It has been a week of imprisonment by the Mintakan people on Yadalla Prime for Commander Serok and Lieutenant Commander T'Pal. Trying to find a way to rescue their friends, the Captain and the landing party wait nearby as the trial for their crimes is about to begin.
To make matters worse, Captain MacLeod was contacted a few hours earlier about three Grigari vessels that had entered the system.
What is the connection between the Mintakans, the Romulans, and Vulcans? Will the crew find that out tonight? Coming up next.....
(And now, if I can have everyone's attention. I would like us all to bow down our heads and take a minute of silence to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the past to ensure our freedom. Let us remember.)
<A-SM_JP> {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Begin}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: standing with the Doctor :: CMO: Anything I can do for you, ma'am?
<Soltek> ::Takes the XO's arm:: XO: Come, it is time for you to be trialed.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: I am ready.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> TO: We must wait this trial out and be prepared to free them if needed.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::with Cmdr. Jappic in her office...he glances around the room, then looks back at the counselor::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::Waits for him to speak::
<Soltek> ::Brings out the XO on a stage in front of the Mintakan villagers.:: XO: You shall stand there. ::Points to the middle.::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> TO: The Victoria has transporter locks on both of them.
<OPS Callao> *CMO*: Victoria to Commander Rushing.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: nods to the CMO ::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: moves to stand in the middle :: Soltek: Very well, as you wish.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::taps concealed comm badge:: Go ahead.
<Soltek> All: And now! The Elder and Leader of our Village!
<Soltek> ::Runs to the back area.::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: turns her head ::
<OPS Callao> *CMO*: Ma'am, the Grigari have engaged us and the Volkov, we are defending ourselves as needed. One of their ships is moving in towards transporter range of the surface.
<Soltek> ::Walks out of the curtains.:: All: I am the elder, and leader of this village.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: raises her eyebrow ::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::licks her lips, hoping that she said the right thing to get a response out of him::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> *OPS*: Keep a lock on us, keep us informed of your situation.
<Soltek> All: I with my own eyes saw these two outsiders trespass into the ancient caves which bring us life!
<OPS Callao> *CMO*: Aye ma'am. Victoria out.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::fidgets::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: I beg to differ Sir, you did not see me enter or exit said cave.
<Soltek> XO: I did not say you may speak.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: raises her eyebrow and nods ::
<Soltek> All: It is you the people who should decide. Shall we allow outsiders to destroy all that is ours?
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::looks right into the CNS's eyes:: CNS: I have somewhere to go.
<Soltek> ACTION: The crowd is chanting... "Hang them!"....."Get rid of them!"...
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::looks him up and down:: FCO: Where, back to a world that you left?
<OPS Callao> *CMO*: Ma'am, they are beaming down troops to the surface!
<Soltek> ACTION: The landing party and the Mintakan people can see Grigari Marauders beaming down nearby in the village.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: Sir, you say this is a trial, yet you do not let me defend myself.
<Soltek> ::Looks towards the Commotion::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::smiles slightly at the thought of it...he honestly would not do such a thing:: CNS: No, of course not.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: points :: Soltek: There is the real menace.
<Soltek> ACTION: The Grigari approach the Mintakan people.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> *OPS*: We must defend ourselves and these people. This is not their fight.
<Grigari> Soltek, XO: Where is the artifact!?
<Soltek> ::Scared, Soltek runs off into the wilderness, in the direction of the caves.::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> TO: The Grigari and beaming down to the surface of this planet. Do you have any ideas on how to defend us and these Mintakans?
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Grigari: I do not know.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::sighs a little::FCO: Demakh, you need to understand that whatever you say to me, stays in here.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: runs the same direction as Soltek ::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: I'm well aware of that, and I've taken that into consideration, and I now act according to my decisions.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: kind of just watches the goings on carefully, wishing he could be trigger happy ::
<Grigari> ::Chases after the XO and Soltek.::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @Looks him in the eyes:: FCO: and those would be?
<Grigari> ACTION: The other Grigari are starting to attack the innocent villagers.::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> CMO: No, Sir. Do we have authorization to open fire?
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: looks around to see if any of the other away team members are there ::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> Away team: Yes, open fire!
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: starts to follow the XO, Soltek and the Grigari - open fire on the Grigari ::
<Grigari> ::Turns and fires a few shots at the TO but misses::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> TO/CO: We must protect the XO and the CTO. Follow them.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: The less you know, the safer you are.
<Soltek> ::Enters the caverns and runs to protect the artifact.::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: taps her comm badge :: *ALL* protect the villagers at all costs. 
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: attempts to get out of the way and continues to fire at the Grigari ::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: follows Soltek ::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::fires phaser at the Grigari::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::laughs softly:: FCO: Very true, but I'm not one who is always safe.
