Host Jyg_Lo says:
STAR TREK: PHOENIX - A Special Event
June 5th, 2157
Chapter 2 - "Birds of a Feather" - Part V
Host Jyg_Lo says:
RECAP: Hunted relentlessly, the humans from Phoenix and a group of Deltan refugees have been thrust together, their backs against the wall in a place the Deltans know from their myths and nightmares as The Empire of the Dead.
Host Jyg_Lo says:
They have nowhere else to go, and no hope of hiding from the hunters now.
Host Jyg_Lo says:
INFO: Everyone, humans and Deltans alike, are in bad shape. Lack of food, sleep and the constant pursuit has taken a toll on their bodies. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, muscle spasms, irritability and hypothermia - and related injuries. (*Each player should pick at least one of these symptoms for their character.)
Host Jyg_Lo says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< CONTINUE MISSION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Motions for everyone to come closer.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
All: Gather round, we've come up with a plan
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Crouched behind one of the raised sarcophagi, phase pistol pointed at the entrance, watching and waiting silently::
Host Jyg_Lo says:
SCENE: Despite the movement and nervous whispers of the Deltans and humans awaiting the turn of events, the cavern is deathly quiet and bone-chillingly cold. The lake is mirror flat except for the occasional ripple from something unseen moving below.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Affixing the final padd to the area around the archway, Fawkes brings up the connection to his master padd. Nodding in satisfaction at the link, he comes up to the others.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
All: Mr. McQuade will brief you
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Doing a walkabout checking the traps and set ups as he goes::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Listens as she maintains her sentry post watching the entrance::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Walking towards the CO::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Kneels down and using a small dagger begins to jot down the map of the area.::  All:  Okay we have completed all the traps, both noise makers and death traps.  We will split into 2 teams.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  The chief will be set up on the ridge behind the shield we lashed together.  From that point he will act as sniper to control the hunters entering the area.

SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Taps a few commands into his padd, double-checking the placements of his other padds, wanting to make sure nothing will go wrong with his idea if they need it.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Marks an area showing the chief.::  Team 1 will set up along the west wall.  Once the hunters appear team 1 will try to push them back to the northwest corner of the cave.
Host Naia says:
::leaving the non-combatant refugees with encouraging words and then moving over to where the humans and fighting Deltans are::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All: Remember try to use the ammo sparingly.  It’s all we have.  Once the Hunters have moved back into the north west corner team 2 will begin their attack.
Host Naia says:
::slips between McQuade and LaPointe, looking at the plan::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::checking over the ammo and extra em-33 that he traded his instant coffee pack for as he listens to the XO's plan::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Naia: Have anything to add?
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Makes a few more scratches in the dirt.::  The first wave of noise makers will hit the water.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
XO: What if the Hunters don't get pushed back Sir? What's plan Bravo?
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  Hopefully this will wake up anything living in there.  The next set will be dropped once the Hunters are in the north west corner.
Host Naia says:
::smiles encouragingly, looking stunning even under the dirt and gauntness of starvation:: All: Only that your gods and ours smile down on us all so that we might survive and liberate my people from this plague.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
EMT:  Good point.  We will deploy the noise makers earlier to try and startle them into falling back to the north west corner.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
EMT: Pray to whatever deity you believe in petty officer, that’s plan B.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Clears his throat.:: All: I've rigged up our hand scanners, padds, and communicators through a master network. The scanners have been placed around the cavern, and should show a real-time map with designated life signs to your padds. Communicators are on open network channels. We've got about as much information set up as we'll get.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  As long as team 2 remains quiet it will look like all our forces will be on the south wall.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
XO: So we wait for your signal then Sir?
