To the Bare Metal, Part I

 Episode Name:  To the Bare Metal, Part I

   Written By:  Eidolon

         Cast:  Crayn, Eidolon, Gro'tha'aak, Kran'dok, Krendar, Niel, Phipps, Randal, Reytara, Takamura, 
                Tallon and Turtledove.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Eidolon

     Aired On:  Sun May 01 22:08:21 2005

     Stardate:  54937.7

Time: Sun May 01 17:22:04 2005

Stardate: 54937.2

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the qualifying round of the Dulcais Death Duels!" Krendar bellows over the roar of the modest crowd assembled into one of Station 419-U's docking bays which is still closed off. "You've all heard the rules -- no killing, no maiming, no weapons, just a fight to unconsciousness. If there's any problems, my friends," -- he gestures to a pair of Nausicaans, one who would be recognized by some of the last timeline's inhabitants to be Gro'tha'aak, a former Nausicaan refugee, and his pal, both of them being at least 7 feet tall of surly Nausicaan muscle -- "...will take care of it. FIGHTERS, ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR ASSIGNED MATCHES? CAN YOU TASTE THAT MONEY?"

A ring has been set up in the midst of the area, padded for combat. It's dingy, it's dirty, it's probably not legal -- it's the Dulcais Death Duels.

Reytara is standing near a wall, clad as he typically is, looking more stoic that usual, if that is possible. He simply waits for his match to be called.

Kran'dok stands patiently outside the ring, wearing his standard issue Romulan exercise jumper. His expression is neutral as he looks around the room, not seeing any previous opponents.

Niel looks around at the people he knows from the station. He almost smirks towards Randal, "I'd be lying if I said I were surprised to see you here Randal."

Randal mills about, eyes flicking shrewdly from person to person as he quietly assesses the potential competition. He's wearing a leather duster and dark clothing, an outfit that he considers his 'business suit' for occassions like this. Peering at Niel, he comments, "I am a bit suprised to see you here, honestly. And here I thought you were simply a librarian." He returns the smirk.

The crowd makes random noises -- catcalls, cheers, boos -- you name it, you can hear it in the background. Money is changing hands -- a few slips of latinum here, a bar there. The legality notch slides from probably not legal to definitely not legal.

The Nausicaan toughs size up the room, arms folded over their chests, almost as if daring someone to get out of line.

Krendar grins as he sizes up the crowd, then looks over his PADD. "Alright, first up -- we've got Randal Thorne vs Reytara the Flaxian! Gentlemen, take your corners!"

Reytara steps away from the wall and proceeds to the corner that's been indicated.

Randal steps toward his corner, shedding his coat just outside the ring. "Right then."

Kran'dok grins slightly and steps back from the ring to watch.

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "I would like to have the chance to fight Randal one of these days, it could be rather fun."

Niel shakes his head, smirking sligthly. He decides to head over to Kran'dok to watch the fight from that vantage point.

Mixed catcalls again. "Hey, Randal, sweet thang, kill 'im, baby!" comes a decidedly female voice from the crowd.

"Gut that lying bartender, Flaxian!" comes a deeper call from the other side.

Randal flashes a grin at the crowd, and waves to one or two choice bystanders. Nothing like working the crowd, at least the portion that isn't displaying hostility toward him. He then steps forward and takes up an aikido stance. "Ready when you are, Reytara," he mutters to his opponent, donning his trademark smirk.

Reytara offers a slight bow to Randal before he moves in much more quickly than he typically moves when he's working out the the Fitness Center, attempting a knife hand toward the man's throat.

Krendar circulates through the crowd, coming up next to Niel and Kran'dok. "So, who are you thinking's gonna win?" he asks the men.

<PROVE> Reytara has the merit of Martial Artist at 2.

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Fails!

Kran'dok smiles at Niel. 'Well, it looks like you and I are next. I suppose you have read some books on the subject?' The Romulan turns to address the man who seems to be running things. Kran'dok whispers to Krendar, "I would guess Reytara, though I would like to see Randal win."

With a smooth and equally swift gesture, Randal swings an arm in an arc to deflect the blow. It takes just a split second for his other hand to ball into a fist, before it launches out in a snap punch aimed squarely at the Flaxian's nose.