<Grigari> ACTION: A Grigari is grabbing a Mintakan villager by the leg and holding him up over his head, crying for help.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::fires at the Grigari holding the Mintakan::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: Making it even more important that you do not know what is in my mind.
<Grigari> ACTION: The Grigari gets knocked over and drops the Mintakan.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: taps her com badge :: COM: Victoria: Victoria, do you have a lock on my position?
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: also fires at the Grigari holding the Mintaken ::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::closes her eyes trying not to lose her temper::FCO: I think that it would be wise, that you told me what I wish to know Ensign.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> *Victoria*: How many Grigari are on the surface?
<OPS Callao> *XO*: We are having difficulties ma'am. the radiation from the caves is not allowing us to get a clear lock on you.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: follows the group on the run, continuing to fire on the Grigari ::
<OPS Callao> *CMO* They only beamed down three. Our sensors show that one of them is down, one heading towards the caves and another is surrounded by Mintakans.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::noticing her change in attitude and can find no way out of the situation:: CNS: Very well.
<Soltek> ::Looks at the artifact with beady eyes.::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> TO/CO: Let's get to the caves. The other Grigari is surrounded by the Mintakans.
<Grigari> ACTION: Some Mintakan villagers manage to destroy one of the three Grigari but there are wounded.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: I can help you protect this artifact. The beings that are coming this way will stop at nothing to get it.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: I am part of a family of five: My father, mother, myself, my brother Remekh, and my sister Tenrah.
<Soltek> ::Turns to see the XO:: XO: No! This artifact is what gives us life!
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: How is that possible?
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: is running with the CMO trying to locate the XO ::
<Soltek> XO: I'm not certain.. ::Puts hands on the artifact as it glows around his hands.::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh>@ CNS: We grew up on Cardassia Prime. Very close knit family...typical in Cardassian society. When I was in my late teenage years, Remekh and I...well...something happened. Remekh ended up being accused of homicide.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> COMM: *Victoria*: Keep tabs on the Mintakans, let me know how they are handling the Grigari.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: What would happen if you remove it from it's holder? Have you ever tried?
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::nods slowly, listening to Demakh::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::have reached the cave entrance::
<OPS_Callao> *CMO*: The Volkov and the Victoria are slowly taking care of the Grigari ships. But we are taking a beating here.
<Soltek> XO: No... it's never been done.
<Soltek> XO: We chose not to damage what seemed to be good for us
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: I was there...I witnessed the event. He did not murder anyone. But, the government was blind to my "hearsay." I fought their decision. In doing so, I became isolated. My parents did not want me corrupting the family name. They disowned me. They wanted no part of me. Remekh was taken away. Is he dead? I don't know.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> Soltek: Try it now. Please.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: starts in a trot as he sees the XO and Soltek ::
<Soltek> ::Takes the artifact and pulls it out of the device.::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: hold up her hand as the TO enters :: TO: stay where you are Ensign.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> COMM *Ops*: We are near the caves and won't be able to be beamed to the Victoria if needed. We will keep our comms open.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: But I do know that I have been shunned from Cardassian society. I am scum to them. Anyone I talk to there...well, they would be frowned upon for associating themselves with me. I could only speak to Tenrah, and that was only in secrecy.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: stops in his tracks ::
<Soltek> ACTION: As Commander Serok watches Soltek, all she sees are vanishing photons. The artifact drops to the ground..
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: I have no place there.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::frowns, a bit angry now::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: raises her eyebrows ::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> TO: Do you have a tricorder?
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: shakes his head :: XO: No, Sir.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::Looks at Demakh for a second and gets up from behind her desk and walks over to the couch and sits down beside him::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> XO: Just a phaser, sir.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> *FCO, CNS*: Bridge to Commander Jappic and Ensign Demakh. We could really use your help up here.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: taps her badge :: *ALL* Someone with a tricorder get to my position.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::looks up at the comm:: *OPS*: On our way.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> TO: That wont be helpful at this moment Ensign.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::rises to leave::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: looks at the CMO :: CMO: Doctor, you have your tricorder, ma'am?
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::CO and I enter the cave to see the artifact laying on the ground.:: TO: Yes, I have a tricorder.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::hands the TO her tricorder::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::gets up with Demakh and heads for the bridge::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: bring it here Doctor.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: runs the tricorder to the XO ::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> XO: Here you are, sir.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::walks to the XO and hands her the tricorder::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::on his way to the bridge::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::Enters the tl with him:: TL Bridge
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: takes the tricorder and aims it at the artifact ::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::looks to the CNS:: CNS: I'm sorry our...session...was interrupted. ::he speaks sort of sarcastically...but in secret, he is speaking honestly::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::looks at Demakh and lightly touches his forearm, trying to convey that she was there for him::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::watches to see what the XO does with the artifact.::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: raises her eyebrow at the readings and says to herself :: Self: They were holograms! :: picks up the artifact ::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> :@::The tl comes to a halt and the doors open, she steps onto the bridge::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @Ops: Report Mr. Callao
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::frowns, noticing the CNS touched his arm...he ignores it and enters the bridge::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: What happened to the elder Soltek? Was he a hologram?
