...And the transporter energies disappear to reveal a decidedly different transporter complex. The light is dimmer, the colours darker and there is a smell of burnt cinnamon in the air.
A huge figure stands by the transporter console. An Orion, he stands taller and broader than Boluri, but less so than Bilgebottom. He wears a swirling gold brocade tunic.

"Welcome to Bridgetown," he rumbles, "My name is Krist Mor. I'm an... associate of Sam. I'll take you to him." He apprises the two hulking figures in security armour and smiles.

The group steps out into a crowded corridor and the scent in the air changes to hot iron. It reminds McCurrvey of his uncle's ranch on Earth, where there is a blacksmith's forge for the farrier. He almost expects to see sparks flying off the anvil. The crowds fall back from the huge Orion leading the way. There are a large number of species that none of them except possibly Cdr Harris and Lt Boluri have ever seen. A low polyglot murmur fills the air.

Eventually, Mor leads the Starfleet party to a large set of double doors. "Wait here a moment," he says and disappears inside. The crowd maintains a respectful distance and slowly things go back to what can be assumed to be normal.

Teri Harris says, "We may be here for a time. It's one of Sam's little games. He'll make us wait for him. He's watching us on monitors. There are chairs over there." She gestures to a vestibule with large comfortable leather sofas in the Orion manner.

Minutes pass and an alien woman approaches with a tray. "Refreshments?" she asks in a trilling voice.

For once, Harris doesn't defer to the senior officers. "No thanks, dearie. Go peddle your wares elsewhere."

As the woman sashays off, Harris explains, "Sorry, sirs. The watchword here in Bridgetown is Trust no one!"

In reply to Commander Theresa Harris (msg # 2):

“ Thelev to the Odyssey, comm check. “ Thelev signals.

“ Major, what do we have here. “ He asks.

Thelev then looks around himself to see what they have, how much security, number of doors, etc.

Thoma replies, "Odyssey confirms loud and clear."

Bilgebottom consults his tricorder. "They're heavily shielded in there. No chance of beaming anyone out of there, but if Doc Marcus does show up, I'll try to plant a veridium tracker on her so we can try later," he says softly. The ambient noise is loud enough that his voice is barely audible to the rest of Starfleet party. "We're in a public area, but I'll bet you credits to donuts he's got sensors on us. And I'll bet real money that li'l gal was going to try to slip us a mickey."

Boluri nods. "You can bet your bottom credit on that, Major."

The area is a large bazaar-like mall. The room/building/whatever is large, with several kiosks along the wall. The door is about two-and-a-half metres tall and wide, and shaped like a trapezoid. Bilgebottom notes, "Baakonite-duranium alloy at least a hundred millimetres thick. Refractive alloy—phaser resistant."

After close to half an hour, the massive doors open again and Krist Mor walks out. He looks impassively at the waiting Starfleet party and says, "Sam says he'll see you now." A reddish light spills out from the office beyond the doorway.

Inside, the office is a large room with a high ceiling supported by columns. The walls are a taupe colour in rectangular panels. The reddish light comes from a metre-and-a-half diametre window revealing the bloodfield nebula behind a trapezoidal bronze desk with curious conduits leading from it. There are blue accent lights surrounding the window and lining the columns. Sam stands before the desk wearing a golden tabard over a blue silk tunic and bloused grey pantaloons, all topped off with his distinctive helmet.


"Well, gentlemen—and Teri, m'dear—welcome to my humble abode," he begins. "What brings Starfleet's newest an' most powerful battlewagon tae my li'l corner o' th' cosmos? Ye're a wee bit out o' yer jurisdiction, aren't ye? Please, won't ye take refreshments, Commodore, and Captains. McCurrvey, Thelev and Mercer, isn't it? I've heard a lot about yer exploits in the past few years. Personally saved the' President hisself from an assassin—didn't expect tae ever meet a bona fide hero!" He turns to a strikingly beautiful red-haired green Orion woman. "Jade, m'darlin', tea - Earl Grey - hot, if you please."
He sits behind the desk and continues, "I assure ye, gents, it's not drugged or poisoned. Ye're guests an' potential customers after all. I assume ye've received permission to negotiate on behalf of yer might Federation for sweet li'l Carol."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Wed 17 Mar 2021.

In reply to Krist Mor (msg # 5):

Thelev nods at Bilgebottom and Boluri to keep on guard.  He turns to Sam, before he takes a seat, “ Yes I have the Federations  permission to negotiate for the release of Dr. Marcus. I would like to thank you for arranging this meeting with Calista.  Sam I’m sure you are aware of the Federations position on negotiating with hostage takers. “

Then he finals take a seat across from Sam. “Would you have Katheka by any chance? “ Thelev asks as he looks at Jade.

