Trouble Expected

 Episode Name:  Trouble Expected

   Written By:  Grey

         Cast:  Foster, Green, Grey, Hurley, Krylow, Nabrun, Orion Guard and Shamash.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Grey

     Aired On:  Thu Jun 16 04:23:56 2005

     Stardate:  55046.3

Time: Wed Jun 15 19:38:53 2005

Stardate: 55045.5

As the team assembles in the holodeck the crewman confirms those gathered and then begins the program. To start with a simple flat tactical console appears in the middle of the room with sensors logs displayed, appearing to show a two story building. Off to the side are the equipment racks. The gear present is six Type I, six Type II, and six Type III phasers, along with six tricorders and PADDs. There is a medical kit, an engineering kit, a set of transport stabilizers, stun grenades, flash-bang grenades, some sort of gas grenades and oxygen rebreathers.

"Good evening, everyone," Foster begins. "Before I really get started, I want to thank you all for coming along. I really appreciate you all doing this for me, especially if it's not your usual cup of tea. Everyone do a good job and I won't blame you if I don't get the billet." He actually sounds serious there. For a moment. Then he grins and says, "Just kidding."

He clears his throat, "This mission falls under the standard for a rapid response mission. In this mission, a number of Federation diplomats - one Grazerite, one Tellarite, one Vulcan, one Trill, and two Betazoids to be specific - have been taken captive on a non-aligned planet." There is a flash of distaste at those words. Distaste and, perhaps, a little sadness. "During their capture, the kidnappers killed four guards and another diplomat, so Starfleet has chosen to execute a small tactical strike on the kidnappers rather than a formal diplomatic mission. The mission goal is to rescue the captured hostages with no loss of life to the mission team or to the hostages. Casualties are likely in this kind of mission, and that is part of the reason that I have asked Counselor - and Doctor - Nabrun to come with us."

Foster turns and heads over to the tactical console. "We have orbital sensor scans of the building where the diplomats are being held. It is, as you can see, a two story building. Orbital scans indicate that the second floor is manned by several guards. The bottom floor has a cleared area about five meters in from the outer wall on all four sides, but we cannot see what is within, because someone has apparently gutted the inside of the building and installed an inner wall which the sensors cannot penetrate. As you can see, I have selected a number of supplies already, some partially due to methods that I've already talked to you about. The beam-out method will not work - there are, apparently, transport inhibitors in the building, which would stop that even if we could see inside."

Foster adds, after a moment. "We will be pretending that we all have subcutaneous communicators installed under our skin in prep for this mission. Once we actually get started, we will be beginning after surface insertion. I do have roles selected for most of you, but I'd like to get your initial impressions of the scenario thus far."

Shamash has his hands locked behind his back as he looks over the equipment, mentioning from what he sees there and nods to Fosters words. "I assume from the gear that we have a daytime mission? And where will we be located post insertion? Distance to the target complex comes to mind."

Green drags her drooling gaze away from the weapons available to focus her attention on Foster as he speaks, arms folded across her chest. Instead of offering an impression, she says, "What do we know about the kidnappers? Numbers? Species? Weapons? Objectives? M.O.? Are the authorities cooperating with us?"

Nabrun looks from the weapons to Foster, head tilted slightly to one side. Apparently, her questions are waiting until after Green's are answered, given the way Barana simply nods, once.

. o O Green is in a state of high excitement. Funfunfunfunfun!

Hurley's eyes flick between Green and Shamash, and eventually fall on Foster again as the questions are asked. While waiting for the answers, Christine moves closer to the tactical console to look over the sensor scans again and again.

Krylow moves over to a clear spot near Green and Nabrun to look at the tactical layout. For a moment he's quiet, simply studying it. "If there are transport inhibitors in place and sensor blocking walls I think we can assume they're expecting some form of assault. I imagine the walls will be too think to easily punch a hole in, but we'll have to see on the ground."

. o O Hurley thinks, "Well, in a real situation, I wonder if Barana would be able to communicate with the Betazoid diplomats to get an idea of what's going on and help keep them calm while we work this out. I doubt this would work in a holosimulation, though. Hmmmm. Telepathic holosimulations. That ... could be interesting."

"We know, pretty much, nothing about the kidnappers," Foster answers Green first. "They kidnapped the diplomats in a surprise attack in the middle of the night. We know the number of guards on the second floor, but since the sensors cannot read the lower floor, we do not know how many there are there. In fact, to my surprise, this might be information that only Lieutenant Nabrun can provide for us. Two of the captured diplomats are, after all, Betazoid. They may be able to tell us what we're facing on the inside, if they are not unconscious or..." He offers the Counselor an apologetic look, "... too hurt to tell us." Turning to the scientist, Foster says, "We can choose the time of the assault, day or night, as well as distance to target. The building is in the downtown core of the city on this generic non-Federation world, so there should be plenty of cover." Turning back to Green, he adds. "The planetary government is staying out of our way in order to prevent their actions from accidentally harming the captives. We can yell at them later for allowing some idiots to build rooms for terrorist activities right in the middle of their location." This is him joking again. Finally, he turns to Alek. "I would prefer a stealth approach first, if at all possible. If it comes down to having to blow a hole in their walls, they're going to know we're coming, and with my luck, we'll blow a hole in the wall on the opposite side from where the hostages are." He grimaces.

Hurley lifts both eyebrows at Foster's response and looks to Nabrun.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Huh. So they /can/ simulate telepathy? Wow. I want to see the code on /that/."

Nabrun folds her arms across her chest, considering the layout for a long moment, thoughtful. "If this were an actual, live-fire mission," she muses. "My telepathy might be able to provide us with some assistance. However, given the nature of this, the holosuites can't handle telepathy at all," she replies, voice quiet. "This means we need to treat this as though our objectives are unconscious and/or unable to respond to telepathic signals. In which case, we might want to prepare for worst-case scenario, in which the hostages will need to be taken out of the building and are not able to go under their own power. Would it be possible to arrange for an interruption of the transport inhibitors, once we're in? Knock those out, drop a beacon, and get us all out of there without us having to carry out hostages and providing larger targets. That would only require us figuring out a) a way in, b) where our objectives are located, and c) the most likely point for extraction if we can get the transport inhibitors knocked out." Her head tilts slightly to the side as she studies the layout some more. "Are there any blind spots?"

Green's lips purse for a moment, then she turns to join the others at the console. "Gutting or no, latest blueprints on that building might come in handy." Her eyes scan hard across the building. "I'm guessing the locals have cleared the general area of regular traffic. Prepared or not, night'd probably be the best time to get in there."

Looking to Nabrun and then back to Foster Krylow says, "Lieutenant Nabrun is correct. The holosuites can not simulate telepathy. Depending on the program's specifications we might be able to query the program once the simulation is running for general information about what a telepath would sense, if the designers wrote that in." That said he moves to pick up the engineering kit, inspecting it.

"Are the guards guarding the hostages on the top floor?" Hurley asks softly, attention returning to the layout.

Foster nods at Nabrun, "If we can take out a couple of inhibitors, that will help. But I also brought transport stabilizers to try and help with that issue. Bringing beacons, however, is a good idea. Let's add that to the list of supplies. Anyone who has other suggestions are welcome to make them." He asks the computer to add sensor/transport beacons to the supplies as well. On the matter of telepathy, he nods to Krylow. "That is what I was thinking might be the case - we can't actually *simulate* telepathy, but we can get the computer to tell you what you might hear or sense via telepathy. And then you can tell us." He says, "I did get blueprints for the building. Unfortunately, they're over fifty years old and don't reflect the current lower floor. The guards on the top floor - all eight of them - are..." And here he pauses, looking towards Green. "Orions. So they aren't the captives. What we might be able to do is utilize that knock-out gas on the upper floor to take them out, then move to the lower floor, knock out the inhibitors, get through the wall - there has to be at least one door or more - get to the captives, and beam out. Hard and fast."

Green lifts an eyebrow slightly at the Orion revelation. She grunts in acknowledgement, then turns to stride toward the supply table. "Gas isn't fast enough; they'd send down an alert to their fellow... kidnappers." She slips a Type I into her boot, settles a II at her hip, and hefts a rifle over her shoulder, before a variety of grenades into a shoulder pack.