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: Doctor, apparently this colony was hologram.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @CNS: We are under heavy fire by the Grigari vessels. But our modified torpedoes seem to be drifting them away.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: Can we reactivate the device that animated them without the aid of the artifact?
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::sits down at his station:: ALL: Hold on, I'm engaging some rather erratic evasive maneuvers.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: I am trying to ascertain that now Doctor.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::goes and sits in the command chair::
<OPS_Lt_Callao> ::Goes to his OPS station.::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @Ops: Number of ships?
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: scans with the tricorder ::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: It can not be reconnected. 
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @CNS: There are two left.. one of them was destroyed already.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: It appears that without the artifact, this colony does not exist.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: How long will we be in need of this artifact? We could return it once we are finished with it.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: I do not know Doctor, but perhaps it will not be long. Lets get back to the ship.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: I agree.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> ACTION: The U.S.S. Volkov destroys one of the Grigari Starships, leaving one left.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::nods at report:: FCO: Mr. Demakh, I want you to hit them with the phasers, full power, fire at will.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: walks towards the entrance and out to where the away team can be beamed back to the ship ::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @CNS: Aye ::moves to the tactical console, targets the remaining ship, and fires repeatedly::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::the rest of the away team follows behind the XO::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: follows the XO and the CMO ::
<OPS_Lt_Callao> ACTION: The FCO, fully enraged, hits the ship's engineering section which causes the warp core to go critical.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> ACTION: The Grigari ship blows up.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @::looks back at the FCO at Tactical, and smiles:: FCO: nice job.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @CNS: I am detecting the away team's bio readings nice and clear.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @:: nods at the Ops::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> @::does not take part in rejoicing and just goes back to his console::
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @COM: *XO* Victoria to Commander Serok.
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: stands next to the Executive Officer ::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> @:Ops:: Bring them home Mr. Callao
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: taps her com badge :: *OPS* Serok here, go ahead.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @COM: *XO*: The Grigari have been taken care of and we are now reading the away team nice and clear.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> COM: *OPS*: Beam us up Lt.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @COM: *XO* Aye ma'am.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> @::Initiates transport.::
<OPS_Lt_Callao> ACTION: The Away Team materializes back onboard the Victoria.
<OPS_Lt_Callao> CNS: We've got em.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::nods:: FCO,OPS: Good work
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: steps off the padd and heads to the bridge ::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::glad to be back aboard the Victoria, yet hopes to be able to restore the Mintakan people in the near future.::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh>::glances back at the CNS, then just goes back to piloting the ship::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: follows the XO ::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::steps off the transporter padd and heads to sickbay.::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: I'll be in sickbay if anyone needs me.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: nods at the Doctor :: CMO: Very well Doctor...Oh Doctor.....
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: Yes.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CMO: Job well done.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> XO: Thank you. sorry that we had to take out the Mintakan village.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: continues towards the bridge ::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::leans back in the chair and closes her eyes, wondering what kind of Pandora's box she had opened with Demakh::
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: follows the XO ::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: walks onto the bridge :: CNS: Report Mister Jappic.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::Stand up from the command chair::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> FCO: Set a course for Avalon
<TO_Ens_Stevens> :: stands at the Tactical Console ::
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> ::arrives in sickbay and sits at her desk.::
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> ::nods:: XO: Aye Commander. ::plots a course for Avalon Station:: Ready to engage on your command.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> FCO: Engage
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> XO: We destroyed all three Grigari ships.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> ::engages at standard cruising speed for this class of vessel::
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> XO: minimum damage to ships
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CNS: Were we able to retrieve any of their computer data from the flotsam?
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> XO: No , it was all destroyed.
<FCO_Ens_Demakh> ::rubs chin::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> CNS: Very well Commander.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> *XO*: Would you like to have me present when the pieces of the artifact are assembled?
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::nods and moves to her seat::
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> *CMO*: Yes Doctor, I do, but that will not happen until we are back on the station.
<CMO_Cmdr_Kriss> *XO*: Understood.
<XO_Cmdr_Serok> :: moves towards the turbolift :: CNS: Commander, you have the con.
<CNS_LtCmdr_Jappic> ::nods and gets up from her chair again and sits back in the more comfy CO chair.::
<A-SM_JP> Summary: With all three of the artifacts in Federation hands, the Avalon Crew can now take the time to study them in more detail and emphasis. The Federation has asked them not to assemble the three pieces until further study of the effects can be made.
The U.S.S. Victoria jumps into warp alongside the U.S.S. Volkov towards Avalon Station.... hoping for a little R&R.... yeah right!
<A-SM_JP> {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{End}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}