In reply to Captain Thelev (msg # 6):

Khendon is going to leave the talking to Thelev and Harris for the time being. He casts a scientist's eye around the office and at Sam himself, trying to decide if he is seeing a common denominator to the style and the technologies used, or a mish-mash of cultures and technologies.

Sam nods to Jade and says, "See if your shipmate Jasmine has any katheka, mdear." To Thelev, he explains, "Jasmine is Andorian who also likes her katheka." Thelev's ears prick up at the name. Talbot had briefed him before leaving the Odyssey about Calista's master-at-arms being an Andorian zhen named Jasmine... His mouth goes dry as he decides maybe he doesn't want the katheka after all...

Sam sees the look on Thelev's face and chuckles. "Don't worry, Cap'n. Poison's not Jasmines speciality—she's more hands-on, if ye catch my drift." He sips his Earl Grey.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

Jade takes out a communicator and says in rapid-fire Orion, "Jade to Jasmine. Sam requests that you bring over some katheka. Is the Captain ready to beam over? I think Sam's guests would like to check the merchandise."

The reply comes back in Andorian-accented Orion, "I'll just bet they do. I'll pass that along to the Captain. We'll see if she's interested in what the pink-skins want."

An alcove near Sam's desk reveals itself to be a transporter, as it fills with swirling blue sparkles of energy.

A tall, rail-thin Andorian woman appears. She has a gaunt face with a shaggy pixie cut hairstyle, bushy white eyebrows and dark violet eyes. There is nothing soft about her appearance, all sharp edges dressed in park red leather exposing a lot of cleavage. She carries a disruptor pistol and a Klingon mevak knife at her waist. Brad draws upon his technical knowledge of energy weapons to recognise the skeleton grip of a Varon-T Disruptor, banned in most areas of known space  due to its vicious nature: the disruptor literally tears the body apart at the molecular level from the inside out, resulting in a relatively slow and excruciating death by disintegration.

She holds a cut crystal decanter in her right hand. Holding it out, she says in flawless Federation Standard English, "You may call me Jasmine D'Arque, master-at-arms to Captain Calista. Who has the temerity to ask me to share my katheka?"

[OOC: I took the liberty of inviting Sergio to the game using his alumni eMail address. I cc:ed all of you.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

In reply to Calista the Damned (msg # 9):

"Captain Thelev" he nods.

"I wanted to check who I was dealing with and their resources at hand, and decided I should ask for something I would enjoy." Thelev replies as he step forward. "And it will be nice to have some good katheka, I hope it is not some of the cheap stuff, or even worse replicated." he adds with a smile.

Two items 1) Thelev is going to try and access how bad ass Jasmine is by using a combination of his Secruity- Secruity Procedures and Uarmded combat skills. 2) would he be able to identify the weapon by any chance, has Weaponsmith Phaser 2/3 if so he will make the comment below..

Assuming he also could identify the weapon he will comment in Andorian "That looks like a decent replica of a Varon-T Disruptor." If he can not identify he will not say anything about the weapon. Figuring everyone will have universal translators but that Jasmine will know he is talking in Andorian for emphasis.

Throughout the whole conversation Thelev is definitely trying to push that this is not his first rodeo. And is actually hoping they know he has been killed once and here he still is.

Thelev does recognise it as a Varon-T, and at his comment Jasmine raises an eyebrow and states coldly, "It's not a replica." She inverts the flask and the katheka splashes onto the floor. "There's your katheka. Enjoy it, Federation lapdog."

More than anything, it's his knowledge of unarmed combat that tells him she has some level of advanced training in at least one martial art. Judging from the calluses on her hands, it's some type of striking discipline. Though she's quite slender, her musculature appears well-developed and wiry. She continues, "The Captain will join us presently. She'll be bringing the merchandise for inspection. Don't abuse her good graces."

Sam looks at Jasmine, a slight frown on his face. "Ah, ah, ah, Jasmine," he says, wagging a finger at her. "Play nice with our guests."

He stands, hands on his desk. "I'm truly sorry, Captain Thelev. You know how it is—pirates, after all."

Sitting down once more, he asks Jasmine, "And how long before Captain Calista graces us with her presence? Tick tock, tick tock."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Fri 11 Sept 2020.

As if in answer to Sam, the transporter begins to hum and the swirling energy deposits Calista and Dr. Marcus on the pads. Calista steps off the pad and stretches out her hand. "Come, Dr. Marcus," she commands. Slowly, as if in a daze, Carol Marcus takes her hand and steps down. Calista leads her to a chair and sits her down.

Carol Marcus's face is blank of any expression. Her clothes look as if she's slept in them and she wears a golden torc around her neck. Boluri leans toward Harris and whispers something the Odyssey's command crew doesn't catch.

