MISSION PROLOGUE: Stranded, and alone.  It's not a good situation to be in, especially when you're a Starfleet Special Operations team.  Hunting down a renegade Cardassian trio developing weapons - for the highest bidder, perhaps? - who are not in the lab.  They have left, potentially ready to launch - and Rho is stranded on the planet.

Star Trek: A Call To Duty Proudly Presents:
	PRISM RHO, Stardate 10509.13, "Flint And Steel Part 4: Playing The Part"

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

Special Guests:
	Commander Dannison (Nirobi XO), played by Christopher Dickinson

Managed by Christopher Dickinson

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

IO_LT_Mades says:
::still playing around with the computers, various scan programs running at the moment::
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Standing near the CO::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::in the lab, looking over the data they found on the virus::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::continues to look for the database as it downloads to his tricorder::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::packing up his equipment, expecting to be summoned elsewhere momentarily since they found all they're gonna be getting out of this database::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::Enters the house and makes his way to the hatch opening and yells down:: XO: Commander I need to see you up here.
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
::Follows the CO into the house::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: On my way!  ::climbs the stairs and pops her head through the opening:: CO: Yes?
IO_LT_Mades says:
::hears the computer console beep, one of his programs found something or other.  He takes a look::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
XO: Ma'am there is no luck on that antidote
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: We have to make a choice.  We waste valuable time and try to find a ship in the vicinity that we can... 'borrow', or we take the risk of blowing our cover and contact the Nirobi to request another runabout.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: Why would asking the Nirobi for a runabout be blowing our cover?  We were on  our way to deliver our supplies, we got mysteriously shot down... ::grins:: that's all they need to know.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::finishes packing up his things, and moves over to the IO looking over his shoulder at the readings::
IO_LT_Mades says:
AS: Hey, take a look at this.  I'm not good with ship classes other than Federation.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: I'm more concerned about our communications being monitored, but I think that would be our best choice as well.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::closes his tricorder after the download is complete::
IO_LT_Mades says:
::shows the AS the small ship that came up on the screen::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: Gather the team.  We're leaving.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: We could have someone contact the Nirobi, and have some others start to work on procuring a Cardassian vessel, however... and just take the first one we find.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
IO: Well, Cardassian ship classes aren't a strength of mine... but this looks like one of their fighter class ships.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: Contact the Nirobi and have them beam us up.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::stand up and gets his equipment ready to go::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::shouts back down the opening:: ALL: Finish up gang - quickly - we're heading out.
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: Understood, but I think we've found something here.   ::leaves the AS to show the Commander what they found::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: I believe we should just transport back to the Nirobi and take a runabout from there... save time.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::moves off to a quiet corner to contact the ship::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::raises an eyebrow, then turns to yell up to the others:: XO/CO: I wouldn't suggest a runabout, folks.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::heads for the stairs on the heels of the IO::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
::waits for the AS to climb out of the hole:: AS: Explain.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::finding his way back to the comm unit, he configures it to contact the Nirobi::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::raises an eyebrow:: AS: Oh?
CE_Lt_Arca says:
XO: Ready to go ma'am ::gets his gear on his back::
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Nirobi: Nirobi, this is Doctor Mitcham, please come in.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO/XO: The good doctor over there... ::points at the IO:: was able to access a bit more information.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::nods::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO/XO: One word. Fighter.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: This is Commander Dannison, Nirobi's XO.  Doctor Mitcham... you're communicating over a Cardassian channel.  Is everything okay?
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
AS: You mean that is where the Cardassians are developing this weapon?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO/XO: I mean if they're there, a runabout would be a minor irritant at best.
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Dannison: I'm afraid we ran into some problems, namely a stray missile coming into contact with our runabout.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: Runabouts are armed for combat. Do you think the Cardassians would just let us take a warship?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO: No. But I think a federation  runabout versus a Hedeki class fighter would be bad. For the runabout.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: ... excuse me?  We didn't detect... ::calls out to the bridge officers to run scans::... so you never made it, then?
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
AS: Where would you suggest we get a Hedeki fighter?
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: What would you suggest then?
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Dannison: That's correct.  Commander Marook was hoping you could assist us.  Perhaps another runabout to get us out of here?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::raises an eyebrow:: DCO: I don't. But if the idea is to get close enough to disable them, we don't want to be flying a Starfleet signature. We'd be painted before we left orbit.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO/XO: If these people are the same ones who shot us down on arrival, the last thing we need is them shooting us down on the way up as well. Nothing says "hit me" like a Starfleet runabout.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::finally makes it upstairs and wonders whats the plan::
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: I'm sure something could be arranged.... Doctor, I'm not reading all of your team.  Did you suffer casualties?
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
AS: So you're saying we should find a Cardassian vessel?
IO_LT_Mades says:
::thinks fast:: COM: Dannison: There is some odd radiation in the area.. its been playing havoc with our equipment.  Could be interrupting your readings.  ::crosses his fingers behind his back::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: A seemingly well armed Cardassian vessel?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: Yes. If the intel on these folks is accurate, they believe their race is superior. Or I'm way off. Either way, we know the federation's being targeted.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: I see, Doctor.  Will you signal again when you are ready to beam aboard?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
