S12 - M5: Raid on Paradise

[T'Ra Jones]

[Corridors -> Parts of the Ship]

The plan was to show her the main sections of the ship, as well as the damaged areas that were under repair.. and also to be able to relax a bit.  They made quick strides at first, slowing down to allow her to become familiar with the ship.  Most the crew ignored the fact that there was a Captain there... mostly because for all they knew, Kirok was still in command, and unless you stopped to count the pips, the two officers were dressed very similarly.

"This particular ship only a few months, really.  But as a member of the Discovery, it's been a few years I think... time seems a lot longer after what we've been through...."

Nevir sighed, looking around at the bare minimal skeleton crew working repairs before their leave.  "The crew has been through a lot, Ms. Jones.  I bet most of the people here would rather have me promoted then to have a new captain... I know I would have in their shoes.  Kirok asked me straight when he told me, if I thought I was ready to take the role again.  I hesitated, and he knew then it wasn't going to be me.  My first mission as acting Captain went.. horrible." he said, leading her into the Science Lab.

"The mission where we lost the Discovery was difficult.  We had sabotage on an outpost overlooking a pre-warp world.  And a trap was set to bring a probe down to it's capital.  I'll send you the mission report, but we had a station scientist go rogue, commit genocide, and destroyed the station as well as scrapped the Discovery.  Kirok pulled strings for this ship, but it was made clear that the primary responsibility was me."

As they headed towards Engineering, he continued.  "You were there with the Borg situation, and after that, we dealt with Talaxians trying to sell us.  This ship has been under repair since the Borg attack, and we don't have our MVA."

[Corridors]

T'Ra could sense the weariness in the crew as they went about their mundane tasks, yellow shirts dispersed randomly throughout the ship finishing up repairs. Most of the crew paid them little heed as the two command officers continued their progress, allowing T'Ra to observe them in a more neutral manner.

"I would also prefer to promote from within," she commented, with a nod. "And it is my hope to see you in the Discovery's captain chair. It was not my desire to take it, but since I am here, I will do what I can to help."

[Tekin Nevir]

[Corridors]

T'Ra could sense the weariness in the crew as they went about their mundane tasks, yellow shirts dispersed randomly throughout the ship finishing up repairs. Most of the crew paid them little heed as the two command officers continued their progress, allowing T'Ra to observe them in a more neutral manner.

"I would also prefer to promote from within," she commented, with a nod. "And it is my hope to see you in the Discovery's captain chair. It was not my desire to take it, but since I am here, I will do what I can to help."

[Corridors -> Main Engineering]

As he led her to the main hub, Nevir remained silent, as if pondering her last words.  He nodded to the crew maintaining the warp core, and the engineers trying to restore the upper core.  Instead of answering to her wish, he changed the subject.

"This here is one of the peculiar pieces of the ship.  The main warp core is a new type called a dual-chamber.  Much larger and longer than even the long distance vessels.  Despite its name, it actually has three intermix chambers and perhaps the most powerful injectors ever created.  This is how we can separate into three war capable ships." he said, gesturing towards the core.  He went up to the reactor itself, tapping on a PADD to bring up the standard status of the warp engine, as well as a display of the full core.

"When we activate the MVA, the core is pulled up to the separation point, and the main chamber is held in a magnetic suspension with three redundant back-ups.  The core is then separated into its upper pylon, and lower pylon, each with its own intermix chamber.  Essentially, our warp core is designed to fluidly shift from the main reaction chamber, to the separate reactors, without losing power or risking a shutdown.  There's a smaller engineering section on the saucer, but that one is held in standby until we separate.  Part of our cycle countdown is the adjustments of all of the cores." he said, waiting long enough for T'Ra to be satisfied, and then leading her out.

"I requested it." he said, finally coming back to the subject they held.  "I found out that you were promoted, and I requested your transfer. I... I just couldn't do it.  My first command, and I lost a space station, a starship, and my away team was forced to watch the genocidal extinction of an entire race, all while I was on the bridge questioning the wrong guy.  To top off my cake, the culprit was able to escape the Discovery, and ran off in the Delta Quadrant.  That is what we're out here for." he said, escorting her down the corridors.

"The Admiral made sure I was taken care of, and my record shows I did the best I could under the situation.  He said that he expected me to learn from my mistakes and kept me as first officer.  I expected to serve under him for another 3-6 months.  I can't command yet.  Not until I can fix my mistake."