Niel watches the opening of the fight for a moment then turns his attention to Krendar. "I was gonna say the Flaxian until that... but I'd personally rather fight Thorne anyway, so I'll say him." He smirks over to Kran'dok, "At least I deliver the goods asked of me."

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

"You show him, honeybuns!" calls that same female heckler, causing a ripple of chuckles.

The male heckler isn't as pleased, though, "Tear him a new blowhole, Flaxian!"

Krendar nods at that, turning his attention to the fight. "What are you boys gonna do with ten bricks of latinum, if you win, of course."

Kran'dok arches an eyebrow as he notices the Flaxian's choice of style and turns his attention fully to the fight at hand. "Retire," is all he says.

Reytara sidesteps the blow and brings up a knee, hoping to connect with Randal's midsection.

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Fails!

Niel says, "Some to retire with, though I don't really need anymore money then I had before... but I have a few other things that should be taken care of..."

Randal turns in a full circle, rolling his body out of the way of the offending knee. As he comes around again, his fist swings in a backhand that swings toward Reytara's temples.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

Krendar grins at that. "If you ask me, I think the real money's in the betting," he murmurs, indicating the room with a head gesture. "But, yeah, two hundred bars is a nice chunk of change."

Niel shakes his head at the guys above, "Come on guys, stop trying to hit eachother and hit eachother already!"

Reytara launches a back kick at Randal's now open rib cage.

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Randal shudders as the kick impacts with his ribs. His eyes narrow and his smirk fades away, but he doesn't seem to be out of it yet. His other hand forms up in an open palm as he aims a chop at the side of the Flaxian's neck.

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

A sort of hush falls over the crowd as Randal takes the first blow. It lasts for all of three seconds, then a roar of approval erupts.

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Fails!

Reytara ducks the blow and attempts to land an elbow into Randal's chest.

Kran'dok frowns slightly as the fight seems to be evenly matched thus far. He does not know what to make of that just yet.

Randal manages to block the elbow strike with a sweeping arm. His leg jerks upward, and he swings his shin outward in a kick aimed at... well. A cheap shot, suffice it to say.

Niel frowns as Randal has already been hit once, but otherwise that everything is evenly matched.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Krendar shakes his head. "Good match so far," he murmurs.

The roar of the crowd gets louder, and more people pour through the doors. In fact, it's so many that one of the Nausicaans pulls Krendar aside for a moment to whisper to him.

Gro'tha'aak whispers to Krendar, "We open up second ring?"

Reytara manages to shift just enough that the blow doesn't land exactly where it was supposed to, but he can't block the unexpected move. Eyes narrow slight as he moves in to launch a kick at the side of Randal's head.

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Fails!

Randal ducks, an arm moving to parry the kick up and over his head. Sometimes, being short is a good thing. Since his opponent has one leg off the ground at the moment, Randal decides to try and make it an even pair, as he tries to land a solid punch on the knee of Reytara's standing leg.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Krendar looks pensive for a moment, then grins and leans over to Kran'dok and Niel. "You boys eager to get started?" he calls over the roar of the crowd.

Reytara is unphased by the blow, which glances off the mark just enough that it doesn't have the desired effect. What goes up, must come down, and so the leg tries to come down onto Randal's head.

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Succeeds!

Niel shrugs as he starts to stretch again a little bit, "Sure." He doesn't even look to Kran'dok as he says this.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Kran'dok grins slightly. "I can wait," he says, then adds, "But only just barely."

"We're gonna open up a second ring," Krendar offers to the men. "C'mon, we'll get you boys started."

Having concentrated on this attack, Randal is unprepared for the sudden change of direction in Reytara's kick. He stumbles backward for a moment, then springs back up to a full standing posture. He scowls slightly, then launches a reverse punch directed toward Reytara's gut.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Reytara must have been expecting the move, as he sidesteps the punch, throwing a punch of his own aimed at Randal's kidneys.

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Succeeds!

Kran'dok nods, slowly taring his attention away from the fight. "Ok, that sounds good." He follows Krendar as requested.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Dramatically Fails!

Niel smirks, for a moment, though he does frown when Randal gets hit again.

Randal staggers back, clutching his side. His breathing has become staggered, and it's pretty clear he's in a good deal of pain. But, you know, two hundred bars is a lot of latinum, and Randal's still conscious. He rears back an arm, lining up another chop at Reytara's neck... then does a change-up, the fist of his other hand deftly plowing toward the Flaxian's sternum.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

The Nausicaan toughs quickly set up a second ring -- a dingy mat cordoned off by poles and ropes.

