FaB - Dangerous Crossings

 Episode Name:  FaB - Dangerous Crossings

   Written By:  Grey

         Cast:  Cardassian, Cardassian Patrol, Donavon, Frost, Grey, Phipps, Rivers, Turtledove and Watters.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Grey

     Aired On:  Mon May 30 21:03:39 2005

     Stardate:  55007.2

Time: Sat May 28 15:33:26 2005

Stardate: 55001.9

The Starfleet team materializes at the edge of a forested area, looking out towards a fast moving river and in the distance a bridge over that river. The trees provide enough cover for the moment, but to head towards the camp and the river means moving out of the trees into open, hilly ground. Your gear arrives with you, including your modified phasers. The medium and heavy stun setting frequencies have been changed, to work with the senors arrays everyone is wearing on their upper torso. The arrays will sense a stunning or crippling blow from the modified phasers to tag out those who get shot without them actually being stunned or injured. Hard targets that shouldn't really be damaged also have the sensors, so they can be disarmed with damage. The weapons do still have light stun and all thermal settings, however, for dealing with hard targets like doors, fences and POW cages that can be legitimately vaporized.

Turtledove studies the river. Her eyes move up the fast-moving current to the bridge, and then to the camp. She turns to address the team, eyes shining. "According to intel, there will be a Cardassian patrol passing by in the near future. Those in the know indicated that using this patrol is likely to be one of our best shots at crossing that bridge... which we need to do, because that river is, apparently, very difficult to cross, otherwise. Does anyone have any fun ideas for how we might be able to use the patrol to our advantage? We don't have much time to speculate. Phipps, Frost, let's do some passive scans for the patrol while we rapidly discuss 'options'. And I want fun options, people." She grins at her team, as she prepares her tricorder for action.

GAME: Frost contests his Personal Equipment vs Routine and Automatically Fails.

GAME: Turtledove contests her Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Routine and Succeeds.

Like Turtledove, Donavon surveys the immediate area in order to devise possible game plans. The tip of her finger taps to her chin, considering. "There's the classic lure. Assign one officer as bait. Stand in the clearing once the patrol arrives to lure them into the forest." She's non-committal about the approach, half shrugging at her shoulders. "It's simple and easy to implement. Or let one be captured, the rest sneak in from behind. Then there's the gutsy approach." She points to the river. "Find resources to fashion a rope. We could cross holding fast to the rope. The gutsy is the risk should the rope snap. And I take it we weren't issued rope." She glances at the group.

GAME: Phipps contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Routine and Succeeds.

Rivers watches for the patrol, her nose wrinkling ever so slightly at the mention of the Cardassians. Equipment is hastily checked, glances going to Turtledove and Donavon. "If we could force them to escort us across that bridge.." She too shrugs her shoulders.

"Trees would make for a good place for an ambush" Watters agrees with a little nod. "If we can get 'em in here. Maybe try to keep one on his feet at least, to escort us back across the bridge. Make it look like they captured us, but took some losses to do it"

Phipps casts a critical eye around quickly, nodding sharply at the order, and scanning as specified. He peers at the readings for only a moment. Then, all business, softly but clearly, "The patrol is indeed moving along our side of the river. On the other side of the camp, I'm detecting the Romulans and Klingons, six apiece, according to biomass and combadge indications. They just arrived, too."

Frost looks around carefully for a second, and nods as orders are given out to the team. He slides his Tricorder out of its nice holster. Opening up he taps a few commands, and starts his passive scanning. He taps at a few buttons, but it beeps, a nice retarded beep at him. An angry shake of his head, "Not reading anything at all, Sir." He says folding his Tricorder up carefully.

. o O Frost feels like tossing the Tricoder on the ground, stomping on it, and sending into a Cardassians hind end.