[T'Ra Jones]

[Corridors -> Main Engineering]

As he led her to the main hub, Nevir remained silent, as if pondering her last words.  He nodded to the crew maintaining the warp core, and the engineers trying to restore the upper core.  Instead of answering to her wish, he changed the subject.

"This here is one of the peculiar pieces of the ship.  The main warp core is a new type called a dual-chamber.  Much larger and longer than even the long distance vessels.  Despite its name, it actually has three intermix chambers and perhaps the most powerful injectors ever created.  This is how we can separate into three war capable ships." he said, gesturing towards the core.  He went up to the reactor itself, tapping on a PADD to bring up the standard status of the warp engine, as well as a display of the full core.

"When we activate the MVA, the core is pulled up to the separation point, and the main chamber is held in a magnetic suspension with three redundant back-ups.  The core is then separated into its upper pylon, and lower pylon, each with its own intermix chamber.  Essentially, our warp core is designed to fluidly shift from the main reaction chamber, to the separate reactors, without losing power or risking a shutdown.  There's a smaller engineering section on the saucer, but that one is held in standby until we separate.  Part of our cycle countdown is the adjustments of all of the cores." he said, waiting long enough for T'Ra to be satisfied, and then leading her out.

"I requested it." he said, finally coming back to the subject they held.  "I found out that you were promoted, and I requested your transfer. I... I just couldn't do it.  My first command, and I lost a space station, a starship, and my away team was forced to watch the genocidal extinction of an entire race, all while I was on the bridge questioning the wrong guy.  To top off my cake, the culprit was able to escape the Discovery, and ran off in the Delta Quadrant.  That is what we're out here for." he said, escorting her down the corridors.

"The Admiral made sure I was taken care of, and my record shows I did the best I could under the situation.  He said that he expected me to learn from my mistakes and kept me as first officer.  I expected to serve under him for another 3-6 months.  I can't command yet.  Not until I can fix my mistake."

[Corridors --> Main Engineering]

T'Ra would nod as Tekin pointed out and detailed various aspects of the ship, finding herself to be more at ease, now that she was learning the lay of the land. And she was able to keep up for the most part, but once they reached main engineering, she began to feel like she was in over her head. "I am certainly no engineer," she mused, "but I can still appreciate the significance and worth of this." She gestured briefly at the warp core. "Though I'm sure you noted that I am a scientist by trade, specializing in the languages and cultures of other worlds. And speaking of other words, it is probably past due for you to enjoy some time on the planet below."

[Kirok]

[Bridge]

"Sky diving? After all we've been through? I need to give my blood pressure a rest, thank you very much." Luchico replied, though with a quirky smile. "That being said, I'll give you a shout after a couple of those yummy drinks, if I reconsider."

Alex glanced over at the helmsman, imitation perfect of a Vulcan with his eyebrow raised. "Sorry sir, sending the message now." Luchico quickly added, deft fingers flickering over her console. "Warp core is confirmed...offline. Kimball, go ahead and vent the nacelles, I'm sure Chief Donovan's eager to get started."

Following the progress on his smaller display set into the XO's chair, Alex nodded. "Alright, Kimball, Luchico, you're relieved." He motioned for two crewmembers to take their places. "Have fun down there."

[Ilandria: Ilandrian Gardens]

An odd feeling kept tugging at Alex as he wandered along the paths of Ilandria's idyllic gardens. He wasn't sure what it was exactly, but eventually settled on not knowing what to do. Alex couldn't recall the last time he had been on leave, not actual leave. Normally it'd be on a starbase or some outpost's sad excuse of a bar, and he almost always had some work with him. It kept him sane. Ever since he had lost Susan, Earth just didn't feel like home anymore, and he hadn't been back, besides the Academy, for years. Work was an effective bulwark against his past memories, the loose ends he had never managed to quite tie up. On a planet as wondrous and diverse as Ilandria, he simply didn't have anything to do. And that scared him.

A helpful, overly so to be honest, guide at the visitor centre had recommended their sector famous gardens, followed by a quick anti-grav tram to the seaside. Alex did appreciate the beauty around him, but the longer he spent amidst the fragrant blossoms and manicured greenery, the tighter his chest felt. Tabernac, he swore silently, increasing his pace and pushing against the terror bubbling up inside. Stonefaced and rigid, he brushed past others, ignoring the blurred faces as they turned in annoyance.