"This way, this way," Krendar calls. "Whenever you're ready, gents, have at it. Same rules as for the other pair of fellas, alright?"

The crowd roars its approval as Randal's hit, all save for the female heckler. "Keep going! You can do it!"

Reytara lifts up a hand to block the blow, deflecting it away from his chest and immediatly launching a kick at the man's rib cage.

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Niel nods to Krendar and heads into the ring. He gets his hands up in a fighting position and gets his legs set too. He says in Romulan, "I'm interested to see just how good of a guard you really are."

Randal staggers back again, having sacrificed his defense for an unsuccessful offense. He remains standing, though, albeit he's taking great pains (almost literally) to keep his injured side away from the Flaxian. "Nice shot," he manages to mutter in a hushed voice. But in the next forward, he takes a small leap forward, unleashing a quick flurry of punches aimed at points from Reytara's jaw to his midsection, in the hopes that at least one or two strikes from his barrage make their mark.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

GAME: Reytara spends a courage point.

Kran'dok grins slightly as he takes his position. "There is more to being a guard than brute force." The Romulan is barely at his spot on the mat before he launches forwards. His legs cross as he skips towards the bookstore owner. He telegraphs a punch to the stomach from his chambered right hand, but changes at the last moment, attempting to strike the man's throat with the edge of his hand.

Reytara is surprisingly quick with his hands, standing firm and blocking every blow that comes his way. He feignts a punch at Randal's already injured midsection, but changes the blow into a roundhouse kick aimed at the man's head.

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Niel smirks, "Brute force eh? You know, there's something to be said for brains as well." He attempts to keep the man going forward by grabbing his arm and carrying through the momentum, but also attempting to trip him down to the mat.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Randal is rather desperate to keep that injury shielded, and unfortunately the effects of all these hits are beginning to add up to slowing response time. Reytara's kick connects solidly, and Randal's head snaps to the side, and he almost falls completely over... almost. His eyes narrow into a glare, an he spins around, gaining momentum so that he can launch a powerful roundhouse kick at Reytara's head to return the favor.

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Unarmed Combat (Karate) skill vs Reytara's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

The crowd continues to roar, apparently sensing blood in the water. It starts low at first, but gradually gains strength. "Rey-tar-a! REY-TAR-A! REY-TAR-A!!"

There's the male heckler's voice, too. "GIVE 'IM WHAT HE DESERVES, FLAXIAN!"

Kran'dok twists his arm out of the grab and uses the other arm to attack. He bunches his first two fingers and thumb together aims a strike at a particularly sensitive cluster of nerves in the man's neck.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

Niel manages to twist away, but decides to use a similar strategy to what was being attempted by the Uhlan at first. He twists around, trying to jab his elbow into Kran'dok's throat.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Succeeds!

Reytara sees the roundhouse coming and drops low, waiting until the leg sails just over his head before snaping out a hand at Randal's nether-regions. Tit for tat, as it were.

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Randal's Unarmed Combat (Aikido) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

And that's the straw that broke the camel's back, as it were. Randal folds up like a cheap card table in response to the strike as he drops hard to the mat. He's still breathing, at least... but that's about it. It looks like this fight is over.

Kran'dok gurgles slightly as a bit of air is forced out of his throat. Reacting quickly, he attempts to grab his opponent's elbow before he can retrive it. The Romulan intends to dislodge the Bajoran's shoulder. Five eyes for an eye sounds about right.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

Reytara rises back to his feet, glancing down at Randal to make sure that the fight has indeed left the man before he begins to walk to the corner that he originally started from.

Krendar leaps into the ring with Randal and Reytara, kneeling to check Randal's pulse before he nods and stands. "He's still alive -- your winner for the first qualifier match is Reytara the Flaxian!"

He signals the Nausicaans, and they come to haul Randal out of the ring -- somewhat gently, even, but they're still Nausicaans, so it's not as gentle as it could be.

After successful hit against Kran'dok already, he decides that he shouldn't let off. He continues on the upsurge, going for the throat again, though attempting to get in a better position to get a headlock around the Romulan in a few moments.