"A distraction would be nice." Turtledove looks up from her tricorder, smiles to Phipps, and grins to Frost. "No worries, Cadet." She looks to Donavon, then Rivers, and Watters. "Sounds good to me. We will take cover in the trees, try to lure them with some kind of bait. The trick will be to keep them standing, so that we can actually have an escort. Unless we can realistically wear their uniforms, which... strikes me as unlikely at best." Her grin widens. "But wouldn't that be fun?"

"Our best chances are to be seen as less as possible," Donavon reminds the group. "We can't risk the alarms being raised at this early stage of the game." A nod to Turtledove with a look to the trees. "Diversion. Hmm. Was anyone here a lumberjack in a former life?" Softly, a chuckle escapes. "The patrol would have to investigate. We ambush them, snatch their security cards, and convince two to escort us across. In exchange, we'll notify those two guards of the Klingon and Romulan groups on the other side of the complex because I'm not sure if the patrol will believe Starfleet can shoot to kill. That or we take out the entire team and break it for the bridge ourselves."

Rivers smirks a bit. "I don't think any of us could pass for spoons." Oh, did she say that? She looks to the trees, while she speaks. "Bait. Hmm. If they see any of, they're likely to call in a report before they investigate. We need to make some kind of noise that would draw them over there." She looks to Donavon. "What about the ones that stay behind out of the patrol? We could stun them into silence..."

Watters looks thoughtful for a moment as he listens to the suggestions from the others... particularly what Phipps had said about tricorder recordings, and Donavon's suggestions. "Or combine the two ideas. Zap all but one of the patrol, have him call in a report on the Romulans and the Klingons, then zap him to make sure he doesn't report on us. Cardassians assume the Romulans or the Klingons got the whole patrol, we walk in the other side of the base while they're distracted. Probably easier than playing prisoner, and lets us make the... best use of our allies" The last part, well, that's accompanied by a little grin from Watters.

Phipps frowns slightly, glancing at each of the team. "I don't think making noise to attract them would do anything but confirm our position," he points out softly, "as I think it would be wise to remember that -they- have scanning equipment, just as we do."

Frost nods to Turtledove, and smiles. "I doubt we would pass as a Cardassian." he pauses, obviously in thought. "I like Ensign Watter's plan, myself. Give us a chance to get passed while the heat is turned up on everyone else."

. o O Donavon thinks, "SI's lil' toys would be a gift right about now. Invisible to the eye and sensors. Wishful Thinking."

"A very interesting thought, Watters. Problem is that we're a little far removed from the other teams, presently, and any kind of alert may very well just expose us as well, when the sensors go live. And that means a slightly larger number of Cardassians than I want to think about handling on this side of the river. In other words, we need to keep that team in the green, as far as their superiors are concerned, for as long as we possibly can." Turtledove smiles widely to the Ensign. "Phipps, you also have a point. Okay. Given all of this, let's go with the following plan. First option, we divert part of the patrol to our position. Phipps and I will attempt to jam their sensors. We stun those left behind, hopefully scoop up the rest for an escort, and... if possible, stash them on the otherside of the river. If that doesn't work, second option, we stun them, and try to think of something better." Her eyes shine. "The fun part is that we have to move out now, because these are some fast moving Cardassians." Turtledove grins. "Okay, so... this is a forest. Mind your footprints. Try not to give away anyone's position. And chose your hiding spot well. Try to spread out. And, best of luck with your intimidation techniques, should they prove... necessary."

Turtledove moves to take cover, meanwhile, tricorder in hand.

GAME: Turtledove contests her Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Challenging and Succeeds.

Donavon taps her forefingers to her nose, then points to her eyes. "Be on the lookout folks. From this point, keep to hand signals until the Lieutenant gives the clear." A similar eye sheen to that of Turtledove's, excitement raised, she slips out to cover and hide at the left flank. A gesture follows in signaling for two officers to hang to the rear.

Rivers catches Donavon's gestures. Pulling her own tricorder free to scan, she hurries along to take cover, ducking to hide sidways behind a tree.

GAME: Phipps contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Challenging and Fails.