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
SO:  Good to hear.  Lets all keep the chatter to a minimum.  We want the hunters to make more noise then us.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
EMT:  Correct.  Wait for my call for attack.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Nods and resumes watching the entrance::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  If you feel your position is compromised move back to another location.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  Also keep your team leader informed on ammo.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
All: We're out gunned and out numbered. Let’s make the best we can of it.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
CMC:  I'm giving you 2 phase pistols.  They have about 75% in each.  Take careful aim and take out your targets as needed.  Just be careful not to reveal your location.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
XO: Very well sir.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
XO/CO: I have an idea on how we might control the Mulo.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  Everyone has a melee weapon and shield as a backup only.  If you are over run and can not fall back you can enter hand to hand, but falling back should always be your first order.  We want this to be a guerilla style fight.  Not a last stand.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
XO: Aye Sir.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
SO: Go ahead
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
CO: The network of scanners I've set up, along with some padds and spare communicators... They're in a network around the cavern. If my theory is right, the correct audio signal from any of those should draw the Mulo toward it. If I can find the right frequency... we might be able to control them.
Host Naia says:
ACTION: A swish and a splash in the lake makes several people look at the lake. But it's nothing.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::furrows his eyebrows:: CO: But it's just a theory so far.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
SO: Just as long as you don't draw them to Us
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  Any other questions?  ::Turns to look at the lake.::  SO:  Let’s keep that as a last resort.  I'm not about to test our luck here.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::nods, and double-checks his network, setting up the audio program on standby:: CO/XO: Aye.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
XO: What happens if yon beasties get involved with us Sir?
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
SO:  Captain LaPointe or I will give the order if things look grim.  Then and only then will we try to control the Mulo.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::nods again:: XO: Agreed. ::groans, pinching the bridge of his nose::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
EMT:  The Deltans have told us they find their prey through sound.  Just keep as quiet as possible and we should be fine.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
XO: I'll do me best Sir.
Host Naia says:
ACTION: A crack echoes down the entrance corridor and dust and rock spill out, the heavy stone door finally breached. Bits of metal and armor placed there clatter loudly.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
All; Get in position.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
All:  Okay if there is nothing further....  ::Takes a long breath.::  Chap:  Chaplin Feare please.....  All: Take your places.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Hunkers down behind the sarcophagus she is taking cover behind::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Goes and takes cover at his position, monitoring the sensor network.::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::nods and moves to follow the CO:: XO: Later.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::takes his place near a support column::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Moves into his sniper position and readies his phase rifle::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Wipes the soft dirt with his boot as he stands and moves over to Mausoleum.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
*CO* Suggest we let the Hunters take the first shots...
Host Naia says:
SCENE: Tink... tink... tink.... tink... tink.... a canister rolls and comes to a stop against the decorative wall in front of the entrance. tinktinktink.... tinktinktink... tinktinktink... more canisters bounce down the entrance corridor and bounce around the entrance and roll to a stop on their own.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Checks to make sure her phase pistol is set to kill and the safety is off::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*SO*: I don't think we'll have a choice
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*All*: Neg.  Team 1 and the sniper will......  Take cover.  ::Bends down behind the Mausoleum.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Closes his eyes and covers his ears quickly::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::closes his eyes and covers his ears, turning away from the canisters::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::ducks and closes her eyes::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Keeps himself down behind his cover.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
:::covers his ears::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Draws his weapon and covers his head pulling his shirt over his mouth and nose,::
Host Naia says:
SCENE: Instead of exploding, small vents all over the canisters slide open and different colored gasses start to spray out, forming a rainbow cloud that hangs heavy and slowly drifts around the room. The ones closest can smell a heavy stink of urine and decomposition.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::covers his mouth::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Widens his eyes, checking the scanner network for the composition of the gas, and if it is deadly.::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Puts on the respirator from her Rescue kit to protect herself::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::looks up, than follows the XO's lead by covering his nose and mouth with his shirt than makes sure he is behind cover and ready for the CO's orders::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Taps a few commands, sending the gas composition to the CO and XO's padds, silently.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
