Star Trek: A Call To Duty

Arcadia Station 
 SB-101
 SD 10706.04

Starring:

D. L. Eubena		as	[SM] D. L. Eubena

Einar Sigurdsson		as	[ACO] Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Rome

Bryce Miller		as	[AXO] Lieutenant Commander Kurtis Jackson Burton

Gina Hembrook		as	[CTO] Ensign Brianna Murphy

Christina Doane		as	[CIV] Commander Paige Juliet Harker

NPC’s

Theresa Wilson		as	Chieftain Abm

D. L. Eubena		as	Chieftain Herron 
			as	Malak

Absent:

Julie Leger		as	[CEO] Lieutenant Karri Lynn Spanner

John Harness		as	[CNS] Lieutenant Junior grade Darna Hei Ran

Anna Menser		as	[MO] Lieutenant Junior grade Bellatrix Niventra

Theresa Wilson		as	[CMO] Commander Tessa Rezoph Jakiel
(absent with leave)
Jean-Pierre		as	[TO] Ensign Jorn Thalataar

-=/\=--=/\=--=/\=--=/\=- Begin "Gaianigma ", part V -=/\=--=/\=--=/\=--=/\=-

INFO: The Valley Dwellers have come from afar to meet with the Shore Liners for trade negotiations.  But first, there will be the traditional feasting, dancing and mock fights to feel each other out.

AXO SL Burton
::Watching as the festivities begin::

SL Malak
::swaggers over to Burton as the evening sets in:: OPS: Hey there, friend. The drinking contest begins shortly to launch the festivities. How well do you hold your drinks?

VD Chief Abm
::sets his fists on his hips and shouts out::  All:  Chief Herron!  Your offerings of food and spirits and bonfire talk is good...but where are you?  ::turns to face the rest of his people and the Shore Liners, grinning broadly and gesturing::  All:  Let the feasting begin!  Eat heartily, the face-offs will begin after we fill our bellies!

AXO SL Burton
Malak: I do pretty well with the opposing thumb thing going for me, after all.

CTO VD Murphy
::Observes the goings-on silently and with a professional eye::

<Odn> ::strides over to the newcomer females::  CTO/CIV:  Ladies, you must be hungry.  Come.  Get something to eat then we can test your strength and guile and see if you are up to the challenge.

CTO VD Murphy
::Follows silently and gets some food and drink::

SL Malak
OPS: Good, because I pass out too soon every time this happens. They're going to likely choose one of their best men. And mind you, they do this by the bowlful. It's a sweet tonic called Torkwa.

INFO:  It has just passed sunset and a roaring bonfire is flickering brightly.  Benches and tables are set out empty and in the center filled with food.  Tribe members are moving around, women running back and forth to set out more food drink::

AXO SL Burton
Malak: What do these supposed drinks consist of?

CIV VD Harker
CTO:Just what I want  to be 'tested'...

CIV VD Harker
::scarcastic mode on::

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Trust me, Commander, they don't want to "test" me... they better pray they don't even "annoy" me.

SL Malak
OPS: Honey, spices....other stuff. It's healthy, but it's very strong. Women seem to handle it better than men do, for reasons nobody understands.

CIV VD Harker
::small grin at the CTO.::

VD Chief Abm
<Odn> ::picks some meat to make sure and be filled and says with a lowered voice::  CIV/CTO:  Eat well.  We are here to trade for the abundant food these Shore Liners have.  The drought and plain fires have hurt our crops and herds severely.

INFO: Lightning flickers occasionally in the distance, lighting up the underneath of billowed clouds, then the rumble of thunder is heard::

CTO VD Murphy
Abm: Well, then I suppose we had best eat now so we don't starve later, eh?

AXO SL Burton
Malak: So you're saying that if I can handle it it makes me "girlie"?

CIV VD Harker
CTO/Abm:I believe that’s the idea...

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Looks like some nasty weather rolling in, eh?