He being Niel

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Kran'dok manages to slide just outside the strike, stepping half way past the man. The Romulan twists using his feet, legs, back and shoulders to throw power into his next strike. He aims for the man's ribs, hoping to prove the bone breaking power of Kormerek.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

GAME: Niel spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Broken bones, not likely, but at least some bruised ribs. He reaches out to grapple Kran'dok's arm, trying to twist it back slightly out of joint.

The crowd turns its attention to the second bout, the roars continuing to echo off the metal walls of the cargo bay.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Reytara glides into a position where he can better view the ongoing battle between Niel and Kran'dok.

GAME: Kran'dok spends a courage point.

GAME: Niel spends a courage point.

Kran'dok tries to grab the wrist of the Bajoran's outstretched hand. Attempting to straighten the man's arm, he intends to use the forarm of his free arm to hyperextend or break the Bajoran's elbow.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

Gro'tha'aak kneels next to Randal, injecting him with a hypo of some sort. "Wake up, little man."

Niel may have had his arm grabbed, but he wasn't gonna let the Romulan get away with too much. His response? To try and kick the man's right knee very firmly on the kneecap with the heel of his boot, hoping it will do some damage.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Kran'dok steps arond the Bajoran's kick, ending up behind the man. He maintains his hold on the man's arm, attempting to fold it up and around next to the man's head. Again he tries to hyper extend the shoulder and elbow.

"Ugh." Randal is understandably groggy. He's responsive, but he's not moving very fast. Or at all, really, at the moment. "Did I win yet?" he asks, with a raspy voice.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Reytara glances over his shoulder briefly before turning his attention back to the fight. "You lost.", he says.

Niel knows he's starting to get in a bind now. He tries to hook his legs just inside Kran'dok's ankles while the Romulan is making his move, with the attempt of trying to push him back and trip him with his not hurting arm.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Randal sits up to toss a somewhat tepid sort of glare at Reytara, though apparantly his sense of good sportsmanship prevents him from displaying any more bitterness than that. "Good fight," he comments.

Kran'dok's grip loosens as he slides to the ground, leaving the Bajoran's arm free. He wastes no time though, rolling back onto his feet and lunging in for another strike. This time he uses the heel of his palm, attempting to hit the man in the solar plexus.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

Reytara turns and offers a slight bow to Randal. "You fought well, Mister Randal. It was an honor to do battle with you.", he replies.

Niel has turned around and is ready and manages to knock the arm out of the way just before it impacts. Niel though doesn't let this rest so easily as he leans forward himself, trying to jab his arm into the Romulan's throat again.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Kran'dok steps outside the strke and stands next to the Bajoran. He reaches arond the man's back trying to to peck another painful pressure point.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

The crowd continues to roar, watching the fight with keen interest.

Niel feels a jab at a pressure point. If he were fully human, it might have dropped him, but luckily for him, he's not. He thrusts a leg attempting to crack Kran'dok's knee again

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Randal coughs a bit, and croaks, "Yeah, same here." Losing has made Randal somewhat laconic. Or maybe it has more to do with the searing pain caused by internal organ damage. Either way.

Reytara turns to watch the battle once again, intently studying the combatants.

Kran'dok shuffles to the side, allowing the kick to glide by, then firmly plants his feet. He twists his torso, again putting everything he can into the strike. He aims, with his fingers rolled over at the second knuckle and palm perpendicular to the floor, at his opponent's ribs again. Sooner or later he hopes to get that satisfying pop.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

No pop for you today Uhlan... Well, that's what Niel's ribs would be saying if they could talk. He brings an arm up to block the attack, and attempts to ensnare the other arm as well, attempting to snap the arm.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

. o O Randal thinks, "I could have really used that prize money. Oh well... I suppose there will be other opportunities to raise some working capital..."

The roar grows louder as the crowd watches the combatants.

Kran'dok notices the attempt to ensnare his arm and decides to follow his strike up before he is captured. The Romulan shuffles in quickly, closing the distance between them to use his elbow, trying to land a simple, but painful strike to the man's ribs.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Okay, so the Uhlan did finally get his target. Niel whinces as the elbow connects with his ribs, but he's not about to give up either. While the elbow would be a close target, Niel tries to twist the Uhlan in such a way to dislocate his shoulder in return for the elbow jab.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

"Kill him, Romulan!" calls the male heckler. Apparently he's just a mean guy.

