MISSION PROLOGUE: A group of seven, known as “Rho” has embarked on their mission.  Arriving in orbit of Cardassia, the runabout launched from the SS Nirobi, only to find itself under attack as it flew over a wooded area.  Following a less than peaceful launch, the team has set out on foot to locate and investigate a building they may have passed by...

Star Trek: A Call To Duty Proudly Presents:
	PRISM RHO, Stardate 10508.30, "Flint And Steel Part 2: A Place By The Fire"

Crew:
Commanding Officer: Commander Q’tor, played by Topper Loghry
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Ashlynn Kostandinos, played by Erin Cody
Combat Pilot: Ensign Tanon Salan, played by Jeremy Castro
Intelligence Officer: Lieutenant Christian Mades, played by Brian Fredrickson
Assault Specialist: Ensign Donavin Arinoch, played by James Homuth
Combat Engineer: Lieutenant Mark Arca, played by Mark Validzic
Diplomatic Corps Officer: Lieutenant JG Kurtis Burton, played by Bryce Miller

Managed by Christopher Dickinson

<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>

IO_LT_Mades says:
::following not too far from the XO::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::keeping the team in her sights as she brings up the rear, looking around for any more nasty surprises::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::still on point, running his tricorder over the area as they pass through it::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::wipes the sweat from his eyes as he continues to walk::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Follows the CO and trying to keep an equal pace with him::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Sees a structure through the brush ahead and gives the signal for everyone to stop::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::slows to a stop and makes sure the rest of the team does the same::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::looks down at his tricorder and then notices that the teams is stopping::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::watches as the others stop then realizes what the CO meant and does so too.  Barely audiblely mutters::  Oops.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::stops at the CO's hand signal and looks ahead at their intended target::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Signals for the XO to keep everyone where they are at and silent, then signals the AS for the two of them to have a look::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::nods::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Stops and kneels as he looks over the area::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::nods, shifts his phaser rifle just that much more into an easier position, and joins the CO::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::quietly grabs his phaser from his hip and looks at his tricorder to see if anything is registering::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::checks his tricorder to see if anything interesting pops up::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::with one hand on his d’k tahg, crouches as he walks closer to the structure looking for any signs of nearby movement::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::notices no lifesign are being picked up so he gently closes his tricorder and puts it on his hip::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::moves alongside the CO, tilting his head faintly to one side and whispers lowly:: CO: Still nothing so far as lifesigns goes.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: ::whispering:: Are you getting any energy readings?
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::stands there quietly wiping the massive amounts of sweat from himself::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::realizes he has the tricorder in the wrong scanning mode and makes an adjustment::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::looks back at the IO and CP then back toward where the CO and AS were::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO:: nods:: I've got something, aye. Looks more like background radiation than anything else though.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::takes one step closer to the IO and shoots him a questioning look, wordlessly inquiring as to what he has found, if anything::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::as soon as he makes the change, the same background radiation readings pop back up.  Motions to get the XO's attention and flashes his tricorder at her so she can see the readings too::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Tries to see what the IO is showing the XO::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::takes the tricorder from him and looks at the readouts - they're the same as the information they got from the shuttle - good, but still doesn't answer any questions::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::he shrugs::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: Okay, we'll have to find an entrance. Stay alert and watch for anyone. The radiation could be masking life signs.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::smiles and hands the tricorder back to the IO::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::for a moment gets a surreal flash of playing charades as a kid.. shakes it off::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::whispering:: Self: I hate these tropical planets
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::barely hears the CP and turns to him, holding one finger to her lips indicating he should be quiet::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::looks over his shoulder at the XO and IO wondering what is going on::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: Phasers on stun, I'll cover you.
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::quiets down and begins to wipe sweat away again::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::takes out the hand phaser, sets it to heavy stun, and nods to the CO:: CO: This shouldn't be difficult...
IO_LT_Mades says:
::starts playing with his tricorder, looking for any nearby computer networks.  He might as well see if he can get any new information while they wait::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::watches toward the house to see if there is any movement from the CO or AS::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::starts heading for the building::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::stays crouching in the bushes covering the AS's advance::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::tries to get the XO attention and signals that from his position he has lost visual of the CO and AS::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::moves carefully, pausing only long enough to double check his readings, before he continues::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::catches the CE's eye and nods, understanding him - figures they will just have to wait until the CO/AS return::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::comes to a stop just outside, and directs one more scan inside just to make sure::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::grunts as he finds something and begins running a few special programs he brought with for the job::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::nods approvingly, then turns and flashes the all clear to the CO::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::out of the corner of her eye, notices the IO doing something else with his tricorder - lets the young man work uninterrupted as she looks over toward each member of the team in turn, assessing their position::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::slowly stands high enough for the rest of the team to see him and signals then to come forward::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::turns back the front wondering what’s going on::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::attempts to worm his way into some low level systems where he might be able to find some more info on their targets::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::follows the CO's motion and moves up::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::motions to the rest of the team to follow the CO in::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::most of the information that starts popping up is stuff he already knew... pretty vanilla information.::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::starts looking for a way inside while everyone else gets into position, figuring they might as well investigate::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::sees the team moving in slow moves from cover to cover toward the CO position::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Slowly follows the team to the CO's location::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::busy working, he doesn't notice the signal.  Thinks to himself..  "okay, let's try financials.  Maybe a recent transaction or two will pop up."    Moves up the risk ladder from none to some::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::looks around and sees they have a straggler - taps the IO gently on the shoulder to get his attention::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::glances over his shoulder to the CO, and silently raises an eyebrow, the question apparently obvious::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Quickly and quietly makes his way to the building and sneaks a look inside one of the windows::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::reaches the CO location and rests his body against the building::