In reply to Calista the Damned (msg # 13):

Thelev was happy with Jasmine's reaction, figures he has at least changed her focus more to him figuring who original focus would have been McCurrvey, then our secruity team and then him.  So hoping he has taken some away from Bilgebottom so he may get a chance to tag Doctor Marcus.

Out of character to help God, none of the 4 Odyssey crew members have anything beyond first aid.

" Calista, I hope it is okay but I am GOING to have one of my team do a medical scan on Dr. Marcus. We want to make sure as a Federation citizen she is in good health." he says as he turns in the general direction of Bilgebottom and Boluri and gives them a nod to go ahead.

He then turns to Carol and says slowly and clearly "Dr. Marcus are you okay, do you know where you are?" figuring before he even hears anything about the scan that she has been drugged.

Calista rolls her eyes, "Oh, please! Do you think I'd risk such primitive measures to such a delicate and valuable commodity as the most valuable brain I've ever had in my possession? Of course she's not been drugged. Silly man! As your pet Orion has obviously noticed, that collar is an old Orion slave collar. Basically, it's a neural suppressor."

Boluri doesn't react to her jibe. "She's correct, Captain. It inhibits any undesireable reactions from the subject. Quite harmless, though addictive in the long run." He runs his tricorder over the device and does a second pass over Marcus's head. He hands the tricorder over to Thelev to confirm.

The readings confirm this, but just in case Thelev does a scan with his own tricorder, it too confirms the results. Meanwhile, it also confirms her lifesigns as base-line Human female of 46 standard years in age. It cross-checks against the file on Dr. Marcus uploaded by Dr. Driveon to all their tricorders. It even confirms a broken radius suffered several years ago in a hoverbike accident and healed completely. It also confirms that the veridium tracker Boluri placed on her is active. Marcus watches the proceedings impassively, though Thelev notices she is able to pay attention and track his actions with her eyes. A tear spills down her left cheek and her lips tremble.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Sun 13 Sept 2020.

While all this has been going on, Khendron has as indicated been analysing the surroundings. The transporter in the office is a standard two-person unit. He figures that with his Computer (base skill of 2), his Shipboard Systems (base skill of 3) and his Transporter Systems Technology and Computer Sciences specialisations of 4 each, he may be able to hack the transporter system to defeat the natural interference of the nebula, in conjunction with the veridium tracker. Everyone seems distracted by the dominance play between Thelev and Jasmine. He's also noted that Sam's headgear seems to be some sort of field generator, purpose unknown. Also, Sam's mannerisms seem to point to Federation origins.

Thelev notes that in his quest to dominate Jasmine, she seems to be off-guard slightly. Not really anything he can put his finger on, but she seems non-plussed by his lack of reaction to her own power-play.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 16):

Khendron glances around for the transporter controls. If Khendron thinks everybody is distracted enough, and if the controls look fairly standard, then he surreptitiously attempts gain a remote connection to the transporter computer via his tricorder. He keeps some standard environmental and bio readings on quick recall on his tricorder, in case somebody calls him out.

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 17):

Khendron notes that the transporter console is an older Starfleet design, seemingly well-maintained and, based on the blue transporter effect, it's been updated to modern standards. The decoy displays are a piece of cake, since Dr. Driveon had uploaded Carol Marcus's records to all your tricorders. Using the afore-mentioned skills, and his Personal Equipment (Tricorder) skill of 1 (2) it's quite simple for Khendron to hack the transporter controls. In addition, it's even simpler to piggyback a data link to the Odyssey using his Shipboard Systems (Communications) skill of 3 (6) which also defaults to (Transporters) (3) making beaming over quite safe and reliable even for a large party. Transporter Chief CPO Alexander confirms the link by text and and indicates, "Dr. Driveon is standing by with LCdr Saavik, who knows Dr. Marcus personally; and Mr. Spaxter who—according to the Chief of Security—has hostage rescue and anti-piracy experience."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 18):

Knowing Jasmine is master-of-arms for a notorious pirate he is both surprised and happy that he has thrown her a bit of her game.  That was all Thelev really expected.  But now his curiosity is getting to him.  So he tries to dive into his Andoria knowledge, from culture to history to world knowledge if he can determine if there is something unique/uncommon about Jasmine he can leverage to even throw her more off her game.

But Thelev is also well aware he can't keep pushing to keep the focus on him and off of everyone else.  Hoping the McCurrvey will also help keep Calista and Jasmine focused on them.

" Calista, a slave collar, I would not think you would be scared of Dr. Marcus that you would have to control her in that way. " he says with the slightest shake of his head in disgust.

