INCOMING TRANSMISSION:

STARFLEET PERSONNEL, SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH
PRIORITY ONE COMMUNIQUE
AUTHORIZATION ALPHA-BETA-1879-GAMMA

TO: Captain Chod, USS Armstrong 
CC: First Officer K'anis
FROM: Admiral William Crenshaw
DATE: 10105.21 
RE: Mission Orders

Captain :

On Stardate 10105.20, all contact was lost with Research Facility 13133. While the Facilities research may have led to total annihilation of the Facility through explosive destruction, we have reason to believe that this did not occur. 

There has been confirmation that a transmission was being made when contact was lost. Review of said transmission implies that facility head Robert Tutania was startled by the presence of an unknown individual, one the Doctor seemed to believe he was speaking with over long-range communications. Long-range sensor readings indicate a large-scale energy output from the facility, but readings are sporadic. All we can tell you for certain is that the Facilities Communications Equipment is actively jamming us. 

You are hereby ordered to take the Armstrong at maximum Warp to investigate the cause of this disruption and, if necessary, regain control of the facility. Its status as a research station makes it imperative that the facility does not fall under hostile control. Further aid is being diverted as well, but will take at least 2 days to arrive.

Admiral William Crenshaw
Starfleet Command

[Captain Chod, standing on Bridge.]

Looking around the Bridge, Chod still has to remind himself he has made it. Sure, there is little financial profit to be had from being a Federation Captain, but everyone has a price, and it doesn't always include money.

He had decided long ago that knowledge was the wage of the Federation, and it was his job to collect this knowledge. Now, he needed to get his crew to the research facility and determine what happened.

"Crew, we have been ordered to investigate the loss of contact with research facility 13133 and provide assistance if needed. Whether this means medical, technical, or tactical assistance remains to be seen. With the lack of information we have it is difficult to guess what we'll find, but I'm sure all of you are as ready as we can be."
"Lieutenant Mortimer, plot a course and engage maximum Warp as soon as we are clear of the Star Base. Commander K'anis, Bridge staff, it looks like Star Fleet is sending us in blind. Any ideas on how to remove the blindfolds?"
[On Armstrong's Bridge, at the Captain side]

Commander K'anis, the Antican Executive Officer of the USS Armstrong, listened intently to his Captain's debrief on their new assignment.

K'anis towered the Captain, not that it would diminish Chod's authority or presence of spirit, as the Antican had learned a long time ago since their days together at Starfleet Academy. However, it sure helped keep the crew in-line by having a werewolf as First Officer.

"Captain, I recommend Red Alert as soon as we are underway", K'anis told the Ferengi in the center chair. "General Order #12 states that all precautions be taken when dealing with vessels or facilities with which no contact has been established"

"CSO, I want a full report on what was going on at RF 13133", K'anis addressed the individual at Main Science. "Find out what was the research and what was the destructive potential involved that lead Command to briefly consider total annihilation of the installation"

"CTO, get on a anti-electronic warfare mood. Find a way to bring the scrambling field down by the time we arrive", the Antican ordered the officer on the other side of the Bridge.

K'anis then turned to Captain Chod, getting an approvingly nod from the Ferengi. Who would ever guess that such a different individuals would end up forming a well-balanced relationship.

Captain Chod was the man to find the 'opportunities' and K'anis was the one to put his plans in action. Likewise, K'anis demanded nothing less than their best from each member of the crew.

K'anis knew of their capabilities and trusted them. Once again, the Armstrong would prevail.

"Let the hunt begin", K'anis thought to himself was the stars streaked by the main viewer of the Intrepid-class starship

[Lieutenant Mortimer, on the Bridge, sitting at the Conn]

So, this was the Armstrong....

Vincent had been thinking about his assignment for the last few weeks, and still had a few reservations about it, especially given his recent promotion to Lieutenant, which he was still recovering from. Everything, however, would probably work out all right in the end... it always did.

He still wasn't quite familiar with the controls, despite having sat on a holographic representation of this very bridge for the last few weeks, since he had found out he was going to be posted here. He'd have felt more comfortable with them laid out to his own preference, but felt that his first full day aboard a vessel wasn't the time to make changes to that degree.

Like his brother Max before him, he'd excelled at piloting through the academy. Perhaps that shuttlecraft crash all those years ago during training had given him the incentive to be at the controls himself from then on?

He was shaken firmly back to reality by the captains voice. What a time to be caught daydreaming! 

"Aye, sir!", he replied. "Setting course to absolute heading five-five-seven mark four."

Hopefully he'd understood the orders correctly, and eased the ship forward from its docking position, and slowly through the doors of the Star Base.

He heard the XO barking orders in the background, and immediately was overcome by a wave of nervousness. He guessed the presence of the Antican had been somewhat of a factor in the ship's efficiency ratings. Keeping his head down, he increased to three-quarters impulse once they were clear of the station, and started running pre-checks on the subspace field.

Taking the opportunity of the relative lull in activity, he punched a copy of the mission orders up on his console. Seemed to just be a minor equipment failure, with any luck it would be a nice, uneventful mission, and he'd get time to settle in properly.

The Armstrong finally reached the outer beacon put in place to mark the end of the navigational zone around the Star Base, and he kicked the engines up to maximum warp.

[Bridge, before ship leaves spacedock]

Daytona sat at OPS, her fingers tapping out commands to the consol. Directing power, moving power, relaying power. She yawned and quickly covered it up by placing her hand over her mouth and looking around. She cold do this in her sleep, which she sometimes did.

Buzzing noise around her she stopped her task long enough to listen in. Her green eyes brightened for a second. Chaos, mayhem, and a purpose to her day. What any fine Officer should wish against, but seeing how it was thrust upon them all the time, she would revel in it and do her best to not appear as if she was enjoying it.

She readied Engineering with a quick com to let them know she was about to adjust power supplies for the rest of the ship for when the warp engines went on line. Then she contacted the Starbase and cleared them for space dock and nodded at the Helm Officer with a flip of her head that made her red hair tail bob, that all was clear.

[Next to the warp core, on the upper level of ME]

Smiling proudly, Regin looks over the warp core diagnostics, seeing again the perfect condition of the engine. "They should be perfect," he mutters to himself. "They're practically brand new."

"What's that, sir?" a petty officer asks from one of the wall consoles a few feet away.

"Nothing, Warner. Just marveling over the good condition of the engines. You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen in the short time I've been in the Fleet."

Warner laughs, and replies, "Sir, I've seen things that could make a Vulcan lose their lunch."

Regin laughs, remembering that the non-commissioned Warner has been in the fleet well over 3 times the length of his own commission, and spent most of it doing the grunt work that officers never had to do. "Of course, Warner. Now, let's-"

Regin's order is cut off as a comm. from the bridge informs him that the ship is getting under way. He stands up, and pauses a moment. Standing could still be something amazing for someone who'd lost a leg and an arm over a year before. After a quick pause, Regin responds, hoping the OPS officer didn't notice the delay. Moving quickly, he goes down to the main level and does some last minute checks before the ship's impulse engines engage, taking the crew away from the starbase.

[On Bridge, speaking with Commander K'anis.]

"Red Alert, Commander? I know precaution is in order, but I think we can go at Yellow until we enter the system. No sense wasting our fuel resources the entire trip. As soon as we get closer, however, you are absolutely right." 

Chod notices the Science officer, a young Andorian Ensign who had just reported aboard a few hours before departure. Chod tried to remember his name, but couldn't.

"Sirs, these are the latest reports from station 13133. It looks like they were working on improving the yields of the Quantum torpedoes. That makes some sense out of what long range sensors are telling us, although if they got a large enough yield to create these kind of readings at this distance."

Looking at the report brings Chod back to his old Science mindset. Unfortunately, he knew little about Quantum torpedoes beyond that they drew material from another level of existence in a miniature big bang.

"Lt. Mazer, see what you can find about Quantum torpedoes and, if you can, any ideas on how to face them." Turning to Commander K'anis "At least we know what we are facing. Maybe you were right, Red Alert it is."

"Captain Chod to Engineering, Lt. Kyrian, keep an eye on those engines. They are knew, but we are going to push them for the next 5 hours." 

"Everyone, we have our orders, lets get to it."

[On Bridge, conferencing with the Captain]

"Red Alert, Commander? I know precaution is in order, but I think we can go at Yellow until we
enter the system. No sense wasting our fuel resources the entire trip. As soon as we get closer,
however, you are absolutely right."

Commander K'anis knew better than argue with his Commanding Officer about economics. The Antican's
task was to keep the Captain and ship safe, and to that end no precaution was excessive.

K'anis attention was drawn to the new Andorian SO, ensign Pl'othe, as the officer come up with a
briefing on the research being carried at Station 13133.

"Quantum torpedoes", K'anis considered the new information. "Indeed something to be worried about
in case there's enemy participation in this possible accident"

Turning to Commander K'anis, the Captain said: "At least we know what we are facing. Maybe you were
right, Red Alert it is."

"Yes sir. Maybe an Away Team be necessary to assess the real status of the station. I'll have one
readied by then", K'anis replied

They had 5 hours till the Armstrong reached the coordinates, so K'anis went to his console and
brought up the schematics of the 13133, studying them as a hunter would study the forest ahead.

"Let the hunt begin", the Antican thought.

[On Bridge, coming over the intercom.]

Chod's voice is heard over the intercom.

"Captain Chod to Engineering, Lt. Kyrian, keep an eye on those engines. They are knew, but we are going to push them for the next 5 hours." 

Chod returns to his duty, knowing the engines will perform adequately.

[In ME, watching the warp engines]

Regin listens to the Captain's voice sound through the comm. system. "Lt. Kyrian, keep an eye on those engines." Kyrian shakes his head. Leave it to a Ferengi to call a Bajoran by his given name, rather than his family name. Regin groans, feeling like he's been correcting people about that ever since he joined Starfleet. And just when people had stopped doing it on the Triton, he'd been injured badly enough to have to leave the ship.