Alex darted into the first secluded alcove he found off the main path, leaning against a stone bench as he struggled to compose himself. "Merde." He muttered after several moments, sitting down in the thick grass with his back against the stone. With a heavy sigh, he pulled a commbadge out of his pocket and gazed at the small metallic roundel for which he had given so much.

Alex placed it, what had put him off so. The gardens smelled like her perfume. He knew if he closed his eyes, he would find himself standing infront of the ocean, the moist breeze against his skin. Feeling the warm cedar planks beneath his bare feet, smooth and weatherworn, and hearing her laughter trickle through the window.

He kept them open instead.

[Bridge]

EQ smirked.  Yeah they had had a long run of one battle after the next.  But he rather liked the action.

It was when everything was quiet that he hated.  Not hated so much as disliked.  The long drawn out calm that caused one to guess at what was coming.

No he much more preferred to be in the middle of it.  Then he knew what he was fighting.  And could see the end in sight.

"Sounds like a deal.  I'll keep my combadge on.  Even if I'm falling at the speed of gravity" he replied.

But his face went serious again when Wu called out.  He immediatly turned his attention to the officer.  "Aye, Sir" he replied.  Then he signed out of his station and headed to the turbo lift.

[Tekin Nevir]

[Corridors --> Main Engineering]

T'Ra would nod as Tekin pointed out and detailed various aspects of the ship, finding herself to be more at ease, now that she was learning the lay of the land. And she was able to keep up for the most part, but once they reached main engineering, she began to feel like she was in over her head. "I am certainly no engineer," she mused, "but I can still appreciate the significance and worth of this." She gestured briefly at the warp core. "Though I'm sure you noted that I am a scientist by trade, specializing in the languages and cultures of other worlds. And speaking of other words, it is probably past due for you to enjoy some time on the planet below."

[Main Engineering -> Corridor ->Transporter Room]

Nevir gave a chuckle.  "Warp engines are only an interest to me... I spent the first couple of weeks locked in my office learning about this ship.  I was planetary sciences and geophysics.  Honestly, CSO was the highest I wanted... I was thrown into Second Officer and then First Officer." he said, as he finally guided to the transporter room.

"You're probably right.  If you get some time later tonight, perhaps we can have dinner?  I'm curious about the Shran's role in the Borg Romulans.  See you later." he said, nodding to the transporter operator.  With a glow of sparkly light, Nevir was atomized and went to the planet below.

[Vacation Planet - Main Hotel Administration Building]

Nevir casually made his way up the steps to the hotel, and went straight for the front desk.  With a greeting, he arranged to get himself a suite, looking through the offered amenities.  His main focus was primarily on relaxation... maybe after some R&R, he would feel much better.. maybe more confident.

[Non-Playing Character 2]

[Kazon-Ogla Raider Ship]

Maje Ralak stood silently in the middle of the bridge, a thumb pressed to his slightly parted lips as he let his thoughts simmer. One of his underling approached, pausing with a note of apprehension. "Is everything in order?" Ralak asked, though it was clear from his tone that this was not really a question.

"Yes, Maje," the young Kazon replied. "We have arrived at the planet specified by the scientist, and our other ships are pulling into position as we speak. There is currently only one other ship in orbit, a federation starship, but it does not appear that they have noticed us."

Ralak nodded, pleased. "Excellent. Begin sending raiding parties down now." This was a world ripe for plunder. It was no concern of his what the scientist wanted with the planet afterwards. The raid had begun.

[Kirok]

[Quarters]

Minutes later, EQ arrived in his Quarters.  He had not packed a bag yet.  So he set about doing just that.

What does not take to a skydiving adventure.  He knew just the thing.  An extra pair of underwear, he added to the bag.

Not that he thought he would need them.  But better safe than sorry.  He didn't want to create yet another Borg related incident in the Delta Quadrant.

[Fala Awen]

[Ilandria, Ilandrian Gardens]

Awen sat quietly with her eyes closed. She'd found a bench next to a small pond filled with fish and chosen it as her meditation spot. It had been relaxing, but now she was ready to move on and continue exploring. Taking a deep breath, the Bajoran rolled her shoulders and arched her back a moment before relaxing her posture and standing.

Holodeck programs had their place, but it just wasn't the same as being in an actual garden on a planet - breathing in the aromas, seeing the not so perfect grooming as the plants and flowers weaved through the landscape. There was certainly something to be said for fresh air and an authentic experience.