Nabrun moves around to the other side, studying the layout. "LT Foster, where are their blind-spots on this? And is there any way we can...hmmm. Most towns, unless ruled by anarchy, keep records of any recent construction, permits, etc. I realize this may not be the case." She pauses, mulling for a moment. "I couldn't get the two compounds to mix properly, though the stun grenades might give us a chance."

. o O Green thinks, "Oh, of /course/."

Shamash wanders closer, closing his hands before his chest and continues to think for some time. "The more guard personnel, the less likely it is to be successful with the stealthy approach for chances increase that you just miss one of a group of guards that can just alarm his buddies." He nods to Green then, slowly.

Hurley turns to look at Green. "I have to wonder what the eight Orions are doing on the top floor in that case. But, maybe.." she pauses and watches the weaponry gathered by the other officer, and turns her attention towards the stockpile of weapons. "I almost wonder if I'm better off with an Engineering kit," she murmurs softly to herself.

Krylow slides the engineering kit onto his shoulders once his inspection is complete and a second tricorder and sensor beacons are added to it. A PADD and tricorder are slide into their place after checks. He picks up a Type II and Type III phaser, powering each up and running a self diagnostic before sliding the Type II into its place at his waist and the Type III over his shoulder. Two stun grenades and two flash-bangs are attached to his gear belt as well. "Take what you're comfortable with Lieutenant Hurley. Anything that makes you uncomfortable will turn into a problem," he says with a small smile to Hurley.

. o O Green thinks, "Hmmmm. I wonder..."

Foster grins, "Actually, I have something in mind for you already, Christine. See, Starfleet has something of a reputation for talking first, shooting later. Though it might not seem as... well, action-oriented, I want to use you as, well, something of a distraction. I want you to find some way through their communications system, and see if you can *talk* to these people. Find out what their demands are, what they want. You're one of the only people I know who has the amazing ability to be able to talk to *anyone*, and I want to tap that. In a way, though, you will be coordinating the rest of us as well. The main insertion team will be Lieutenants Krylow, Green, Nabrun, and myself, with Barana as backup, essentially playing Combat Medic. You will be talking to them while we attempt to achieve the primary goal. Who knows? They might even have a valid point on what they want."

Keying the console, Foster causes the 'building' to spin. "There are visual blind spots here and here." He notes the southeast corner and the middle of the north wall. "IF we can find out where the diplomats are, it might help choosing an entry point."

Finally, he turns to Shamash, "Agrim, you're the wildcard. You've got more actual Starfleet experience than most of us do, and while I know this kind of mission isn't exactly your area, I respect your opinion. You also are likely to think of things that I haven't, simply because of having a different perspective. You're welcome to join the insertion team if you like, but you're also welcome to do other things, if that's what you wish." He gathers a Type I, II, and III as well, depositing them much the same way as Green did, along with a rebreather (never hurts to be safe), stun grenades, and flash-bangs. Loaded for bear, he is.

Nabrun moves over to the equipment after nodding to Foster, her face shadowed as she goes through a check procedure. The medkit first, with everything checked and rechecked, picked up and replaced firmly, nothing left to chance. Then her weapons, each one checked, then checked again before being attached to her person. She only takes Types I and II. Then, a rebreather and one of each of the flash-bangs and the grenades.

Green comments for Hurley absently as she continues packing less lethal items, "We don't know those eight are guards. But assuming they are, they're either taking their rest shift, or playing watchtower. And if you can't get them to talk, you can always distract them another way. You have practiced up on your erotic dancing, right?" Yes, she's serious. Glancing toward Foster, she says, "Gauss might be better than the phaser rifle. Blades wouldn't hurt either."

. o O Green thinks, "How's that for incentive to get 'em to talk?"

Shamash's standard equipment is already a tricorder, though he packs an extra. never know when you have to fiddle with one to make it do ... odd things. However he forgoes stocking a Phaser rifle for the more handy Type II and I. The weight he is saving from not carrying a rifle is however occupied by the transport stabilizers, trusting Krylow with the engineering kit. On a second thought he also stocks up with a rebreather, murmuring a soft "You never know." He turns to Foster mentioning "Then i take Tail End Charlie, letting you do the main work, though if something comes up i would be hard pressed to do anything if i am not somewhat close with the rest of you. And not being the most stealthy person either, being a few paces in the back does not hurt either."

Hurley considers Foster's job for her, then nods quite enthusiastically. "*That* I can do. But, just to be on the safe side.." she grabs an engineering kit, a Type II, Type I, tricorder, PADD, and rebreather for herself. "I'll keep track of sensors from Mission Ops, then," she notes to Foster. "Let me know when the inhibitors are taken out and I'll work on the locks." Green's comment earns her a *look*, eyebrows lift and she shakes her head. "I'm not dancing for them. But, I'll be sure to find a way to distract them otherwise. Give me a computer and a little time to code? I'm sure I can make any Orion man happy."

"With eight guards on the top level I suspect that we're going to be facing quite the oppositon," says Krylow, having moved back to the tactical layout. "Once we begin the main assault we should remain as a team or we could end up severely outnumbered. Otherwise with the lack of information we're going to need to think fast on the ground and improvise."

. o O Krylow is relaxed and getting focused. He's concentrating on the mission and on the building details.

Foster always has a REAL tricorder, to the point where he sometimes forgets to bring holographic ones. Shamash's grabbing one reminds him, and he picks up one as well. "Knives are fine, but I think the gauss rifles are out. They're quieter, yes, but they don't have stun settings. I don't want to accidentally kill anyone." He grins at Hurley, "Particularly you. Rob would never forgive me. Okay, then, Agrim, you're in. So, the five of us will move in once we have a signal from Hurley over our subcutaneous comms. If we can get information via quote-unquote telepathy, so much the better. We hit hard and fast. Heavy stun on phasers - you *can* fire on diplomats if it will protect them. I think they'll understand being knocked out for an hour if it saves their lives. Even if the Tellarite might argue the issue. Any questions, comments, opinions, etc before we begin?"

. o O Green sighs softly. "Spoilsport."

Nabrun makes sure to get the proper tricorders and the like for all of the fun, making sure to have her medical one handy and easily reachable. Everything gets checked again, one final time, though the Betazoid does glance toward Green for a moment.

. o O Nabrun projects, "Taylor, don't you dare."

Green's nose wrinkles slightly, but she just quietly rustles up some combat knives as well, one joining her Type I, the other in the opposite boot. Say hello to Miss Walking Armory. She jerks a little as she straightens again, clearing her throat. "Ah, I think I'm ready."

. o O Green snerks. "Yes, Mom."

Krylow glances to Green and Nabrun for a moment, then lightly crosses his arms and says, "I'm ready." His voice is quiet and focused and he's still studying the tactial layout.

Shamash watches Green stock up. He can not hide a bit of amusement as he looks at her. He just nods at Foster, declaring ready.

"Ready," Hurley chimes after Krylow, strapping her own gear to herself even though she's going to be 'remaining behind'. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Nabrun takes a breath and nods, looking to Foster. "Ready," she says quietly, standing near Alek.

Foster nods, "Computer, set timeframe on program to local time 2100 hours. Specify insertion at the greater of 500 meters or three surface blocks southeast from target location, out of line-of-sight." He looks around once more, takes a deep breath, and says, "Run program."

The holosuite fades away and the cityscape takes form around the group. Its a plain modern day city with buildings ranging from one or two stories to ten or fifteen. The government's blockade is about 200 meters ahead of the team, with police like officals guarding it. Beyond the streets are clear and empty.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Hmmm. Police. I wonder if Caleb is going to trust them not to betray us."

"Okay," Foster says. "Let's get started. Christine, see if you can tap into local communications terminals and sensor nets. Barana, let's see if the computer will play nice and let us talk 'telepathically' with the diplomats. And, in the meantime, let's go identify ourselves to the local authorities so they know who the hell we are. Let's move out, people. We've got diplomats to save."

. o O Hurley thinks, "Well, that answers that question."

Krylow nods once to Foster, hand holding the rifle and keeping it pointed at the ground as he walks. He falls into step without a word.