Sighing, Regin returns the comm. "Aye, Captain. The engines are under close watch, and will continue to perform at their peak. Lt. Regin out."

Knowing it is likely that he'll be asked to, Regin brings up a schematic of the destination station on his monitor, and begins looking it over. Fairly standard, the station looks like many other smaller research stations posted throughout the Federation. On most of these stations, the only thing different is the kind of research going on inside, rather than the station itself. He notices that the station has been outfitted with some special equipment to handle the materials used for the research, but, again, that is fairly common. Regin leans back in his chair, wondering if he'll have much more to do for the 5 hours before they reach the station.

[Over the comm. system, from main engineering]

In response to the Captain's comm., Regin's voice issues from the speakers. "Aye, Captain. The engines are under close watch, and will continue to perform at their peak. Lt. Regin out."

[On the Bridge, at the Tactical Station]

At the Captain's request, Mazer immediately began to pull up all available information on Quantum Torpedoes, and experiments into improving their yields. The latter did not bring up much ... if anything at all. With a brief pause, he begins to explain to the Captain in as much detail as possible about Quantum Torpedoes ... how they came into use back in 2372-2373 just prior to the war with the Dominion, how initially they were primarily used by newer classes of starship ... such as Sovereign or Akira. 

"Only in recent years [2376-2377], did other ships acquire the necessary refits to acquire such torpedoes, due to their unique structure and so forth. Quantums were much more powerful than Photons ... which is why less were given to each starship than Photons. Due to the possibility of more Borg incursions into Federation space, Starfleet Research & Development [based out of Nesrun Fleet Yards] has in recent years looked into the possibility of an increase of Quantum torpedo yield. Of course, the Romulan Star Empire has opposed this, but have not gone beyond that."

Following the completion of his report, Mazer begins tactical scans of the surrounding region for any possible hostile signs.

[On Bridge, being transmitted over comm.]

"Lieutenant Regin? This is Lieutenant Mazer on the Bridge; we are attempting to gather information on Quantum Torpedoes, and related experimentation in regard to them. Would you perchance have any theories, or ideas, on how a Quantum Torpedo's yield could be expanded, and perhaps how such expansion could result to a cataclysmic meltdown? Any assistance would be appreciated."

[On Bridge.]

"Very good, Lieutenant. Now, the question is what happened? Are you thinking perhaps the Romulans have decided to act upon the complaints? If so we may be in for some trouble. Keep your eyes open, although I'm sure you will anyway. Our best defense may just be early warning."

This new idea was disturbing, although Chod didn't think it likely. At least he hoped it wasn't. Still, it is always best to be prepared.

[On the Bridge, at the Tactical Station] 

Mazer nods at the Captain, and begins to think to himself in regard to the Romulans. It was merely a theory that the Romulans had some involvement ... but it was as well highly unlikely. Bringing up the Intelligence Reports of ships, which had recently been patrolling the Neutral Zone, he finds nothing specific to suggest that the Romulans had been planning any specific operations to counter this testing. 

"Captain, recent Intel. Reports do not suggest any such Romulan involvement. That is not to say there is not. The possibility of a cloaked starship entering our space is highly probable. However, it is my suggestion that we leave the Romulan's involvement as a theory ... it is highly more likely that whatever experimentation was going on at the facility went wrong." 

And with that, Mazer returns to his scans of the surrounding region.

[On the Bridge.]

Speaking with Lt. Mazer, Chod takes a moment to reflect before answering. "I think, I hope, you are right. Last thing we need is an incident. Besides, if it were the Romulans the Energy signature wouldn't appear as it does. Very good, let me know if you find anything on sensors."

[Mortimer, on the Bridge, sitting at the Conn]

Apart from a minor worry over the engines, everything seemed to be going fine. This really was going to be a nice relaxing mission.

However, he couldn't rid himself of a niggling little feeling at the back of his head. A feeling that seemed to be getting stronger every time the distance indicator clocked one digit closer to their destination.....

[On Bridge, 5 hours later.]

With the ship about to enter the system, Chod is still wondering what is going on. Long Range Sensors have continued to return confusion scan results, although he hopes Short Range Sensors will be more helpful. However, the time for theorizing is over.

"All hands, Red Alert. We are now entering the system. All hands, report to your stations. All stations, status report as soon as possible." 

Chod returned to his seat, wishing he had at least a few answers. But then again, if they had answers, why would they be here?

[From Bridge, over Intercom.]

"All hands, Red Alert. We are now entering the system. All hands, report to your stations. All stations, status reports as soon as possible."

[On the Bridge, at the Tactical Station]

Upon the order from the Captain, Mazer takes the ship to Red Alert ... then the sensors start to gather in information. His console beeps wildly, and he takes in all the information for a moment, before broadcasting it to the rest of the bridge.

"Sensors are able to discern two strong energy readings, of which we were unable to identify earlier. One of the two energy signatures is similar to that of which we would expect a quantum torpedo to exhibit prior to detonation, when it's energy has reached its highest point. Theory suggests that it reaches into another plane of space or subspace to gather its energy at this point. The second signature is similar to that of an Elway's Theorem wave, similar to a dimensional transport signature. Both readings are constant, rather than transitory, as per normal specifications."

Soon after his report, his console beeps again.

"I am able to detect the crew of the facility ... and their life signs appear to be stable," after a momentary pause, "However, the interference prevents any further scans ... there are five other unidentified life signs as well." 

Mazer is intrigued by all of this, and looks up at the rest of the crew ... wondering what exactly is going on.

[At OPS station on bridge]

Daytona had been sitting back in her chair until the red alert sounded. She had been daydreaming. Not about men or vacations or anything of that nature but about what kind of holo emitters would allow her quarters to be transformed into a huge aquarium. She could see it in her mind, the whole room, and just one big fish tank. She listed all the fish in her mind in alphabetical order by size. She was just getting down to the Great Whales, and trying to decide if that were pushing it when Chod gave the Red Alert call.

Sitting up then standing up she moved her chair away quickly. Standing was the Red Alert form, for her anyway. She tapped in commands turning off basic functions such as the holodeck, giving them a 15 second chime in case they were hanging upside down from a tree or some other activity. 
She took a look at her console, noting the department status of power usage. She sent a few quick intervention commands for turbos' and warned Engineering that she had overridden the shut down in two of the research centers for now, or until the power from their center was needed.
Lights and such were automatically dimmed on various decks and departments and she tapped approval for power usage as the requests came in to her console.
Her red pony-tail bobbed as she tapped away, a look of concentration on her face. She sent a quick report to the Captain and Executive Officer's chair panel.

"Oh what do we have here?" She said aloud to no one in particular as her hand waved over the communications side of her console. A beep, two beeps and audio.
She looked towards the main deck and the Captain "Captain, we have a hail, sir"

Chod looked over in Daytona's direction and nodded, his head tilted towards Daytona as he waited.

It took but a split second for the translator to un-garble the words, at the same time Daytona adjusted the signal and volume. The bridge heard it all at the same time.
They appeared quite frightened. "Who are you? Go away! We just want what is ours!"

Daytona raised her eyebrows and looked a the Captain, then back at her console. "Captain I have visual"

Chod nodded and stood giving. "Viewer on, Wilder"

The viewer crackled as Daytona adjusted the visual. She looked up as the screen focused. Before them was the sight of red furred humanoids.

[Sitting in the XO's chair, at the Captain's side]

The Armstrong had finally reached the Research Station and early reports continued confusing.

Captain Chod called on the Red Alert, promptly acknowledged by CTO Mazer. K'anis had been reading the report prepared by Operations Manager Wilder, when she got a visual from the Station.

K'anis had been intrigued by the presence of 5 unknown readings in the base, along with the apparently safe crew of the station. Now he got answer to that. In the main viewer a red-furred Humanoid was yelling at them to go away.

"Not in a million years", thought K'anis. They had a mission - to secure the station and its research and retrieve the crew of it - and the Antican would never stand down from duty.

"Captain", K'anis turned to the Ferengi. "This is First Contact, sir. I think we'd better send down a team to meet this individuals and clear off things as to what is 'theirs' that they want so much"

[Assuming Chod agrees]

"Aye, sir. I'll get the team ready ASAP", K'anis said getting up from his chair. "Wilder, Mortimer, ready the runabout Thames. With the interference in the area, I don’t want to risk using transporters. We'll do it the old fashioned way"

"Mazer, you with me too", the Antican said to the CTO, approaching him. "Mazer, It's not my intention to start an interstellar incident her, but it wont hurt to be forewarned. I want you to be prepared if things get tougher. Plus, try to secure the safety of the Station's crew"

K'anis then tapped his communicator. "CEO Regin, report to Shuttlebay One for Away Team duty ASAP. Bring your tools with you, Chief"

"All, I want to be there within 20 minutes", K'anis finished and got to the Turbolift.

[Over the intercom, from the Bridge]

K'anis then tapped his communicator. "Lieutenant Rrregin, this is K'anis. Rrreporrrt to Shuttlebay One forrr Away Team duty ASAP. Brrring yourrr tools with you, Chief" 

"All, I want to be there within 20 minutes for debriefing", K'anis finished and got to the Turbolift.

[Entering Shuttlebay One]

Commander K'anis entered the shuttlebay and headed for the runabout Thames to check its flight condition, waiting for the rest of the Away Team to report for the debriefing.

K'anis was very intrigued by the presence of the red-furred Humanoids in the Research Station. "Could they be afterrr the quantum torrrpedo technology?" K'anis mused. "Or is therrre something else going on herrre?"

The Antican would find out for sure soon enough

[On the Bridge, at Tactical]

Mazer continued his scans of the Research Station, noting the appearance of the red furred humanoids on the screen. A moment or so later, Commander K'anis began to organize an away team to the research station for a first contact situation. Both Operations Manager Wilder, and Conn. Officer Mortimer were coming along for the ride via the Runabout, U.S.S. Thames. 