Continuing along a path, Awen found several sculptured trees lining the way towards a walled garden. She perked up a little, intrigued to find out what was contained within. Of course, she would also have to find the door, as the trees and path stopped partway to the wall. To be fair, even the wall was decorated with ivy and other perhaps native climbing plants. A complex pattern of hedges stood near two of the walls.

As she was about to start circling the walled garden, she started hearing yelling and weapons fire. A confused look crossed Awen's face. What was going on? This was supposed to be a peaceful planet for shoreleave...

Heart beating faster, the Bajoran turned toward the sounds and moved forward quietly. It didn't sound like whatever was happening was actually in the gardens themselves, at least not yet. Awen moved at a steady pace until she reached the tall outer fence, lined by tall shrubberies. Then, she slowed and crept forward, keeping down as best she could.

When Awen peered over the top of the shrubbery, she carefully surveyed the scene before her. Some people cowered behind trees or buildings, while others ran. A few seemed to be either injured or dead, lying on the ground. Her eyes moved across the area until she spotted the attackers...Kazon, based on their appearance.

She hadn't brought a phaser with her for shoreleave, which was now apparently rather unfortunate. A knife that had belonged to her brother, Jorak, was in its sheath, but that could only do her good at close range.

Keeping her voice low, Awen tapped her comm badge, "Fala to Discovery. We're under attack down here. I don't know how many there are, but they appear to be Kazon. There are at least three near my location at the Ilandrian Gardens. I'm trying to stay out of sight for now..."

She wasn't sure what her orders would be, although technically she wasn't even sure if her communication would get through to the ship. Hopefully it did and the Discovery could send help. Where had the Kazon come from? Why were they here?

OFF: Tag shoreleave people & potential response to Awen's communication

[Alex Campbell]

[Main Engineering]

Alex coasted into main engineering with a few crewmen behind him in tow. He was feeling particularly exhausted from recent repairs to the ship, as the Discovery had taken quite the beating in the past week or so, and Alex was determined to get her back into shape.

"Ah, Mr. Campbell, what's the status of the Warp Nacelles?" Chief Donovan asked in a warm, but equally exhausted voice. While part of the crew was on shore leave on the planet - specifically the first block - Donovan and Campbell were still diligently at work to ensure the Discovery would be ready for the next combat situation.

"Well, to say the least Chief we're...very lucky" Alex said as he handed the Chief a PADD. "If those scavengers had hit us about 30 meters forward it would have probably fried the entire warp coil and taken out the nacelle. It'd take a trip to spacedock to fix that"
Alex rubbed his eyes and let out a long sigh as he finished
"We just need to replace some conduits. The whole assembly should be fixed in three, maybe four days tops. Until then our max speed is going to be something like Warp 8 or so."

Before Alex could say anything else, the Chief interjected a thought of his own
"Alex, how long has it been since you've slept anyway?"

"I don't know, I've been mostly working" Alex replied quickly. To be honest, he couldn't remember the last time he had time to just sit down and relax. Repairs on the ship had been going like clockwork, and Alex had been sure to be apart of a great deal of it.

"You should take some shore le-" Donovan began saying, before being swiftly cut off by Alex

"No Chief, I need to be here to finish the" Alex said, his speech being interrupted by a yawn "repairs"

"Well, I think you've put in more than enough of your share of work. Go get some rest. That's an order" Donovan said, putting his arm on Alex's shoulder. There was definitely no doubting this order - Alex was going to have to stop working for a bit.

[Declan Vincent]

[Ilandria, half kilometer from Ilandrian Gardens]

Vincent had been out, standing just above his knees in the river, fly fishing. He had caught only one thus far, now in his tackle box and that was fine. His real purpose was to relax and let the sound of nature all around him sooth the manic within.

He hadn't been assigned to the Discovery all that long - measured in weeks, certainly not months or years - and his first mission was getting tossed around by Borg equipped Talaxians. The real insult, beyond the resulting casualties, was tarnishing such a feat of engineering, the Prometheus class starship he was now calling home. The MVA was mostly a tactical initiative but even an engineer could marvel at her.

He had to sigh realizing that he wasn't exactly leaving the ship if in this paradise, he was still thinking about work. Glancing around, as he flicked the rod again, could see none of the others had considered this, the Gardens was getting more traction and was only a half klick from his position. Vincent had beamed down with a group going to the Gardens so he simply walked to the river.