But Thelev also notes that Dr. Marcus is trying to relay something to him, since it appears she is trying to overpower the effects collar. While he appears to be reading the tricoder he takes a quick scan of Calista and Jasmine to make sure they are not trying or hiding something.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 18):

Khendron raises an internal eyebrow at the mention of Mr. Spaxter, and does some quick estimates in his mind. Does he think that the Alexander could beam over everybody in this room at once, possibly holding the less desirable persons in the transporter matrix while materializing the Federation personnel?

Calista looks at Thelev as if he's a naïve moron and says simply, "You don't know much about pirates, do you?"

As for Jasmine, Thelev read the brief on her and knows a little about her. She's a zhen who early in her career of piracy was captured by an enemy crew, tortured and horribly abused. Due to this experience, she's no longer to bear young, an ability that is central to a zhen's sense of self. She has therefore an utter intolerance of anyone she cannot dominate, and Thelev is the type of Type A personality that enrages her, quite apart from being a man.

Khendron, on the other hand, knows that Odyssey has the most advanced transporter systems in the fleet. Since the Federation personnel including Carol Marcus are all wearing veridium trackers, it will be simple for Alexander to separate them, beaming the others to a pad with waiting security personnel, or even to one flooded with neurazine gas. Alexander texts that he has a lock on all persons in the office and is ready to engage on command.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:46, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 21):

He grins "I understand pirates, but I understand negotiations better and how to get the most out of what I have or want, and seeing Dr. Marcus I question how well you are doing that.  Just trying to help. "

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 21):

Khendron weighs in his mind the pros and cons of the situation, including where everybody is standing in relation to each other, who is facing who, and who has (or probably has) weapons. Then he decides screw it, and texts Alexander to engage.

Suddenly the office dissolves in a swirl of blue transporter energy. All seems fine for a split-second as the familiar Odyssey transporter fades into view, then the swirling energies turn a deep red colour and the Odyssey's transporter room disappears, to be replaced by a rocky landscape with a dark haze of sulphurous smoke in the air. McCurrvey, Thelev, Kendron, Harris, Boluri and Bilgebottom find themselves in a cluster surrounding Dr. Marcus. Close to them are Dr. Driveon, LCdr Saavik, CPO Alexander and Spaxter. Nearby are Calista, Jade, Jasmine and Sam, standing in a cluster. Separate from all three groups, but equidistant from them all is a looming figure, three metres tall in leathery black robes topped with a flame enwrapped skull. McCurrvey, Driveon and Saavik all immediately recognise the figure as the Verlegg, though its current appearance is much larger.

"Welcome to my Domain," it intones in the grating voice, like bone on bone. Although the ambient temperature is approximately 40°C, a chill runs through the group.

Driveon runs toward the main Starfleet group, Alexander, Saavik and Spaxter hard on his heels. Saavik and Spaxter both have Type II Phasers. Spaxter says, "Where in hell are we?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:31, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 24):

Khendron does an quick and immediate check of his personal equipment. Is it the same as he had a moment ago?

"Saavik!", exclaims Khendron to the LCdr as she runs over. "Is this a PSI construct or reality? Can you tell?"

Saavik frowns in concentration and looks at Khendron. "It appears real, XO, although there is an underlying... psionic latency... best describes it. More study is required," she concludes. "I would need to borrow your tricorder to deduce more."

Driveon attempts to remove Dr. Marcus's slave collar, but when he tries to flex the torc, crackling blue bands of energy connecting the terminating knobs become visible. "Captain!" he calls to Thelev, "Damned thing won't come off!"

Boluri steps over to the doctor and the scientist. "Sir, I suggest we have more pressing issues to deal with."

Major Bilgebottom says, "Captain, Commodore, we have a serious situation here. We appear to be on this creature's home field. He appears to be an entity of vast power, like Squire Trelane or the Platonians. We have no idea of the source of his power, whether it's inherent or the result of some technology. We have to retreat to a defensible position. Most of the landscape is either bare rock or what appear to be the bones of some gigantic beasts. With this heat, we'll be needing some source of potable water. Some of our people, like you Captain Thelev, and the XO, are cold-adapted and will suffer more than others. LCdr Saavik is adapted to a desert climate. We have the larger, more heavily armed party, but they have the advantage of that... creature. We have no supplies and no other resources, plus we have Dr. Marcus to take care of."

Having delivered his sitrep, the huge bear-like Marine officer pauses for a response.

In reply to Major Korran Bilgebottom (msg # 27):

“ Major get everyone back, Doctor get that collar off of Dr. Marcus once you are save.” Thelev quickly replies.

He then taps his comm badge, “ Thelev to the Odyssey, can you pick us up, what is your status, where are we.”

Before retreating or waiting for the Odyssey to reply he turns to Calista “ Is this the beast you struck your deal with, what can you tell us about it.”

