes his own console, and begins to tap at it gingerly. "Come on, old girl."

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

P'Trell makes a sort of trilling sigh and begins to check the flight equipment to see if it survived impact.

"Sir," Ashilav says, sounding none-too-pleased. "The focal energy node and polar guidance transtators are damaged, and replicators are so badly hurt we can't repair them with what we have here. I do believe we're in a good deal of trouble."

<CONTEST> Saxby contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Fails!

Saxby waits for Ashilav to pause in her use of the console, then once more dives in for a brief foray, frowning somewhat when he gets nothing useful from the computer. "What is the atmosphere like? I saw some curious looking things to the sides as we were coming down, they may be something useful" he says as he leans back out of the way once more.

Ghorev says, "Damn and blast." He turns to Saxby. "You and I will make a quick inventory of our personal equipment stores. Tell me more about what you saw as we work. Prythra P'Trell, scan for any Teirian or Rynkan life-signs. Let's not forget which brought us into this walking nightmare."

P'Trell moves to the sensor console and begins to initiate a scan. "If we find any, who besides me is up for beating them up, pantsing them and taking anything salvageable from their ship to fix the Amazon?....wait, now I'm getting something. We have an undeterminable number of Rynkans to the west of us and an indeterminate number of Teirians to the east. I think that's about as specific as I can get."

Ashilav does various scans and processes some data. "Appears to be class M, sir, temperature 43 Celsius, .98G, but not a large amount of animal or plant life in the nearby biosphere." She looks up. "Save for P'Trell's life forms, of course."

Saxby moves away from the console and collects a PADD, "With all the turmoil, I didn't get a chance for much more than a glance. It could have been their ships or anything, sensors didn't tell me anything useful either, it bears looking in to later. Maybe a more personal visit if we get stuck here a while, could have something useful if they aren't the shuttles, it definitely looked out of place and man-made" he says, looking somewhat thoughtful about the climate data.

Just barely within view, something pops out of the top of a tall sand dune out in front of the runabout, but quickly goes back under cover behind the dune.

Ghorev begins to root through the equipment locker, taking stock of the equipment to be found. EVA Suits clearly not mattering, he focuses on things which can be cannibalized, or serve a defensive or information gathering purpose. These things get inspected and set aside.

P'Trell's antennae twitch a bit as he catches a glimpse of the thing on the dune and he attempts to scan it.

Ashilav catches P'Trell's change of posture, and glances out through the front viewports. "What did you see, Prythra?" She asks, quietly.

GAME: P'Trell spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> P'Trell (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Saxby glances out a window as he half catches the movement, staring at the hill a bit longer before turning his attention back to entering the various equipment into the PADD. "Are there other stores that may have useful things in?" he asks as he continues making the inventory.

Another slight bump appears on the horizon, but this time from the large dune to the west. It too disappears after a few seconds.

Ghorev's keen antennae pick up the whispers up front. "Something amiss up there?" He checks the power cell on a spare phaser, and tests the heft on it, as well.

Ashilav glances to another viewport, antennae pricking forward curiously. "Movement. I saw a bump," she says simply. "Perhaps indiginous life."

Saxby frowns slightly, "Maybe a fresh scan would be a good idea. Perhaps they're not living, some kind of scouting device" he suggests, following Ghorev's lead to collect a phaser, give it a quick test check before going to keep it with him and look out the window where the activity apparently was.

P'Trell says, "We've got Rynkans behind one dune and Teirians behind the other. Whether they're checking us out and/or trying to kill the other ones is anybody's guess."

A piercing rattle, reminiscent of a machine gun, suddenly fills the air for a second. Shortly afterwards, there is an answering rattle, though of a slightly different pitch. For the ears of an Andorian, the loud gunshots clearly originate from a source very close by.

Ghorev looks up, brow creasing, and motions to Saxby. "Mister Saxby, work with Ensign Ashilav on using what systems the Runabout has remaining to give us some kind of defensive perimeter. I don't care if it's standard shields or just a charged hull to keep them away. But until we get a better bearing on this situation, we work on defense, not offense."

P'Trell makes an irritated trilling noise and waits to see what Ashilav and Saxby can come up with.

Ashilav clears her throat after going over her list. "Shields are operable. Phasers, polarizing the hull are options as well. Torpedo tubes are below ground, so they're unusable. Well, I suppose we -could- use them, if feeling suicidal." She looks over to Saxby. "Do you concur, Ensign?"

Saxby moves to one of the now available consoles, tapping away for a quick review. "I do, raising shields would seem the most practical thing to implement right away, if their weapons are as primitive as they're supposed to be, we've probably got little to worry about. Though, with their chemical or biological research, wearing the EVA suits or something similar may be advisable if we do go outside, just incase" he suggests.

