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Posted on Fri Mar 15th, 2024 @ 3:24am by Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance & Captain Mira Rodale & Lieutenant Awal Kronnelti & Lieutenant Betaras K'ner

Mission: Thunderdome
Location: Science Encampment
Timeline: Present

on:

{Science Encampment, Paarth Elion Three}

Mira took a seat at the mess hall table. Getting food together had been interesting, but everyone took direction well.
The meal consisted of a vegetable soup and a meat and vegetable stew. They were surprisingly good. Mira reached for one of the biscuits and frowned. "Ok, we must have forgotten something on these. She tapped it on the table, and it sounded like a rock.

Kronnelti grinned. "You invented a new weapon."

Mira tossed it at him with a laugh. "We either forgot something or miss translated." She shook her head no wonder they invented replicator.

"Tonight is a go to contact the ship. The injured and the ones that plan to return to the ship will need an escort for security. They need to get to the beam down coordinates three hours after dark." Mira told them.

"I drew the short straw," Crewman M'Baatu, the third security guard, raised his hand, "I will be escorting the returnees."

"The rest of us will move out at daybreak for the Grendaas stronghold," Kevin announced, "The stronghold is about two thousand kilometers from here. Based on vehicle speed, it will take us six or seven days to reach it. Fuel will be a limiting factor and we will need to barter for it along the way. The plan is to strip the encampment of anything with trade value to support our cover as merchants and allow us to barter."

MIra nodded, "good plan"

"It looks like the Grendaas took more of the apparatus than the grown produce after the attack, but there is a variety of parts, some working equipment, and some things have been harvested. Since the Sci team isn't carrying on, we can take all the seed stock and whatever is ripe." K'ner started a list in her head of things that might have value to others on the way.

"I'll grab someone and we can check containers for whatever fuel is left and have that ready to load."

"Good call on the seed stocks," Kevin acknowledged, "but prioritize equipment over grown foodstuff. Better barter value. As Lieutenant K'ner pointed out this encampment will be abandoned so take anything that isn't nailed down. Dr Lee should be able to point out things that are most valuable to the Paarthians."

"Lieutenant Walker," Kevin turned to the Chief Engineer, "Confirm that the truck can make the trip and load up as much fuel as we can carry. We'll have to barter for more but I don't want us completely dependent on the local economy."

Trace acknowledged Kevin's instructions.

"Can I have everyone's attention," said Kronnelti. Everyone stopped what they were doing. "I need everyone to come pick up a phaser and scan your bio signatures to it.

"I also have a few grenades, that's for distractions when needed. I have a rifle with scope for anybody to use it for long range," he said.

Mira set back and smiled, her people were amazing.

"Be careful and don't lose those phasers," Kevin instructed, "Although a brilliant creation with the components that were available, they represent a significant technological advancement over Paarthian weapons, even before their fall. I don't want the Captain to have to answer for any violations of the Prime Directive."

"Yes, please don't get me called up for that." Mira nodded. She could see it now. 'I have a list as long as my arm of rules you broke and the prime directive is at the top!'

He paused a moment to let his words sink in. "You have your orders," he continued, "Any questions?"

"How big exactly is this place?" Asked Kronnelti "And are there any areas for cover or possible flank to catch them by surprise?"

"It is the largest settlement that we have recorded," Doctor Lee interjected. "A bit under ten thousand residents at last count. But there is only enough agriculture to support half that number. The majority of non-agricultural workers are devoted to enforcing the Grendaas' rule in the smaller settlements and collecting tithes. Outside of agriculture and enforcement, there are only about one thousand devoted to less manual occupations."

Mira blinked at the numbers. Finding the scientists in all that was crazy.

"How many soldiers?' Kevin asked.

Doctor Lee shrugged, "At this time of year, maybe a couple hundred who aren't tasked with collecting tithes."

Mira's worried eyes met Kevin's. "That is bigger odds than we thought."