INFO: As the team looks inside the house, they find it to be spartanly furnished - a living area, kitchen, bedroom.  Everything is neat and tidy and gives no indication of anything more.

IO_LT_Mades says:
::flips around and is about to reach for his weapon and sees the XO.  He blushes and realizes that the others are gone.  He moves towards the house::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::smiles and shakes her head, indicating there's no need to be so skittish - yet.  Follows toward the house, making sure the rest of them get there too::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::decides to stop scanning for lifesigns, and tries instead to localize the radiation... maybe they can figure out where, exactly, it is now that they're here::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Moves over to the AS's position signaling the rest of the team to follow::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::moves up on the CO's signal::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::follows the CO footsteps as he moves toward the AS::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::moves closer to the AS, nodding to him as she takes a position next to the house::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO/XO: It's definitely inside. Can't tell you where, but we're in the right place at least.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::his tricorder working on programs he had preset, he closes it and puts it on his belt.  It will signal him when it finds anything::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: Not exactly what I would picture as a missile launch site.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: Nor I, but not much about this is making sense... ::turns to the AS:: AS/CO: Any signs of booby traps, or can we get into the house?
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::barely overhears the conversation::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: If there are, they're low tech. I'm not picking anything up.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: booby traps?
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::whispers:: CO: Sir would you like to see if I can scan telepathic for anyone?
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Looking over the house for any possible places of cover that could be hiding an enemy presence::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: Explosives, weaponry rigged to go off on our entry - anything that could hurt us when we go in and investigate.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO:  Ahh... okay.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
CE: By all means
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::drops the walls around his mind and reaches out::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::thinks he wouldn't want to live here, but its kinda homey::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: Commander, you and Ensign Arinoch see what you can find inside.  I'm going to take Lieutenant Arca and have a look around the immediate vicinity.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
ALL:  The rest of you set up a perimeter.  I don't want anyone surprising us.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: Aye, sir.  ::looks at Donavin and nods her head toward the door, indicating they should move out::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::smiles then quickly wipes it of his face. then put the walls back up:: CO: I didn't sense anyone else but us sir
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::nods, and briefly wonders how they're gonna explain *this* in their cover stories as he moves out::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::nods and finds a spot with a little shade before checking on his tricorder::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::moves into a good vantage point in the surrounding area.::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
CE: Good but stay alert.  Let's go and see if we can find anything interesting
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::gets to the door and tries the handle, carefully::

ACTION: The door opens for the XO.

XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::steps inside and takes a look around::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::moves in and opens his mind as he continues in::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::moves in alongside the XO, continuing the scan for the radiation source and keeps his phaser ready... transporters still work here, you know::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::thinks "comfy" and walks slowly around the room, looking for anything else::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Starts circling around the outside of the building looking for anything out of the ordinary::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::finds some recent transactions by the targets, mutters to himself:: And all right here in the little sea side town.  Dang, I'm good.

ACTION: A fly lands on the CP's right ear.

XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::sees a door off the main room and opens it - again carefully::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::opens his tricorder and runs a wide range of scans::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::swats at the fly::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::wishes the XO would stop randomly opening doors before she gets herself killed:: XO: Nice place to visit but I'd go crazy living here.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::decides he should go tell the XO, wanders into the house::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Watches the CP swat and remembers his days at the academy parades when you wouldn't dare move like that::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::grins, thinking of their cover:: AS: And here I was thinking that this would be a wonderful place for the children....
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::curious, pulls up the area rug under the floor, looking for any hidden trap doors or basements::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::moves into the bedroom as he continues to scan trying to locate this energy readings::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: ::smirks:: Well, I suppose if you like country living... this would certainly classify.

ACTION: The XO comes across a metal door on the floor, about two feet square with a handle.

IO_LT_Mades says:
::walks up behind the others and finds them in the bedroom:: All: Oh, perhaps we should give the married couple a little privacy here in the bedroom?  ::smirks::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
Self: Here we go...  ::stifles a laugh at the IO's comment, he's apparently cheered up a bit::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::tries to keep a good watch as he deals with the heat::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Circles completely around the house not finding anything of any note::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::takes her tricorder out and scans the doorway, wanting to know what is underneath it before opening it::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::runs a scan of the exposed area, trying to figure out what they'd drop into when the XO opens it:: XO: ::sees she does the same thing:: Good choice. ::winks::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
XO: Sir I have thermal readings coming from the metal door
IO_LT_Mades says:
::heads back out into the main room of the place.  Eyes a comm::  Self: Ooo!  ::takes a look::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
AS: Or not - I get nothing but dirt.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CE:  Thermal readings coming from dirt?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: Funny. He's the only one who can pick that up.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::is about to turn on the comm and thinks better, scans it first for any surprises::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
XO: Well ma'am that’s what I reading unless my tricorder is malfunctioning
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CE: What could be causing them - living beings or machines?
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Enters the house and locates the the XO::  XO: Find something?
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: A hidden compartment, apparently
IO_LT_Mades says:
::not finding anything, he turns the comm on and looks for any log of recent communications::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
XO: Maybe an underground base. The Cardassians do love there heat
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO:  Shall we find out what’s on the other side?
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::quickly touches the metal then moves his hand away to test to see if the door was hot::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: Well, I suppose there's only one way to expose a mole... uncover its hole.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: Any idea on what's inside?
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: Dirt and thermal readings of some kind ::is now insanely curious to find out what is on the other side of it::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
XO: Well at least I didn't burn myself. The door is not hot ma'am.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Looks around at everyone:: ALL: Anyone want the honors?
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: I'll do it.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
CO/XO: The dirt signal could be a false reading to hide this base
CE_Lt_Arca says:
CO: I'll go sir
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::looks at the XO then to the CO::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO/XO: Not to sound too into protocol, commander, but I recommend I do it. If something does happen, you two still need to get the rest of us back in one piece... or slightly more.
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::looks around to see who else is outside with him::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: Very well.
IO_LT_Mades says:
Aloud: Hmm, interesting!  ::finds an interesting history of communications up until about two weeks ago when things become a little more irregular::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::moves aside to let the AS go in first::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::moves aside for the AS:: AS: Good luck Ensign
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::moves for the door, and tries the handle:: CE: Luck is for the foolish sir.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::digging deeper he finds pay dirt:: Aloud: What the... ::struggles to remember their covers:: Um Marook!  Can I see you for a moment.