Watters nods a little at the instructions that he's given. He scurries along to find himself a decent position, finally settling for a Watters-sized tree, pulling his phaser free to wait for something unlucky to come across his path.

Phipps glances at the positions taken by the rest of the team, and, hankering down low (low enough that it looks painful to the muscles in his thighs) assumes cover himself - somewhat behind and to the right of Turtledove. But with a -glare- at his tricorder: as he passes, a quick hand motion indicates that he's not having much luck.

Frost nods slightly, and slides the Tricorder in its pouch. He draws his Type II, and moves to a position in the rear, leaving some space between him and Phipps. He ducks behind a bush that provides concealment. He weapon trains on the rear, ready for anything. A thin line indicates he's ready for this.

GAME: Turtledove has the merit of Shadow Master at 1.

GAME: Rivers contests her Stealth vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Turtledove contests her Stealth/Stealthy Movement+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Phipps contests his Stealth vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Frost contests his Stealth vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Donavon contests her Stealth/Stealthy Movement vs Routine and Dramatically Fails.

GAME: Watters contests his Stealth vs Routine and Marginally Succeeds.

The Cardassians are indeed approaching quickly. No sooner does the team scramble into position than does the patrol appear, five members strong. Unforunately before they reach the trap point a couple of things happen. One spots Donavon's trail and calls out a warning. Two others spot member hiding, one aiming a shot at Phipps and another at Rivers.

GAME: Cardassian Patrol contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser vs Difficult and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Cardassian Patrol contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser vs Difficult and Fails.

GAME: Turtledove has the merit of Quick-draw at 2.

GAME: Donavon has the merit of Quick-draw at 2.

GAME: Turtledove spends a courage point.

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

"Open fire!" Turtledove tosses her tricorder to the side, and no sooner is her phaser drawn than she fires at the Cardassian Patrol, from behind her carefully chosen tree.

GAME: Phipps spends a courage point.

Her trail spotted, purposefully made or not, the patrol locates their positions. Donavon draws her phaser in the blink of an eye, before the command. Sights made, she unleashes a beam of fire at the patrol while utilizing a tree trunk for cover.

GAME: Frost spends a courage point.

Rivers shoves her tricorder into its holster at about the same time the Cardiassians open fire. She narrowly misses being hit. Scrambling she ducks down, firing off shots as she does with grim determination.

Thankful for the moment that his tree at least gave enough cover for him to not draw a shot, Watters moves to obey his commander's order. He shifts himself a bit behind the tree, aiming his phaser at one of the cardassians and firing off a shot.

Phipps purses his lips at the near miss, silent and grim-faced. His tricorder is quickly dropped in favour of his Type II, naturally enough. A fluid arm movement is followed by the gripping of fingers up to thumb on the contact; a carefully aimed crimson beam lancing out towards the patrol from the business end of his phaser follows.

Frost turns his head, at movement then the command. He quickly looks over at the scene. He turns fully and lines up a shot on a partially exposed Cardassian. He checks his line, and squeezes of a shot.

As the weapons fire erupts the Cardassian shots miss, glancing off into the forest. The leader reaches for his combadge but TD's shot takes him in the chest and his sensor goes off indicating a heavy stun. Others reach for their weapons, but three more shots from Phipps, Donavon and Watters hit and three more Cardassians grimace in frustration and drop to the ground. The fifth, and last, Cardassian glances around and throws his weapon to the ground in surrender.

. o O Turtledove thinks, "Nifty."

"Nifty." Turtledove lowers her phaser, and walks over to the Cardassian. "Now we get to check their radios, get what we can --- it doesn't look like we need codes, but you just never know." She gives the Cardassian a grin. "How do you feel about escorting us over the bridge?"

Donavon steps from her position to approach the fallen. "They'll be out cold for a short time. Everyone take an officer. Confiscate badges, weapons and security cards before dragging them from the clearing." She leans over the Cardassian she shot down, flinches any said items, and proceeds to heft him out of clear sight.