Kran'dok's arm is entangled, but not traped. Deciding to free it and take advantage of the situation as he does so, Kran'dok drops his forarm down and tries to jab his elbow straight up into the Bajoran's jaw.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Dramatically Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Randal peers over at that racuous heckler from were he rests on the floor. "Oh, lock your hatch already, you loud-mouthed retro-brained asteroid fragment," he comments venomously, although he isn't quite able to muster the volume to shout it, if his intention was for the guy to hear it.

Niel definitely reels from that shot to the jaw. He can feel that it's at least cracked, and he feels sharp edges along his teeth where there were none before. He backs off for a moment, spitting out blood from his mouth as he looks at the Uhlan. He says in Romulan, "You're lucky that Nelle didn't die because you were unable to procure something as simple as a weapon for me..." And with that he charges in, trying to kick the Romulan's legs out from under him.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Succeeds!

Krendar watches with obvious delight, grinning at the bout.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Kran'dok's leg buckles. He would have grined for a reply, but he was distracted by the attac. "Anything I did was above and beyond the call of duty," he says as he manuvers in for another strike. This time he aims his fingers for the painful point in the neck, speaking as he does so. "Had any ill befallen you two, it would have been due to Starfleet's gross negligence."

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Fails!

Niel goes for another attack on the legs after he dodges the neck attack. Apparently he's decided that the best way to win is to keep the Romulan on the ground.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Another roar erupts through the crowd.

Kran'dok steps over the kick and tries to reverse the manuver. He plants his foot and aims a kick for the back of Bajoran's sweeping leg, trying to send him to the ground instead.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Niel goes down now, though he's definitely having a harder time getting up. Instead of getting up directly, he attempts to lock his legs around one of Kran'dok's, and start rolling toward the direction of his other leg.

<CONTEST> Niel contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Kran'dok's Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill and Fails!

Kran'dok smootly and quickly steps over the Bajoran's leg trap. He hops over to the man's shoulder where he tries to press one knee and his full weight onto a painful point of the collar bone.

<CONTEST> Kran'dok contests his Unarmed Combat (Kormerek) skill vs Niel's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Niel (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

The roar of the crowd grows even louder. They smell blood.

The sound of a crack can be heard as the Romulan continues to force his weight down on the collarbone of the Bajoran bookseller. There is a last whince of pain before Niel's reactions and trying to stop the Romulan completely end and Niel falls into unconciousness.

Krendar leaps into the ring with the Nausicaans, bending to check Niel's pulse. "He's still alive. Your winner, Kran'dok Brutae!"

The crowd roars its approval. The Nausicaans make to pull Niel out of the ring.

It's at this moment that things, as they often do, go wrong.

Turtledove steps through the doors from the corridor, and the doors loudly clang shut behind her.

Turtledove has arrived.

Crayn steps through the doors from the corridor, and the doors loudly clang shut behind him.

Crayn has arrived.

Takamura steps through the doors from the corridor, and the doors loudly clang shut behind him.

Takamura has arrived.

Phipps steps through the doors from the corridor, and the doors loudly clang shut behind him.

Phipps has arrived.

Takamura steps into the Cargo Bay with a phaser on his hip and about a dozen security officers. He glances about the room to assess the situation. "Everyone, please stay where you are."

Turtledove also assesses the situation --- the size and aggressiveness of the crowd. About twenty villainous shady types, engaged in adrenalin-pumping villainous activity. And... Nausicaans. Her mouth quirks in a vague, anticipatory smile. "Crayn, secure the exit and call for backup."

Crayn follows the superiors in, phaser in hand. He nods to Turtledove.. "Aye, sir." he assigns one of the officers to take the other side of the exit as he taps his combadge, calling Security for backup.

Reytara does as he is told, though he does sort of melt back into the crowd a little bit. As much as the only Flaxian on the station is able to do.

Phipps glances around appraisingly as he enters, slightly after Crayn. Cool blue eyes settle on the Nausicaans longer than the others present, an eyebrow quirking upwards - just a little bit. His phaser is not in his hand, but his hand is 'cocked', settled with wrist laying against his hip.

Krendar straightens up, offering his most winsome grin toward the entering Fleeters. "Good evening, officers, so glad you could join us. Have a seat, I believe the refreshments will be arriving shortly."

. o O Krendar thinks, "Damn."

Kran'dok stands over Niel, but turns to face the door that the officers enter through. The Romulan shrugs and waits for the situation to resolve itself.