ACTION: As the hatch in the floor is lifted, a dark, twisting staircase is revealed going into the ground.  Tricorders do not register the hatch, nor the stairs, nor anything below the floor level.

XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::looks up, curious at the IO's tone... he's gone back to sounding nervous::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
Self: Ensign always want to be heros
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::raises an eyebrow faintly:: CO/XO: My guess? If we do this, we do it blind. ::gestures to the staircase::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
AS: If it's the only way to find out what's down there...
IO_LT_Mades says:
::makes sure he is recording everything he finds in his tricorder for information later::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::taps his commbadge:: *Outside Peoples* All team members, come inside.
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::moves back towards the house and enters quickly::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::wonders if the commander forgot his own cover name:: CO: Marook?
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Looks over at the CP:: CP: Let's go.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Suddenly realizes the HE's the one the IO is calling and walks over:: IO: You have something?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::steps in beside the XO again, and glances briefly toward the others:: XO: Perhaps we should split up? We seem to have a development up here as it is. ::gestures toward the CO and IO::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::nods to the DCO::
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: Take a look.  ::nods at the comm unit::  The communications were pretty regular, until about two weeks ago when things got more irregular.  ::shows him the logs::  But even better, see this one.  ::points to a specific entry::  That's from a Starfleet communication channel, I just can't tell from where.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::looks over::  AS:  Good idea... let's go. ::motions for the CE, CP and DCO to stay put in the house - for now::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: ::surprised:: Starfleet?
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: You're sure?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::nods, and starts for the stairs::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Moves into the house::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::follows Donavin down the staircase::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::nods:: CO: Positive.  I haven't tried to play it back yet...  
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::nods at the XO and moves away from the door::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::checks his tricorder once more, in case things clear up as they move downward::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: See if you can find out from who.

ACTION: At the bottom of the winding staircase is an open room.  As the sudden brightness wears off, the team sees a bank of computers, several work tables and areas, a chemical locker, and mechanical parts laying around.

CP_Ens_Salan says:
::takes a seat facing the front door with his phaser out::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::nods and tries to bring up the recorded message, hopefully getting both sides of the conversation::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: ::blinks once:: Underground base is right.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
AS:  Now here's what we were looking for...  ::goes to the bank of computers, to see if she can pull anything up on them::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::scans the rest of the room, just to be safe::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::sets his tricorder to scan for lifesign outside the house and alert if they are approaching the house::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Turns to see the XO and AS missing:: Self: quy'vatlh!
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Enters the bedroom::
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: It's a text only message and the return headers are scrambled, so I can't see who it is from.  All it says is, "We are ready."  ::turns to look at the CO::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Walks over to the open hole in the floor and looks down::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::mutters a Risan curse, and instantly is thankful the language is complex enough for it not to be translated:: AS: They're encrypted...
CE_Lt_Arca says:
CP/DCO: Make sure that you are in visual range of one of us. Understood?
CP_Ens_Salan says:
DCO: Thanks for patching me up Doc.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::nods, and moves up beside the XO, temporarily discarding the tricorder to try his hand at a couple decryption algorithms::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
CP: Just keep yourself that way. Don't want to run out of supplies fixing you all the time.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::smiles at the DCO comment::
CP_Ens_Salan says:
::smiles::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: ::waits for the decryption algorithms to do their thing:: XO: Still not reading any lifesigns, commander.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: Definitely some... signs, though. residue of DNA... tissue samples, perhaps?

<<<<<Pause Mission>>>>>