Hurley bites at her lower lip, then nods. "I'll see what I can do." Pause. "Are you /sure/ you can trust the local authorities? I mean, this is a non-aligned world, and we don't exactly know what's going on yet.." But, with no other options, she just stops and smiles quickly. "Sensor nets and comms. I'm on it."

Green nods once, the game face on. One hand on the strap of her rifle, she moves to flank Foster and follow.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Why do I keep thinking of Frak in all of this? I'm sure the local authorities aren't going to betray us."

Shamash does what scientists do best - or their hubris tells them - and takes a scan first thing after getting there, however assuming he had done so on the way as well.

Nabrun blinks and looks at Caleb for a moment as she falls into step just behind Krylow, keeping a few paces back. "What if the police are WITH them?" she asks quietly, then shakes it off. "Computer, engage holographic simulation telepathic response protocol."

"I have to assume that local authorities are at least semi-competant, especially since they have opted not to interfere," Foster says. "If they're not, well, we'll deal with that when we come to it." He grins. "Don't give the computer any ideas."

The Computer beeps and says, "Telepathic response indicates that Subject A, a Betazoid diplomat, is bound and tied in a room that is approximately 4 meters by 8 meters in size. Subject A can not see anything else. Subject B, a Betazoid diplomat, is bound and tied in a room that is approximately 4 meters by 8 meters in size. Subject B can see two Orion guards and a closed door."

"Well, that gives us more information," Foster says. "Is there any way to know what part of the building they are in?" He finally reaches one of the police officers and says, "May I please speak to whoever is in charge?"

Shamash checks on the small phaser he carries, though keeps an eye on his scanning results. He waits a few for the others to move on first before trailing after them

Nabrun's voice is quiet as she continues. "Computer, can either subject give me any information regarding number and/or type of guards they've encountered, anything they've overheard, and last known state of the other hostages? Also, does either subject have any information as to their orientation within the building?"

Green starts to comment in Nabrun's direction, only to shut her mouth and turn her flinty gaze toward the cop.

The Computer beeps and says, "Negative. No further information available."

. o O Green thinks, "Weapons, Barana. What kind of... Oh, blast."

While Foster works his own magic with the local authorities, Hurley breaks apart from the group once she spots a public communicatiosn terminal. A quick glance over her shoulder at her team, she turns her attention back to the terminal, taps a couple of times and lifts both eyebrows with pursed lips. "Well, well, well," she murmurs softly, keying in a few more commands. "Lieutenant," she says softly into her subcutaneous communicator, "I have a clear comms line into the building, but haven't tapped it yet."

One of the officers nods to Foster. "That's me. You're the Starfleet team?" he asks, looking over the team. Several of the other officers turns to look as well.

Foster nods, "We are. Do you have any further intelligence to help us out since the last reports we received?"

Nabrun crinkles her nose, but then glances to the side, toward Tay, a brow raised in question.

Krylow comes to a stop a few feet behind Foster and remains silent while looking down the street in the direction of the target, which is obscured around a corner.

Hurley quietly remains with her terminal, attention turned back towards the group as she waits.

. o O Green thinks, "Barana, can the diplomat tell us what kind of weapons their captors have?"

The officer shakes his head. "No, there is nothing new. We haven't talked to them or approached the building."

Foster nods again, "All right. Thanks." He turns back to Hurley, and says, "See if you can get in touch with them, and we'll move in. See if you can find a way to handle the transport. If not, we're going to have to fight our way out. However, from all appearances, we're going to have to fight our way through the building as-is, since the captives are not grouped together. All phasers on heavy stun. We all know the plan. Let's do it."

Nabrun's voice is quiet as she speaks with the computer. "Computer, can and will either subject identify the type of weapons carried and/or used by their captors?" She grins, briefly, at Tay. As Foster speaks, she gets her phaser ready, dialed properly.

The Computer beeps and says, "Negative. No further information available."

With a single nod in Foster's direction, Christine turns back to her console, and keys in the appropriate commands to open the comms line. "This is Lieutenant Hurley of Starfleet, United Federation of Planets. We understand you have grievances and are holding our diplomats captive. We would like to hear your grievances and negotiate their safe return. Please respond." While speaking, she looks over the terminal once again, looking to see just how much control she has out here.

Krylow nods to Foster, still standing there with his phaser rifle held in one hand pointed to the ground. He waits on Foster, remaining quiet.

Green nods once, slinging her rifle smoothly in her hands. Catching Barana's comment, she gives another nod, approvingly. "Don't huddle together, folks," is commented for Nabrun, Shamash, and Hurley's sakes. "Or if you do, pray they don't have grenades. You'd make a lovely target." And with that, and a slightly aggrieved look upward at the computer's comment, she gives Foster the ready signal.

. o O Green thinks, "It was a good idea bringing Barana along, Caleb." And she does mean that. "Pity the test ain't letting ya utilize that resource better."

Shamash already checked his gear to be on the stun setting. He waits for the main insertion team to do the lead so he can actually tail them. He again smiles over at Green, just shaking his head "Just don't stumble with all that gear you packed. You would not look too graceful then."

Hurley's hail is met with silence for a minute, then a voice rasps over the channel. "Lieutenant Hurley of Starfleet, try to hail us again and we will kill a prisoner. We don't care what you want to talk out."

Hurley's eyebrows lift and she turns her gaze back towards Foster.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Now what? If I try to counter that, they might actually kill one of them. This isn't exactly an effective distraction."

"Use the subcu's for comms, everyone," Foster says. "Otherwise, we're silent. Hug buildings and don't stay in groups. Remember the blind spots. And remember, hard and fast. Once we're in, keep moving, and keep your eyes out. Our targets are the transport inhibitors and the kidnappers." He sighs. "See what you can do to coordinate from out here, Christine. Don't push them. If you don't think you'll be able to do anything significant out here, speak up now and we'll include you with the insertion group. If that's what you want." He rolls his eyes.

. o O Foster thinks, "Stupid terrorists. Everyone usually has an agenda. They certainly just don't want us to wait them out, after all."

. o O Krylow thinks, "What's your problem with Christine going with us? She is as capable as Barana or Agrim."

Green glances toward Shamash, arching an eyebrow at his comment, then her gaze moves on to Foster. She remains very, very expressionless.

. o O Green thinks, "Why are you being a jackass, Caleb?"

Krylow glances to Foster, frowning a little. "Caleb," he says quietly, "Christine is as capable as Barana or myself with a phaser. I can atest to that."

Nabrun remains quiet, breaking away from Alek to take up a spot a little ways away, somewhat behind Alek, Tay and Foster, clearly following them.

"Well," Hurley murmurs, casting one quick glance to the terminal. "They said no more hails. They didn't say anything about asking face-to-face." Glancing over her equipment, she drums up a quick smile for Krylow and rests a hand against her Type II, falling behind Nabrun and in front of Shamash. "I'll be more useful in there."

Foster looks over to Krylow, lifting an eyebrow, "I did not know that." He turns back and says, "If you want in, you're in, Christine. I don't want to exclude you." He mutters something about stupid terrorists, apparently what he'd been thinking about just before, then smiles. "Okay, Christine. Let's make it a party. You know the plan." He turns back to the police officer, offers his thanks, and says, "We're moving out."

Green murmurs. "Christine. He didn't close the channel. No need to hail again. Keep him talki-" She pauses as Foster speaks, then shrugs, and turns to start toward the target, keeping low and friendly with the nearest building.

. o O Green thinks, "I hope you know what you're doing, Caleb. But at the moment, I'm none too optimistic."

Krylow nods to Foster and then he too moves to fall in with the others, taking up a position slightly back and flanking Green. For now, since the target building is out of sight, he moves along the street.

Nabrun keeps low and close to her building, an eye kept on the others in the group at first, then, oddly, she looks up to the top of the target building, keeping an eye on that and on what's in front of her.

Shamash takes his position as tail end charlie, waiting until the others already move for a while before falling in. Eyes flicker every so often down on his scanner however he does not expect it to show anything at this time.

Hurley's eyes flicker towards Green, preparing to respond, but instead, she turns her attention to the group in front of her. She knows the drill. She's close to the building, low and her hand is on the phaser, but it's not drawn quite yet.