CIV VD Harker
Abm: When will we get details as to our perceived purpose here...

CIV VD Harker
CTO:I expect so...

<Odn> CTO: We hope the trade will go well, but these people...they can hoard their surplus.  They have too many fears and tend to be greedy.  Look how well fed they are.   ::moves his eyes over some of the Shore Liner tribes people::

SL Malak
OPS: Not at all. They'd never admit it was a woman's game. They're likely to pick one of their male warriors for this one. It'll be a good match, if you're up to it.

CTO VD Murphy
Odn: So what will ye do if they donna trade with ye? ::sober look and a whispered question so it does not carry to others:: Steal their food? ::raised eyebrow:: Kill them and take their village? Worse?

VD Chief Abm
::stands waiting for the his son and the women::  CIV:  After the negotiations we will travel home.   You say you are interested in our caves?  ::glances over at the skies::

CIV VD Harker
::slowly puts stuff on her place, listening to the CTO.::

AXO SL Burton
Malak: Well an old Klingon friend taught me how to fight and drink blood wine so I might be alright.

CIV VD Harker
Abm:Yes we are. Very much so.

<Odn>  ::keeps his voice low as they walk to an empty table and leans closer to the woman::  CTO: To steal would be as a coward.  No, if they will not deal, we must think of war.  But we will pray to the Whispering Ones that the trade is profitable.

CTO VD Murphy
Odn: So if you go to war, will you kill them all or just conquer and occupy their village? ::still whispered::

SL Malak
OPS: Excellent! Take a seat by the bonfire, and wear this... ::hands to him a circular amulet made of intwined animal feathers, beads, and skins, vaguely resembling an American Indian dreamcatcher:: ...this our symbol of challenge. Wearing it as a necklace represents you as of our own.

INFO: Men with faces painted severely go to sit on a bench and start a background of rhythmically drumming.  Some of the women from both sides sway and smile, enjoying the beating drums::

CIV VD Harker
CTO:Its entirely possible they will deal and we'll not need to worry about it....

AXO SL Burton
Malak: Very well. ::Takes the necklace, places it around his neck and sits by the fire::

VD Chief Abm
::his wife waits for him to be seated then she quietly sits next to Abm as they begin to eat, looks at his son to answer the woman::

CIV VD Harker
::Sits with CTO, Abm etc.::

SL Malak
::watches Burton approach the fire, smiles approvingly and saunters off into the dark gloom beyond the campsite::

CTO VD Murphy
::Eats quietly watching the assembled crowd::

<Odn> ::finishes chewing from a bit from a leg of meat::  CTO:  We would subdue them and take what should have been offered in the trade.  It would be justice.  We might take a few of their women.  ::smiles and winks as he takes a drink to wash the food down::  But...we did just get a blessing.

CTO VD Murphy
::Gives a non-committal grunt and keeps eating::

VD Chief Abm
::looks around after he wipes his mouth on his forearm::  All:  Chief Herron, he has always made his presence known by now.  I wonder...  ::looks at son:: ...I wonder if he is ill.  He is getting on in age.

CIV VD Harker
::eats as well...::Abm: You mentioned your caves?

ACTION: A low, subtle rumble in the earth beneath the campsite can be felt by everyone there. The tremor passes quickly, without incident.

CIV VD Harker
::Looks around and sees OPS...she nudges CTO and points.::

CTO VD Murphy
::Having done her job and gotten the Tactical data she needed, she lets the senior officer talk::

VD Chief Abm
::turns to the woman::  CIV:  The sacred caves.  Very few have had the nerve to explore them.  But there was one who did.  He came back to tell about paintings and soft voices.  No one has gone in since.  But...I have of late thought about it.  You would to do this?

CIV VD Harker
CTO:Looks like I can get some info, can you see how Burton and company are doing?

CIV VD Harker
Abm: Yes. The Whispering Ones, brought us here, they live in the caves so we go to the caves...