In reply to Captain Thelev (msg # 28):

"Spaxter!" says Khendron, turning to the time jumping detective. "You wouldn't happen to have a bunch of those time jumping pills on you would you? Or do you know if Dr. Driveon"—he gestures to the doctor who is working on removing the collar from Dr. Marcus—"ever figured out how you jump? Desperate time may call for desperate measures!"

Bilgebottom hustles the group away from the Verlegg, who raises its hands to the flaming skies and draws down huge bolts of lightning. Bringing its hands down, it directs the bolts of lightning at the Starfleet party. Just in time, they all dive behind a huge outcropping of rock, as the coruscating energies lash at the rocky barrier.

Thelev drops his communicator and scrambles to retrieve it. He repeats, "Thelev to Odyssey, can you pick us up? What is your status... where are we?" He receives nothing but static. It appears fully functional but there's just no station to receive his signal.

Then a voice comes from the device—the grating voice of the Verlegg, "You are captives in my domain! Tremble before my power!" Sparks fly from the speaker unit as Thelev drops the communicator—his hand feels numb and the communicator smokes as it lies on the ground. Flexing his hand, the feeling soon comes back, like pins and needles.

Meanwhile, Driveon works feverishly to remove the torc. He runs his tricorder over it and takes out a medical probe. inserting the probe into the seam between the twisted shaft of the torc and the terminating knob on left end. He fiddles with it and there is a bright blue spark and a loud pop! Marcus collapses to the ground. He runs the tricorder peripheral over her head and takes out a hypospray. It goes hisssss as he injects a drug into the carotid artery. She moans and grabs at him, clutching at him as if she's drowning.

Verlegg unleashes another pair of lightning bolts at the outcrop. Small pieces spall off and clatter down.

Spaxter answers Khendron, "Zam! I wish I did. I thought we were out of jumps until we found two of them in Louella's bag. In fact, I know we were out. We'd only ordered four from Akhenaten's console—damned thing looked like a '67 Mustang—and used two to escape the Great Pyramid, then used the last two after the celebration party with Mae Weststar. I'm figuring that MARS gave us those last two after Wierdstock. Doc Driveon did a number of scans on both of us and he said he couldn't find anything to indicate any residue from them... Sorry!" He turns out his pockets. "See? A jump looks like a reddish-purple octahedron of firm gelatin. Kind like a wine-gum candy..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Sun 20 Sept 2020.

Dr. Marcus buries her face in Dr. Driveon's shoulder, shaking and sobbing. Another lightning blast from the Verlegg hits the rock and once more a spray of rock shards sprays the group. A jagged splinter gouges a track of blood along her cheekbone and she cries out in pain. "Where are we? What happened? Who are you all?" She spots Saavik and scurries over to her side. "Lieutenant Saavik, you're here! Is Jim with you?"

As Saavik attempts to comfort Marcus, another blast hits and a large slab spalls off knocking the Commodore flying.

"Boluri, keep laying down suppressing fire!" shouts the Major as he dives after McCurrvey. The Commodore has rolled down a steep incline and the Ursan scoops up his phaser as he follows. He discovers the mouth of a cave-like hole in the ground. McCurrvey lies against the cave wall, blood dripping from a gash in his scalp. Bilgebotton activates the communicator in his helmet. "Boluri, I've discovered a cave—or maybe even a tunnel."

Boluri tugs on Thelev's sleeve, slightly altering Thelev's aim. It doesn't really matter, as Thelev's last shot had passed through the Verlegg's chest without real effect. "Captain, Major Bilgebottom may have found an exfiltration route!"

[OOP: Bruce was going to post this weekend, but it seems real life got in the way, so I've lit the NPC light on his forehead for the time being. McCurrvey will awaken when he shows up.]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:14, Mon 21 Sept 2020.

In reply to Carol Marcus, PhD (msg # 31):

Thelev figures he will take a chance in case they may still need his help and shouts " Sam leave them, we may have a way out."

As he follows Boluri keeping an eye on Verlegg and Calista.

Sam yells back, "Sorry, Laddie, I've got a fiduciary relationship with these fine folks!"

Thelev's not certain Sam in't being coerced. His voice seems to lack the forced exaggerated Scot's burr. It could be Sam, or it could be fake. Dr. Driveon scurries down the slope after McCurrvey and scans him. He applies the protoplaser to the head wound and gives him a hypospray in the carotid. The others scramble down to join them, leaving Thelev, Khendron and Boluri up top. Khendron's communicator beeps. Flipping it open, Driveon's voice reports, "Commodore McCurrvey is unconscious but his vitals are all within norms. Pupils are equal and reactive, O2 sat is 95%, BP is 120/70, pulse 75. No evidence of concussion or skull fracture."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

Semiconciously, McCurrvey says to whoever is closest: “Calista, heavy stun, NOW!”  “They’re linked so what happens to one may affect the other”. McCurrvey tries to get up.