He watched the two personnel prepare to leave the bridge, junior personnel promptly arriving to take their places ... and then the Antican Exec. Approached him, "Mazer, you're with me too. It's not my intention to start an interstellar incident here, but it won't hurt to be forewarned. I want you to be prepared if things get tougher. Plus, try to secure the safety of the Station crew." And with that, the XO was on his way to the turbolift. 

Mazer's hands swiftly and softly moved across his console, shutting down his code access there, and sending a signal for a replacement officer to get here now. Making sure his type two phaser was holstered, he turned and made his way to the nearest turbolift, hoping to catch up with the others. He had no actual problem with a peaceful situation ... prior to his choosing to switch from the sciences to security; Mazer had been a Science Officer. Like the others, he was intrigued by this situation. 

However, this did not mean he was not cautious. First Contact, while leading to the expansion and growing knowledge of the Federation, had also lead to some disastrous crises. The Borg. The Dominion. The Bellicose. Lives could be lost. IT was Mazer's job to ensure they weren't. 

And with that, he exited the bridge.

[Arriving at Shuttlebay One]

The Trill Chief entered the shuttlebay with a brisk walk. He had acquired a tricorder on his way down to the bay, and it was now holstered on his hip, a larger holster holding his phaser tight on the other side. Away team wise, he was well prepared. He noted that the Commander had already arrived at the bay, and was going through some pre-flight checks ... or at least, Mazer assumed he was. 

Pausing outside the runabout, Mazer went nostalgic for a moment ... remembering his days as Science Officer onboard the U.S.S. Mercury, a similar Intrepid Class Starship which was destroyed during the war. His eyes close, and then open once again ... a deep breath is taken, and he is ready. For anything. Hopefully.

[On Bridge.]

Signaling Lt. Wilder to temporarily silence the Comm., Chod responds to Commander K'anis.

"Definitely. Take whoever you feel you need. I want this resolved. Strange, I never saw these creatures. If you can do it without jeopardizing the primary mission, see if you can see where they came from."

With a nod, Chod requests the Channel be reopened.

"I am Chod, Captain of the Federation Starship Armstrong. We don't wish to take what is yours. However, that facility is not yours. We are willing to offer assistance, but we need to make sure our people are OK. Can we send a team down, both to meet with you and to check our people?"

"Who? What? Federation Starship Armstretch you say? Uh, you can send down a team, but we will not go back! Tell those Bripcon that we won't go back. They can fix their own stuff." The creature makes a motion, and the screen goes blank.

"Well, that's something. Science, see if you can find any references to similar creatures, or these "Bripcon" people. Commander K'anis, be careful. I want answers, but not at the cost of any of our people."

Chod moves back to the Science Station, wanting to trust the Ens. manning it, but just not able to. Old habits die-hard after all.

[In Main Engineering, heading for the Shuttlebay]

Regin acknowledges the comm. from the XO, finishes compiling the reports he had prepared, and grabs his toolkit. Taking a quick peek inside, he confirms that all his tools are accounted for, including one most engineers don't carry - a modified phaser, able to cause nearly normal stun to most humanoids, but unable to damage Starfleet equipment. "After all," he thinks to himself, "what good is an engineer if he damages the equipment he has to fix?"

Realizing he is running a bit behind, he runs to the TL, and heads down to the shuttlebay. Looking around, he searches for Cmdr K'anis, and discovers that the Antican is not difficult to spot. He walks over to the Cmdr and reports in, ready to meet the challenges the team is likely to face on the station.

[Mortimer, at the Conn]

"Oh, bugger." muttered Vincent under his breath, as the red-furred being appeared on the view screen. 

He barely heard the order from the XO to ready the runabout, but some part of Starfleet training in the back of his head took over, and he was halfway to the turbolift with the others before he realized what was going on.

A brief navigational scan of the area had shown up nothing unusual in the area, so at least they weren't going to be blown out of the system by a heavily-armed battle cruiser, but what about weaponry on the station? Or perhaps there was a heavily armed battlecruiser, and it was cloaked! 

Shaking the thoughts out of his head, he stepped into the shuttlebay.

[Mortimer, in the Shuttle Bay]

Vincent Mortimer left the turbolift at a sprint. Despite his outright refusal to admit it to himself, he thrived on excitement. Okay, he may wish for a nice quiet life, but when it came down to it he was as ready as anyone else to take on the unknown. It was probably something in his Genes - after all, his two elder brothers had both been fairly successful Starfleet officers in their own way. Alexander, the eldest, was a Starfleet Intelligence Operative, who had disappeared a number of years back. His brother Maxwell had worked his way up through the ranks, eventually captaining the USS Lafayette, before he was... well, it wasn't something he liked to think about. Being sucked into a black hole while wearing EVA gear wasn't an entirely nice way to go. In fact, if you listened to the scientists, he was still out there, being drawn towards the center at an ever-slower rate of time, never reaching it, never running out of air, and perhaps never reaching the point where the gravity well was strong enough to kill him....

He shook his thoughts out of his head again, and once more his "inner officer" had been hard at work, running tests across his board almost subconsciously.

Finishing the last pre-flight check, he turned to K'anis.
"Sir, I've downloaded local navigational data into the runabout's computer, and everything is okay pending the Engineer's report."

He thought back to a few weeks previously. He had recognized the names of the Captain and XO from the academy, and he couldn't help but think back to that training mission. After passing out, he'd never found out who had rescued him, and he wasn't sure how to ask. He was hoping perhaps it would come up in conversation some time...

[In the Shuttlebay] 

As they begin to board the Thames ... "I would suggest that at least one other than I carry a phaser, it can be either type one or two ... it does not matter. From what I saw on the bridge, the aliens onboard the station are quite aggravated about something ... aggravation can lead to trouble, it has before, and it can now. Just a word of caution." He nods to the others, taps his phaser, and enters into the Runabout and takes his seat.

[In the shuttlebay]

"I've got a phaser packed in with my tools, Lt," Regin replies to the Tactical Officer. "Been a while since I transferred out of tac myself, but I do remember the training."

Turning to the XO, Regin began his report. "Scans of the area have shown that, as long as we keep our shields up, everything should be OK. If we drop our shields, we will be vulnerable to radiation from whatever accident occurred in the area, which might adversely affect our engines. I've looked over the station plans, and stand ready to repair anything needed over there, with the possible exception of the specialized equipment, which was listed as classified in the reports."

[In Shuttlebay One, observing the crew gathering together]

K'anis listened intently to his CTO. "A very good suggestion, Lieutenant. I don't think me carrying a phaser would be seen as friendly by the individuals who have taken over the station"

At which point, the Chief Engineer spoke, saying he had a phaser on his on.

"That's settled then", concluded K'anis. "Gentlemen, I remind you that were are not to use force unless for self defense in this situation"

Entering the shuttle, the Antican took one of the backseats near the communication console and contacted the bridge

"Captain Chod, this is K'anis on the runabout Thames. We are ready to depart"

[Over the intercom system, from the shuttlebay]

"Captain Chod, this is K'anis", the Antican spoke with his booming voice. "The Thames is ready for departure as soon as we get clearance"

The Antican leaned back in his chair, anticipating the adventure ahead

[In research center Operations center.]

With the ending of the discussion with the large eared Federation officer, Karein returned to his work.
The arrival of the new Star Ship had Karein worried. He had hoped to get this resolved, but time was getting desperate. Looking at the sealed Laboratory door, he wondered if it would hold them back.

[In Runabout]

Quite excited to actually be on the away team, Daytona had almost flew down to the shuttle bay to get the runabout prepped. All the systems had been checked against the maintenance report from its last going over. 
Everything looked fine. Took all of a matter of moments.
Everyone one was in and they were ready to depart. Funny thing she thought to herself as she sat there. The furry creatures that had hailed them, no one seemed to wonder if maybe they were the ones responsible for the research station being in the condition that it was in, or no one had mentioned it to her anyway.

She looked towards Mazer as he spoke about caring a phaser. "I am checked out on weapons, Mazer. Have an extra one of those?"

[On Bridge, at Science Station.]

Hearing K'anis report the Away Team was ready to leave, Chod makes one last scan of the planet. However, there is no new information.

"Commander, you have permission to depart. Based on the current situation, I believe it is reasonable for everyone to carry at least a Type II Phaser. These beings appear nervous, but we don't know what they are capable of or what they want. That is your first job. Figure out who and what we are dealing with. If you can, see if you can end the reaction we are detecting. I'd like to be able to get an easy Transport Lock if anything goes wrong. Besides, it would be too big of a coincidence if the reaction didn't have something to do with the unknown visitors."

Chod looks around the Bridge, wishing he could go down with the team. However, he knows his people can handle this job, and it is always good to hold something in reserve.

[From the Bridge over the intercom.]

Chod's response comes over the shuttles Comm. system. "Commander, you have permission to depart. Based on the current situation, I believe it is reasonable for everyone to carry at least a Type II Phaser. These beings appear nervous, but we don't know what they are capable of or what they want. That is your first job. Figure out who and what we are dealing with. If you can, see if you can end the reaction we are detecting. I'd like to be able to get an easy Transport Lock if anything goes wrong. Besides, it would be too big of a coincidence if the reaction didn't have something to do with the unknown visitors."

[In the shuttle, replies to Chod over the intercom]

"Aye, Sirrr. You have my worrrd that everrryone will perrrforrrm adequately", K'anis replied with his characteristic Antican accent.

He then turned to the rest of the Away Team for the final instructions

[In the runabout Thames, preparing for departure]

"Mrrr. Morrrtimerrr, we have the 'go ahead' from Captain Chod. Powerrr up the engines and let's get moving. Plot a standarrrd courrrse forrr the planet, we don't want to alarrrm these crrreaturres morrre than they arrre alrready", said K'anis to the FCO sitting in the front section of the Thames. "Also, once we arre therre you arre to make surre we have an escape rroute if necessarry. I'm counting on you to this"

"Chief Rregin, I take you've familiarrized yourrself with the rresearrch going on down on the planet. Once we land, investigate the orrigins of the anomalous rreadings detected by the CSO. Verrify if they could possibly be rrelated to a misuse of the new quantum torrpedoes matrrix by the crreaturres", K'anis said to the Bajoran engineer.