. o O Phipps thinks, "That was fun. - Mmm. I could murder a coffee,"

. o O Phipps feels calm, relaxed, and definitely enjoying himself.

. o O Frost feels a little upset, at the prospect of his shots failing to find a nice target.

. o O Frost thinks, "Should have invested in more phaser classes."

Rivers stands up and leaves the flimsy cover of the tree to approach one of the fallen Cardassians. She quickly frisks the 'unconcious' officer, rather roughly and in a hurry to be away. She confiscates what she can use..communicator, weapon, security card, etc. Then she grabs him by the back collar of his armor and drags him over behind the same tree she was hiding behind.

Watters moves out from his location behind the tree, keeping his phaser trained on the Cardassian who surrendered. Not about to let them get caught off-guard by the one still in the game, while everyone else is going around grabbing gear off the unfortuantes, after all.

Phipps warily remains in position, crouched down - -until- the order. The tricorder is scooped up, and popped back into it's holster as he moves - staying low, still - towards 'his' downed Cardassian. Search, confiscation, and the dragging activity follows in short order. He's quite gentle about it all, although he isn't slow by any means. He doesn't particuarly smile, grin, or do anything facially beyond that thin line of lips and calm expression that's been there since he was shot at, however. Stoic is probably the word - except for the twinkle in his eyes.

. o O Watters thinks, "Just give me a reason..."

GAME: Rivers has the flaw of Intolerant at -1.

GAME: Donavon spends a courage point.

Frost comes out from his cover, nodding "Aye, Sir." A little frown as he moves towards the Cardassian nearest to him. He extracts what he can from the 'stunned' Cardassian. Communicator weapon, badge, etc. He smiles wickedly, and drags him, by the feet, to that bush he was hiding behind. "Now have a nice nap." he whispers, as he walks back towards the others.

GAME: Donavon contests her First Aid+A vs Routine and Fails.

. o O Frost thinks, "Don't mess with Starfleet, or you'll end up stunned. Not by my hand, but...none the less, stunned."

. o O Turtledove thinks, "Okay, heh. These people are actually our allies. Let's try not to maul them excessively."

The Cardassian guard remains still, simply staring at Turtledove without saying a thing. No response.

Turtledove studies the Cardassian. Her thought process is slow, she takes a long pause, while everyone else is ransacking. "Looks like we wait for your friends to turn green, and walk over in a group then."

Donavon props the Cardassian, safely hidden behind a tree trunk. Dropping to a knee, she retrieves a hypo-spray from her Med Kit and taps the device to activate. A look exchanged with Turtledove communicates her intentions as she steps forth to complete. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant signals to the surrounding officers to limit conversation; the Cardassians after all still breathe and therefore can hear.

Turtledove looks around the group, to clarify. "That is, we're going to walk over with them in a group, after they 'wake-up'. So try to be nice with each other."

Rivers hasn't been speaking much, so Donavon's signal is easy to follow. She does glare at her Cardassian however. As if that would convince the 'concious' one to cooperate. Then her attention slips to the communication device which she turns to examine.

Watters, meanwhile, just stays with his weapon in hand while the powers-that-be make up their minds about things. Both the blessing and the curse of being an Ensign... he just gets to follow along on whatever little merry misadventure gets drawn up by the higher-ups. He remains quiet, not wanting to give anything away to the cardassians. Not that he's got alot to say at the moment anyway.

Phipps frowns, slightly, glancing up and towards Turtledove. He tries to communicate his thought - that time is passing a little too fast - and his concern around that thought with his expression, but doesn't hold the expression very long. The grim look slides back into place, and 'his' Cardassian retakes his attention. Can never be too sure.

. o O Phipps thinks, "If they're late, explanations will be needed. That could be tricky."

. o O Phipps feels just a little concerned, but calm and content.

Frost nods, and looks down at the Cardassian he dragged. His phaser pointed at his chest. He waits for orders, to him to turn green again. Whichever comes first, he would be happy. He pushes his lips together making sure he doesn't talk again.