<<silently>>
Host Naia says:
SCENE: Out of the smoke, one of the hunters appears, still armored, but his helmet off, breathing the different gasses easily, his skin is yellowish pink, his eyes bulbous and his form obviously saurian.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::looks at his padd::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Quietly into his comm.::  *ALL*: Stay calm they are trying to draw us out.  Hold your fire.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
*CO/XO*: Gas composition on your padds, sirs.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Stays in position, respirator on, phase pistol ready, behind cover and waiting for orders::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::From a crouched position peeks quickly at the entrance.::  *ALL*:  Chief fire at will.  Team 1 prepare to fire.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Takes aim at the hunter's exposed head::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::slowly clicks the fire selector to kill on both EM-33s and waits::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Clicks off a single shot at his target::
Host Hunter says:
:: sniffs the air, and makes a motion behind him ::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::aims his phaser and waits::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Checks his phase pistol and holds it up close to his chest.::
Host Naia says:
SCENE: A dozen more hunters file out of the entrance and fan out toward the north.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*All*:  Team 1 open fire.  Push them back to the north west.  ::Stands and fires his phase pistol at one of the hunters before ducking back behind the mausoleum.::
Host Hunter says:
:: His men spread out swiftly and crouch into positions.  With a signal of his arm, they open fire with energy weapons at various positions around the cave ::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Watches his padd for any reaction from the Mulo at the weapons fire.::
Host Naia says:
ACTION: The Cavern is alive with crisscrossing energy streams, red and gold, sometimes impacting in mid-flight, sparking wildly, lighting up the enormous space and disturbing the air.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Firing at targets of opportunity::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Crouches again and fires before taking cover.::
Host Naia says:
ACTION: One of Campbell's shots hit square on the side of a hunter's helmet, inside the helmet seems to be on fire and the hunter falls, his head smoking.
Host Hunter says:
:: His side fighters move ahead, trying to create a V pattern ::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Taps a few commands into his padd, taking the far east scanners offline from the network, and activating their interference broadcast program -- to obscure their wounded and sniper from any scanners the hunters may have::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Fires his phaser at the 1st set of noise makers over the water.::  *All*: Noise makers away.
Host Naia says:
SCENE: One of the hunters calls into one of the traps, another trips over a bit of rotted ripe, and a huge collection of old armor and weapons falls several meters to the rock, clattering as it lands.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Peeks around the side of her cover from time to time to keep track of events, waiting for her orders from the XO::
Host Naia says:
INFO: Fatigued, the humans and Deltans are not being as accurate as they otherwise might be.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*All*:  Team 1.   Keep pushing them back.  ::Turns back around the Mausoleum and fires another shot before moving to the pillar ahead.::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::sits listening to the crisscrossing fire, waiting for the CO's order, and focusing on his breathing so he can't hear the pounding in his head::
Host Naia says:
ACTION: The swirling in the lake increases and a long, white, fleshy appendage snakes out of the black lake, searching and finding a hunter's armored leg and drags him under.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*XO*: Looks like the noise is working.
Host Naia says:
ACTION: A disrupter blast from the hunter strikes a wall near McQuade, peppering him with stone chips.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
Self: Nicely done Nemo. ::Continues to fire, a single shot at a time::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Kneeling down as the stone ships cover him.::  *CO*:  Let’s hope they stay on our side Captain.  ::Stands and fires a 3 round burst at the hunter before kneeling back down behind the column.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Works on his padd for a moment, activating another program he had ready.:: *CMC*: Chief, this is Ensign Fawkes. Your padd should be displaying a clear image of the hunters as seen from your position. Use it as a view piece to cut the interference, it's being fed directly from the scanners.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::peeks around the side of her cover and opens fire, using it for support to increase her accuracy::
Host Hunter says:
:: His eyes are drawn to the motion, but tries to ignore it for the moments.  He barks out several orders, and his hunters split up into two separate sections - one watching for and attempting to neutralize traps, and the other concentrating heavy fire around the resistance ::
Host Naia says:
SCENE: The hunter that was dragged under surfaces again, hauling at the appendage. One of the beasts follows it out, a full ten tons of dead-looking white flesh and armored plates, squealing something unholy as its beak reaches out and slices through the hunter. Several more of the monsters start to crawl out of the lake.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*XO*: Keep it up, it's working. Are you ready for team two yet?