"Mrr. Mazerr, I won't lecturre you on how to do yourr job. We arre hoping to settle this in a nice way. Howeverr, if things turrn nasty, you'rre authorrized to use the necessarry means to safeguarrd the Station crrew and the Away Team."

"OPS Wilderr, make yourrself available to assist the CEO in his investigation of the unknown enerrgy sourrce on the station"

"ALL, let's go"

[In the shuttlebay, listening to CEO Regin's report]

"Verry good, Lieutenant. Once we make contact with the station's crrew we may be able to access these classified files if that's necessarry forr accomplishing ourr mission", K'anis replied to his Chief Engineer

"Mrr. Mazerr", the Antican said to the CTO who was nearby. "Make sure shields arre calibrrated accorrding to the Chief's specifications."

After those instructions, K'anis got inside the runabout Thames.

[In the Runabout]

"Yes sirrr, ur SIR!" She put a quick smile on her face, trying to look innocent. His rolling r's were contagious.

Moving towards Regin she nodded and gave him a mock salute, tapping her forehead with fingers as. "At your service, Regin" 
She continued talking. "I have sent the information already gathered about the energy waves here to the Thames. Being a research station, I think it is highly possible that they may be the cause of the un-known energy readings. Hard to say just what kind of things these scientist get around to producing when out here by their lonesome." She grinned

[In the runabout Thames, landing near RS 13133]

Commander K'anis waited as Lt. Mortimer made the final pre-landing adjustments. The atmospheric flight, though a bit rough due to high stratospheric winds, was uneventful considering the circumstances.

Through the intercom, the Antican updated Captain Chod on the Armstrong. "Sirr, we'rre about to land. Nothing to reporrt as of yet. We'll be prroceeding to the Station as soon as the arrea is clearr"

At that point, the Thames had already settled in a grassy clearing, some 2 kilometers from the RS 13133's perimeter.

Turning to the Chief Tactical. "Lt Mazerr, securre ourr perrimeterr. OPS, you worrk with him. Let's keep always on the safe side herre"

"Rregin, we may need to break into the facility in the event the aliens arre uncooperrative. Be prreparred. And Morrtimerr, leave the Thames warrmed up in case we need a last minute escape route", the Antican said to both the CEO and FCO.

Finally, addrressing all of them. "Keep in mind that we arre dealing with a Firrst Contact situation herre. We shall prresume the aliens frriendly till prroved otherrwise. Now let's do it", and K'anis got up heading to the airlock.

[On Armstrong's Bridge, at Operations]

The Terran female officer promptly and skillfully tended to the blinking in the console. Her fingers danced over the console to acknowledge the communication from the planet below.

"Sir", Julia August addressed the Ferengi in the center chair, Captain Chod "We have a comm. from the Away Team"

"On screen, Mr. August", Chod replied. "You know, time's money"

"Aye sir", she said, already mid-way through the procedure, knowing a bit about the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.

Commander K'anis silver-furred face appeared on the main viewer a second later. She had yet to get accustomed with her sharp-fanged Executive Officer, let alone her sharp-toothed Commanding Officer.

Through the intercom, the Antican updated Captain Chod on the Armstrong.

"Sirr, we'rre about to land. Nothing to reporrt as of yet. We'll be prroceeding to the Station as soon as the arrea is clearr"

[At station Ops center.]

"Karein, we have a vessel coming in from the Arm...Armsting..no, Armstrong. It's landed about 2000 Meters outside of the facility. Are we ready? What are we going to do?" 

Karein looked at Malthus. He'd always been good at preparing and organizing supplies, but didn't handle stress well. Purring gently to him, Karein responded, "I wish I knew. We can only present our request and hope for the best." Karein again looked at the sealed Lab door and hoped these new Star Fleet Officers were able to get their friends to be cooperative.

[At the helm of the Runabout]

Mortimer eased the runabout out of the bay, and laid in the course as ordered by the XO, trying not to giggle at Wilder's response.

He took the ship around in a wide arc, trying to make it obvious that they weren't trying anything silly, like trying to sneak in unnoticed. He made sure that the runabout's collision lights were on, to the same ends. There could be no mistake now that they were here to talk, not to sneak in commando-style.

Turning one of the internal screens to look at the Armstrong, he took in the sight of their mothership, hanging there gracefully in the void.

Hanging there with its photon torpedoes and shielding, while they went down in something that could probably be taken out of the sky by a well-thrown rock.

He forced the lump out of his throat, and prepared for atmospheric flight.

[In the Runabout]

Mortimer turned to the XO.
"Sir, do you wish me to stay with the vessel or accompany the rest of the group?"

{If he tells him to tag along}

Fingering his phaser nervously, he programmed some instructions into the controls to keep the engines warm and an emergency course to the Armstrong laid in ready, and locked the controls - requiring voiceprint authorization from any member of the Armstrong crew to release them.

{If he tells him to stay}

He relaxed into his flight chair, and turned to the team in general.
"Good luck"

[On the Runabout]

As they land, the Antican XO gives him the order to secure the perimeter ... and he promptly responds, "Aye, sir." Unholstering his phaser, and setting it to 'medium stun,' he exits the Runabout, and makes a quick look around. Moving forward, he begins to take in the sights of the region ... spotting the Station somewhat in the distance. 

He first begins with a quick circle around the Runabout ... and then begins to expand his search, making sure that the vessel he came here in is still within visual range so if anything happens to him ... they'll know it, and know that someone or something is coming. With a deep breath, he moves forward ... wondering how the Operations Manager is doing in her search.

[In the runabout]

K'anis got up from his seat, as the Thames engines slowed to a rhythmic rum, and turned to answer LtJG Mortimer the FCO.

"You'll be with us, Mrr Morrtimerr. Just make surre the Thames is rready forr immediate deparrturre"

Out of the corner of his eye, K'anis saw as CTO Mazer moved ahead and exited the runabout to check the area along with Lt Wilder

"Good crrew", the Antican thought to himself as he got ready

[Outside the runabout]

K'anis stepped outside the Thames and got a look on their surroundings. Mortimer had chosen well, as the runabout was landed right on the center of a large clearing.

That way, the risk of an ambush by land was reduced. And they would let the red-furred Aliens know they were there and were not trying to be sneaky.

Off to his right, Mazer was scrutinizing the perimeter and Wilder was doing the same on the other side. The CEO was finishing packing his things and Mortimer would join them shortly.

K'anis inhaled deeply. It's been some time since the last time he had been planet side. A variety of smells and sensory input far beyond Human level flooded his nostrils.

The Antican then regrouped the Away Team.

"Crrew, we shall prroceed to the Station. You all have yourr instrructions and you know what to do. Let's do this rright. Phaserrs on stun, just in case", K'anis said and began walking to the facility seen on the far side of a mountain chain.

[Outside the Runabout]

Daytona left the runabout and went in the opposite direction as Mazer. A quick trip around the ship showed nothing but ground. She flipped open her tricorder and giving a scan showed no life signs but theirs in the immediate area. She paced off about 30 feet and scanned again. Just as she was about to wander further out she heard K'anis give them the order to head to the station. 
Giving a wave she moved in his direction

[Aboard the runabout]

Regin grabs his toolkit and checks it one last time before following the rest of the team out of the runabout.

After hearing the XO's orders, Regin waits for everyone else to respond, and then says, "If my services as a lock pick are needed, I'll be ready, sir."

[Outside the Runabout]

Mortimer followed the others into the station, feeling very vulnerable without a starship around him, but alert and ready to react to anything.

He stuck close to K'anis, who was probably the next best thing to the defensive capability of the Armstrong, and wished he had more experience "in the field". Up until now he'd been assigned to Earth - posted as an Academy shuttle pilot immediately after graduation, which had given him the chance to impress his senior officers with his flight skills enough to ensure his future career as FCO.

Fumbling with the controls on his phaser, he set it to stun as ordered.

[In research center Operations center.]

"Malthus, see if you can get that communications system to work again. I want to make sure our incoming guests know we don't mean any harm."

Seeing the viewscreen flicker on and off, Karein looks to Malthus. Malthus shrugs, indicating it is the best he can do for now, and Karein turns to the screen.
Unfortunately, the message over the Comm system is badly broken up.

"Federation Per...el, we mean no har... If you will come to the ...rations center, we will try to explain what is going on. We have n... of your assistance to prevent further problems. I am so... ..is message is unclear, we are ha...ng difficu... with your tech..logy, it is so ...ferent from what we are .... to."

[Inside the Station]

After the XO managed to regroup the team, Mazer took point in leading them into the station. It was his job to maintain security after all, but in the end, Mazer was really hoping that there would be no need for his use of a phaser. Which was why it remained holstered upon their arrival at the station. Slowly moving through the darkened corridors of the initially compound, Mazer jumped as a slightly distorted voice filled his ears.
It was apparently the unknown aliens who had arrived here attempting to use the station's comm. system ... and failing miserably. They were asking the away team to proceed to the operations center, from what Mazer could discern. He took a few steps in the direction of a nearby turbolift before halting ... it wasn't his decision to proceed there at all. He turned around, and peered down the corridor at the remainder of the away team, and slightly shouted, "Commander K'anis, should we proceed ahead to the center?"

[Inside the Research Station]

Commander K'anis mused as he and the Armstrong Away Team made their way inside the station what the Aliens intentions might be.

They had no trouble at all in getting inside. Lt Regin easily broke the door code and it whooshed open, but it was apparently due to a malfunction rather than a purposeful attention from the Aliens in blocking the door.

The team came to a halt as a static filled voice came from the intercom system. It was badly broken but the aliens were apparently urging the Away Team to the Command Center, which was indeed where they were headed.

As CTO Mazer made sure the way was clear to the turbolift, the Trill stopped and called the rest of the team, asking the Antican whether they should do as the Aliens wished or not.