. o O Frost thinks, "Oh, how would I love for this to be a Klingon."

The 'stunned' Cardassians remain so for a few minutes, until the lights on their sensors arrays go off, signaling they're awake again. Except for the one Donavon is working on, that is. No sooner does he 'wake' then does she inject and he pass out from the injection.

"Four is a good number. Okay, let's go. Rivers and Donavon, you take the rear --- wait on this side of the bridge, out of sight, while the rest of us cross. When we get to the other side, we'll try to clear the way for you guys to cross." Turtledove smiles. "While you're waiting, try to identify lookout and security measures aimed at the bridge."

Donavon lightly raps the Cardassian's shoulder. "G'night lad, dream of the ladies." She shoves up to her feet, packs up her gear and proceeds to slides into position. Whilst doing so, she unclips her tricorder from her belt to scan for security systems and maintains a visual lookout.

Rivers eyes her Cardassian critically as he wakes up, phaser trained on him in case he tries something. She gestures with the phaser, indicating that he should join the other. And she looks perfectly serious, too.

Watters's reply is a simple nod to Turtledove, going to join the little group as they form up for the little procession towards the bridge. He smiles a little, glad to be moving again.

Suddenly the sensor array for the Cardassian Donavon hypoed chirps, "Emergency Medical Beamout." Just like that, he is beamed out a moment later.

Phipps ushers his Cardassian into the group, or at least, makes the effort to. He doesn't motion with the phaser - he's holding it, why should he move it? - but instead motions with the other hand. Still stoic, but still with that twinkle in the eye.

Frost nods to Turtledove, and looks into his 'prisoners' eyes as he becomes playable again. He gestures with his phaser, to stand up slowly and carefully, with a smile. This time no speaking, just motions, serious ones at that. He glances over at the Cardassian that just vanished, and then he moves back to his 'prisoner'. He moves, and pretty much prods the man with the others.

The Cardassian patrol slowly forms as order, though they look surprised and a little worried when their comrade is beamed out so suddenly. However they remain quiet and obedient, waiting to be led over the bridge and towards the camp.

. o O Donavon thinks, "Behave Cardassians or you'll suffer the same fate!"

. o O Donavon thinks, "I need to stop watching those holo-movies. Taking on that villianous edge. Besides, the lad is fine."

GAME: Donavon contests her Personal Equipment vs Moderate and Fails.

. o O Phipps feels calm, albeit with an edge of excitement seeping through.

. o O Rivers keeps her urge to shoot under tight control. She hates, hates, Cardassians. Pure and simple.

. o O Frost proud of bring the Cardassian towards the group. And maybe a twinge of anger that one got beamed out.

. o O Phipps thinks, "Hmmm. I wonder wonder wonder. If just one shouts out, would they warn them quickly enough, or would we be able to silence them? And how close are those other two teams, I wonder?"

Turtledove's eyes show concern as well, at the beamout. "That's... not good." She gives Donavon a look. But, now is the time for walking. She piles into the group of Cardassians. Her expression is bemused, considering that they are now crossing a relatively significant tactical entrance point to a Cardassian prison camp.

Donavon clearly isn't bothered by the beamout and concentrates on the scans. Tap on the tricorder and an eye lift to the horizon. Nothing yet.

Watters finally speaks, saying a simple "Oops" as the cardassian disappears into the transporter beam. He makes no further comment, however, before going to move along with the others towards the camp.

. o O Watters thinks, "Let's hope these guys stay cooperative"

Phipps keeps eyes narrowed, half-attentive to the 'prisoner' in front of him, the other half watching the surroundings suspiciously. He doesn't appear in the least bit concerned at the beamout, oddly. His phaser is 'subtly' pointed at the Cardassian - that is, it's not at full readiness, rather slightly relaxed...presumably in preperation for a quick change in aim.