Host Naia says:
SCENE: An odd and ghostly image of the grinning Deltan skulls, eyes on fire, appears in front of Fawkes' eyes.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Looks out at the beast in the lake nearly messing his pants.::  *CO*:  Neg.  Give us 30 more seconds and I think they are yours.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Continues firing as quickly and as accurately as she can at obvious targets::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Gives a short cry of surprise, and closes his eyes, counting to ten before opening them again.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Moves back quiets from the column to the Mausoleum and takes cover before opening fire again.::
Host Naia says:
ACTION: One of the Mulo crawls out of the lake near the entrance, breaking through the decorative wall, its squealing as its armor is burned by the energy weapons, it flails madly with its tentacles, tossing hunters around.
Host Hunter says:
:: There is little fear amongst the hunters, but the beasts are more than they can reasonably counter, at least unless the gas affects them.  The mulo seem to avoid the pockets of ammonia :
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::glances around the support column and begins talking quietly:: God/SM: Our father, who art in heaven, haloed be thy name...
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Changes sides and fires from the other side to keep from being pinpointed::
Host Naia says:
ACTION: As soon as Fawkes opens his eyes, he's deluged by raining bits of Deltan bones, skulls and ribcages and limbs, clatter around him, littering the ground. Through the smoking gap behind the bones, a second hunter team emerges.
Host Hunters says:
::leads his men in, throwing gas grenades as he goes and ordering them to open fire on Team 1.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Widens his eyes, and clambers quickly for cover -- trying not to draw attention to himself. He taps his pad, signaling to the other padds where the breach is, and updating the network with an overlay of the new hunters.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Stands and turns from the Mausoleum firing his phase pistol at the new targets.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::Tries to lay down covering fire for team one:: Chap: Fire!
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Switches to engage the new threat, firing at the new targets as they emerge:: XO: Watch yer flank Sir!
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Short lived he ducks for cover at the sight of the grenade.::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: More Mulo climb out of the lake, attracted by the sudden explosion. Unfortunately, their path to it takes them past Team 1.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Shifts to get the sarcophagus between herself and the new threat::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*All*:  Team 2 open fire.  Team 1 fall back to the stairs.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
*Team 1* Incoming Mulo. Move!
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*Team 1*: Get out of the way!
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::hears the explosion than the CO's order, and steps out from behind the column, kneels and begins firing on the first set of hunters with two EM-33s:;
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Scrambles from his spot, moving from cover to cover as quickly as he can, to get out of the way of the Mulo.::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: The explosion causes a shudder through the cavern. From high up, a single object bounces down the racks of skeletons and lands at Feare's feat. A skull.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Fires to give the XO cover before displacing to the next bit of cover herself, running in an erratic pattern to make a difficult target of herself::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Tries to lay down suppression fire to allow team one to move::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Move quickly past the column and takes position near the stairs.::  *All*  Team 1 move move move.  Fall back to the stairs.
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: Several more of the hunters are killed on the spot by the Mulo or dragged down to their deaths. A few of the Mulo are mortally wounded, falling on the land and twitching as they die.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::lays down cover::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Crouched behind the stairs and waiting for another opportunity shot.::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::looks at the skull, and looks up still firing, than resumes firing at the Hunters::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: More hunters pour through the breach and the main entrance, laying on heavy fire. The air appears to be on fire with energy weapons now. Walls and sarcophaguses and tombstones are torn to shreds, serving as cover for the entrenching humans and Deltans.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Runs back to cover near the stairs and carries on firing from there::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Checking the remaining power in his phase rifle::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::continues firing, now at the first group::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Makes his way to the stairs, watching his padd and noticing the explosion from high up, watching to see if it is another breach -- and watching to see if the hunters are still coming from their breaches, or if that is all there are.::
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: Three Deltans go down. One fatally, one mortally, and one stunned.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Pops up quickly from the stairs and fires a shot at the incoming hunters before taking cover.::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Continues firing at the Hunters as best she can in the confusion, keeping to cover as she does::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: Some of the new arrivals are unarmored, tall and without tails, the same pinkish-yellow skin and the same indescribable ability to breathe the various gases that would be fatal to others.