More rattling, and the top of the northern sand dune starts kicking up small clouds of dust and sand as bullets sink into them at a rapid velocity.

Ghorev comes into the cockpit with an armload of the usual personal equipment. He turns to P'Trell. "Any sign of *any* biochemical contaminants?"

P'Trell says, "None Akeen Ghorev."

"I can adjust shields so we don't fry the sand around us, and it should give us total protection, sir," Ashilav says, looking over towards Ghorev.

Saxby keeps an eye out on the sand, observing what can be seen of the action. "We could try transporting one in to the shuttle to find out what is going on, perhaps one of their commanders at a time to organise a truce" he suggests.

The shooting dies away. At least for now.

Ghorev gives Ashilav a 'go ahead' gesture. "Now that we're under the ionosphere, see if we can raise them first. Try across EM as well as the usual subspace frequencies, just in case. Standard identification hail, then request a tempoary ceasefire for talks."

P'Trell says, "We can send you out to talk to them Saxby. You can tell them that you're on a shuttle full of Andorians who wanted you to tell them that even /they/ think that they've taken this grudge too far."

The hum of the shields fills the room as Ashilav engages them. "Shields are up. They probably know we're here, if they didn't before, now."

<CONTEST> Saxby contests his Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

The communications attempt goes through. After a brief pause, a Teirian with pale olive skin and long, black hair appears on the small viewscreen. "This is Lieutenant Chalen of the Teirian Defense Force."

Saxby taps at the console, opening a communications link. "This is Ensign Saxby of the USS Amazon, requesting a cease-fire so that talks may be undertaken to resolve this conflict" he says to the Teirian's once the link is established.

The male Teirian says, "This conflict is about fighting the Rynkans. A cease-fire seems rather counter-productive."

Ghorev puts a hand on Saxby's shoulder with a slight nod, and then addresses the screen, "This is Lieutenant Akeen Ghorev, commanding this team. Am I to understand, Lieutenant Chalen, that you and the Rynkans encountered the same ionic disturbance we did, and were likewise forced to land, or were your landings the result of damage from your battle?"

P'Trell waits for an answer.

Saxby watches the interaction silently.

"A little of both, more the former than the latter," Chalen replies. "Why?"

Ghorev says, "Because, obviously, we're likewise affected, Lieutenant. We'd like to work together to get off-planet again, but obviously, if you and the other side are more determined to make this your battleground, that can't happen. Hence our request for a cease fire: we work with both sides as an intermediary, and get us all off this planet under a three-way flag of truce, then, after that, you can go your separate ways and go back to your fighting and dying, if you feel you must."

Saxby stares at the Teirian Lt impassively, his hands clasped behind his back as he listens to the discussion.

Chalen's eyes drift downward as he considers the option. "How are you going to help us? Do you have a spare focal energy node? And if you do, how am I to keep the ship safe from that energy discharge?"

Ghorev gives a world-weary look at the screen. "Hence the need for a cease-fire, Lieutenant Chalen. Until all three groups can perform, and share, complete inventories of their undamaged and salvageable parts, we're out of luck here."

Chalen takes a deep breath, "I'll agree to the cease-fire only if the Rynkans do. And only if my men are allowed to carry weapons. I don't trust those Rynkans enough to disarm and leave my men defenseless."

Ghorev says, "Then we'll put you on hold and try to contact them. Stand by."

The Teirian's image disappears as the comm is put on hold.

Ghorev says, "Mister Saxby, attempt to raise the Rynkans." He turns to P'Trell. "Analyse what you can of the logs of that conversation. Whatever background data you can get from it might be useful."

P'Trell begins to use the computer to filter through the logs to see if anything useful is available.

Saxby does another brisk round with the console, "There seems to be tunneling going on under the sand, I'd recommend we start transporting the exposed people onboard immediately and worry about disarming them once they're here" he suggests. "Or even having them enter normally" he says. "Something very strange is going on out there."

As the runabout lifts off the ground, the group in front of the runabout begins to disappear from the viewport. Shortly after they do, something huge passes barely into sight, arches around back to the ground, and disappears.

Ghorev says, "Lock on that thing and fire a warning shot across its path."

P'Trell flies the shuttle to give Saxby his shot. "What in the depths of hell is it?"

Saxby frowns, "I can't get a lock on it, just where its tunnels are. I suggest we start transporting those groundside onboard immediately" he says, working furiously at the console.

More gunshots fill the air, creating a rumble with their combined might. There is shouting as well.