"Aw, crap," Randal mutters quietly. Lucky thing he's already on the ground. Hoping to use the cluster of standing people as a duck blind, Randal tries to crawl off unnoticed. If stage one of his emergency plan actually works, he gets behind one of the consoles in the cargo bay unnoticed.

Niel is as afforementioned, laying on the ground, only moving because the pair of Nausicaans were dragging him off. However, when they let go as the undoubtably do, he is once again left unmoving.

Gro'tha'aak straightens up. "Gro'tha'aak smash?" he asks Krendar hopefully, and earns a shake of the head for his troubles.

The crowd, meanwhile, has gone deathly still. Uh oh.

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Stealth (Stealthy Movement) skill vs Takamura's Intellect (Perception) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Randal contests his Stealth (Stealthy Movement) skill vs Turtledove's Intellect (Perception) skill and Fails!

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Stealth (Stealthy Movement) skill vs Crayn's Intellect (Perception) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Stealth (Stealthy Movement) skill vs Phipps's Intellect (Perception) skill and Succeeds!

Takamura walks over to Krendar with a serious expression on his face. "Lieutenant Turtledove, please make sure that all the transporter consoles are guarded to make sure no one tries to escape that way." He then turns to the Centauran man who seems to be in charge. "Are you the organizer of this event, sir?"

. o O Turtledove thinks, "Krandok... Niel... Flaxian... Oh, jeez. Randal, what are you up to..."

<CONTEST> Reytara contests his Stealth (Hide) skill vs Turtledove's Intellect (Perception) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Stealth (Hide) skill vs Takamura's Intellect (Perception) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Stealth (Hide) skill vs Crayn's Intellect (Perception) skill and Fails!

<CONTEST> Reytara (claiming advantage) contests his Stealth (Hide) skill vs Phipps's Intellect (Perception) skill and Succeeds!

Reytara just sort of blends into the crowd a little bit.

Turtledove's eyes shift from where Randal was, to Krendar, to Takamura. She gives Tak a considering look, about to say something, then says to Phipps. "Phipps, come with me. Crayn you have the door." She further motions for two of the nameless Security officers to tag along.

Krendar produces, with a flourish, a PADD. "This legally authorized and approved event, yes." Cue bravado. "Given by Commander A. Ghorev on Stardate 54920.0. I have all the documentation, and I tin order."

Crayn nods to Turtledove. He notices Reytara trying to sneak into the crowd.. Instead of interupting Takamura and Krendar, he just keeps an eye on the Flaxian.

Phipps is already at Turtledove's shoulder, so he merely nods, now frowning slightly. His fingers flex just a little bit - perhaps just a small visual reminder.

Krendar produces, with a flourish, a PADD. "This legally authorized and approved event, yes." Cue bravado. "Given by Commander A. Ghorev on Stardate 54920.0. I have all the documentation, and I trust it's in order." He pauses, then adds, "We do, however, have a couple of contestants in need of medical attention."

Kran'dok still stands exactly where he was when everyone entered. He looks quite confused, but continues to do nothing as things unfold.

. o O Turtledove feels extreme acute amusement, and mild disbelief.

. o O Turtledove thinks, "Ha ha. No way Commander Ghorev authorized this."

Reytara just sort of stands there, but suddenly he's in the middle of the crowd, just watching the proceedings.

Randal sneaks up behind one of the consoles. Since no one raises an alarm, he has to presume he hasn't been caught... yet, anyway. Keeping himself hunkered down behind the console as much as he can and still read the controls, he reaches up, and coughs lightly as he taps the 'mute' control -- hopefully, it'll all be lost in the milling of the crowd, even though they're keeping quiet. He doesn't wait a nanosecond before he begins keying in a control sequence with practiced speed.

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Fast Talk skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Dramatically Succeeds!

Phipps goes home.

Phipps has left.

Gro'tha'aak kneels next to Niel, giving him a shot from his hypo. "Wake up little man."

The crowd, meanwhile, remains quiet for now.

Takamura extends his hand to accept the PADD. He then looks it over to check it's authenticity.

<CONTEST> Takamura contests his Administration (Bureaucracy) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Turtledove and crew proceed through the crowd. Their objective is the far wall, where the transporter consoles are. She eyes the Nausicaans openly as she passes them, smiling slightly, and not in the friendly, nice way. They shouldn't be too far from the far wall, now...