Host Hunters says:
<Hunter Team 1> ::moves along the northern shore, pushing back Team two. Some of them abandoning stunning as they fight for their lives, besieged by humans, Deltans and Mulo::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
Self: Light troops, following the shock troopers. ::Pinpoints the new arrivals, marking the difference between the heavy troops and the light troops::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::returns fire, taking cover::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Firing at the unarmored hunters::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
CO: Fall back I'll keep you covered.
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: Several of the unarmored troops go down. Some of them get back up, struggling but still alive.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Firing at targets of opportunity as she remains behind cover::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*SO*:  Ensign are these readings correct?  Are the new troops unarmored?
Host Hunters says:
::pushes forward with Team 1 toward the stairs, firing as they go, tossing gas grenades up over the ledge::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::lifts the single bottle of oil, lights the soaked wick on a nearby fire, and tosses it into the mess of hunters.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
*XO*: Confirm that, Commander. Unarmored, and without tails. My guess would be either light troops, or slaves.
Host Hunters says:
<HT1> ::take cover of their own behind the graves as they try to fight off the Mulo::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::falls back:: Chap: We can't hide forever. ::Jumps out and fires::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*ALL*:  Team 2, fall back as needed and take cover.  Dropping shore noise makers.  ::Turns and shoots that the rope holding the 2nd set of metal pieces to the ceiling.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Ascends the stairs, moving quickly to toss the gas grenades out as far as possible, into the lake if possible, but not on the ledge.::
Host Hunter says:
:: The diversion successful, his team tries to keep protected, and move to the side of the cave, where they can get a better vantage point of their targets ::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Waits for the loud crash.::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::keeps pouring fire into the Hunter's lines:: CO: Get to cover and cover me while I fall back.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Picking her targets, pistol braced on the cover for accuracy, waiting for good shots and taking them deliberately::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: In what feels like a painful wasp sting, a red beam from one of the hunters bores its way through LaPointe's shoulder.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Chap: I'll cover you
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::winces in pain::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::lays down cover for the Chaplain::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::His eyes widen as he sees the shot on the sensors, analyzing its composition and effects.:: *XO*: Be advised, they are using kill ammunition now. ::kicks the last few canisters off the ledge::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::nods, stops firing and sprints backwards from the support column to leap behind the low wall around the set of graves and sarcophagus.::
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: One of the security officers brought with the team faints dead away as the strain and his malnutrition overwhelms him::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Stands and fires at the Hunters as the 2nd set of noise makers hit the cave floor.::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: One of the Mulo is caught in one of the Hunter's stunner nets and howls in rage and pain as the energy courses through it, thrashing wildly, flailing as the metal net rips into its flesh, it stumbles and slams into one of the support columns, bringing it and several tons or rock down.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Watches the battle on his padd, cursing to himself -- and then reflecting on how he is not a swearing kind of person::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
ALL: Watch out! Column just gave way! Take cover!
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Ducks behind her sarcophagus cover::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::moves out of the way as best he can::
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: Several more Mulo come out hunting, smaller, but not much less deadly as they attack anything in sight. Under the din of warfare, trilling noises like a language can be heard amongst them. Perhaps parents to children.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Moves back from the steps and to the wall near the raised Sarcophagus and begins to fire at the hunters again.::
Host Hunters says:
Along the northern shore, several other parts of the ceiling near the support column start to give way.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Makes sure to record the Mulo as they make their sounds.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
All: Get out of the way. ::moves to the south::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Gives covering fire to those moving::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*All*:  Team 2  Fall back to the east and take up a new position.  ::Stands and fires another 3 round burst at hunter team 2.::
Host Hunters says:
::sees several of his team cut down by the targets on the ledge and hisses in fury, running and jumping, clawed bits of armor biting into the cliff as he climbs up over the edge of the ledge::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::kneels and begins firing than moving backwards away from the falling stone::  Self/Skull: Alas poor Yourick I knew him, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is!