Bilbebottom uses his helmet communicator to call Khendron and Boluri. "Commodore's awake! He says to target Calista with multiple heavy stun beams. She's probably linked psionically to this Verlegg character. Saavik, can you confirm this?"

Saavik replies, "Logical, Major. They both have a heavy mental shield! I don't think hers is natural. Sam's got some sort of psionic nullifier!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

"Thank you, Commodore," says the doctor. "Now stay still! You may not have a concussion, but you're still my patient. You have a major gash in your scalp. I've stopped the bleeding, but you've got a massive bruise over half your face." He gives McCurrvey another hypo. "You've got people here who are used to watching your back!"

Bilgebottom scrambles rapidly up the slope, spraying rocks and dirt over the party. He adds his Assault Phaser to Boluri's and the two captains' fire. "Gentlemen, check fire. Resume on my command, all targeted on Calista—fire!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Wed 23 Sept 2020.

In reply to LCdr Winston Driveon, MD (msg # 37):

Khendron hazards a glance at Sam, Jade, and Jasmine to see how they are reacting to the situation, and then takes aim at Calista and fires at heavy stun.

In reply to LCdr Winston Driveon, MD (msg # 37):

“Doctor, I’ve had worse.  Please take your tricorder and figure out where we are.  Are we in a real location or is this some form of mental projection?  What’s the soil like, what kind of biomaterial is around?”

McCurrvey tries to move to a better vantage point.

The atmosphere is being roiled up by whatever it is that the Verlegg is doing to bring down the lightning. Sam and Jade are nowhere to be seen in the murky fog-scape. A cold hard rain begins to fall, like liquid bullets. The Verlegg and Calista stand close to each other. Just as the Verlegg pulls another double lightning bolt from out of the sky, Khendron, Thelev, Bilgebottom, Boluri and Harris all fire on Calista at the Major's command.

Five phaser beams converge on the slim figure in black and she drops to the ground, stunned. The Verlegg freezes, a ball of crackling energy in each hand. Suddenly, there is a terrific explosion, the two energy balls  merging into one and expanding out of control. When the flash dissipates, the Verlegg is nowhere to be seen. Calista lies inert, the wind picking up and howling like a Banshee. The rain becomes a deluge.

Meanwhile, at the mouth of the cave CPO Alexander scoops up McCurrvey's tricorder and begins scanning the vicinity, as the Commodore had ordered.

The wind and rain pick up to a full-fledged storm. Lightning flashes and peals of thunder sound a recurring drum-roll.

Alexander reports back to McCurrvey. "There's nothing living out here, aside from fungus and lichen. I gathered some samples for the doctor to test. Obviously, there used to be some form of animal life as evidenced by the huge bones scattered all around the area. The water tastes like sulphur but is potable. "

Thelev and Khendron turn to Boluri and Bilgebottom. The Major reports that Calista is at the edge of their tricorder range and appears to be unconscious. "Five sustained blasts at heavy stun should keep her out for an hour or so. I'm getting faint life-signs from what I assume are Sam, Jade and Jasmine, but no traces of this Verlegg. We know he can come back seemingly from the dead, but we don't know his regeneration period."

Boluri adds, "Do you want to send out a patrol to Take Calista into custody? We don't know where the others are, or how they're armed aside from that illegal disruptor Jasmine has. The Major and I are in security armour which has a built-in PEWS. That may be enough to protect us, and once we get our hands on her I don't think they'll use that Varon-T for fear of kiling her."

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 41):

" Bilgebottom and Boluri, see if you can take Calista prisoner before Jasmine can get back into position. But don't put yourselves at risk.  We likely need Calista if we are going to try and get Dr. Marcus equipment and data back from her ship. There is some sensitive information there which we don't want to fall into the wrong hands. " Thelev orders.

Once again Thelev tries the ship "Thelev to the Odyssey can you pick us up. "

As before, there is no Federation starship within range of the communicator. There's not even a carrier beam.

Harris flips her communicator open and says, "Harris to DS-6 Alpha, do you read me? Commander Theresa Harris to any Federation starship or station, please respond." Closing the antenna, she reports, "We seem to be out of range. Perhaps we've been teleported somewhere. This is like no planet charted in the Kellinan Reach. As you speculated, Captain Thelev, Calista may be our resource to make certain that Dr. Marcus's technology has not been compromised, but also to return to Bridgetown Station."

Bilgebottom and Boluri scurry across the intervening distance, splashing through mud-puddle along the way. a disruptor bolt flashes but misses. They grab Calista and the Major drapes her over one shoulder. Armed with both assault phasers, Boluri provides cover as the Ursan runs flat-out, seemingly unencumbered by the diminutive pirate.