From the direction, of the Gardens, he thought he heard something more reminiscing of weapon fire and paused in what he was doing. A colorful green and blue parrot-like bird flew above him, offering a slight distraction but again the sounds coming from the same direction.

He rushed out of the river the best he could, splashing about like a beached whale and with rod in one hand, tackle box in another, began heading to the Gardens in a run, hoping it wasn't as sinister as he thought it might be.

[Kirok]

[Main Engineering]

Alex coasted into main engineering with a few crewmen behind him in tow. He was feeling particularly exhausted from recent repairs to the ship, as the Discovery had taken quite the beating in the past week or so, and Alex was determined to get her back into shape.

"Ah, Mr. Campbell, what's the status of the Warp Nacelles?" Chief Donovan asked in a warm, but equally exhausted voice. While part of the crew was on shore leave on the planet - specifically the first block - Donovan and Campbell were still diligently at work to ensure the Discovery would be ready for the next combat situation.

"Well, to say the least Chief we're...very lucky" Alex said as he handed the Chief a PADD. "If those scavengers had hit us about 30 meters forward it would have probably fried the entire warp coil and taken out the nacelle. It'd take a trip to spacedock to fix that"
Alex rubbed his eyes and let out a long sigh as he finished
"We just need to replace some conduits. The whole assembly should be fixed in three, maybe four days tops. Until then our max speed is going to be something like Warp 8 or so."

Before Alex could say anything else, the Chief interjected a thought of his own
"Alex, how long has it been since you've slept anyway?"

"I don't know, I've been mostly working" Alex replied quickly. To be honest, he couldn't remember the last time he had time to just sit down and relax. Repairs on the ship had been going like clockwork, and Alex had been sure to be apart of a great deal of it.

"You should take some shore le-" Donovan began saying, before being swiftly cut off by Alex

"No Chief, I need to be here to finish the" Alex said, his speech being interrupted by a yawn "repairs"

"Well, I think you've put in more than enough of your share of work. Go get some rest. That's an order" Donovan said, putting his arm on Alex's shoulder. There was definitely no doubting this order - Alex was going to have to stop working for a bit.

[Quarters - Main Engineering]

By now, EQ had his bagged packed and was headed out his door.  But he had not seen one of his new buddies yet.  So, he went off in search of him.

With the help of the main computer, Kimball found his target.  Still working away in Main Engineering.  Probably trying to look good for the upper brass.

EQ would not berate him of course.  Heck, maybe he should consider doing a bit of that himself.  But maybe later, RnR called.

"Hey, Cambell.  How are things going?  When you headed down?" the liberated Borg asked after entering the room and finding a bulk head to lean on to. 

[Tekin Nevir]

[Kazon-Ogla Raider Ship]

Maje Ralak stood silently in the middle of the bridge, a thumb pressed to his slightly parted lips as he let his thoughts simmer. One of his underling approached, pausing with a note of apprehension. "Is everything in order?" Ralak asked, though it was clear from his tone that this was not really a question.

"Yes, Maje," the young Kazon replied. "We have arrived at the planet specified by the scientist, and our other ships are pulling into position as we speak. There is currently only one other ship in orbit, a federation starship, but it does not appear that they have noticed us."

Ralak nodded, pleased. "Excellent. Begin sending raiding parties down now." This was a world ripe for plunder. It was no concern of his what the scientist wanted with the planet afterwards. The raid had begun.

[Planet - Hotel Administration]

Nevir was just given his room, prepared for a relaxing vacation, but a commotion from behind cause him to turn around.  There, the front doors to the hotel blasted open, and Kazons poured in, immediately taking down the security.  There was no time to react, and no cover, so of course the Bajoran found himself front and center of the Kazon.

"We have us a Federation officer... just like they said.  Hands up Federation."

Nevir glanced around, and reluctantly raised his hands.  There was no counter at this point.  One of the Kazon walked over and pulled out the phaser he was carrying, before pushing him to his knees.

"Is there a reason why-"

"Shut it!  You are not here to talk!"

[T'Ra Jones]

[Ilandria, Ilandrian Gardens]

Keeping her voice low, Awen tapped her comm badge, "Fala to Discovery. We're under attack down here. I don't know how many there are, but they appear to be Kazon. There are at least three near my location at the Ilandrian Gardens. I'm trying to stay out of sight for now..."