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::fires at the hunter about to take out their sniper::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Fires at the climbing figure, taking careful aim::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Turns, opening fire on the Hunter scaling the ledge.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Take a shot at the Hunter rushing past and misses.:: *CMC*:  Incoming target watch your 12 o'clock.
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: Everyone hears several distant thuds and then massive, deafening explosions overhead. The water ripples with the impact of bombs from the hunters outside striking the mountainside. Huge chunks of cave start to fall from the ceiling and another support column buckles.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*All*: We've got to get out of here. Now.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Looks for the incoming target::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
All: Those bloody idiots are going to bring the whole mountain down on us!
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::keeps falling back until he reaches the east wall of the cavern, than starts south:: Self/Skull: my gorge rims at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar?
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: Water from the lake wells up and spills over the sides, flooding the floor of the cavern.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
*CO*: Our best bet is going to be out through one of the hunter breaches. The southwest appears to have been a feint... we might make an escape there.
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: Several more impacts are heard, dust and rock rain from the ceiling.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
Self: This can't be good.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*XO*: Order your people out. We're not going to die in here
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::keeps firing into the advancing hunters as he moves south along the wall::  Skulls/Self: Not one now, to mock your own grinning? quite chap-fallen? Now get you to my lady's chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come; make her laugh at that. Prithee, Horatio, tellme one thing.
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: The lake continues to pour its contents into the cave floor and is finally breached. An enormous white fleshy tentacle snakes out and wraps around one of the columns, hauling a Mulo dozens of times bigger than any of the others out, ancient and horrible to behold.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::moves toward the southwest, firing as he moves::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*CO*:  Sir if we try to scrabble out of here we risk being picked off by the hunters.  ::Stands and fires a few more shots before ducking behind the cover.::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Continues to engage the Hunters between ducking as the ceiling comes unstuck::
Host Naia says:
::gasps and points:: All: Ct'Mulo!
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::looks at the beast::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Turns and looks at the enormous tentacles.::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::sees the creature and forgets his place in hamlet.:: Self: There is always a bigger fish.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*All*:  Be prepared to evacuate on the Captains orders.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::His eyes widen, and he takes off at a run toward the southwest breach, snapping up what scanners, padds, and communicators he can get his hands on along the way.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
*XO*: I see you called the cavalry out.
Host Naia says:
ACTION: Ct'Mulo's roar rings off the walls as it gathers its young - the lake splashes up, filling the caves, washing everyone off their feet and into the lake, hauled by the sudden rip current.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
*CO*: I would love to take credit for that I think it was the hunters bombing the hell out of the ceiling.  We can thank them later.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Tries to hold onto something and hold her position::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::tries to breath::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Coughs and sputters, being dragged under.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Grabs the Sarcophagus, but looses hold and washes into the lake.::
Host Naia says:
SCENE: Freezing cold black water pours up around the inhabitants of the lake, stealing away light and air and sense of direction as they're pulled along in the heavy tide.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::almost passes out::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Thankful she has her respirator on::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::lets the water take him, relaxing into the cold chill of it, and letting it take him where it will.::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Tries to swim against the heavy current::
Host Naia says:
ACTION: More distant impacts can be heard echoing through the water as they tumble, drowning in the black.
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::thinking:: Self: It could always be worse.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Taps a command into his padd, a final gambit, and the assorted devices around the caverns begin to give off the shrill cries of the Mulo young, as recorded earlier. It's a long shot, but better than just holding his breath.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Uses every ounce of last energy to swim with the flow of water.::  Self:  Hope this leads out or it will be my last time swimming.....
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::swims with the flow of the water::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Tries to protect herself as she is swept along, to keep from hitting against anything and keep her limbs close to herself::
Host Naia says:
SCENE: A brighter spot of fog pierces the black. The white mulo and their progenitor haul themselves along the walls of the underground water system, but much of the cold black water is sucked through the hole, expelling the lighter beings out at incredible speed, falling several meters to dirt and rock and grass below until the water peters out.