Arriving back at the group, Bilgebottom suggests, "If that neural suppressor collar still works, I suggest we put it on this little bundle of joy for now. Maybe it'll prevent her from linking to that damned YAGLA!"

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 43):

Khendron gestures to Driveon "Do you think you can get that neural collar on Calista here?" he asks.

To Bilgebottom, khendron asks "Did you spot any of our other friends while you were out there?"

Driveon grimaces, "Using that barbaric device goes against my grain, but if you think it's necessary and order me, I'll do it. Under protest, just for the record. Have Boluri assist me, just to be certain, though."

Bilgebottom coments, "No, sir, not as such. They obviously spotted us, 'cause one of 'em took a pot-shot at us with a disruptor. Missed by a parsec." He holds out an older model Type I phaser and a knife. "Took these off our prisoner, though..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

Not sure if we’re all together now or not.  Assuming we’re all together:

McCurrvey turns to the Doctor.  “What was that thing on Sam’s head?  Is it some form of psionic shield or perhaps a command interface for a computer or device?”

As McCurrvey waits for a response, he checks his phaser and makes an assessment of the surrounding terrain and conditions.  He has concerns that the weather could be an illusion so he takes that into account as part of his assessment.  He’s looking for deffendible positions and taking into account that he’s dealing with a trained Andorian.

Khendron had gotten a scan of Sam's helmet back in his office. The readings are still in his tricorder's memory.

Driveon says, "I was assuming it could be some sort of Personal Energy Weapons Shield, like in security armour."

Carol Marcus releases her grip on Saavik and steps forward, somewhat shakily. "Even with the slave collar on, I could still see and process information. From what I could see, it appears to be cobbled together from old Starfleet medical technology. The coils around the head seem to be part of a surgical neuro-stabiliser from back in the 'fifties or 'sixties, but God alone knows what he's managed to modify it into."

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 47):

"I have some scans of Sam's helmet, from his office," says Khendron. "It is a is definitely a field generator of some sort. Possibly a psi-shield, but I am not certain. Is this the first time anybody has seen him wearing it?

"Dr. Marcus, do you feel up to taking a look at my scan," Khendron asks, holding the tricoder for her. "Perhaps you can see something I missed."

Carol takes Mercer's tricorder and retreats into the cave to process the data. The storm blows itself out and darkness claims the night. Boluri and Bilgebottom pile large rocks in the cave mouth and set their phasers on low, heating the rocks enough to make the space comfortable.

Marcus makes a noise in the back of her throat and calls Mercer over to look at her results. "Look at this. It looks like he's modified the circuitry with an old life support belt. You remember, they tried in the late 'sixties to replace space suits with life support belts, but they didn't protect their wearers like a suit. And this energy signature... I'm certain it's a low-level thoron generator."

Various members of the party attempt to get some sleep. In the deeper reaches of the cave are beds of thick, soft lichen that can be gathered up and made into a sort of cushion. Eventually most of the team have managed to fall into a fitful sleep. Boluri and Bilgebottom take up guard positions at the mouth of the cave. As most of the group settle down, Thelev hears a low moaning noise from deeper into the cave/tunnel... Saavik, with her Vulcan sense of hearing, seems to hear it, too.

After the storm peters out, darkness claims the area. Several large beasts can seen flying around, looking like wyverns of legend occasionally spouting bursts of orange flame. Their cries sound like those of eagles. There is no moon, nor are there any skies in the sky.

CPO Alexander continues his scans and notes that there appears to be a rocky ceiling about 1500m above ground level. The ambient temperature climbs steadily, going from 10°C to close to 40°C The standing water from the rainstorm begins to evaporate, causing a low-lying fog to form, and the humidity causes the apparent temperature climb even higher. Thelev and Mercer especially feel the heat. Saavik, on the other hand, feels the humidity, being raised on a desert world. Bilgebottom looks uncomfortable, his fur matted from the humidity.

The moaning from the tunnel continues. Thelev seems to be able to hear a pattern to the sounds, as if someone was chanting a mantra of sorts.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 50):

Thelev turns to the party and says “ I hear something further down the tunnel, Commander Harris would you join me and the a Major and investigate.  Everyone else stay up here, and we will keep our channel open. “

He adds “ Saavik.  Keep alert for that creatures return, your psionics will likely be our first alert. “Dr. Driveon, make sure Dr. Marcus is okay. “

He figures McCurrvey and Mercer can handle Calista and the potential return of Sam and Jasmine.

Thelev, Harris and Bilgebottom begin to pick their was through the the rubble at the rear of the cave. Stepping around a huge boulder, they enter a tunnel; Bilgebottom's helmet scraping the tunnel ceiling. The moaning is now distictively low chanting. The words, "I am he... I am he who waits for you, beneath the trap door of your fears—whose fiery eyes gaze up at you when you gaze into the abyss of your despair..." echo in the tunnel. A dark shadowy figure sits in a grotto in the classic half-lotus, wrapped in a charcoal-coloured robe.