As the group moves down the road they approach the intersection and the branch that leads towards to the building. A peek around the corner will show the southeast corner about 50 meters up the road. The windows are dark and the building quiet.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Ok, it doesn't make much sense to take a bunch of diplomats hostage, then not reveal terms of negotiation when communication lines are opened. Which would suggest this kidnapping is much more personal in nature, and definitely not political."

. o O Hurley thinks, "Maybe we could just knock on the door and say we're delivering a pizza? Or Chinese? Everyone likes Chinese and pizza. Maybe a Chinese pizza? Hmmm."

Foster glances up at the building from the apparent blind spot, then looks back. He points to the corner, and then gives the hand-signal for 'move in'. Which he follows up by doing just that -- moving in as quietly and quickly as he can.

Green pauses for a brief peek around the corner. After a second, she takes a deep breath, lets Foster get a bit in front of her, and moves to follow in a slight serpentine.

. o O Green thinks, "We are /so/ dead."

Nabrun takes a breath and follows along with the group, waiting until Tay's got a little distance before she moves off, keeping low.

As the building comes into sight Krylow now picks a path along the edge of the wall. His rifle comes up, held in two hands and pointed towards the upper floor of the building. He keeps Foster and Green ahead of him, following Green by about five meters as he closes on the building.

Just behind Nabrun is Hurley, keeping a brief distance, and slowly bringing her Type II into play and casting a quick glance back towards Shamash. Yes, this would be the herding dog of the group.

Shamash refrains from barking at Hurley. He continues to herd his people before him.

GAME: Foster spends a courage point.

GAME: Green spends a courage point.

GAME: Nabrun spends a courage point.

GAME: Foster contests his Stealth/Stealthy Movement+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Hurley spends a courage point.

GAME: Nabrun contests her Stealth+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Green contests her Stealth+A vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Hurley contests her Stealth+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Krylow contests his Stealth/Stealthy Movement vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Shamash spends a courage point.

GAME: Shamash contests his Stealth+A vs Routine and Fails.

The team closes quickly on the building, covering the 50 meters or so easily and without any opposition. Moments later they're approaching the door on the southeast corner.

Foster, once by the door, nods to Shamash. He points to his tricorder, and slowly mouths 'life signs'. He lifts his own tricorder to check the door - to see if it is locked, for one thing.

Green presses her back against the wall beside the door, her gaze moving in a big semi-circle: left, right, up, rinse, repeat.

Krylow comes up behind Green, keeping a little distance from her and slides his back against the wall. Rifle is pointed up and he watches above where the Orions are supposed to be stationed.

Hurley's Type II, now fully drawn, is pointed at the ground and she backs against a wall, turning attention towards Shamash as she waits for the readings from the science officer.

GAME: Foster contests his Personal Equipment vs Routine and Succeeds.

Nabrun slips past the others and takes up a position on the other side of Foster, past the man, glancing toward the corner of the building, up, and trying to keep an eye on things nearby. Her phaser's out as well.

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

Shamash comes closer with the rest of the people, slowly nodding to Foster. He already had his tricorder out and about so a quick scan is done fast. Using the implanted coms he mentions without talking 'two guards comming down the stairs', saying the important part first 'six more on the top floor.'

No sooner does Shamash mention something about two guards coming down the stairs then does a bolt of phased energy blast through the door and lance between the group to hit the building across the street. Judging by the vaporization of the chunk of wall those Orions are not playing nice at all.

. o O Hurley thinks, "I'm thinking the door doesn't look like such a good entrance anymore."

Foster lets out a sigh. "They would have to have tricorders too," he mutters to himself. "Okay everyone, it begins. Hit hard, hit fast. I'll open the door, Alek, Tay, take out the guards, others followup if they don't go down." He takes a few seconds for quick nods of understanding and allowing them to shift around appropriately, then moves to open the door, twisting the knob and shoving it open with one quick movement. He keeps his Type II held in the other hand, just in case he *can* get off a shot.

GAME: Foster has the merit of Sexy at 2.

GAME: Foster contests his Command/Combat Leadership+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Krylow contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle+A vs Moderate and Marginally Succeeds.

GAME: Green contests her Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

As Foster pushes open the door Alek rolls from his spot with his back against the wall and around the edge of the frame. The rifle levels quickly with him sighting along the top of the rifle. A second later he squeezes the trigger and bolt of energy lances into the Orion at the bottom of the stairs, dropping him to the ground.

Even as the door is whipped open, Tay drops to one knee and twists, taking half a second to steady her aim. ZAAAAAP. One Orion reveals all of himself as he goes tumbling the rest of the way down the stairs, rather unconscious. Tay doesn't wait, but darts forward in a crouch to slip behind a pillar, the muzzle of her weapon pointed up at the stairs.

Now, the sudden burst through the door comes as a surprise to Shamash. However being a bit away from the others helps by jumping to the side, letting the strike team handling any immediate threats. When he comes up in a fire position however, all is over for the time being. He adds yet another scan, just to check for movements of the guards, now that they must be alerted all around.

Nabrun steps closer to the door from her position outside, but she doesn't go in, not yet. Her phaser's out and ready, and her eyes on the door and the perimeter. Apparently she's planning on playing clean-up crew.

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

Hurley grabs at her rebreather, quickly sets it up and glances to Nabrun. Being gassed once is once too much for her. She's going in *prepared*, and as such she moves along the wall towards the door, but still behind the initial strike team with phaser at ready.

No other Orions or stray energy blasts welcome the team. The first floor is empty save for the two stunned Orions. About five meters from the walls in the middle of the room is a second wall. Inside the inner wall is an area of about 20 meters by 20 meters it would seem. On the southeast corner of the inner wall, between the team and the stairs, is a heavy doorway obviously controlled by an access panel.

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

Foster relates over the subcutaneous communicators, "Okay. We need to take out the guards upstairs and then work on the door. Lets take them out fast and we can move on to this. It's entirely possible that since the wall blocks sensors, it also blocks comms, so we might still have the advantage of surprise. Tay, Security Systems are your territory, mostly. You want first crack at the panel? Or do you want it, Agrim?" In the meantime, he's moving towards the stairs.

Nabrun moves in after Hurley after flashing her a brief smile. She moves to the first downed guard, securing his disruptor on her person. The medical tricorder comes out and the downed guard is scanned. She pauses, biting her lower lip for a moment, and then does something...odd. She starts undressing the first one. Apparently medical training comes in handy, because she skims ALL of the clothes off, then uses them to tie hands and feet, and another piece of clothing as a gag. The process is repeated, as fast as she can go, with guard number two. Once that's done, it appears her aim is to follow the leader.

Shamash "speaks" again via the silent com. 'Other 6 hostiles are keeping their position. No direct movement on the scan.' he pauses going on after a moment 'Bad news: The transport inhibitors are installed into the building proper. Short of a demo pack, it will not be easy to get rid of them' beat 'I like to see Green move' some sort of running gag...?

Green glances toward the security panel- and its obviously non-Standard labels- and her lips purse. "I can take a crack at it." She glances round toward Shamash. "Can you get me a translation of those markings with your tricorder?" She, after all, is still watching for scumsucking Orions to come down the stairs. "Caleb, fast and hard. Leave a couple folks here to take out any guards that come down, and have the rest hit the target down here."

Krylow remains in the doorway as Tay moves to the pillar inside. Once she has he then moves into the building proper, keeping his rifle aimed to the stairs as well. He approaches the two Orions and covers Nabrun. "Tay's our best shot. If we're going after the other six let Shamash and Hurley handle the panel and door."

Hurley glances to Nabrun, eyebrow lifted as the guards are disrobed and bound and gagged. A slight blush touches her cheeks which is, thankfully, hidden behind the rebreather mask, and she pushes further inside to claim her own pillar. "I would suggest quickly, too," she adds to Krylow's comment. "I can't imagine they don't have a way to spread information amongst themselves between the two floors quickly. That would seem... rather silly of them."

. o O Krylow thinks, "Tay's our best shot. Let's leave her behind when we go after the other Orions. Sounds like a great plan. Next I can try and heal the injured and Barana can plant demolitions."

. o O Green thinks, "And Orions are a lot of things, but they're /not/ silly."