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::folds his arms close and crosses his legs, his hands keeping a death grip on both pistols::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Continues to swim deeper into the lake following the flow of water.::
Host Naia says:
::curled up on the dirt, coughing out water::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Hits hard on the ground, cracking his left leg hard.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Sucked free and thrown from the water.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::spits the taste out of his mouth, looks around::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Sorts herself out after a moment and then looks around to see who made it. After a few moments she gets up and starts to check the survivors for injuries::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Coughs as the wind is knocked out of him as he lays in the mud.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Grits his teeth, feeling his own leg to see if it's fractured.::
Host Naia says:
SCENE: After weeks in the dark, the bright Deltan sunlight is hard on the eyes and hot on the skin. Hunters and humans and Deltans struggle to their feet. And over the normal sounds of nature, can be heard the whine of anti-gravity engines. Four of the hunter's ships hover overhead, casting shadows on the assembly.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Yelling as he catches his breath.::  All: I'm getting to old for this!.....   Someone give me a report.  ::Turns over in the mud and tries to stand.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::squints into the sun::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Catches his breath, relieved that he can't feel a fracture.:: XO: There's your report, sir. ::points up at the ships::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
:Sits on the ground, not moving::
Naia is now known as Hunters.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Looks up at the ships:: Self: Great, just bloody F*$%&^&*g great...
Host Hunters says:
::armored and unarmored crawl to their feet and do something like a smile, their broad, flat teeth shining in the sunlight streaming down - some of them curse at the ships for nearly killing them::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Moves his hand to block the sun as he sees the outlines of the ships.::  All:  Bloody Hell!
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::looks at the hunters::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::rolls and smiles looking directly up at the bottom of one of the ships, both pistols come up:: Hunters: Eat s...::begins fireing::..t and die.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Opens fore at the nearest Hunters, firing as quickly and accurately as she can:: Hunters: Go to hell you buggers!
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Begins to crawl for a hiding space::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Pulls his phase pistol and notices it covers in thick mud.::  Self: God damn can we not catch a break here!
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Without drawing attention to himself over the Chaplain's diversion, he slips a boot off, tucking his padd into it and sliding it back on. The turned off padd should be well hidden.::
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: Feare almost thinks his action has worked when the hunter ship he'd been firing at explodes and tumbles to the ground. But soon three more bolts of green lightning come out of the sky, slamming into the ships, thrusting them into the ground as if by the lightning bolts of Zeus himself.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
Self: Sweet!
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Blinks at the suddenly vacant sky.:: Self: Huh.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Rolls for cover from the exploding ships.::  All:  Take cover!  ::Pulls his communicator out and tries to activate it.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Self: Well how about that Barney....::suddenly looks at McQuade::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::takes cover::
Host Hunters says:
SCENE: Appearing in the smoke from the destroyed hunter ships, Major Tal'Aura appears with a contingent of Phoenix's security team and a platoon of Vulcan shock troops, clad in black.
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::looks around:: CO: See, the praying did help.  ::still on his back begins firing at the hunters in his general area::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Continues to shoot at the remaining Hunter ground troops, moving to cover nearby::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Chap: Guess so
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Stands as the Vulcan troops come into view.:: CO:  Never though I would be happy to see this many Vulcan's.
Host Tal`Aura says:
:: Steps forward with a group of Vulcans from the battle cruiser and security personnel from the Phoenix, weapon in hand.::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Looks at the Major with furrowed eyebrows.:: Self: No kidding.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
XO: Me either
Host Hunters says:
ACTION: Ruthlessly efficient, the Vulcans take down the hunters and in seconds, they're either dead or incapacitated.
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Stands, only to find that his leg is -- in fact -- injured.:: Self: Agh! ::sits back down hastily, wincing::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::looks around, slowly sitting up, than nods once and falls on his back closing his eyes::
Host Tal`Aura says:
:: As the area clears and the hunters are down, she looks for the captain.::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Tries to look as military as possible.  As he straitens his back to stand tall it lets out a loud pop as several vertebrae find the correct position.:: Self:  Son of a B..... I'm getting to old for this...
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Waits until all the Hunters are down and then starts moving around again checking for injuries::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Grunts, taking deep breaths to force down his pain reflex.:: Self: Bloody...