The figure's head lifts as it senses the approach of the Starfleet officers. The figure seems to have no face, as such. Indeed, the entire head seems to be a stack of clay slabs with no features sculpted in. Only at the very lowest part can be seen a mouth, surrounded by a curly black beard. Eyes glint out between folds in the clay.

"Oh, hello," asks the creature. "What brings you to the underworld?" The voice is bright and oddly cheerful, unlike the morose tone of the earlier chanting. The figure rises, easily as tall as the Ursan Marine officer.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

In reply to The Least Spawn (msg # 52):

" Good day, I am Captain Thelev of the USS Odyssey and we were taking protection from the elements outside in the cave at the mouth of this cave when I heard something done here so I decided we should investigate. May I ask you your name? " Thelev says making sure to be vague about the whole situation they are in.

He glances at Harris and Bidgebottom just to sense how they are taking this situation.

"Good sir, I am called the Least Spawn. I have the honour to serve my Lord Dhark, the Dark Lord of the Outer Spaces. If you would seek shelter from the elements, pray accompany me. If this humble one may inquire, pray tell how many are in your party, m'lords," says the creature in a cultured, well-modulated voice. "Do you hunger, m'lords?" He holds up a canvas bag. The bag proves to hold a loaf of coarse bread, a chunk of cheese and a small joint of cold, greasy meat, wrapped in oilcloth.

As the Spawn steps away, beckoning Thelev, Harris and Bilgebottom to follow him, they note a "clop, clop, clop," sound to his steps. Looking down, they note that Spawn has digitigrade legs ending in cloven hooves. The legs are heavily furred with curly hair much like that of his beard. The barbed end of a pointed tail can be observed waving around his hooves. "Come, m'lords and m'lady, I'll present you to my Dark Lord at the Chateau d'Amber. Visitors to his realm are scarce indeed."

The Least Spawn turns to face Thelev. "How many are there with you m'lord? I believe I heard several others conversing with each other down the tunnel during the storm."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Wed 07 Oct 2020.

The Least Spawn calls out, "Halloo! I'm taking your companions to the surface to meet my sovereign liege lord and master!" He moves toward the cave, his hooves clopping on the scattered rocks.

"Halloo, is there anyone there?" the voice echoes up the tunnel and the Least Spawn's lumbering form enters the cave, stepping around the boulder into the cave proper. At the sight of his disfigured features, Dr. Marcus screams. Plessio Boluri steps forward, assault phaser extended. Spawn chuckles, "Please put your weapon away. It'll do you no good. I come in peace—merely to escort to the upper world, where it is light and welcoming, and so much more comfortable than this gloomy underworld."

In reply to The Least Spawn (msg # 55):

Thelev steps forward and says " Weapons down, I believe if he had planned to harm us he would have already harmed Bilgebottom, Cmdr. Harris and myself. He would like to take us to his sovereign liege lord, it might be the only way for us to get back to our ship. "

Thelev is hoping if he just refers to a ship the The Least Spawn will not know what type of ship.

Turning to The Last Spawn he state "He says he can take us to a place that is safe from the elements."

The Least Spawn beckons and says, "And now, if you'll all follow me. Prithee watch your step, as the footing in the underworld can be most treacherous." He leads the party down the tunnel for several hundred metres. Stopping in front of a huge pillar in the centre of the tunnel, he extends a clawed finger and begins tracing a pattern in the air. As his claw moves, it leaves an afterimage of tiny sparkling golden motes in an incredibly complex geometric shape which twists and turns, shimmering. After a few seconds, he seems satisfied with the energy construct hovering before him and plunges his claw into the very centre of the pattern, intoning "So mote it be!"

With a grating noise, a slab of the pillar slides out of the way, revealing a portal of swirling energy. "Come," he beckons, stepping forward into the golden swirl, which reminds the group of nothing so much as an older-style transporter effect, "You've naught to fear save fear itself!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Fri 09 Oct 2020.

Stepping through the ersatz transporter effect, the party feels an electric tingle and suddenly it's as if they'd walked though a sonic shower—where their clothing was soiled and stiff from clotted mud and damp from the torrential rain, it now feels dry and clean. Looking at each other, they can see that the splotches of mud have disappeared and their uniforms look freshly donned, while their hands and faces look freshly scrubbed. Even their hair looks neatly combed. Major Bilgebottom gives an all-over body shudder at the sensation—Brad, Thelev and Khendron can only imagine what the hulking bear-like Marine had felt like wearing the combat armour over wet grubby fur...

[Continued in Strangers in a Strange Land...]