K'anis paused to consider his options. They had no trouble at getting here. If the Aliens were belligerent, they have had several opportunities to sneak behind the Starfleet Officer. However, they've done nothing like that.

But even thought they seemed sincerely concerned, the Antican's instincts would not give in that easy. K'anis turned to the AT and put forth his plan of action.

"Mazerr, you and me will prroceed to the Command Centerr and effect contact with the Aliens. Lt Rregin, you'll take Morrtimerr and Wilderr and look for the station crrew and the sourrce of the rreadings detected on the Arrmstrrong. Lt. Wilderr, contact Captain Chod and fill him in"

"Carry on, people", said the Antican to all of them and walked to Mazer as the CTO stepped inside the turbolift. As the doors closed, K'anis spoke aloud to the comm. grid in the car "Command Center", and the lift began to move up.

[In Operations Center, waiting for the Turbolift doors to open.]

As the Turbolift approached the Operations Center, Karein took a deep breath. From what he had read of Federation "propaganda", they would help him. Of course that is assuming they followed the beliefs they put forward so readily.

As the Turbolift Door opened, Karein held out his hand, mimicking the action he had seen in many of the Federation Tapes of meetings. It felt strange to look the being in the eye rather than bow so deep that it was obvious you were no threat, but it felt good.

"Greetings friend. Come quickly, we need your help. We must close the gateway quickly, before more arrive. You must help us!"

Karein hoped he could convince the two Federation officers before him to cooperate, and he hoped the fact that only 2 of the 5 officers were here wasn't a bad sign.

[On Station]

"Aye sir" She nodded at K'anis and then gave her com badge a gentle tap. "Captain, Wilder here reporting in for the away team. Commander K'anis and Mazer are proceeding to the command center. The rest of us will be searching the station for crew and the readings we detected.. Wilder out"

She moved towards Regin, tapping her tricorder against her thigh "Which way?"

[Inside the research station]

Regin nods to the XO before the Cmdr heads into the turbolift. Turning to the rest of the team, he waits for Lt Wilder to finish her report to the Captain before giving orders. He wonders for a moment why she, the full Lt, wasn't given command, but he assumed that the XO has his reasons.

"The plans for the facility show the main research lab in the south section of the base, so that's where we should head first. Lt Wilder, keep your tricorder open, and let us know if we're getting closer to the source of the readings. Lt Mortimer, keep your phaser up. We don't know much about these people, so it's possible they can fool our tricorders."

Walking confidently, Regin began walking down the corridor, not feeling one ounce of the confidence he showed.

[In the Research Station]

With the XO's orders given, Mazer begins to scout ahead ... but not too far. He's well aware of Anticans and their lust for battle, or something along those lines. There is no doubt in Mazer's mind that he could offend his superior officer by doing something stupid like leaving him behind, so he stays within sight. Finding a turbolift, he presses a button on the pad beside the door.

The door swishes open, showing the dim-lighted car inside of the shaft. Turning to look around, he enters the turbolift, and waits for the XO to enter with him. He had not yet unholstered his phaser for obvious reasons. This was essentially a first contact mission ... and he was not intending to frighten any unknown beings today. Unless he needed to.

Despite all his training since the war, Mazer supposed he was still a science officer under his new, tough, tactical exterior. For a moment, he pondered why he had made the choice to switch departments as the XO finally arrived and they moved to the main operations center. The trip was a swift one, and before either officer knew it ... they were at their destination. Mazer looked at the XO out of the corner of his eye, and moved out before him ... hoping that he would understand that this was a safety precaution, and not an intended insult.

Before Mazer was the main operations center, and in it was one of the aliens they had seen on the viewscreen earlier. The alien moved forward, extending his hand, and stated, "Greetings friend. Come quickly, we need your help. We must close the gateway quickly, before more arrive. You must help us!" Mazer blinked, and stopped in his tracks, turning to look at the XO to see what his reaction was. "A Gateway?" Mazer thought to himself, "As in some sort of portal?" 

It sounded ominous ... and unreal. Yet, such things had been discovered before ... but practically every time they were destroyed by themselves, or the Starfleet personnel who found them for the sole reason that such portals could be used for all the wrong reasons. He could feel the scientist in him begging to come out ... to ask the alien what he meant by a gateway, where it was, and if he could examine it. But it would be the XO's job to ask those questions. Mazer turned and began to look around the operations center for any more of this alien's fellows, and if possible, the other Federation personnel that reside here. 

[On the Command Center]

Commander K'anis and Lieutenant Mazer waited for the turbolift to come to a halt, indicating they've arrived.

As soon as the doors parted, the CTO stepped outside closely followed by the Antican XO. K'anis focused his attention on the red-furred being before him, letting Mazer to scrutinize the rest of the room.

K'anis found it odd the Alien using the Vulcan salute, but did not wasted time with that.

"Grreetings, Karrein", the Antican addressed the individual who had stepped in their direction, correctly guessing he was their leader or equivalent. "I'm Commanderr K'anis frrom the Starrship Arrmstrrong. We arre herre on a mission to assess the rreasons behind the station's lack of communication. As you may be aware this is a Federration-operrated facility, and only authorized personell should be allowed"

Karein then explained that he needed their help to close some sort of gateway and that made him very wary. K'anis regarded the being closely. His apparent hurry could very well be a disguise to lure them into a trap, but the Antican would not give in too easy.

"In order to help you, you'll need to let us know of the reasons that brought you here and details about this 'gateway' and who might come through it", said K'anis, expecting Karein's collaboration and wondering how the rest of the team was doing in their search elsewhere.

In any case, the Antican readied himself and was glad to see Mazer had his eyes fully open and prepared. 

[On Station]

"Aye" She nodded and started walking down the corridor a step ahead of him looking down at her tricorder. Her peripheral vision keeping her from walking into the side of the walls.
A few minutes passed "Noting yet" She called over her shoulder still looking at her tricorder, awaiting that magic beep where she could say 'Bingo, source found'.

[Inside the research station]

Mortimer raised his phaser and followed Regin into the bowels of the facility. He was a little nervous that something could creep up on him at any second, and turned his Tricorder to maximum sensitivity.

A frantic bleeping sent him into a defensive stance, and he took aim in the direction the Tricorder was indicating.... before relaxing at the sight of a small buzzing insect.

[In Operations Center]

Lowering his hand, Karein looks nervously at these new Star Fleeters. "Certainly, uh, Commander K'anis you said? We came here by accident. We were being transported from our master's ship to his estate to begin our work when we suddenly found ourselves here. I don't know what happened, usually the transport puts us right where we wanted to go, within a reasonable distance. This jump, however, is way off target. I don't even recognize the stars of this sector of space. As for who might come through, well, the master won't be happy to loose his investment. He may be coming."

[On Bridge, monitoring the situation.]

"Very good Lieutenant. I'm keeping my sensors going trying to sort out this information, but keep me informed. Oh, Lieutenant, be careful. I don't want to have anything happen to any of you. Chod out."

Closing the channel, Chod returns to the scans, trying to hide his nervousness for the crew below.

[In the Command Center]

"Investment?" Mazer mumbles to himself. He watches the Commander and the red-furred aliens for a moment, before slowly walking around the bridge. Taking out his tricorder, he begins to scan the area for any life signs which would suggest the presence of the Federation crew which resided here. While doing this, he began to run what the being Karein just said through his mind.

If his story is the case, then what of those who were previously working on this base ... in this operation's center? A chill runs up the Trill's spine as he wonders if Karein is lying to them, and really wishes they had a Betazoid or Ullian with them right now. Taking a deep breath, he continues on around the center, looking around for any signs of the missing crew.

[On the Command Center]

Commander K'anis quickly digestes the information provided by Karein, the alien leader. However his explanation still left more questions than answered the doubts they already have.

Observing his Chief Tactical going over the Command Center, K'anis concentrated in the red-furred being in front of him.

"Verry well, Karrein. I'm willing to take yourr worrd on yourr storry. As such, Starrfleet will allocate the necessarry rresourrces to get you back home"

"Howeverr, therre's still the issue of wherre is the rregularr crrew of this station whom we came after. I have parrt of my team alrready searrching forr them and the sourrce of some strrange readings we've got frrom ourr ship. Can you prrovide any helpful information on this rregarrd?", the Antican inquired Karein.

While the alien gathered with another of his keen to discuss, K'anis took a moment to whisper to Mazer.

"Lieutenant, contact the Captain discrretly and inforrm him of the situation and call Mr Regin up herre as we might need his experrtise if theirr transporrterr mal-function is someway rrelated to the quantum torrpedoes experiments", K'anis said and added in an afterthought. "And Mrr. Mazerr, have a securrity detail ready to beam down at minute's notice in case ... theirr masterr decides to show up too"

Done with it, K'anis turned back to wait for Karein's reply...

[In Operations Center.]

The words of this new Star Fleet Officer strike Karein with a sense of dread. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see the same feelings going through his comrades.

"Home? Go back? No! Please, we want your help and you offer to send us back to a life of endless service? Please, just give us a shuttle and let us go. Your people are safe in the first science Lab, we locked the door to make sure we could escape as we had no idea who these beings were. We mean no harm, please, I thought you were a compassionate people. You can't do that to us."

[In the Command Center]

Mazer listens carefully to the Commander's instructions, and then immediately sets to work. Carefully moving out of "range" of Karein's hearing, he taps his communications badge.

"Mazer to the Armstrong. We've met up with the aliens in the command center of the research station. Their leader, Karein, has explained that he and his fellows were apparently servants in another region of space quite some distance from here. Somehow, during their attempt to escape from 'service,' they arrived here via some unknown gateway. Karein wishes us to help him close the gateway before his 'master' comes looking. So far, I myself have found no signs of the station's crew although Karein has stated that they are locked in the first science lab, we will be determining whether or not this is true momentarily." 

After a moment's pause, and whatever reply the Captain makes, Mazer proceeds onto comm. the others.