XO: Which means if that medical ship is in orbit, their position will be given away by the transport, or the launch of a runabout. If the lieutenant's com hasn't done so already.
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Dannison: Confirmed.  We should be ready shortly.  And thank you, I'm not sure how would could complete our mission to help these people without you.  Mitcham out.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: But if these people are not acting with the approval of the Cardassian government, such as it is, what makes you think a Cardassian vessel would fare any better?
IO_LT_Mades says:
::he closes the comm, turns around, and starts laughing::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
Self: I'm glad I know a lot about Cardassian technology
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::looks over at the IO, confused:: IO: Something funny, Lt?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO: In a fire fight, it might not. But I'm operating on the theory that they won't shoot at a Cardassian ship. We already know they shoot at Starfleet on sight.
IO_LT_Mades says:
XO: I should get an award for that performace.  The Nirobi is ready to beam us up when we signal.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO: If we can get close enough to board her, we may be able to surprise them.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: We don't even know where they have gone yet do we?
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
IO:  That's good - assuming we end up using them.  Some  new information has surfaced and there's some thinking that a runabout may not be the wisest course of action....
IO_LT_Mades says:
XO: Man!  I do all this work, and for what?  ::throws his arms up in the air in mock drama::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::smiles at the IO reaction::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO: Well, we know if they don't want to be discovered they won't stray too far. That's a military brand ship. Which means they'll want to avoid detection by most if not all military installations.
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
XO: I concur that a runabout should not be our first choice, perhaps a merchant ship or a science ship of neutral origin would be more beneficial.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO:  I think I have an idea.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO: And that is?
IO_LT_Mades says:
::plops down on a table and continues going through the data on his tricorder, waiting to see what is going to happen::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO:  We do not have an abundance of time.  What if we beam back to the Nirobi, and transport Lieutenant Burton, and Ensign Arinoch back down, closer to the nearby community to borrow a Cardassian vessel. We then transfer to that vessel and track down our quarry.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO: I want to again point out that if they're still in the area, doing that will give the Nirobi's position away.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::thinks it over:: CO:  That sounds feasible...  anyone who might be watching us would see us going back to the Nirobi and assume that our "medical relief" mission is complete.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: The Nirobi is a medical ship in orbit over Cardassia.  They are not hiding from anyone nor should they have reason too. We may have been shot down just for getting too close.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
CO: Sir I we are going to borrow a Cardassian vessel I should be one of the people first aboard
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: It's a chance we're going to have to take.
IO_LT_Mades says:
::looks at the Cardassian fighter again and wonders why they call it a fighter with a crew of 30::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
CE: You are probably right.  Very well, you will accompany Lieutenant Burton and Ensign Arinoch.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
CO:  So we're transporting back to the Nirobi, and then sending a team to procure a Cardassian vessel?
CE_Lt_Arca says:
CO: Thank you sir
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
XO: Excellent suggestion Commander! ::grins::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::nods:: CO: Well, now that you're aware of it, I'm going to have to strongly suggest that you be ready for a quick departure. If it turns out these people don't care why the Nirobi's in orbit, we'll transport you off on our way up if we have to.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
CO: Personally, i don't believe in sacrificing most of the team to complete the mission.
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
AS: I agree on that with you.
IO_LT_Mades says:
Aloud: Hey, anyone notice this "fighter" thing has a cloaking device?  Where'd that come from?  I didn't know the Cardassian military had cloaking technology.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
AS: I assure you Ensign, I have no plans of sacrificing myself or anyone else.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: A Cloak?!
CE_Lt_Arca says:
IO: The Cardassian at one point were working with Romulans
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
IO: They don't... or they are not supposed to
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
Self: quyvatlh!
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::just shakes his head:: All: Well, that just makes things all that much more interesting.
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: That's what the computer files say... the ship they are developing the torpedo launch on is this fighter with a cloak.
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
IO: Did the computer happen to say where they were taking this cloaked fighter after they left here?
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
ALL: Well that certainly makes things interesting.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: Contact the Nirobi, and inform them we are ready for transport.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::thinks he can remember vaguely saying something about that not even a minute ago, but shrugs:: Self: It's never easy...
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: Well, it must have been in orbit at one time.  Could still be there I guess, if it is cloaked.
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: Understood.  ::gets up and heads over to the comm::
CE_Lt_Arca says:
::moves over to the AS::
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Dannison: Mitcham to Dannison
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: Yes, Doctor?
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::moves in beside Ashlynn... if they're gonna be beaming up, might as well look good::
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Dannison: Commander Dannison, we are ready for transport.  Can you get a lock on everyone this time?
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: I'm reading... all seven members of your team.
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
::looks around and does a quick head count just in case::
IO_LT_Mades says:
COM: Dannison: Excellent news, Commander.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@COM: IO: Stand by for beaming, Doctor.  ::Calls behind to an officer::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
::flashes the XO the faintest hint of a wink before they beam up::
IO_LT_Mades says:
CO: They are preparing to beam us up.
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
IO: Very good