"I don't want to seperate the group if I can at all help it," Foster says over the comms. "But that's fine. Let's move in with all of us. Two people keeping watch behind us - me and Alek, I think. Tay, you're our best shot, so you have lead. Shoot first, questions later. Remember, we're on heavy stun, so even if you hit a civilian, we can clean it up later. Agrim, Christine, work with Tay to get us in through that security system."

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

. o O Green thinks, "Oooh, I get to get shot first!"

"Security system," Hurley says softly. "On it." Breaking computers, afterall, is her specialty. Phaser is held at ready as she moves to form up with Green.

Nabrun murmurs quietly, "Computer, begin telepathic response protocols regarding remaining guards." She's pulled up near Foster by this point, phaser out and ready.

Shamash moves forward the paces towards the indicated panel, does a quick scan of the markings and then peers to his tricorder, tweaks a few settings and then just waits for the programmed systems to work their magic. 'Comming up in clear now', he confirms his success.

Krylow remains where he is for now, dropping to one knee and keeping watch on the stairs while he waits.

Green takes another quick look around before she straightens- mostly- and moves to approach the panel. Only when she nears it does she sling her rifle over her shoulder again. Leaning over to study Shamash's readings for a moment, she finally shakes her head and beckons in Hurley's direction. "This is a job for a hacker or a bomb specialist, Chris. Thank the gods we've got the best of both with us."

"Once that door is open," Foster says over comms. "We should be able to scan past it, and once inside the walls, we should be able to find all of the captives and anyone else. Presuming we don't die clearing the next room, Agrim, if you could handle that, I appreciate it." As Nabrun nears, he lifts a hand to squeeze her shoulder, and mouth 'thanks' to her. "We'll keep watch for now. Get us in there, guys, and let's blow through the rest of this."

The Computer beeps and says, "Negative. Program telepathy protocols non-adaptive and can not provide further telepathic responses."

GAME: Hurley spends a courage point.

GAME: Hurley contests her Systems Engineering+A vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

. o O Nabrun thinks, "Mental note. Talk with the holoprogrammers about FIXING that problem."

Green readies her rifle again, crouched and poising to make the best of what she hopes will be surprise when that door opens.

Hurley scrunches her nose at the panel in her best impersonation of a Bajoran. "Lock overridden, but mechanics are giving me sass. You guys can try to push it open with force, blast it open with Alek's skills or give me another minute to discuss with this panel exactly why it should cooperate with me and exactly what I do with naughty computers that don't. Your choice." Of course, she's still tapping away at the panel in an effort to convince the computer to use less sass.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Come on. This thing isn't /that/ old. Open sesame! Abrakadabra?"

Krylow listens to Hurley and then swings his rifle down and onto his shoulder. "Barana, cover the stairs for me please," he says and moves to the door to give it a push.

Nabrun glances to Foster for a moment, smiling briefly, then nods to Alek as she moves to a cover position on the stairs.

. o O Green thinks, "They really need to improve that telepathy protocol program. Not that I'd really enjoy Barana being subjected to the sort of things Orions think about."

Shamash is holding the tricorder with the translation over where it can be seen. Trying to peer past Hurley at what she does fails unfortunately and he mumbles. "I could try to give you a hand, though we need to link the devices here, can't work on one console together."

GAME: Krylow spends a courage point.

GAME: Krylow contests his Athletics vs Challenging and Fails.

"I have complete confidence in you, Christine," Foster says, and his tone backs that up. "You'll get us in, no problems." He drops his Type II back to his belt and unslings his rifle, moving to back up Tay. She's going low. He'll go high and towards a different direction.

GAME: Foster contests his Command+A vs Challenging and Fails.

GAME: Hurley contests her Systems Engineering+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Krylow pushes at the door, strainging at it and only getting it to move a little bit. "Come on Christine, help a poor guy out," he says to her.

Apparently, Hurley's discussion with the panel about the things she does to naughty computers seems to have done some good. A few more taps and a scrunched nose, and open goes the door, with a triumphant, "There we are!" declared just under her breath with a quick smile flashed back towards Shamash. Yes, that would be Christine Hurley, Geek Extraordinaire.

Shamash returns a quick smile with a thumbs up gesture. Time for another scan for the hostiles. Maybe they moved, who knows.

. o O Hurley's confidence is quickly returning. Now she's in her element. Beating up computer systems.

Green doesn't actually rush the open doorway immediately. She lets herself get a glimpse beyond it even as her finger tightens on the trigger of her rifle... and abruptly stops. "Basement. Bloody /knew/ it." Shaking her head slightly, she moves forward in a crouch, at the ready, into the smaller room beyond the doorway. Toward the stairs leading down in it.

. o O Green thinks, "Either that, or somebody named Escher wrote this program, and we'll find ourselves coming down the stairs back that way."

Nabrun remains where she is, covering the steps, and Alek's back.

The room beyond is quite simple, and like Green mentioned, leads to the basement. Two paths are available; the elevator in the center of the room that has no apparent access restrictions or the stairs. Those peering down the stairs will see they go down around fifty meters.

Foster lifts his tricorder, and nods to Shamash as well. He uses the tricorder to scan for life forms and get a complete layout of this area inside the sensor-blocking walls, if he can.

"If we take out the stairs leading up," Hurley offers softly, flicking her eyes towards the two bound and gagged guards on the floor, "we won't have to worry about the other six. So, the only ones left will be whoever we couldn't count *down there*. If we can't transport anyone out, chances are, they can't, either."

GAME: Foster spends a courage point.

GAME: Foster contests his Personal Equipment+A vs Moderate and Fails.

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

As the door opens and Tay passes through it Krylow unslings his rifle and shoulders it again, moving into the room behind her and checking around the elevator. "Level clear," he calls out softly moving to cover the stairs down.

Shamash continues to fiddle with his tricorder, having apparently problems to get a clear result. Via the com he mentions 'I hope we have badly prepared guards here. Just think of two simple triggers here. Have the use of the lift sound an alarm. Or have a deadman switch up in the control level that simply... Well, no need to go there.' beat 'I am not getting clear readings'

Green remarks, peering down the stairs, "I'm not worried about the other six /now/. Especially after you lock that door behind us and code the lock to something they won't know, Chris." A glance toward the elevator. "Big mousetrap," she agrees.

Foster thumps his holographic tricorder a couple of times, and mutters over the subcu's. "I'm not getting anything. Looks like *another* thing this program needs to have reprogrammed, in addition to the telepathy stuff." He shakes his head in Hurley's direction. "It's not the only set of stairs. There's another one on that side, beyond the other door, the building has a fire escape, and it's only ten feet up, so not that difficult a jump. It'd draw their attention." He adds, "Is anyone else getting any layout or lifesign readings on their tricorders? Mine is not giving me anything."

GAME: Shamash spends a courage point.

GAME: Foster contests his Personal Equipment+A vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Shamash contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Hurley contests her Personal Equipment vs Moderate and Dramatically Succeeds.

'I can confirm that the six hostiles on the second floor are still present. and from their movement patterns it appears that they are not yet alerted.' Shamash mentions. 'As to the layout of this compound, it goes 50 meters down, with doors on the end of the stairs. Do not appear to be any other levels than the far end basement. I have not picked up any electronic surveillance though and the scan does get a bit frizzy at the far end, though i see part of a corridor that has an angle'

Krylow continues to cover the mouth of the stairs, simply waiting on those with the tricorders and Foster as the leader.

Green tilts her head, listening to Shamash. "Other lifesigns?"

Hurley grabs for her tricorder and purses her lips at the results. "No electronic surveillance except for sensors on the 4th and 6th flights. It looks like there might be explosives connected to those sensors on the 3rd and 5th flight respectively." She pauses, "In other words, sensors triggered on the 4th flight will create a boom on the 3rd, above the trigger. There's an L-intersection at the bottom of all 10 flights, veering to the right. Door at the bottom of the stairway, and another at the end of the hallway. I don't know what's beyond those doors, though."

Nabrun remains quiet and watchful, bringing up the rear of the group.

"Okay," Foster says over comms. "Much as I might not like doing this, Christine, please reprogram the doors on this level so the guards above will have a slightly more difficult time getting in. I say slightly because if they have disruptors like the others did, they can just blast their way in anyway. It might slow them down, though. Next, you're up, Alek, for removing the explosives. Anyone here know anything about electronic countermeasures, for backup? Otherwise, I will probably assign it to Tay and Christine, since they did so well together. Once everything is set, we'll start moving down. We might be able to get a better reading below."