[Disco - Personal Quarters]

Now that Tekin had departed for the planet's surface she was just another red shirt. Being that she didn't quite know the crew yet --or rather that they didn't know her-- it would have been a good opportunity for her to continue strolling through the ship and observe in a neutral manner. But she was exhausted, and in that moment, it hit her full force.

"About time," Evan commented, grinning as she walked into their new quarters. "I was beginning to wonder if they were ever going to let you go to enjoy the spacious new living areas that belong to whomever happens to be captain of this little vessel."

T'Ra flashed him a look, and if she had the energy, she would have thrown a pillow at his head. Instead, she slowly trudge over towards the bed, but before she could collapse onto it, a call cut through, invading their personal space.

-/\-Captain, this is the bridge. We're receiving reports that the Kazon have suddenly appeared and have begun attacking those down on the planet.-/\-

-/\-Stand by, Bridge,-/\- T'Ra replied, tapping her badge. -/\-Jones to Tekin, respond. What's going on down there?-/\-

[Tekin Nevir]

[Disco - Personal Quarters]

Now that Tekin had departed for the planet's surface she was just another red shirt. Being that she didn't quite know the crew yet --or rather that they didn't know her-- it would have been a good opportunity for her to continue strolling through the ship and observe in a neutral manner. But she was exhausted, and in that moment, it hit her full force.

"About time," Evan commented, grinning as she walked into their new quarters. "I was beginning to wonder if they were ever going to let you go to enjoy the spacious new living areas that belong to whomever happens to be captain of this little vessel."

T'Ra flashed him a look, and if she had the energy, she would have thrown a pillow at his head. Instead, she slowly trudge over towards the bed, but before she could collapse onto it, a call cut through, invading their personal space.

-/\-Captain, this is the bridge. We're receiving reports that the Kazon have suddenly appeared and have begun attacking those down on the planet.-/\-

-/\-Stand by, Bridge,-/\- T'Ra replied, tapping her badge. -/\-Jones to Tekin, respond. What's going on down there?-/\-

[Administration Building]

The front lobby was not a good defensible position, and most of the guests and staff were rounded up and kept in a better spot.  Except for Nevir.  He was the lucky one, as a Federation officer, and when his comm chimed, it only cemented the importance he held.

The Bajoran was dragged out of the hotel and into the planet administration building, where the head of the government was also being held, as well as the rest of that building's staff.  It also happen to have a comm screen.

"Contact your ship here, now!"

Nevir stayed silent, but complied, hailing the Discovery.  He held no look while the connection was established, and Nevir was shown with a rifle to his head and a Kazon holding him.

"This is Namok of the Kazon-Ogla.  We have your crew.  Surrender your ship, or we will start executing them one by one.  Failure to comply will incur the wrath of Maje Ralak."

[Alexander Wu]

[Ilandria, Ilandrian Gardens]

When Awen peered over the top of the shrubbery, she carefully surveyed the scene before her. Some people cowered behind trees or buildings, while others ran. A few seemed to be either injured or dead, lying on the ground. Her eyes moved across the area until she spotted the attackers...Kazon, based on their appearance.

[Ilandria: Ilandrian Gardens]

For several seconds, Alex thought he was experiencing tinnitus or having some sort of flashback. Weapons fire did not belong inside someplace as serene as Gardens, and Ilandria was a vacation haven, renowned for their hospitality and inclusion. It just didn't make sense that anyone would attack it. And then the screams started and he snapped back to reality. Tabernac, here, why? Alex closed his hand over the commbadge, clambering to his feet.

As his head cleared the shrubs, Alex could already see that any action now was too late. Three of the attackers were already corralling frightened guests, apparently having made examples of a few unfortunate souls who were lying on the ground. Although thankful that he didn't recognize any amongst the motionless as crewmates, there were a few who were now hostages. Glancing quickly towards the exit, many hedges away, Alex saw a familiar face carefully peeking over the fence. Discovery's sitting in orbit with their pants down. Maybe if she warns them, we could stand a fighting chance.

Holding the communicator up close to his lips so he could whisper, Alex keyed the badge. "Fala, this is Wu. Stay hidden, I'm going to try and get to y-"=/\= Startled by a snapping twig, he spun around midsentence, fast enough to comprehend the riflebutt coming towards his face but not quick enough to block it. Merde! Was the only appropriate thought before a flash of pain erupted through his head, and blackness followed.