Crayn just stands by the door, keeping an eye out.

Krendar smiles at Takamura as he waits.

Kran'dok steps aside slightly so that the large Naussican can attend to Niel. He appears confused, but still calm.

Footsteps. Randal hasn't got a lot of time as he keeps his concentration trained on his work at the console. He's done this sort of trick a few times before, but that was usually on second-rate Cardassian subsystems. Hopefully, he can make it work. If he can just bypass the lockdown sequence...

GAME: Randal spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Randal (claiming advantage) contests his Security (Security Systems) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Niel starts to slowly wake up and let out a moan. He does open his eyes but doesn't see a whole lot of what's going on yet. He does however listen for anything he can around him, and notices the strange quietness.

Gro'tha'aak straightens up, smoothing out his clothing. "Smash now?" he asks hopefully.

Randal's console, meanwhile, flashes a bright red color. At least it doesn't buzz, though.

Takamura studies the document carefully, then reaches for his combadge. As he does so, he watches Krendar, unconvinced wth his line.

Takamura taps his com badge. "Lieutenant JG Takamura to Commander Ghorev."

Over Takamura's com badge, someone says, "Go ahead."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Commander, did you authorize a Mr. Krendar to use the Cargo Bay for fighting competition?"

Over Takamura's com badge, Ghorev says, "I'm sorry ... who?"

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "A Mr. Krendar. He's a Centauran gentleman. He produced a document with your signature dated Stardate 54920.0, authorizing the use of the facilities for this martial gathering."

As they near the container blocking Randal's devious and suspicious ongoing console hack, Turtledove slows, stopping in front of the container. "I'll get the transporters." She smiles at Phipps and crew. "You guys watch our back." Then, she proceeds around the container, where Randal's handiwork is clearly presented on the console screen.

Reytara stands unobtrusivly at the back of the pack, as if nothing untoward is happening.

Niel just continues to lay on the ground, not moving what so ever

Krendar frowns at Gro'tha'aak and makes a 'no, not now' sort of gesture.

Kran'dok continues to wait calmly.

Randal snaps his head around to Turtledove as she comes around the console. He looks at her with an expression that is practically pleading as he mouths some words to her. Randal whispers to Turtledove, "Don't tell. Please."

Over Takamura's com badge, Ghorev says, "I never approved any such document. Do you have it, and him, in your custody?"

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "I have the document in my hand and security is on scene to arrest all the participants at your order."

Over Takamura's com badge, Ghorev says, "I see. So this competition .. is going on now?"

As he says this, Takamura puts the PADD away.

Krendar sighs.

. o O Krendar thinks, "Great."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "We apparently arrived at the conclusion of a bout, sir. There are approximately twenty civilians present."

Gro'tha'aak looks down at Niel. "You live?"

Crayn keeps an eye on all present, but keeps his focus on the rather large creature..

The crowd continues to mill aimlessly, staying mostly quiet.

Niel looks as if he's about to nod his head, but he whinces, which makes him look even more pained. He finally solves the issue by raising a thumbs up sign.

Over Takamura's com badge, Ghorev says, "And our current brig capacity?"

Kran'dok continues to remain where he is standing, watching Lieutenant Takamura exclusively.

Turtledove's eyes show conflict, but only briefly. "Don't tell what? That you got beat to a pulp?" She regards Randal mildly. "You hardly look to be in any condition to attempt... trying to imprison me and my fellow Security officers in individual forcefields?" Her eyebrows quirk. She eyes Randal with a vaguely tsking expression, a bit warmly, perhaps considering his battered condition. She sighs, then, and moves to the console, marking the erroneous Security effort for later tabulation. She taps her combadge. "Transporter consoles are secure, Tak."

Takamura looks over to Crayn. "Ensign, what is our current brig capacity? Will we be able to secure all these people?" He then acknowledges Turtledove's report. "Good job, Tera."

Randal offers Turtledove a sheepish grin, before he coughs. Then winces... then passes out. Or at least, that's the impression he's trying to give. It's not actually so hard an act to pull when you have a ruptured kidney.

A ripple passes through the crowd at that. "Hey, now!" a voice calls in the background. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for that con man!"

Turtledove's eyes register surprise and concern, as Randal collapses. She taps her combadge, and kneels quietly beside him. "Dispatch, we need a medical team to Cargo Bay 1, ASAP."