You know Caleb, Christine didn't mention anything about bombs on the elevator," replies Krylow. "Of course if we're worried we can toss one of the stunned guards into it and send it down. If there's a trap that will set it off," replies coolly. Orion guards who try and kill his teammates are obviously expendable.

Green looks up to lift an eyebrow slightly. "Caleb, the only electronic countermeasure I know is a well-timed grenade."

Welcome to pre-marriage counseling in the 24th century. Barana just -looks- at Alek for a long moment, then back to Caleb, eyes a touch wide. She remains, however, silent, sturying the area for clues, focused on the mission.

Hurley shrugs. "My only suggestion would be to try to disarm the sensors from up here. Unfortunately... we'll only really know if it worked if we try to trip them down there." She looks towards Krylow and nods, then turns back to the doors to reprogram the security. "Agrim, can you help me encrypt something? -Next time negotiate.- That should work well."

. o O Green snickers. "Cute, Christine."

Shamash to Green, via the com 'None that i can pick up. Either its shielded or beyond reach' to Foster 'Similar to setting up a Tricorder to scan, it can also be set up as a jamming field. Though it would not stay up long and is limited in its reach. And we would be hindering out own scans' As word comes to the elevator he wordlessly twiddles with his tricorder again.

GAME: Shamash contests his Personal Equipment/Tricorder+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Foster grimaces for a long moment. "Sorry, Alek. Just not in my nature to first think about sending someone to their potential deaths. Even a hologram." Yeah, so maybe he's soft-hearted. Or maybe he just saw a friend die recently and, as such, is shying from that possibility. "Lets take the elevators. We can hug the walls and crouch. We can bring one of the bodies with us. I don't want a death trap, but I don't want to warn them we're coming too quickly too."

Nabrun's voice is very quiet. "Is there anything to say that we can't go down on TOP of the elevator? Is there an escape hatch up there? Leave the bound guard inside and come in through the top.

"And if there's a trap, he's still gonna get blasted," Tay comments in a very, very neutral voice. "But I do like the heart of that idea, Barana."

. o O Green thinks, "Can't sink to greenskin level, no matter how tempting it is."

Hurley, in the meanwhile, happily taps away at the security panel. She has a couple of surprises to leave behind for their Orion friends /and/ new encryptions to add to the doors. With more time, she'd probably leave other surprises, but, alas, they still have hostages to rescue, so tormenting the Orions will just have to wait for another time.

"If we're going down in or on the elevator then I don't see a need for the guard," replies Krylow with a little shrug, glancing briefly to Nabrun. "He's there to trigger traps by biometric readings. If we're in it or on it we'll trigger it ourselves. We should get on it and go it that's the plan. We're taking too long here. This is a trap waiting to happen." Yes, he doesn't like it here on bit.

. o O Hurley thinks, "This'll teach you for threatening me when I'm trying to be nice. Threaten to kill a hostage because I ask for your demands? Let's see you get into the restroom now."

. o O Nabrun thinks, "Do they think this is simply a holo? I'm as terrified now as I was on my first mission. Too much waiting."

"It's a good idea," Foster agrees with Nabrun. "Let's do that if we can. Alek, I'm not as worried about biometric scans as guards who are ordered to shoot anyone who comes down the elevator without comm'ing the proper password beforehand. And I agree, it's taking too long. So let's get a move on." He goes to get one of the Orions.

Green looks after Foster with an odd expression. "Where are you going?"

. o O Nabrun is hit with a sudden wave of nausea and a flash of fear that's covered with resolve.

Krylow sighs softly and shakes his head. "My point is that worrying about biometric scans is useless if we're on the elevator, or on top of it. If we're on top of it then we also don't need to worry about getting shot at. The guard is a waste of time, Caleb," he says even as Foster heads out. He just looks to Tay and rolls his shoulders a little.

. o O Green thinks, "If he thinks I'm going to go along with setting up a prisoner to be killed by his own comrades, he's got another thing coming."

"Either way, leaving them out there is a bad idea," Foster says. "If we drag them in here, someone on rounds might think he was derilicting duties. But, either way..." Once the bodies are inside, he adds. "We should probably leave someone here to keep rear guard, just in case." He considers for a long moment. "Agrim? Would you mind?"

Nabrun has turned just a faint shade of skim milk and she looks around even more, as if trying, hard, to find another way.

Green glances back to Krylow with a grimace, then shakes her head and moves toward the elevator.

Shamash replies to Foster here with a quirk of a smile "Tail end, thats okay. No, i do not mind." He takes a position up at the side so that he can watch the proceedings and his tricorder alternatingly without moving too much.

Once the bodies are in the room, and Shamash set to guard them, Foster presses the button to summon the elevator. He squints for a moment at the roof and says, "There's an access hatch, so we can get up on top of it." Steepling his fingers together, he offers two hands up. "Who is going first?"

GAME: Krylow contests his Fitness/Strength vs Routine and Marginally Succeeds.

GAME: Foster spends a courage point.

GAME: Foster contests his Fitness/Strength+A vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Nabrun contests her Fitness/Strength vs Routine and Succeeds.

With Krylow and at times Foster helping the others up to the roof and then Krylow assisting Foster up the team is quickly arrayed on the roof of the elevator with Krylow still in the car. He grins up to the others, hits the button and then turns, reaches a hand up and jumps hoping someone is there to pull him up. A hand, belonging to Nabrun, catches him and between his own strength and her's he gets onto the roof after a moment. Meanwhile the elevator travels down towards the basement level quite fast. The doors ding and then slide open. No one rushes in and there is no explosion or blast of energy weapon fire.

GAME: Foster contests his Personal Equipment+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

"That was fun," Foster says, cheerily over the comms, swinging himself down and swinging out his tricorder at the same time. He steps aside to let the others make it down, and, once his scan is complete, mutters, "The doors and walls must be made out of the same material that the sensor-blocking wall above is made of, since I've got nothing. We're going in blind, but... we're going in." He slings the tricorder again, and asks, "Barana, I know this may sound like a strange question, but is there any way to tell if the other Betazoids are *closer* now? I doubt proximity increases clarity, but the only one I ever asked that question of was Legate Cerene. If it does make a difference... then are we closer?"

Nabrun dips her head to Caleb and asks, quietly, "Computer, run telepathic protocols regarding proximity of Betazoid hostages." She shrugs to Caleb, smiling faintly.

The Computer beeps and says, "Negative. Program telepathy protocols non-adaptive and can not provide further telepathic responses."

Hurley swings down after Foster, hanging from the top of the elevator for just a moment before dropping to the floor beneath. Someone does, afterall, need to be nearby to open the next set of doors.

Green tilts her head, though she continues to watch down the hallway. "Computer," she mutters under her breath. "Stuff thyself."

The Computer beeps and says, "Negative. Unknown command."

Krylow drops to the floor of the elevator, quickly bringing up the rifle up and moving to the elevator doors and out into the hall to proivide cover.

Foster unslings his rifle, checking its setting unconsciously. "Let's move out." And he does, ranging forward along hallway, until the point where it hooks right. There he slows, checks around the corner, and if there are no targets, continues on.

Krylow follows Foster, flanking him with rifle up. He takes the far wall, the one forcing him to round the corner wide. He moves with the rifle up and pointed ahead of him the whole time.

Green moves to follow, rifle at the ready, though her eyebrows rise as they blithely pass the first door. Glancing behind her once, she continues on.

Nabrun follows along behind Foster, Tay and Alek. Actually, she's close for a moment, then, for some reason, drops back behind.

. o O Krylow thinks, "So much for that door. What's in door number 2 Alek?"

Hurley's Type II is brought out again, but kept at her side as she follows the group down the corridor. "We'll be going behind the door blind," she reminds Foster softly.

. o O Green thinks, "If I get caught in a crossfire, Caleb, I am personally going to tie you into a chair and watch my Stupid Combat Maneuvers chip."

After passing the door right outside the elevator the teams rounds the corner and makes it to the other door easily. As they near it though things start to go wrong. The door opens and an Orion steps out. He, however, was not expecting to see five Starfleet officers. He reaches for the disruptor in his holster and yells out, "INTRUDERS!"