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Aye Sir. ::Nods and gets up, walks slowly over to the OPS and others::

ACTION: In the crackling flames before the OPS, he spots what looks to be a face of sorts...almost human, perhaps female, and golden blonde...but the image quickly fades.

VD Chief Abm
::more of the women including Abm's wife finish eating and form a circle to begin dancing quite lively.  Some of the men start clapping in time with the drumming and singing::

CTO VD Murphy
OPS: Long time no see Commander. I hope you are well?

AXO SL Burton
::Looks deeper into the flames::

AXO SL Burton
::Looks up to see the CTO::

AXO SL Burton
CTO: As well as can be expected, and yourself?

CIV VD Harker
::tunes out the celebration and focuses on the conversation.::

CTO VD Murphy
OPS: It was a long trip on horseback... but we fared pretty well, considering. How are your natives?

ACTION: A commotion is heard outside Chief Abm's tent.

AXO SL Burton
CTO: Archaic.

CIV VD Harker
Abm: We'll need supplies and maps, I wouldn't say no to a guide...

<Odn>  ::looks more closely at the woman::  CIV:  Your name.  You have never said.  ::looks at his father, who is smiling broadly watching his wife::  We have become more curious about the Whispering Ones and the paintings.  We believe that they may tell of a prophecy.  We have some of the caves mapped.

<VD_Warrior> Aloud to Abm: Chieftain! Herron seeks entrance to your tent! He is here!

CTO VD Murphy
OPS: Ours too. Our mob is a bit warlike as well. You might be well-advised to be on your toes. ::said quietly::

CIV VD Harker
Abm: Mapped? I would very much like to see what you have on the caves. And I'm Paige, Paige Harker, Commander.

<Odn> ::nods::  You seem to know how to coordinate.  What was your function in your star tribe?  ::gives a solemn nod::  Paige Harker Commander.  I am glad to have you with us.

CIV VD Harker
Abm: Commander is my title. I guess you would say I am a senior leader in our 'star tribe'...::returns the nod..::

VD Chief Abm
::jerks his head around and stands, then moves quickly to lope over to his tent::  VD Warrior:  Then allow entrance.

CIV VD Harker
::Turns around to see what’s happening.::

AXO SL Burton
CTO: I think ours might hold their own.

SL Chieftain Herron
::enters into the midst of Abm's tent:: Abm: Long has it been since we met face-to-face, Abm.

<Odn>  CIV:  I can see that the other woman respects you.  She has the look and bearing of a warrior...and body of one.  ::narrows his eyes at the CTO as he watches her for a second speaking to an unfamiliar newcomer with the necklace of the Shore Liners::

CTO VD Murphy
OPS: Only if they know it's coming. You need to warn our Starfleet personnel to be ready in case something happens. ::still speaking quietly::

CIV VD Harker
::Stands up, a short distance away...::

CTO VD Murphy
OPS: We think we might have a lead on how to get out of here. Our Mob knows about some caves that sounds promising.

VD Chief Abm
::makes a fist and hits his left chest in greeting::  Herron: Yes, a very long time.  We have been busy finding what meager food there is.  And how do you and your people fare?  ::takes a sprawling seat on the floor cushions::

CIV VD Harker
::figures she'll get nothing more now and goes to move outside...::

SL Chieftain Herron
::pays a careful, yet humbled look at Harker, inwardly trembling at the sight of how closely she resembles a fallen sister of his from many years past, then faces Abm again::

AXO SL Burton
CTO: Can we get everyone together to use them?

CTO VD Murphy
OPS: That's the plan, but we need to see how these trade talks sort out and such first.

<Odn> VDGuard: Find the other newcomer woman.  Have her come to the talks.  She has a sharp eye and good ear.  It would be good to have her opinion, too.