"Lieutenant Regin, please come to the Command Center, we believe we may need your assistance in determining how exactly these aliens got on the station. Also, their leader, Karein, has stated that he and his fellows locked the station crew in science lab one. You may suggest to the rest of your team that they check that out." 

After another moment's pause, and whatever reply the Lieutenant makes, Mazer proceeds onto comm. the ship again.

"Main Security, this is Lt. Mazer on the surface. Please have Echo Squad armed with light weaponry, and on standby for possible use. Only proceed down upon my order, or if contact is lost. Only proceed down in the latter case if the Captain gives permission. Mazer out." 

With that completed, Mazer turns back to look at Cmdr. K'anis and Karein.

[In the Security Office]

The Ktarian Ensign raised his head at the sudden communication from the surface, which had apparently been re-routed from the bridge. It had not been something he was expecting, nor was the request. "Echo Squad on the surface?" Ryche thought, "Wow, Lieutenant Mazer must be really worried about something." 

Of the four security squads in existence on the Armstrong, Echo was primarily kept for extreme defensive measures. Although, were it still during the war, Ryche was quite sure that his team would be used for more offensive measures. He had actually been enjoying the leisure time that being Echo Squad leader meant for him. Although, on occasion, he looked forward to be called down to set up camp for an expedition on some exotic, far off world light years away from the core Federation worlds. 

Something than an Intrepid would likely be called for. Then again, he wasn't looking for the ship to become a Voyager ... Oof, his mind had wandered again, he knows that the Lieutenant must be awaiting some sort of reply. "Ah, er, acknowledged, sir. I'll have Echo Squad up and ready in case you need them. Ryche out." Closing the communications channel, he stands up and tugs on his tunic. Exiting the Security Office which is a room relatively a quarter the size of the ship's mess hall, he taps his comm. badge. 

"This is Ensign Ryche calling for all Echo Squad members to immediately report to the armory for briefing and weapons acquisition ..."

[On Bridge.]

After receiving the report from Lt. Mazer, Chod takes a second to review what has been said. Unfortunately, there were still no solid answers.

"Understood Lieutenant, keep me informed. Be careful, if you need backup don't hesitate to call them down."

Chod also goes to search the cultural database to determine if there is any information on these aliens.

[In Operations Center.]

With the corner of his eye, Commander K'anis observed as Lt Mazer moved off to communicate with the ship. The Antican noticed that the officer took the care to move beyond hearing range of Karein and himself. Well, at least beyond Karein's hearing range.

The Antican's upright furred ears enabled him to catch up most of the conversation. K'anis was glad that Mazer correctly anticipated and had the rest of the Away Team to move and check on the Main Science Lab for the missing Station's crew.

Then, he turned his full attention to Karein, whom seemed to have taken his offer to help in the wrong way. K'anis cursed under his breath, as his eagerness to have things settled once and for all might have led Karein and his colleagues into a false assumption.

K'anis made a mental note to watch his words closely, as the aliens were clearly distressed over the possibility of returning to their apparent slavery.

"Now listen, Karrein", K'anis said in a measure tone (as measured as an Antican can be, that is). "Let me rephrrase my sentence. Firrst of all, we arre herre to check on the missing crrew. My team is alrready headed to the location you've indicated to check on condition of the crew"

"About yourr returrn to yourr wolrrd, I did not mean to rreturn you to yourr 'masterr' as you call him. We arre unfamiliarr with your social orrganization, thus we arre prroviding to help you in the best way you seem"

"The Federration abhorrs any forrms of slavery or inhuman trreatment and we surrely would not naively returrn you to your worrld if that meant any threat to you and your colleagues lives. Our Prrime Dirrective forrbids us frrom interrfering in that situation as well, though" 

"And I do not think it would be possible to lend you a shuttle that is Starfleet's properties. I doubt Captain Chod would agree with that. I can however talk to him and arrange for a conferrence between you two, so that you can discuss a possible alterrnative."

"Have you considerred asking for asylum?", K'anis inquired the wide-eyed alien, wondering how close they could get from a suitable settlement in this case. Diplomacy was never K'anis forte, but no one needed to know that…

[On the Station]

Mazer turns back to look at Cmdr. K'Anis and Karein after sending his various communiqués to the other groups. Things seemed to be turning out all right, as there was little doubt in Jornas' mind that Karein and his fellows had not placed the station crew safely in the science labs. Now of course, came the question of the gateway. If Karein's "owner" or "owners" came to collect him and the others, should they intervene? Sure, the Federation was against slavery of all sorts ... but, Starfleet also had, as part of it's founding charter, that it would not intrude upon other cultures in such a fashion. 

He ponders this for a little while further ... perhaps there would be someway around any regulations, which may prevent them from helping Karein and the others.

[In the halls of the research station]

Regin acknowledges the CTO's comm, and turns to his fellow crewmembers.

"You heard the man. Go find the researchers, and get them out of here. I guess I'll be upstairs if you need me."

With that, Regin runs to the nearest turbolift and heads up to the operation center, not really sure what he should be expecting, or what he'll be expected to do. "But orders are orders," he mumbles to himself, just before the lift doors open, and he steps out into the operations center. Knowing better than to interrupt anything, Regin walks up behind the XO and waits to be acknowledged. 

[Over the COMM system]

"K'anis to Arrmstrrong", the First Officer said after tapping his communicator.

"Armstrong here, Commander. Proceed", Captain Chod promptly replied.

"Captain, negotiations with the aliens continue. They prrovided the location of the Station's crew and I had Mortimer and Wilder check on it. Plus the CEO will be worrking with them in orderr to deterrmine the means forr closing the gateway that brrought them herre"

"Arre therre any news frrom up there, sir?" K'anis waited for further instructions.

[On Bridge.]

"Nothing new from up here Commander, although our scans show Lieutenants Wilder and Mortimer are getting very close to the source of the Energy disturbance. Make sure the station crew is OK before you go any further in negotiations. Have the Aliens stated their price yet? What do they want? Everyone has their price, let’s hope its not too high."

Closing the channel, Chod returns to his seat. If these Aliens have taken control of the station by force, why aren't they using force now? If they came by accident, where is the station crew?

[Over the COMM system]

Cmdr K'anis replies quickly to the Captain.

"Yes, sirr. Lt. Morrtimerr has just inforrmed that he and Wilderr reached Science Lab One and arre scanning the arrea. Seems the doors are sealed"

"And about the aliens' price, the only thing they really want is not returrn to their point of orrigin because of theirr 'masterr'. It ocurred to me that they may want asylum in the Federration, but that remains to be seem."

"K'anis out."

The Antican closes the channel, turning his attention back to his surroundings. He wonders what's going on the Science Lab One...

[On Command Center]

After closing the link to the Armstrong, K'anis tapped his communicator again.

"K'anis to Morrtimerr orr Wilderr. Come in", the Antican demanded.

[If either Brenda or Matt replies]

"Get me a status update on the station's crrew of anything else", K'anis asked upon getting an answer and waited, all his senses telling him that something big was about to happen.

[If there's no reply in the next 2 days - in real life time]

Annoyed at the lack of answer, K'anis checked his communicator to determine whether it was working or suffering any interference.

'Working perfectly', K'anis mutters under his breath. "Mazer", the calls on the CTO. "Go check on Mortimer and Wilder. If you see any signs of trouble, call for reinforcements"

K'anis simply observed as Mazer made it to the turbolift, wondering where the heck this all was going...

[On Command Center]

His keen hearing detected the turbolift's doors opening and the following footsteps. Sure enough, CEO Regin was behind him.

Gesturing for the CEO to approach, K'anis introduced him to the alien leader.

"Karrein", the Antican said. "This is Lieutenant Rregin, my chief engineerr. I surre that if you orr one of yourr mates inform him of the cirrcumstances that brought you herre, Mr Regin will be able to devise a way to close the gateway"

Karein greeted the newcomer Starfleeter and gestured to one of his aides to approach the group.

In turn, K'anis tapped his badge. There were a couple of messages to get through.

[Somewhere near science lab one]

Mortimer raced down the corridor alongside Wilder, just as a crackle from his commbadge startles him. It sounded like a voice somewhere under the interference.

Removing the badge, he tapped it against the nearest wall, and was greeted by the voice of K'anis.

Taking up the pace again, he continued towards the lab doors.

"Sir, we're approaching the lab now. We should know whether or not the crew are there any moment now.." 

WHAP

He rubbed his nose. The door mechanism was either locked or broken, it appeared.

"Sir...er... it might take a few more moments than I initially estimated..."

Whipping out his tricorder, he tried to get a reading of whatever was beyond the door, hoping it was life signs.

As Mortimer's Tricorder begins its scans, he quickly detects the life signs of the station crew mixed amongst a few others similar to those detected from the Operations Center. However, it also becomes quickly apparent there is another energy buildup behind the door. This one is far simpler, it is a Phaser turned to disintegrate the door!

[Station, outside the research room door]

Following at a quick pace she turned and looked at Mortimer in confusion as her trycorder gave her the readings.
"Get away from that door!" She yelled as she moved to the side of it.

[From Bridge, over comm system.]

"Commander, we have just received word that our backup, the USS Lusitania, is having some engine problems. They say they can push it and be here by tomorrow, but they aren't sure they can hold the engines together. If they take a safer speed, they won't arrive for another 3 days. Do we need their assistance, or shall I divert them to Star Base?"

[In station Operations Center.]

Detecting the energy buildup from the Lab, Karein begins to shift nervously. He is still unsure if these Star Fleet personnel truly believe their proclaimed willingness to help, but wants to believe it. Problem is, they may need the answer quite soon.

"Commander K'anis, please, we need you to help us. Will you support us against our oppressors? Please, we are desperate."

[In the Command Center of the Research Station]

Mazer looks around the command center, as he finally begins to wonder where exactly this gateway is located. Tactical simulations begin to run through his mind of possible hostile situations in which Karein's owners arrive ... especially if they're not willing to have a nice chat. Stepping back toward Commander K'anis and Karein, he hears the Captain's comm. come through, in regard to the Lusitania's late arrival. He tried to pique his memory of ship names and registry's, to remember exactly what class the Lusitania was, and why exactly it would be having engine trouble. Not that he's an engineer, and especially not that the class of starship really could have anything to do with their engine trouble ... 