Ghorev says, "Negative. We have no transporters at this time. And even if we did, we could only get two at a time. Do what you can with a firing solution, Mister Saxby, even if it's just shots at its tunnels to lure it to the surface. Raise shields." His orders are tense now. "Lieutenant P'Trell, whatever you can find out from sensors would be most helpful."

P'Trell says, "Commensing scan as we speak."

<CONTEST> P'Trell (claiming advantage) contests his Shipboard Systems (Sensors) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

"Aye captain" Saxby says, raising the shields. Then he locks the phasers upon some of the tunneled ground, away from the people on the ground and lets off a quick blast.

The shouting and shooting continue.

Ghorev says, "Set down towards the nearest men that are furthest from whatever that is and prepare to open hatch for them."

P'Trell says, "There's something moving under the sand but all the sensors can detect are the Rynkans and the Teirians. Whatever's down there is fast and is moving in such an erratic pattern it's hard to get any real data on it."

Saxby glances over to Ghorev, "Should I try taking a shot at it from the ground, with the hand phaser once the hatch is open? They've been attempting to fire at it with their weapons" he says.

Ghorev shakes his head. "Stay at that console, Mister Saxby. Keep an internal security field around this cockpit, just in case one of them gets the bright idea to turn the weapon on *us*. Set us down as soon as you can, Pryrthra P'Trell."

P'Trell says, "Aye Akeen Ghorev. (he then looks for a safe spot to set the shuttle down."

Saxby doesn't look too pleased, but remains seated. He works quickly to get the security field established, starting it as soon as the computer has accepted the data.

The comm picks up a message broadcasted by someone below. The voice of Harnev comes in, saying, "Where are you bringing the ship!? We've got - ahhhhh! -" The message cuts out.

Ghorev, finally retaking the mission command chair, hijacks the Runabout's external loudspeakers: "Attention, Rynkan and Teirian warriors -- this is the USS Amazon. We are preparing to open hatch and lower shields in that quarter. Board as quickly as possible and we'll get you all out of here."

P'Trell sets the shuttle down and opens the hatch as soon as they are in place and Saxby lowers the shields.

Saxby lowers the shield as soon as the shuttle starts to land, "Security field is operating" he says, glancing at the windows for any sign of the creature in action.

In the dimness where the only source of light comes from the stars, a Rynkan runs past the viewport, but no one is entering the runabout. There is more shooting and shouting.

Ghorev says, "Mister Saxby, a wide-beam shot in the general vicinity of where they're aiming. Tapping the thing on the shoulder is better than nothing at all."

P'Trell says, "The Rynkans and the Teirians are making no attempt to enter the shuttle. They're forming a circle."

Saxby starts to aim the phaser, "If they're in a circle, I'd have to fire through them. If we lift the shuttle just a little above the ground, the external lights may be sufficient to let us see what is going on, they seem to be ignoring us at present. It would also enable us to have a clearer shot"

Ghorev says, "This is starting to *annoy* me." His eyes narrow. And he nods. "Close hatch. Bring us up a little. Let's see what they're ringing."

P'Trell complies and brings the shuttle to a better vantage point and puts the circle of angry people on screen.

Saxby gets the external lights going as well once the shuttle is elevated, locking the phaser in on the center of the ground forces.

The shooting seems to have stopped as the people stood frozen, yet ready in a circle. In the center of the circle looks to be a hole in the ground, with something dragging a Rynkan in. The decorations on that Rynkan exposes him as Harnev. Meanwhile, a Teirian is lying on his stomach, whose decorations show him to be Chalen, trying to hold onto that Rynkan. As the scene goes on, something huge pops up from beneath the runabout and knocks the forward section up, causing the runabout to pitch back violently.

Ghorev roars, "Stabilize and fire on that thing. Tight beam!"

P'Trell compensates for the pitch to allow Saxby a good shot and tries to scan the thing again.

Saxby frowns, "I don't think I can get a safe shot at it, we're either going to have to risk the guy caught by it or pass on firing" he says sounding somewhat frustrated.

The runabout rocks again as the thing underneath it goes for a second round.

Ghorev says, "Take the shot!"

P'Trell says, "It'll go for more of them if we don't."

GAME: Saxby spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Saxby contests his Shipboard Systems (Weapons Systems) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

The lights flicker as the third attack from the giant beast hits the runabout from below. The shot goes wide, but some of the Rynkans and Teirians have finally broke away from their trance and walk up to the smaller beast in the center of the circle. Aiming their rifles at it, they let loose a volley of bullets aimed directly at the mouth.

Ghorev growls, angrily now. "Switch targets, Mister Saxby. Take out the one below us. The men on the ground are now taking the first beast into their own hands."

P'Trell says, "If we can't get a good shot at it we could maybe shut off some of the safeties on the transporter and lock onto say, it's head only. It's gruesome and should only be used as a last resort but it might work in a pinch."