CIV VD Harker
::With a final nod she leaves and heads for the CTO's and OPS's location.::

SL Chieftain Herron
::remains standing, looking down upon Abm with a grim demeanor showing through the sagging wrinkles of age and fatigue on his withering face:: Abm: Let the young ones frolick outside. The blustering words of old men such as we are of no interest to them. There are things only you and I can discuss.

<VDGuard> ::hits his chest in the same way and walks over to the CTO::  CTO: Sub-Chieftain Odn has requested that you come and join in the talks.  He seems to value your opinion also...as well as your leader's.  ::gestures back to the tent::

CIV VD Harker
CTO: How many of our people are here? is everyone alright?

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: I'm not sure Sir, but it seems they have been treated well. Looks like they need me. VDGuard: Very well. ::Walks back to the tent::

CIV VD Harker
::Turns to walk with the CTO ::CTO: We'll need to find out who all got brought here and where they are as soon as possible...

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Agreed.

VD Chief Abm
::keeps his voice low but intense::  Herron:  Some of my people have spied your larders and they are full.  We have brought leather sella gear and clothing.

CIV VD Harker
::Nods:: CTO: Any move we make we need to try to coordinate with them...

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: I'll make sure they are apprised.

<VDGuard> ::looks around to see if there are any other new faces::

CTO VD Murphy
::Enters the tent::

CIV VD Harker
::Nods.:: CTO: Abm says they've mapped part of the caves, I'm hoping to get that information as well, but my patience is wearing thin, seems like everything is paused for this trade talk..

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Aye... story of my bloody life. ::rolls eyes::

CIV VD Harker
::An agreeing nod.::

AXO SL Burton
::Sits at the fire listening::

VD Chief Abm
::glances at the tent opening and listens to the drumming, hoping that Herron will not be stubborn for the sake of his people::

CTO VD Murphy
Odn: You asked for me Chief?

SL Chieftain Herron
::notices the CIV and CTO enter the tent, recognizing the latter from visions in earlier meditations:: Abm: I see you do not trust me. You surround us with your warriors...Abm, say what you will of my people, but I cannot accept what you offer.

CIV VD Harker
::Nods to Odn::

ACO SL Rome
::stands silently watching::

VD Chief Abm
Herron:  What are saying?!  You would see our people starve this winter?!  This is not acceptable!  ::stand abruptly, extremely angry, his nostrils flaring::  Get out!  We will discuss this later, but you will agree!  ::points to the tent door::

CIV VD Harker
CTO: Interesting...

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Especially with what he said earlier, eh?

CIV VD Harker
::Nods.::

CTO VD Murphy
Herron/Abm: Fighting like this won't solve anything gentlemen.

CIV VD Harker
Abm/Herron:She's right, whats the problem here?

ACO SL Rome
OPS: Kurtis. ::walks closer to him:: OPS: Seems things aren't going as planned in there. ::motions to the tent with his head::

CTO VD Murphy
Herron: We aren't here as warriors, the Chief asked us here as advisors.

VD Chief Abm
::the shouting can be heard out by the fire and the Valley Dwellers know their leader's voice and start moving towards Abm's tent::

ACTION: A second tremor rumbles through the camp, this time with enough force to jostle, but not shake, some of the tribespeople.

AXO SL Burton
ACO: No, sounds rather bad sir.

CIV VD Harker
Abm/Herron:Just observers really, be calm, lets not too anything you'll regret...

VD Chief Abm
::crosses his arms::  CTO/CIV:  I told you of his stubbornness!  Do you know what this means?  I have not told our people but we do not have enough supplies to last the winter.  This cannot happen!

CIV VD Harker
Herron:And whats your situation?

ACO SL Rome
::pats his shoulder and sits down next to him:: OPS: I agree......we better prepare a contingengy plan...to get all our people and run if we have to. ::whispers::

CIV VD Harker
::Thinks to self, "Why can't I just hit them both with a heavy mallet?"::

CTO VD Murphy
Abm: I'm sure we can come to some kind of agreement, if we only talk about options and try to find mutual solutions.