. o O Green thinks, "Oh, @#$&*"

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

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

GAME: Foster spends a courage point.

GAME: Foster contests his Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

Foster jerks his phaser rifle up the moment the door opens, but he isn't fast enough to stop the Orion from yelling, apparently. But he probably won't be yelling *again* for another couple hours, at least. Following immediately after the phaser blast, he comments over the subcutaneous comms, "Move in. Hard and fast. They have warning, but we can't let them kill the diplomats!" How one yells in an undertone like that is a quandry.

With Foster and Green ahead of him Krylow doesn't bother to shoot at that Orion. Instead he's all hackles, and literally doubles his pace expecting his teammates to take out that threat as he heads for the door ahead.

It was the yell that got Hurley's attention, and since she already has her weapon out, she, like the rest in the team, has the advantage over the poor Orion. The shot is fired and with only slight annoyance, Christine casts a look down at the Orion on the floor, pressing her left index finger over her lips in a 'shh' gesture. Quickly, as instructed, she moves off after Foster and to the door. It's time to get to the mission at hand.

Nabrun doesn't stop to check this Orion, not when the order's been given to move in hard and fast. She keeps to the back of the group, weapon out, ready for the next wave.

Going on pure adrenaline and pure instinct, Tay Green snaps off a quick shot. Bull's-eye. The Orion is still dropping when Tay rushes forth headlong toward the open door, keeping tightly to one side of the corridor. She... does not look happy.

The room is large, a good 30 meters across, with desks and bunks around the edges and in the middle area are tables. Its dinner time apparently. Or was. Tables are being flipped towards the door the team is coming through and a door on the right of the room. A second door on the right doesn't seem to generate worry. Orions are scrambling behind the tables and there could be as many as 10. Its hard to tell. A couple get off shots towards the doorway.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Green's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Succeeds.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Krylow's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Fails.

GAME: Green contests her Fitness/Vitality vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Nabrun spends a courage point.

GAME: Foster contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Marginally Succeeds.

Foster charges in moments after Krylow and Green, skidding to a stop almost past them. The phaser rifle is adjusted and, abruptly, fired. "Darn. Glancing blow," he remarks. "Good thing I didn't go wide-beam. Yet."

GAME: Nabrun contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Marginally Succeeds.

The shooting begins! Hurley hops to the other side of Green, just behind the door and peeks over her shoulder to fire off a shot, looking to the other woman with lifted brow in the unasked question to see if she's alright.

GAME: Hurley contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Fails.

Nabrun goes low and grabs cover behing the door, shooting from, well, about the knee. She's down, as small a target as possible.

Krylow glances to Green as she's hit, frowning before turning back to the firefight. Rifle comes up and he levels a shot into the room.

GAME: Krylow spends a courage point.

GAME: Krylow contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser rifle (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

Green twitches in the midst of a dive toward a table of her own, and by the time she gets to it, the muzzle of her weapon has dropped alarmingly. She drops the rifle with a growl, kicks over the aforementioned table, and crouches behind it as she pulls out her Type II. Her left arm just sort of hangs there. Great. Now they've gone and made her mad.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Krylow's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Succeeds.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Foster's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Fails.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Hurley's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Fails.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Nabrun's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Succeeds.

GAME: Krylow spends a courage point.

GAME: Nabrun contests her Fitness/Vitality vs Routine and Fails.

GAME: Krylow contests his Fitness/Vitality+A vs Routine and Succeeds.

The first real barrage of the firefight begins with the Starfleet officers picking off three Orions and dropping them to the ground. The Orions fight back and drop Nabrun to the ground, and clip Krylow's arm in the process.

GAME: Foster contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Marginally Fails.

Foster steps forward and to the side, taking the place where Green was and utilizing what little cover he can find. He adjusts his target towards the next 'awake' Orion, and fires...

Dropping his Type III now that the holosuites are kicking in making his 'injured' arm hang limp, Krylow draws his Type II and leans around the corner to take a shot. As he does he yells out, "Tay, use a stun grenade. You've got the best spot to throw from."

GAME: Hurley contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

GAME: Krylow contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser rifle (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

GAME: Nabrun contests her Fitness/Vitality vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Green spends a courage point.

GAME: Green contests her Projectile Weapon+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

. o O Hurley thinks, "This does not seem to be going well."

"Oh, the hell with this," Tay mutters in disgust. "Way ahead of ya, big bro!" And she does what she should have done in the first place. Well, sort of. What she /should/ have done was toss a stun grenade into the room before ever entering it, but she can rectify that now. Phaser is exchanged for a stun grenade, which is quickly armed. "Fire in the hole!" And she lobs it toward the five Orions hiding behind a single table, and grabs her phaser again, and /ducks/.

Hurley peeks out from behind her hiding place long enough to get another shot off, then pops back behind the door and glances in Nabrun's direction.

Barana's not too far from the floor to begin with, so the fall doesn't do much. The expression on her face, however, says it all. One hand remains on her phaser as she scoots back, out of the way, on the other side of the wall - out of sight, and struggles to her feet, out of the line of fire.

GAME: Hurley contests her Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Fails.

GAME: Nabrun contests her Intellect/Perception vs Moderate and Succeeds.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Foster's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Fails.

GAME: Orion Guard contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon (claiming Disadvantage) vs Hurley's Coordination/reaction & Dodge (given Advantage) and Succeeds.

Now the fireworks really get going. The Starfleeters, namely Krylow and Hurley, down two more Orions. Foster clips one but he remains in the fight. At least until Green's grenade lands behind his table and goes off. All the Orions within five meters, which happens to be 6 of them, go down hard. The fight isn't done yet and the last two Orions in the room pop off shots at Hurley and Foster.

Nabrun's voice carries in. "They're flanking, back here. The door facing the table probably leads to a room that leads to the door by the elevator that we passed! They're coming around."

GAME: Hurley contests her Fitness/Vitality vs Routine and Succeeds.

GAME: Foster contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

"Take out the two in here, and we'll handle them when they arrive," Foster says, making a snap decision. With that, he fires on one of the two left awake in the room. "Someone get the other one, then everyone get in here! Destroy one side of the flank and the flanking manuever disappears."

Nabrun takes a deep breath from where she is outside the door and tucks her phaser under her bad arm, wincing. She then reaches, with her good arm, to get the flash-bang out and get it armed. Her lips move for a moment and then she throws it as hard as she can down toward where the other Orions are supposedly coming from.

GAME: Nabrun contests her Athletics vs Moderate and Marginally Fails.

GAME: Hurley contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Marginally Succeeds.

Taking out her left leg really wasn't that difficult, and Hurley's getting mighty used to limping with favor to that leg. So, when she's hit, she winces, but follows Foster's order with one last shot before she dives into the room. (Running is not exactly an option at the moment.)

Krylow reaches to Hurley after she shoots and nudges her into the room. "Go, Christine. Barana, get into the room," he says, aiming his phaser down the hallway." When the flash-bang is tossed it doesn't go far enough and the explosion catches Krylow a little. He tries to blink the spots away and drops into the room and to the floor, trying to stay out the way since he can't quite see.

GAME: Green spends a courage point.

GAME: Green contests her Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/phaser vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

Green levels her phaser at the last remaining Orion, her shot smacking into it just after Chris Hurley's. See, now that's teamwork. That handled, she whirls to see a grenade being tossed, and apparently assumes Nabrun's skill. Tay? She goes for the /other/ door, like a bull after a red flag. And she gets out another stun grenade too.

The last two guards drop like rocks, leaving the room clear.

GAME: Foster contests his Coordination/dexterity & Energy Weapon/Phaser Rifle (claiming Advantage) vs Orion Guard's Coordination/reaction & Dodge and Succeeds.

Foster was turned away from the flash-bang, so his eyes are fine. Now that everyone is in the room, he turns and shoots through the doorway, phaser fire lancing out towards the one Orion some forty or fifty feet away.

Krylow continues to blink, now glancing around a little and reaching for his dropped weapon. "Are there any left in the room?" he calls, squinting himself to see, still remaining on the ground.

Nabrun doesn't even hesitate when Alek tells her to get in the room. She goes, pulling her phaser out as she goes and aiming it at the door. One foot starts pushing disruptors away from stunned Orions.