Saxby gets busy at his console, "I have to use a torpedo since it is directly below us, firing now" he announces as he partially charges the weapon before firing it off.

There is a burst of light from the viewport, followed by a shower of sand. The runabout rumbles, then steadies. The shooting has stopped, and the Andorian antennae can pick up on clapping and cheering through the runabout's hull.

Ghorev says, "Bring us around for a full view, Lieutenant P'Trell, I want to see what's left and who's still standing."

P'Trell brings the image up for Ghorev.

Saxby doesn't look too pleased by the apparent victory, "Only fourteen survivors according to sensors."

Swinging around, the viewports now show the image of a small worm-like creature lying motionless in a U shape, with over a dozen people left standing. Several of the survivors, the ones closest to the torpedo blast, have their backs covered with a dark liquid and are standing in sand that are similarly darkened with a glittering liquid.

Ghorev says, "Bring us down, open hatch, lower shields in that quarter." He takes the broadcast again: "Attention, Rynkan and Teirian warriors: We're descending to allow you to board. Your wounded are still aboard, but may have gotten jostled a bit and will require your assistance. Please hurry and we will get under way as swiftly as possible."

P'Trell lowers the craft and opens the hatch as soon as shields are down.

Saxby lowers the shields, "We should collect some samples of whatever the creatures were made out of. If they can ellude sensors, the scientists and engineers are going to want to play with it" he suggests, the security field still activated from before.

A mob of Teirians and Rynkans, all mingled together, rush toward the runabout, cheering and firing their weapons off into the air. Among the last to enter are Chalen and Harnev, one supporting the other, who has a lacerated leg.

Ghorev says, "Lt. P'Trell, you have until everyone is safely strapped in and ready for flight to either scan or sample that creature if you feel Mister Saxby's suggestion has merit." He walks to the cockpit archway. "Gentlemen," he says to the two commanders, "it's good to see you both. My apologies for the temporary confusion. We've got medical supplies aft where your wounded are, and we'll do what we can to keep you comfortable."

P'Trell begins to take samples and sensor readings with a fervor not unlike children at christmas until everyone is aboard.

Saxby stays at his console since everyone else is moving around and the security shield will need raising/lowering, "We should have a weapons collection once everyone is comfortable" he says, starting a shipwide scan to make sure he knows exactly how many will need to be collected.

The Rynkan and Teirian soldiers continue chatting energetically with each other as they head toward the back. An occasional laughter erupts.

Chalen nods in regards to the medical equipment. "Thank you. We'll go make use of them now if you don't need us up here."

Ghorev says, quietly, to the two commanders: "I hope the goodwill will continue, but just in case, I'd like Ensign Saxby, here, to gather up weapons and stow them. You people have done something good today, and I'm just enough of an idealist to hope it matters and want it to last. Thank you both, and now get some rest. You've earned it."

P'Trell watches Ghorev work with the two commanders but says nothing. He's too busy taking samples and hoping Ghorev doesn't notice that everyone is technically "on-board."

Saxby stands up as he is named, giving the two men a polite smile. "I'm sure the collection will go smoothly" he says, half as a question of the two commanders.

"If you must," Chalen says. "But you will return them afterwards, won't you?" Harnev gets carried to the back by another soldier.

Ghorev nods. "As soon as we get you to your people, of course." He signals P'Trell to get back aboard. "Gentlemen, I expect to be underway shortly." And he sets about, while waiting, preparing a quick transmission to the three governments involved, advising of the 'rescue' and the need to exchange personnel on 'neutral ground'.

P'Trell kicks the sand in frustration then complies with Ghorev's order and returns to the station, his nose buried in some tricorder readings.

Saxby gets to his feet and moves to the edge of the secure area.

Soon all of the survivors are settled in, their weapons have been handed over, and the runabout is ready to depart. Now, to get through the ionosphere...

Ghorev settles back into the command chair. "Keep shields up, Mister Saxby." And he turns his attention to doing what he can to compensate for the forthcoming disturbance.

P'Trell does his best to pilot the shuttle through the ionosphere with the least turbulance possible.

Saxby is back at his seat by this stage. "Will do. Do we have any idea what is causing the disturbance?" he asks, "Imagine if there are space traversing versions of what we came across on the planet" he adds, checking shields are running nicely as he does some scanning of the nearby space for any signs of oddness.

The runabout soars out of the lower atmosphere of the planet, toward the already darkened sky. As it hits the atmosphere, it keeps going for a short while before there is a jolt, and the sensors register an ionic discharge. But the thing is, the sensors continue to read what is happening without getting knocked offline. The runabout soon makes its away from the desert planet and heads back home.