He then notices that Karein is starting to look VERY nervous. Perhaps he can sense the approach of his masters? Then perhaps Mazer should be nervous as well ... but a nervous tactical officer is often a liability to those he or she is going to protect, so he chooses not to be nervous. Instead he steps up beside his Antican Executive Officer, trying not to show any disrespect, and speaks, "Mr. Karein, I'm curious, where exactly is the gateway from which you and your companions came through?" 

[Mortimer, beside a brightly-glowing door]

Taking heed of Wilder's cry, Mortimer threw himself at the floor, and rolled behind a convenient jutting-out bulkhead, just as the door started to glow a bright red.

Looking for his own phaser, he noticed it had skidded across the corridor, and he prepared to dive for it as soon as it was safe to do so.

[Inside Lab, trying to get out.]

Seeing the doors to the Lab disintegrate under the controlled Phaser fire, Dr. Robert Tutania wonders how much additional damage has been done to his station. 

As he sees the security guards roll through the now open door and assume a ready stance, he wonders if the malcontents are violent or, as Rictonia said, simply trying to cause disruptions.

When he hears the guards report "Sir, the cavalry is here. Star Fleet must have sent a team." he moves forward.

"Excellent, Star Fleet moved quickly. Now, where are the malcontents who blasted their way through the gateway and attempted to lock us in this small lab?"

Dr. Tutania notices Rictonia and Oanthia have yet to put their weapons away. They want to find Karein's group and get them back to be reacclimated quickly. 

[In Operations Center.]

Hearing Lt. Mazer's inquiry, Karein answers "Why, the gateway is in the Science labs, near the spot where your friends are now. Oh my, they've broken through! I guess our chance to avoid them is lost..."

[In the Command Center of the Station]

Mazer looks surprised at what Karein says, then looks at Cmdr. K'Anis, before turning back to Karein. "What exactly do you mean by they've broken through? Your owners?" Fear and nervousness slowly creep into his mind. The ominous words that Karein just spoke running through his head again and again. Were the others in danger, he wondered? He suddenly had this feeling that things were not going to be as quiet as he had hoped. 

[In Operations Center.]

"They think they own us, but they will soon learn. 'No being is created superior, but all beings are created differently.' That is our credo, and they will either come to accept it or they will find themselves alone. Commander, Lieutenant, I guess we have put it off long enough, shall we head down?"

[In the Command Center]

Jornas was not at all happy with Karein's reply. Certainly he respected the fact that Karein and his fellows wished freedom from their oppressors, but in cases like these, there was often a chance that Karein and the others would do something rash that may make things much worse. And Jornas DID NOT want the Armstrong crew, on their first mission, to be put in harms way because of this. And of course, there were other doubts ... Stepping over to K'Anis side, he whispered to him so that Karein would not [or at least he hoped] overhear. 

"Commander, I'm sure I might be wrong, but should we even be involving ourselves in this? From what Karein has said, this has the makings of a rebellion. If you wish, I'll let the Captain know to have us all beamed up at the first sign of trouble ... but I'm not sure we should bring Karein and his fellows along."

[Over the COMM system]

K'anis quickly assessed the situation in order to reply to his Commanding Officer.

"Sir, I think that if they can't be here in time, the best course of action would be to have the Lusitania undergo repairs on a Starbase and we extend our presence here till the situation is properly resolved"

Captain Chod acknowledged the Antican and finished the COM link.

[In Operations]

Just as he finished talking to the Captain, Karein came to the Antican again. His nervousness was clear. K'anis was not pleased to hear that their backup was no longer an option.

The situation was getting complicated by the minute.

"Calm down, Mrr. Karrein", the first officer addressed the alien leader. "Therre's no use to overreact. Starrfleet wont willingly leave you and your collegues to your own fate. This is a Starrfleet facility and we'll be extending ourr protection to you."

"Wheneverr the 'Oprressorrs' arrive, we'll hearr theirr side of the story. But be assured that no violence will be tolerrated."

[In the Command Center]

"Mr. Karein, I'm curious, where exactly is the gateway from which you and your companions came through?" - Lieutenant Mazer addressed the alien leader.

There were times when that interruption would have angried K'anis. But he was young and short-tempered then. Live in Starfleet has taught him much and his Chief Tactical was correct. His questioning was opportune.

Also, K'anis took notice of Mazer's expression over the news on the Lusitania. But it was to no avail now. The ship won't be arriving as scheduled, so they'd have to sort the situation themselves.

"I shall make mine Mr. Mazerr's question, Karrein. The soonerr we study this 'gateway' the betterr", the Antican said and waited for the reply.

[In the Command Center]

Commander K'anis greeted his sharp teeth at Karein's reply. Why had he not assumed that earlier?

"What exactly do you mean by they've broken through? Your owners?", Lieutenant Mazer asked, urgently.

Instinctively, the Antican reached for his communicator and tapped it. "Morrtimerr, Wilder...", but he had no time to get a reply, as the sound of a deafening blast came through.

Anger mounted on K'anis, but he attempted to control himself. "Mazer, have your teams on the ship standing by for action at a minute's notice. Let's get down there now", the Antican asked Mazer, while making his way to the turbolift.

This was not going nearly as planned. Not at all.

"We shall see to those issues soon enough, Mrr. Karrein. Right now, I'm looking at yours and the base personell safety.", K'anis replied to Karein's statement.

"Main Science Labs", the Antican said to the computer as Mazer, Karein and a couple of other aliens joined them in the car.

It quickly started moving down and K'anis gave a 'be-ready-for-anything' look to Mazer.

[In the turbolift]

"Very thoughtful, Mrr. Mazerr. But our primarry objective herre is to secure the base and ensure its crew's safety. I'm not pleased the way this is turning out as well, but now there's nothing we can do", K'anis replied.

"As to Karein's rebellion, we still need to hearr the other side before we make any assumptions. You can however have our transport chief beaming off all station personnel whenever therre's a window of opporrtunity to that"

With that, the turbolift came to a stop and the doors opened at the Science Labs level.

[In the Turbolift]

Regin looks around at the people gathered around in the TL, which seems rather cramped. It's been hard to understand everything that has happened since he arrived in OPS, and he almost wishes he'd been able to stay with the OPS and FCO searching for the science lab. Not wanting to cause any trouble, Regin tries to remain quiet and unnoticed behind everyone as they step off the TL.

[In the Turbolift]

Jornas nodded at the Commander following his response to his earlier query. But he was still not comfortable. Something about this was not right ... maybe he was just being paranoid? Attempting to shake his doubts away, he looked out of the turbolift to the corridor that awaited the group as the doors swished open. Taking the first few steps out, he made sure that the area was safe and secure for K'anis and the others. Thankfully, the remainder of the group was remaining quiet, so he could listen carefully to the area around them to perhaps detect if the remaining crew were nearby.

[In Turbolift.] 

Karein attempts to answer the questions about the gateway, but is obviously uncertain of his information. "I'm really unsure what the Gateway is, but it seems as if our usual Transporter system acted highly unusual. Usually it's limited to short interplanetary distances, no further than a Star system's limits, but this time it seems to have thrown us across Lightyears, at least if I read your Star Charts accurately. I have no idea.." As the Turbolift Doors open, Karein suddenly stops as he sees someone coming through the smoke from the door, someone he obviously wasn't happy to see. His next words are aimed at this new being coming through the door. This being, and the being next to him, appear similar to Karein, but have long, braided hair that it is obvious requires a lot of attention. Contrasted to Karein's short fur, a quick glance may not reveal that the two are indeed of the same race. "So Rictonia, you can't leave us be. I suppose you have been sent to take us back to continue the work you are too lazy to do for yourselves. I tell you, we will not go willingly."

"Karein, I don't know what you speak of. We are the Dretaka, you the In'kasse. Why would you have us waste our intellect building and maintaining when we can accomplish so much in the designing rooms? What, do YOU think you could design the Temple of Macig'kre? Or the Transporters that make trade so manageable? Or the..," Rictonia answers until cut off by Karein.

"We might if given the opportunity! No, because we are of the In'kasse it is assumed that not only are we incapable of doing anything else but carry out your marvelous plans, but that we shouldn't want to do so. We saw an opportunity to get away from you over bearing, pompous blow hards and we took it. And you know what? We've made our own plans, plans which we are willing to carry out for ourselves, in this sector of space."

"Don't be ridiculous. You would be crying for us within a month. Sure, your "planning", your new life, sounds so cheery, but it gets mundane." Rictonia turns to the Star Fleet Personnel. "Please, whether they know it or not, it is within both of our interest to bring them home. Our society has functioned within its castes for millennia. If we were to break that, the chaos would be unbearable."

"Unbearable for you!" Karein shoots back. "Please, we know your customs enough to know that we can ask for asylum. We want to start our new life here. If we go back we will doom our children and ourselves to a life of servitude, no matter what Rictonia says. If others follow us, so be it. You claim to not want to interfere in the internal affairs of a society, to not want to change it from its natural course, we say its natural course is what we want. All we ask you to do is let us stay. Is that really too much to ask?"

[Outside the Turbolift]

It was the sole word that changed everything. "Asylum." The minute Karein uttered it, they had become duty bound to honor his request ... or at least that's what Jornas had been taught at Starfleet Academy. But of course, it was not his decision on what to do next. With an uneasy pause, he turned to look at his Executive Officer, who may very well determine how this turns out ...

[In the corridor outside Main Science Labs]

Commander K'anis exited the turbolift on Lieutenant Mazer's toes, sided by Karein and Chief Regin. Again, the Antican was pleased with the attitude of his CTO. Mazer kept up with his duties even when he might not agree entirely with the course of action dictated by K'anis.