"What about the hostages?" Hurley asks, hand gently resting on Krylow's back. It's nice to at least let people know they're being watched over, you know. "They know where they are. We don't at this point."

. o O Nabrun thinks, "Get your hand off my Imzadi and your mind back on this exercise, Christine. Get DOWN and get these disruptors AWAY."

. o O Krylow thinks, "Flanked like amateurs playing around. This mission went to hell quickly enough. Remind me recommend small unit training for Caleb."

Green is /not/ in a good mood. It's with surprising calmness that she opens the door just a few inches, tosses the second stun grenade through, and gently closes it again before sinking back against the wall.

GAME: Green contests her Projectile Weapon+A vs Moderate and Succeeds.

Through the hallway and the door the sound of the grenade going off followed by the sound of an Orion hitting the floor can be heard. Then silence except for the team. Now they can see the room and in the very far corner there is another set of stairs down.

. o O Green thinks, "Well. This should be simple. I'll just go down there and play human shield, and Caleb can have credit for rescuing the kidnappees, and then I shall haunt him to his dying days. Yes. That's a plan."

Foster almost laughs. Almost. Taking a look around the room, he says. "Another set of stairs. That's probably where the hostages are. And probably at least another set of guards. Let's move out. Back in standard position. Sorry, guys. Hopefully, we're almost done and we can go home to heal soon." He heads towards the stairs, exchanging phaser rifle for Type II. It would be a lot less unwieldy in close-quarters.

Nabrun has already turned and pointed her phaser at the stairs, covering them. "Someone get those disruptors," she says quietly, "Before one of the guards comes out of stun and decides to use it again. I've got one arm and it's got the phaser." There's an odd note to her voice.

Green gives Foster a long look, then withdraws her Type II from its holster again. "Indeed," she says softly, and pushes away from the wall to head swiftly for the stairs. To hell with caution. She's going down, and all the gods in the universe have pity on any Orions down there.

"Christine, get moving with the team," says Krylow. "I'll follow behind as I can." He begins to puch so his feet, blinking a little less. "Tay, you too. Both of you need to cover Caleb and Barana now." Yes, the engineer is starting to bark orders since he can't do much else.

Hurley eyes Krylow skeptically for a moment, nods, and grabs his Type II to shove into his hand. "Here," she says, then moves off to follow the group down the stairs, right behind Green with a glance back to Nabrun, "They *should* be out long enough for us to get down those steps and out again. If not, well, Tay has more magic beans, I'm sure."

As the team heads down the stairs there is no last Orion guards. No, just an empty room with a door. That door leads to another room, the room described by the computer earlier. Now you can see why the Betazoids seemed to be in two rooms. The VIPS are sitting is large chairs in the middle of the room, arragned in circle facing outwards. One Betazoid faces the back of the room and the other the door. The fact they are not tied down, but awake and not moving means one thing: biobed style shields holding them down. There is a control panel too, near them.

Foster enters the room, and frowns slightly at the situation. "Hm. Christine? Barana? You want to be the heroes of the day?"

GAME: Hurley contests her Systems Engineering vs Routine and Marginally Fails.

Green lets out a long breath, and steps to one side, then back to guard the door just in case any stray Orions- like the six up on the second floor- decide to come play too.

GAME: Hurley contests her Systems Engineering vs Moderate and Fails.

The brief look Barana gives Caleb borders on incredulous. "Our objective," she says quietly, after following the rest, save Alek, most of the way, "Is to get these people out, Sir. We're not there yet." She glances back toward where Alek was left, but moves toward Hurley and the VIPs, not getting too close to either, but visually assessing.

Traps? Huh? Christine bounds into the room, left-leg limp and all, holsters her phaser and immediately makes way for the control panel. That is, afterall, where she shines, or at least where she makes rather thinly veiled threats to the computer until it stops giving her sass. But, she pales. Completely. All color leaves her cheeks. Whatever happened, whatever she did was most definitely -NOT- good.

. o O Hurley thinks, "Oh /HELL/. Nonononono. Stupid traps and their stupid death-causing stupidness."

"Er, my point was that these look like medical systems, and I thought that one of you, or both of you, would be best able to handle them... um, Christine? What's wrong?" Foster asks, as he steps over.

GAME: Hurley spends a courage point.

Green glances back toward them, her gaze pausing when she spots pale-faced Hurley. After a second, she resolutely looks back out the door.

. o O Green thinks, "I don't wanna know."

GAME: Hurley contests her Systems Engineering+A vs Challenging and Succeeds.

. o O Nabrun projects, "Can you check on Alek, visually, from where you are?"

"No talkey," is all Hurley manages to get out as her fingers rapidly move over the control panel, geek concentration taking over.

Nabrun's words are short and to the point. "These aren't biobed shields. They're custom made. Someone needs to guide Alek down here - he's alone up there and nearly blind."

. o O Green sounds a little confused. "Only got about... well, I'm guessing about half of that, Barana. Can I see him? Nope. Ah, I'll go get him."

"I'll go get him," Foster says. And he does, turn to go back up the stairs and get the Combat Engineer.

Green blinks at Foster, and reaches out to grab at his sleeve. "Your place is /here/, Mission Commander. I'll get Alek."

. o O Foster thinks, "If necessary, one of us can be talked through it. When did he get blin... oh, the flash-bang. That should resolve itself soon."

Finally Hurley's work pay off, just as the VIPs suddenly start to gasp for air. It would seem there was a booby trap of sorts that was triggered and the shields were starting to kill the VIPs. Hwoever Hurley is able to release the shields in the 11th hour. Then, just like that, the program fades along with the VIPs, the gear and everything but the team. They're left standing there as the crewman who first started the program nods to them. "Program completed, sir," he says to Foster.

Krylow blinks a little more, his vision now mostly returning. He glances around and squints a touch. "I hope that was successful mission?" he asks quietly, not looking pleased at all.

Hurley's hands drop directly in front of her, since they were poised over the control panel just moments ago. "Well," she notes softly, "that was a close call." Releasing a puff of breath, she turns and a smile flashes towards Nabrun first, then the other team members.

Nabrun immediately turns to find Alek with her eyes, then she looks at each person on the team, gaze more assessing than anything, as if looking for any injuries, just to be on the safe side.

Foster blinks a couple of times at the shift in locale, and, feeling kind of odd at being in the position where he *was* carrying a phaser but is not now, says, "I was actually going to say that I was going to go because you were injured and I wasn't, but the point is moot now." He turns to the crewman and nods. "Thanks for helping out." He turns to the group, and says, "Thank you all for coming, and participating. And, Alek, yeah, it was successful. As successful as any mission tends to be. We muddle through with the help of our friends."

Green blinks, startled back into reality. She glances down toward her hand, empty of a Type II phaser, and sighs wistfully. "Caleb..." She turns a /look/ on him.

. o O Nabrun is suddenly tired and a touch sad.

. o O Krylow thinks, "We did far too much muddling, Caleb."

. o O Nabrun thinks, "No, Caleb, that's not how Starfleet runs missions. Not unless they want people to die. I just..."

"What?" Foster asks, blinking owlishly. And tiredly. Well, more like exhaustedly.

Krylow frowns a little to Foster and nods. "I see," he says, still speaking quietly. He glances over to Green and then to Nabrun.

Both of Christine's eyebrows lift as she notices Green's look towards Foster. "Well, Sir," she notes only slightly snarkily, "with the mission over, I think you're on your own now." Smiling to Green, she moves towards the door, "Tay, don't break a nail. I want to work with you on getting you a manicure for your new outfit."

Green just shakes her head. "Never mind." She glances toward Krylow, then turns to head out. "G'night, folks." Wait. A manicure? Tay whimpers. "Uh, I'll get back to you on that." And she's gone.

Krylow turns from the team, shooting a wave to Green and then moving over to Nabrun. "Goodnight Tay, Christine. Take care Caleb," he says before turning and nodding to Nabrun. "Let's go home, yes."

Foster sighs quietly, and finally says, "Good night, everyone. Thanks again."

Nabrun looks at Foster for a time, studying him, then smiles a little. "Go to bed, Caleb," she murmurs, then turns to take Alek's arm. "It's time to go home."