SL Chieftain Herron
::shakes his head, feeling utter resentment at the blustering Abm:: Abm: It has been decreed! I care for my people. We shall not yield what precious little blessings we have. ::exits the tent, hobbling awkwardly on his walking stick::

CIV VD Harker
Abm: What he doesn't want to trade what he has?

VD Chief Abm
::scrubs his beard and sighs heavily::  CTO: You are right.  We will talk more to him.  We must come to an agreement!  ::paces in the tent::

SL Chieftain Herron
::turns to the CIV and frowns:: CIV: I am sorry, Schala... ::turns away::

ACO SL Rome
::jumps up as he sees Herron:: Herron: Chief!

CIV VD Harker
::Looks confused and follows the chief out.::

VD Chief Abm
CIV/CTO: Have you ever had to deal with a problem such as this?

SL Chieftain Herron
ACO: You are in danger here, friend. Come with me. We return to the village.

CIV VD Harker
::Stops at the door.::

CTO VD Murphy
Abm: Many times.

CIV VD Harker
CTO: I'll be back...

ACO SL Rome
::walks in his path:: Herron: Why? My people are here. ::said angrily::

CTO VD Murphy
CIV: Aye Sir. I'll try to talk sense to this one.

CIV VD Harker
::nods and follows chief.:: Herron: My Name is Paige Harker...

CIV VD Harker
::Stops:: ACO: Sir?

ACO SL Rome
::smiles at the CIV:: CIV: Commander.

CIV VD Harker
ACO: Are you ok? How many in your group?

ACTION: A third tremor rumbles, this one far stronger than the previous quakes. Tents collapse, people fall, Herron stumbles and fall unto his face, the earth shake violently, and then...a tear into the earth itself...

AXO SL Burton
::Sits shaking his head::

ACO SL Rome
::puts up a hand to stop Harker's questions for the moment, then falls over next to Herron::

CIV VD Harker
ACO::: briefly explains their situation...::The ground shakes and she tries to keep her balance.::

CTO VD Murphy
::Braces herself::

CTO VD Murphy
Abm: Have you thought about moving here to the shore for the winter and possibly fishing and hunting for the winter?

AXO SL Burton
:: In the confusion makes a break for Chief Abm::

VD Chief Abm
::braces himself as he feels the ground shake as does his son Odn::  CTO:  Be careful!  This is a bad one...

ACO SL Rome
Herron: Chief! ::grabs him by his hands and tries to pull him to safety::

CIV VD Harker
::Stumbles with the ACO and Herron, trying to find cover..::

ACTION: The earth splits evenly between the Shore Liner and Valley Dweller camps. A rift opens up beneath the ACO and Herron, swallowing Herron and Rome into the abyss, but Rome falls onto a jutted cleft of earth, a small platform separating him from bottomless death.

CTO VD Murphy
Outloud: Bloody hell!

INFO:  The OPS and CTO are on one side of the chasm while the ACO, CIV are on the opposite side::

CIV VD Harker
::Falls, crawls forward.::ACO:Sir!

ACO SL Rome
::holds onto the small edge with all his might and yells in pain as every muscle in his back and hands burn::

AXO SL Burton
::Tries to grab Amb::

CIV VD Harker
::Tries to judge the distance.:: ACO:Hold on Sir.! ::Looks around for a rope..::

VD Chief Abm
::holds onto the strange newcomer and his wife who has almost crawled over him::

ACO SL Rome
::takes a deep breath and tries to pull himself up, but almost loses his grip:: Self: Bloody hell....::through his teeth::

=/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE MISSION =/\==/\==/\==/\=

Star Trek: A Call To Duty – Arcadia Station, SB-101
    
    Original Air Date: 4th June 2007
    Executive Producer: D.L. Eubena
    Copyright 2007: A Call To Duty
 All Rights Reserved