ACTION: The seven dematerialize in a sparkle of blue and rematerialize aboard the medical craft Nirobi.

IO_LT_Mades says:
@ ::tries to look Doctorly::
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@::Steps forward::  All: Are you all well?
CE_Lt_Arca says:
@:hopes his crash course of a doctor pays off::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
@Dannison: Everyone's accounted for and uninjured.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
@::offers his arm to Ashlynn, and offers a nod to the commander::
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@XO: Good, good.  CO: Commander, we took the liberty of recovering your vessel.  One heck of a hit it took....
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
@CO: I suggest getting as close to a populated area to obtain those"medical samples" as possible.
IO_LT_Mades says:
@ ::steps off the pad, smiles politely, and waits against the wall, looking occupied with his medkit::
XO_LCDR_Kostandinos says:
@::accepts the help from the AS in stepping down from the transporter padd, then turns her attention to the status of the original runabout::
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
@Dannison: Have you been able to determine exactly what happened?  I'm afraid we didn't have time to account for specifics. ::okay so it's a lie... prove it::
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@AS: Not entirely yet, Ensign.  We can run a detailed analysis before we repair it.
CE_Lt_Arca says:
@:steps off the pad and tries to listen about runabout status
IO_LT_Mades says:
@::becomes very interested in an epiplast and listens carefully::
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
@CO: Very good
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
@::nods at the commander, then simply inclines his head a degree and listens to the conversation around him... he's not supposed to be all that influential in this little group, after all.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@CO: Your orders, Commander?
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
@Cmdr _Dannison: Transport Doctors Blassen, Ansen, and Anderson to within 1/2 a kilometer of the village we were close to.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@CO: Did you forget something, Commander?  We recovered the craft and supplies.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
@Dannison: We need to collect a few more samples for our studies, commander. That's the most accurate location for our purposes... and the least secluded.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@::Tilts his head slightly::  AS: Samples, Ensign?
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
@Cdr_Dannison: I'm willing to bet it's not going to be going anywhere anytime soon
CO_CDR_Q`tor says:
@CDR_Dannison: Someone down there is not happy with Starfleet.  Doctor Blassen and the rest will be trying to borrow a Cardassian vessel from which to distribute the supplies.
AS_ENS_Arinoch says:
@::nods to the commander:: Dannison: Yes, sir. Some of what we're facing down there we need a little more information on before we can devise an exact treatment. And that means taking additional readings from one of the more effected areas.
DCO_LtJg_Burton says:
@Dannison: Yes sir, samples that I have located that could greatly aid in my dermal regenerator and anabolic protoplaser research.
Host Cmdr_Dannison says:
@::Is slightly confused::  CO: I guess that's okay, then.... highly unusual, but... we're going to keep a lock on you, just in case something happens again.  ::Turns to the transport officer::

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