Crayn shakes his head. "Not enough for everyone here, sir. About half, possibly."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Sir, we only have capacity in the brig to detain half of the people here."

A tinny voice filters through Turtledove's voice. "Acknowledged. Medical team enroute."

A tinny voice filters through Turtledove's communicator. "Acknowledged. Medical team enroute."

Over Takamura's com badge, Ghorev says, "Alright, work with Security to determine who gets the brig and who gets house arrest while we sort this out."

Into his com badge, Takamura says, "Understood, sir."

Randal continues to lie there, as if he's passed out. Randal will take a biobed over a brig cell any day of the week, to be sure.

Over Takamura's com badge, Ghorev says, "Let me know what you determine. Ghorev out."

Takamura's com badge clicks as Ghorev drops off channel. The channel closes.

Turtledove talks into her combadge. "Acknowledged, Dispatch. Please inform medical that there is at least one civilian down near the transporter console. And he doesn't look so good."

Tallon steps through the doors from the corridor, and the doors loudly clang shut behind her.

Tallon has arrived.

Takamura resets his com badge.

The doors open, and Tallon hovers in with a medical team having been called in by security. She takes a glance around to assess the situation.

Kran'dok continues to calmly stand where he is.

Takamura looks over to Turtledove. "Tera, let's start sorting these people out. Mr. Krendar is definitely coming with us. And I suggest taking all the particpants as well."

Reytara is still standing where he was, watching the goings on with interest.

Niel is laying by a big nausicaan and Kran'dok

Crayn turns to the entrants, and recognizes them as legitimate medical personnel. He nods, allowing them in. "I'm sure that there're more then one injured around here." He advises them. He moves over to Takamura and motions in Reytara's direction, so as he doesn't get... 'overlooked'.

"Hey, now," Krendar protests. "This is all my fault. I thought this was on the up and up, and I told people so."

. o O Kran'dok thinks, "They can not arrest any of us. Well aside from Krendar. We did nothing wrong. It is Station Security who messed up. Once again, Starfleet screws up and civilians pay the price."

Turtledove replies to Takamura, via comm. "Acknowledged, Tak. I'm sending over Phipps and crew. I've got a casualty here, I'll rejoin you when medical arrives."

Tallon hovers over to Randal, and another medical officer heads over to assess Niel. The rest of the medical team spreads out to assess the others in the room.

Randal is lying prone behind one of the transporter consoles. Some rather nasty bruises are forming on the side of his head, but nothing's missing or leaking massive quantities of vital fluids, so at least he has that going in his favor.

<CONTEST> Tallon contests her Personal Equipment (Medical Tricorder) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Turtledove smiles and stands when Tallon hovers over. She nods to the Medical officer, gives Randal a last glance, then walks back aroundd the container.

. o O Turtledove feels gentle concern for Randal. Alas, duty calls.

Reytara gives his head a little shake, then begins to move through the crowd, toward the com panel.

Takamura nods to Crayn, looking in the direction of the Flaxian. He directs one of the security crewmen to collect the man. To Krendar, he replies, "That will be determined in due time. For the time being, please come along quietly. You do not need to say anything further without legal representation."

Having scanned Randal, Tallon taps her compin, "Tallon to transporter room 1. Emergency medical situation, please beam this patient to the infirmary."

Takamura says, "Mr. Reytara, stay where you are, sir."

. o O Randal is actually genuinely worried at hearing Tallon say that. It hurts, granted, but apparantly it really is /that/ bad.

The second medical officer looks up. "We need to get Mister Haven to the infirmary as well. He's got a broken collar bone."

With a soft blue flickering of light and a faint hum, Randal is spirited off to the infirmary via transporter.

With Randal beamed away, Tallon hovers over to Neil, she taps her compin, "Tallon to transporter room 1. Beam Mister Haven to the infirmary."

Randal has left.

Reytara glances over his shoulder and stops where he is. "I have a child that I must make arrangments for, Mister Takamura.", he says. "Unless you plan to provide an opportunity to do so."

Niel is enveloped in a transporter beam after a moment

Niel has left.

Krendar sighs. "Take me away, officer," he grumbles darkly.

Gro'tha'aak shake head. "Nausicaan unhappy." So, it would seem, are a lot of other people this evening -- duped by a scheming Centauran, so it would seem.