Host Tal`Aura says:
:: Finding him, walks toward him.:: CO: Captain.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
CO: Captain... how badly are you hurt Sir? ::checks his wounded shoulder::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Looks around at the Crew.:: EMT:  O'Reiley take a look at Ensign Fawkes please.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::steps forward out of the mess:: Tal`Aura: Nice of you to drop in.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Stands up and looks for the EMT::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
EMT: See to the others, I'm fine
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Moves in closer to the Captain and the Vulcan.::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
XO: Be right there Sir.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Moves over to check on the SO::
Host Tal`Aura says:
CO: My apologies for taking so long to return.  The Phoenix was badly damaged.  It took us awhile to repair her and get help.
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
EMT: Casualty report, petty officer.
Host Naia says:
SCENE: More figures are beamed down, some of Phoenix's medical staff and Vulcan doctors, moving to help the group.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
CMC: Chief.  Take a look around and see what the damage is.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Tal`Aura: Better late than never
Host Tal`Aura says:
:: Pulls a padd from a pocket and hands it to him.::
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::wonders why it is so hard to breath::
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
CMC: Captain got hit, and looks like the Ensign Fawkes has injured his leg Chief.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::reads the padd::
Host Tal`Aura says:
CO: The Deltans are now a joint Earth/Vulcan protectorate for now... until their government can be restored.  You are to help accordingly... :: Looks him over::  Well, in general that is.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
CMC: That's all I've gotten to so far, I'll let you know once I do a more thorough survey.
Host Naia says:
SCENE: Hearing a whine overhead, several of the assembled crew see Shuttlepod 1 (Eagle) making for space with Shuttlepod 2 (Hawk) towed behind her back up to Phoenix.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Tal`Aura: Is that so....see what we get for meddling ::grin::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
EMT: Make it quick.
Host Tal`Aura says:
CO: Yes... extra responsibilities.
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
::Holds back a smile at the Captain's remark.::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Tal`Aura: Now I get the lecture I suppose
Host Tal`Aura says:
CO: Not now, captain.  Now... let us get you and your crew back to the ship and taken care of.  Then we shall talk.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Moves to the Chap to check his injuries::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Tal`Aura: I look forward to a hot meal and my bunk.
Chap_Lt_Feare says:
::distantly notices prodding hands, tries to bat them away than gives up shivering slightly.::
Host Tal`Aura says:
CO: My people can clean up here if you would like to return now.  I believe all is under control for now.  :: Reaches over and plucks something organic off his shirt, looking at him curiously::
Host Naia says:
::makes sure her people are seen to and heads toward the commanders:: CO/XO/Tal: I don't know how to thank you all!
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Checks the ARM and MO.... finding them unconscious but stable::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::Mutters to himself.:: Self: Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them. ::Sighs.::
Host Anis says:
:: stumbles out from his hiding spot, towards the Vulcan ::  Tal'Aura: On behalf of the Deltans here, let me thank you...
Host Naia says:
<V-Doc> ::moves to O'Reilly's side and looks the patients over, frowning disapprovingly::
XO_Cmdr_McQuade says:
Naia:  This is only the first step for your people, but you are now not alone in the fight.
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
Naia: We were glad to have helped
Host Tal`Aura says:
Naia/Anis: We are at your service until you have things back in order.
Host Naia says:
XO/CO: We didn't dear hope this day would come.... Oh Alan! ::is overcome with emotion and pulls LaPointe in for a deep passionate kiss::
Host Anis says:
:: Moves close to Tal'Aura and puts an arm around her ::  Tal'Aura: Oh, are you now?  I think we can make advantage of that.
EMT_PO2_OReiley says:
::Continues to help the injured, getting them stabilized and ready for the trip back to the ship::
Host CO_Captain_LaPointe says:
::kisses back::
Host Tal`Aura says:
:: Very uncomfortably steps away.::
CMC_SCPO_Campbell says:
::Trying to count the number of crew lost in the battle::
SO_Ens_Fawkes says:
::As he is taken to shuttles.:: Self: Oh, get a room.

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