Kevin grimaced. The odds were stacked heavily against them. He would need to find something to give them an edge.

"To answer your other question," the doctor continued, "The settlement is on verdant plains. You should be able to find ample cover. As for flanks, the settlement is surrounded by thick walls."

"Better than the one in Tumbleweed?" Kevin asked.

"Oh, much better."

"A wall, you say?" Said Kronnelti.... "Mira, I got the diversion. Once we get there, I'll get off and work my way to the back wall. Signal will be several explosions, and hopefully, the majority comes my way, and I will have an ample amount of cover to conceal myself," he said.

"After that, Kevin, Mira, you are leading the rest inside."

He gets up on a table, "And remember, these are set to stun only! It only lasts about a half hour, and choose your shots wisely."

"Once we leave, hide anything that isn't part of this place."

He looks up to the sky. "I'm going to come home once this is done, honey." He looks around. "We are all going home, that includes those captured."

Seeing the surprised look on Kevin's face, Mira smiled. "Klingons are passionate people." She shrugged, "I don't like the idea of going in without knowing where the scientists are. This is beginning to look like a fool's mission." Mira was quiet for a moment. "Didn't the Admiral say this group was well-connected? So who is the connected member, and who is he or she related to in Starfleet?" she asked Doctor Lee.

"The Federation Council," Doctor Lee corrected, "Doctor McLaren never said who, but the way the application for exception flew through the approval process, I assume it was someone very well placed."

"I agree with you Captain," Kevin replied, "Attacking without knowing what is inside is very risky. I was going to recommend sending in a small group under cover while the majority of the away team hides nearby. Once we have better intel and a location of the scientists, maybe we can use a diversion."

K'ner looked up at the scientist's face as he was re-checking injuries. "Doctor Lee. What do the Grendaas look like? Any particular affectations for the soldiers vs the farmers vs the tax collectors? Or the admin for that matter? Who would you see out and about the most?"

"I'm not sure I understand the question," Doctor Lee responded to K'ner, "Members of the Grendaas clan look like any Paarthian. Farmers and common laborers wear simple robes for comfort and ease of movement. Soldiers and tax collectors wear leathers, much like yourselves, for protection. Leaders also wear leathers and some metal armor, but it is usually of better quality and condition than the foot soldiers."

Mira tapped her fingers on the table, " A small group would be best, but we also run the risk of having our people conscripted into service."

"Not if they think we're already working for them," Kevin suggested, "I am formulating a plan but will need to see the Grendaas stronghold before I can finalize anything."

Mira nodded that seemed reasonable. She couldn't make plans for a place she hadn't seen. "Alright The group that is headed back needs to start getting ready. All of us will need to get some rest for to tomorrow. I would like us all to use this building and stay together just incase we are attacked." she looked to Keven "Set up a routine for guard duty."

Kevin nodded. Normally he would exclude the Captain from any duty rotation but he knew that Mira would insist on doing her part so he scheduled her for the first watch with K'ner.

Kronnelti spoke up, sir I'll do first watch he said. Captain needs her rest more than anything especially if we want to be 100% doing this.

Mira agreed to have Kronnelti run first shift, he's right I'll be sluggish if I'm not ready.

He grabbed the modified rifle and a pair of binoculars.

He handed over another pair of binoculars, these are modified he said. I added a crystal and I paired it with four lenses two in each side and a single one up front. I've even added a slider which separates the two lenses in the back so you can zoom.

I do these things when I have downtime.

Kevin is surprised at what he can do, he took them and looked towards the area where people will be getting beamed up, he slid the gadget and couldn't believe that he can see further than what he was able to see.

Tags

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

and
Commander Mira Rodale
CO
USS Chuck Norris

&

Awal Kronnelti
Chief of security and tactical
USS Chuck Norris

and

Lieutenant Tracey Walker
Chief Engineer
USS Chuck Norris