Off goes the little group, hugging along the edge of the forest until they reach the bridge area. There they break from the forest and start onto the bridge. Then, and only then, does the Cardassian laugh softly. "That was stupid, Lieutenant. You think we'd let you cross this bridge so easily?" Even as his words finish up things start happening. Golden Cardassin phaser beams lance out from the far shore, clipping Rivers and Frost. Frost's sensor array beeps with the 'killed' sound, and a moment later he is beamed out. Rivers' beeps with the 'stunned' sound. Then center of the bridge, a secont about six feet long, drops out into the water. The trap is sprung.

"Okay, no more Mr. Nice Turtledove. You just became my shield. Cover fire!" That was, presumably to the rear. "If you think you can make it, come with me!" And Turtledove moves to toss the Cardassian, throwing him off balance, and hopefully in the way of the phaser blasts, somewhat, as she makes a running dash for the six-foot gap. Someone's going to get wet, it seems.

. o O Turtledove thinks, "Scr*w this planning stuff."

GAME: Donavon has the merit of Quick-draw at 2.

Donavon hears the phaser fire the moment the sneaky Cardassians unleash the trap. Swiftly, she swaps her tricorder for a phaser and immediately takes a shot at the far shore. And to make things trickier, the officer makes a break for new cover in switching her current position.

And one good bout of craziness deserves another, right? Given the choice between staying in the trap or trying to break it, Watters apparently chooses the latter, charging for the gap in the bridge and going to try and jump it to the far side. If he's going to take a phaser shot, it'll at least be while doing something.

Phipps', perhaps not surprisingly considering who his everyday direct superior is, takes a similar route: his Cardassian, however, is held in place in front of him. Loosely. He provides a large, tempting target thusly, remaining in position while the others move but mostly under cover; and snaps off a shot past his shield while he's at it. Now he's grinning, lips curled into a wild smile.

GAME: Turtledove has the merit of Bold at 1.

GAME: Watters has the merit of Athletic Ability at 2.

GAME: Turtledove contests her Athletics+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Watters contests his Athletics+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

. o O Phipps thinks, "Hoo-rah! Drop em, Phippsy."

. o O Phipps feels exhilerated.

Turtledive and Watters storm across the bridge and bound into the air, even as Phipps and Donavon fire off their phasers. For once at least, things are going right. Turtledove and Watters touch down on the far side of the bridge and the two sniper like Cardassians are hit by phaser fire and 'stunned'. Still, the sudden phaser fire at the camp and the shuttle flying over it in the distance indicate that the Starfleet team seems to be lagging a little behind the others.

Why stop now. Turtledove motions for Watters to continue to the door, unless, of course, it seems unwise to do so, from his perspective. She rolls for cover, to offer her team-mates cover-fire, meanwhile. Over her comm, she says, "Somebody, get Rivers, if you can."

Donavon clips her communicator in shutting it completely off, being highly suspicious that coms traffic may be heard. A single gesture signals her response as she hurries over to pick up Rivers. This is followed by a natural wave to Phipps to move it.

How's that go again... something about fools rushing in where angels fear to tread? Well, whatever it is, Watters apparently doesn't remember it, instead giving Turtledove a little nod in response to her motion and beginning to make his way up towards the camp. Someone's gotta see what's ahead of 'em, after all, and it looks like he got himself volunteered.

Phipps glances at Donavon...at the Cardassian(s?)...back at Donavon. Hmm.

His expression is clear: How the hell do I handle all four -and- follow? To add to the obviousness of his perplexity, he waves the phaser slightly, indicating those left behind.

. o O Phipps thinks, "So I could shoot you, Cardies, but that you'd notice, if I change setting first. And I can't shoot you all fast enough that none of you will react. And there's one of me and four of you. So, the question is...am I feeling lucky? - Never."

. o O Phipps feels irritated. Having fun, though, in a perverted kind of way. With the irritation.

Turtledove still uses her comm. "Push them into the water, Phippsy!" She grins, and starts shooting the Cardassians flanking the junior armory officer.