"Mazer would be an asset to any clan on Antica", K'anis noted briefly in his mind, remembering of his homeworld. K'anis took note of Mortimer and Wilder on the other end of the corridor. "Good that they arre well. One last thing to worry about", K'anis thought as he walked a couple of steps in their direction.

His reverie was cut short by Karein's outburst. The aim of the alien's rage was another alien coming through Science One's blasted doors. Despite clear differences on both aliens outlook and posture, K'anis was not lured into it. He'd bet both were of the same species.

Of course, the Antican did not reach that conclusion based solely on a first impression, but also on his enhanced sense of smell. It told K'anis the newcomer and Karein were related to some degree.

The confirmation came from the contents of Karein and Rictoria's - the newcomer's name or title, it seemed - remarks on each other. Filled with anger and hatred. K'anis was not unfamiliar to those feelings. Not at all.

"It's not that much different from the relations between us and the Selay", K'anis said in a low voice, more to himself than anyone in particular. That made K'anis sick. He had his share of prejudice in his life and was not willing to take some more.

Tension was clearly rising and Mazer looked at K'anis for guidance. A brief wave of the Antican's hand told the CTO to stand by. There were times when being over 2.00 meters in height and having werewolf-like features came in handy. This was one of such occasions.

"This arrgument will stop NOW", K'anis growled and put himself between Karein and Rictoria. There was no doubt in the way K'anis said it that he did mean it. His gaze went from Karein to Rictoria, then to another man comming out of the blasted lab.

When he was sure he got everyone's attention, K'anis addressed the man standing at the door. "I prresume you arre Drr. Tutania, the outpost administratorr", K'anis said matter-of-factly since he recognize the man's face from the files he read before getting here. "I'm Commanderr K'anis of the Federration Starship Arrmstrong. We arre herre due to the recent communication's blackout. We arre ready to assist in any ways necessary"

Returning his attention to the aliens, K'anis continued. "Mrr Rictorria, this is a Starrfleet facility, therefore *we* have jurrisdiction herre. Keep in mind that charges of destruction of property and unauthorized entrance are pending", then he turned to Karein. "As well as charges of emprisonment and endagering of Station crew", he remarked, glad to wipe out the smile playing in Karein's face when K'anis had accused Rictoria.

"Howeverr our principles dictate that we grant Karein's request. We'rre going to end this once and for all", the Antican said tapping his communicator. "K'anis to Armstrong. Captain Chod, I think we'll be needing your expertise in settling this diplomatic conflict. With your permission, I'll be beaming up with Karein and Rictoria, as representatives of both parties involved here, so we can find a suitable settlement for this incidend. Dr. Tutania might wish to join us as well."

[In the research station]

Hearing the XO's plan, Regin suppresses a smile and looks to the much taller man.

"Sir, we do have the shuttle standing by outside. It might be safer to return to the ship by those means. And, while you're doing that, I can get a good look at whatever it was that brought these people here..."

[On Bridge, at Science Station.]

"Hmmm, something is going on down there. These energy readings are dropping rapidly. They've lost half their power within the last hour. Is it something our people have...." Chod stops his theorizing as the Communications Channel from the planet opens.

"K'anis to Armstrong. Captain Chod, I think we'll be needing your expertise in settling this diplomatic conflict. With your permission, I'll be beaming up with Karein and Rictoria, as representatives of both parties involved here, so we can find a suitable settlement for this incidend. Dr. Tutania might wish to join us as well." K'anis's voice came through strong, as if he was trying to maintain control over a volatile situation. The request seemed reasonable, and Chod had to wonder who these two parties involved were. However, there was still the question of the dropping energy readings.

"Very well Commander, I'll have the Conference room prepared. And by all means bring Dr. Tutania along as well. However, there is something you might want to know. There are two things about the energy readings we've been investigating. First, as I'm sure you know, they are centered almost exactly on your position. While I feel its safe to lower shields for a beam out, it will be difficult to lock onto your signals that close to the source. Second, the readings are dropping quickly. They are only half as strong now as they were an hour ago and show no signs of stabilizing. Have you done something to the source to make it stop?"

Hearing the Captain's report, both Karein and Dr. Tutania turn to the nearest wall display and pull up the internal sensors. As they investigate, each nods as they digest the new information. 
Dr. Tutania turns to speak. "Commander, the source of the energy is the gateway our guests have come through. If my interpretation is correct, it will close soon. The initial reaction which opened it must have had a limited source dimension, and that dimension must be drying up so to speak. If you let them go to the Armstrong, they may never make it back home."

[In front of Main Science One]

Commander K'anis took in all the information everyone was providing. Clearly a quick decision had to be made if an adequate agreement was to be attained.

Tapping his communicator, the Antican replied to his CO on the Armstrong. "Verry well, Captain. Dr. Tutania and Karrein had just confirrmed yourr readings. Apparently, the gateway's decay is a natural occurrance and it was not triggered by ourt actions. I think the meeting won't be necessarry anymorre.", he finished and let the channel open for the Captain to follow up.

K'anis turned to face the contending factions. Rictoria was clearly the representative of their society dominating class, while Karein and his followers were the working class. The commander addressed both of them as equals, not without noting Rictoria's face of disproval. K'anis dismissed it.

"It was brought to my attention", he said, "that the enerrgy that originally interferred with yourr transporterr system is rapidly dissipating. As this event was not initially monitorred, once the gateway closes therre won't be guarantees that we'd be able to reopen it"

"We have then a matter of minutes to decide on what to do. Rictoria, unless you plan on extending yourr presence herre forr an undetermined period of time, I suggest you and those with you to cross back throught the gateway ASAP"

"As this is a matter of internal affairs of your society, Starfleet won't be making judgements over it, nor interferring as long as therre's no violence."

"Karein, by the principles that guide the United Federation of Planets, we'll honor your request for asylum. But consider the following: by remaining here your small group will be free of your so-called oppressors. However, there's likely that thousands of others in your homeworld will continue to live under unsuitable conditions. What they might just need is some guidance, a leader to show them you are equal"

"Gentlemen, the decision's yours", K'anis closed his quick statement and waited to see what would happen next.

[In lab, near opening.]

As he neared the gateway, Rictonia and his aid wanted only to get back home before it was too late. "Star Fleet, no offense to your space, but I'm not risking getting stuck here for the sake of a meeting. Perhaps one day we'll meet again, but for now we must be going." 

Turning to Karein, he makes one last plea. "Please Karein, is life on Bripcon really that bad? You live in plenty, have your freedom to do almost anything. We need you, as a society. Do you really want to abandon us?"

Karein's gaze turned towards the gateway. "No, its not that bad, and yes, we have freedom to do almost anything. Anything except choose our way of living. How can we be free if we are told from birth what we must do. And after what Commander K'anis said, you are right. The society does need me."

Karein walks to the wall and taps the comm system. " Malthus, the moment of decision has come. The gateway is going to be closed soon. If anyone wants to return, this is the last chance. As for me, I am returning." As he continues, Karein turns his gaze to Rictonia. "Our society will not change unless it gets some incentive...and leadership. As Commander K'anis has said, I can do more for our people at home. I can do even more if you will join me."

Malthus's answer is slow as he tries to digest what Karein's request means. "Go, go back? Back to the life we just escaped from? We have the whole universe open to us here, why should we go back?"

"Because," Karein responds, "If we stay here we know nothing. Without their technology we don't even know the language. If we go home, like it or not, we know how things work. With some effort we can make them work better. We can't run forever, let's show them we can do more than simply technical maintenance."

"OK, I will join you. You have never led me wrong before, so I trust you now. Artuan, Mistraka, and Kegchik will be staying, however. They have no trust in this free new world you promise. I will be there shortly."

Within minutes Malthus is at Karein's side and, with Rictonia, they are about to step through the gateway. Rictonia's assistant Oanthia has decided to stay, however. Karein turns to the Star Fleet crew. "Commander, I thank you for your assistance. I had never given thought to changing the system, as I had spent all my effort trying to get out. Please, make sure my people find safety. Goodbye, my friends."

As Karein steps through the gateway their is a flash of orange light, and then they are gone. Within moments it becomes clear the gateway is loosing its stability. The passage of the beings seemed to have drained much of the energy keeping the gateway open. Dr. Tutania's crew's report that, according to the sensors, the energy readings show the gateway will be closed within a few minutes.

[On Bridge.]

As Chod monitors the dissipating energy readings, he is surprised to see a dramatic, rapid drop. According to scans, however, the Aliens who were to go back through the gate are now missing. Hopefully their passage has closed the gateway after a successful journey.

August notifies him of an incoming message from Star Fleet Command. Telling her he will take it in his Ready Room, Chod departs the Bridge and goes to his desk. The message is a pre recorded order, although its contents seem to confuse him just a bit. 

"August, open me a channel to the Away Team, please." Chod calls as he reenters the Bridge.

"Aye sir, channel open."

"Commander, we've just received new orders. We are to take the Armstrong back to Star Base immediately. Once there you, several members of the senior staff, and myself are to disembark and turn Command of the Armstrong over to a Captain Terrance Emporary. We are then to assume Command of the USS Broadsword, Akira class. Further orders will be forthcoming. I'll speak to you when you get back up here, but it looks like we're moving. I'll see you in a few, Chod out."

Chod turns the Bridge over to a Lieutenant Commander, and turns to head to his quarters to begin packing.

[In Main Science, Research Station 13133]

K'anis listened intently to the Captain's briefing. "New orders, new ship", he thought. "Very interesting"

"Acknowledge, sir", the Antican first officer replied over the COM system. "I'll regroup the the away team and return to the ship. Also, there'll be some of the aliens that requested asylum coming with us. I guess as soon as we get to Starbase, we shall turn them to Diplomatic Corps to handle. K'anis out"

Cutting the link, K'anis turned to his officers whom were all gathered in the Science Lab area.

"We have new orders and will return to the ship immediately. I'll have your reports on the mission when we return to Starbase", K'anis said. "Mortimer, ready the shuttle"

After discussing the last arrangements with Dr Tutania, the Armstrong officers left to return to their ship.