Donavon waves her phasers at the Cardassians. "Volunteer time, folks. Willing take a merry dip in the cool waters or," she fires off another round, "fall to the pecking order."

GAME: Phipps spends a courage point.

Sure, there's the sound of phaser fire behind him... but that's not where his instructions are to worry about. Besides, his fellow officers should be able to take care of some cornered and unarmed Cardassians. So he hopes. All the same, he makes his way forwards to the camp... either to report a path or spring the next trap.

Phipps uses his existing grip to whirl around his Cardassian with a flourished shove at the end of the movement, setting his motion such that the unfortunate individual gets rather wet. A flash of a grin, and Phipps ducks down low as he makes something of a move towards the gap, anticipating bad luck is sure to follow the good.

Turtledove hits one Cardassian with her shot, and he drops to the bridge. Of course, Phipps sends one swimming. The other two shake their head and drop off the edge of the bridge into the water. All gone now.

GAME: Phipps spends a courage point.

GAME: Phipps contests his Athletics+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

Turtledove considers Phipps, and the Rivers-wielding Donavon. Over the comm, she says, "It's your call, Meg. Take Rivers out, if you have to. When she beams safely away..." Her mouth quirks. "Take the leap." One small sacrifice for the team, one giant leap for... etc.

Turtledove continues to provide cover, and waits to see how Phipps and Donavon fare.

Donavon moves Rivers to the safest location on the bridge. The communicator is left on, just in case, along with placing her phaser within arm's reach. "You're probably still out of it Rivers, but when you wake, you have a fighting chance to make a run for it." She taps her on the shoulder, then glances to the leap. Knuckles cracked, the officers preps for the run before dashing off to jump across.

GAME: Donavon contests her Athletics vs Routine and Dramatically Fails.

Watters pauses in his advancement, laying flat on the ground to attempt to minimize the chance that something will see him and decide he's worth shooting. He trades his phaser for his tricorder, pulling it out and attempting to at least get a quick read on the surrounding area... blissfully unaware of what's happening behind him.

Phipps arches an eyebrow slightly at the manner in which the Cardassians drop off of the bridge, and lopes - he has an odd sprint - towards the jump over the gap. As a last thought, his phaser is re-holstered and secured en route - no sense dropping it in the water if he misses the leap. Which, fortunately enough, he doesn't. He skids to a halt on the other side, turning back towards Donavon and the stunned Rivers. A small nod at Turtledove's words, at that: he agrees.

The leap is made off balanced. The simple jump can't be made and down goes Donavon into the waters to be washed away.

Turtledove winces. She says over the comm, "Phipps, great leap. Catch up with Watters, and do what you can. I'm going to make sure that Meg doesn't drown."

Watters remains where he's laying flat, glancing around himself for signs of trouble. He returns his tricorder to its holder, before drawing his phaser again and just settling in to wait for the rest of the team to arrive.

Phipps nods sharply, apparently forgetting distance for a moment. Over the comm he answers Turtledove with a simple, "Got it." Just that. No point in wasting time when- Anyway, he lopes up towards Watters position, sprinting instead of crouching, apparently assuming that the fact that he hasn't heard any phaser fire -specifically- from that position, that none is forthcoming - although his sprinting slows and his body hankers down the further he goes.

GAME: Turtledove contests her Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Routine and Marginally Succeeds.

Turtledove scans. She smiles slightly, then murmurs, as she stands to pursue Phipps at a similar pace, "Turn on your comm, Meg."

Watters remains flat on the ground for the moment, glancing behind himself now... hoping that the others actually are coming. That's the whole problem of being up front, really... tough to tell what happened behind.

GAME: Phipps contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

Phipps answers Watters' thoughts unwittingly by arriving alongside them, slipping to the ground as well. "Me," he murmours very very quietly, just to be sure he doesn't get shot or something. His own tricorder is slipped back out, and he pokes at it carefully, frowning as he does.

Turtledove grins as she pulls up alongside Phipps and Watters. She looks down. "You know, they sound busy up there. I say we run for it." A grin. "Last one to the door is a Nausicaan's bath-robe!" And she's off.

. o O Phipps thinks, "So much for caution. Still, this is more fun. Stylish, too. Up up and away, Phippsy boy."

. o O Phipps feels admiration - exhileration - not particuarly calm. No. The calmness has given away to a definite sense of fun - and...something else.

"Right" Watters replies with a little nod as the other two join him. No time to ask where the others are at now... besides, it's really not all that tough to guess in a situation like this. Scrambling back up from the ground, he goes to charge after Turtledove.

Phipps', wearing at first a perplexed grin, shifts facial gears into an out and out grin. "Mayhem, here we come," he murmours under his breath, dashing - albeit low to the ground - and taking up the rear.

GAME: Turtledove contests her Athletics vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Phipps contests his Athletics/Running vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Watters has the merit of Athletic Ability at 2.

GAME: Watters contests his Athletics+A vs Routine and Marginally Fails.

It takes a few minutes, but finally the three officers reach the door to the complex. Watters trails the other two and apparently is the Nausicann's bath-robe. As they draw close the sounds of battle grow louder. The door is unmanned, but still locked tight.

"All phasers set to destroy. This door stands between us and Victory!" Turtledove pulls out her phaser and fires.

Right. So how he's going from being a naussican's bathrobe to destroying malicious doors. Been one heck of a day at the office for Mr. Watters. Still, following along with his boss' orders, he fires his weapon at the door.

Phipps keeps up the entire 'wild grin' thing, having had the -intent- to take up the rear, at any rate. Best laid plans, and all. - A curt nod, and out comes the phaser. Cue tinny whine number three (probably).

GAME: Turtledove contests her Energy Weapon/Phaser vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Watters contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser vs Routine and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Phipps contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser vs Routine and Marginally Fails.

Just like that the door vaporizes under the combined blasts and the way into the complex is clear. Too clear. Far, far too clear. There is a gaping hole in the north wall across the complex. Cardassian 'casualties' are sprawled all around the complex, The prisoners are gone, apparently just gone as the Cardassians are still relaxing. That's when the general hail comes in: "Attention: Allied Forces. The Klingon team has won 'Operation: Flags And Banners.' The games are over. You may now hail your superiors in orbit to confirm, and stand down to be picked up."

"Sorry about the door." Turtledove directs this statement very generally towards the nearby Cardassian 'casualties'.

Watters, meanwhile, just glances out at the space across the complex almost in disbelief. He glances around for a moment before the announcement comes and he mutters something unintelligible, but probably rather foul, under his breath.

Phipps's grin fades, a little. Well, not much. Look at all that lovely destruction! And after all, it's not the winning, but the enjoying of taking apart that counts. He glances towards the former-door. Almost as an afterthought: "Perhaps we should have knocked."

Out from the depths of rushing waters comes a racing, mucky and wet Lieutenant. Her uniform has seen better days as bits of leaves and twigs cling to the dirty damp fabric. Double quick, she digs heels into the ground to prop hands upon her knees upon arriving at the doorway. Deep and solid breaths ease out of her body; she gasps for air. A leaf slides off her forehead and into her eyes. With a swat and a cherished beam for the team, Donavon watches the fireworks. "Destructive lil' officers aren't we?" she teases after sucking in another breath. "Can a lass join this explosive party?" Then she hears the announcement. "Ah well. We got to dunk some Cardassians."

"Perhaps we should've called in the cardassians on 'em after all" Watters mutters, but shakes his head a little bit. Not really the time to be grousing about it now... even if the defeat still does leave a bitter taste in his mouth. "What a waste" he finally says, just glancing around at the complex. He'll probably be muttering for a while...

Turtledove laughs at Donavon, then to Phipps, and then turns her sparkling eyes to the grousing Watters. "You guys did great. It was fun. And... there's always next time."