[USS Charon] [USS Corsair] - SD241004.26 || "Progeny of the Progenitors - Part XIX"

U.S.S. Corsair - NX-011979
Nebula II Prototype
 “Sic Parvis Magna”
(Greatness From Small Beginnings)

“Progeny of the Progenitors – Part 19”
________________________________

## Planet:  D’aisnenn – Romulan Space ##

Ramius made his way forward until suddenly the marines before him vanished.  Akina disappeared next as his senses indicated his was alone in a vast white desert despite the knowledge the men were in reality only a few steps away.  Gripping his weapon, Ramius continued forward as the landscape rippled for an instant before him and was replaced by reality.

 

Ramius was instantly aware they were exposed and in the open.  That fact was not lost on the marines who unable to find cover had hit the ground and were engaged in slinking upon its surface toward a snowdrift for concealment.

 

Ramius and Akina quickly did the same and after some tense moments the men lay prone next to one another their outlines just barely hidden from view by a sizeable pile of snow and ice.

 

“Shit”, one of the marines muttered under his breath.  “This place is a fortress.  Did you see those defense turrents and lookouts?  Not to mention the spotlights.  You can forget recon Captain.  We aren’t going to be able to get anywhere near the center of the compound.”

 

“Never say never”, Ramius stated producing a pair of white binoculars.  Glassing the perimeter the marine’s quick assessment was not far from the mark.  Ramius could make out three guards on patrol, but worse he also spotted a well designed perimeter of automatic sentry guns.  It was highly likely these weapons were computer controlled and activated by movement and or heat.

 

“What do you see”, Akina whispered from his position.

 

“Three sentries on patrol.  Several automatic gun turrets.  There’s a large building.  Probably houses the cloaking systems and possibly power generators.  There’s some empty cargo containers scattered about to form a rough perimeter.  My guess is they mark the range of the automatic guns.”

 

Captain Akina ventured a quick glance before ducking back behind cover.  “Quite the welcoming committee.  Cloaking devices, mercenaries, AI controlled guns, power generators; not exactly the tools you would expect to encounter with your garden variety bad guys.  This isn’t a local pirate or smuggling operation.  This isn’t even syndicate or organized crime.  Whoever fronted the money for all this tech is extraordinarily well funded and by that token extremely dangerous.”

 

“Agreed.”  Ramius scanned the distance slowly again.  There was another structure well lit with a sentry guarding the entrance.

 

“Whatever is being protected here I think I just found it.”  Ramius ducked down and handed the binocs to Akina.  “200 meters southeast of the cloaking generator.  See it?”

 

“Yeah.  Barracks perhaps?”

 

“Possibly.  My guess is whatever they’re guarding is in there.”

 

“What of all those abductees?  That structure is too small to house all of them and I don’t see anything else large enough.  There’s no fences, no other living quarters that I can see.”

 

Ramius thought for a moment.  “They aren’t here”, he said after a time.

 

“What do you mean?  Where are they then?”

 

“Underground.  I’ll bet that building covers a shaft that leads down into the ice.  Perhaps there is a subterranean structure or some sort of cavern below.”

 

Akina dropped back onto his back.  “Makes sense.  There’s nothing topside of any value except ice and snow.  I still don’t see how we are supposed to get in there.”

 

“Sir”, one of the marines interrupted.  “Tricorder is picking up electronic countermeasures.  Looks like communications are being jammed in the area and I’ve detected a transporter scattering field.  Doesn’t look like we can rely upon the transporters to get us past their defenses at least not without some pattern enhancers which will take time to setup and calibrate.”

 

“They’ve obviously done their homework.  I can see these aren’t amateurs.  The sentries are a concern, but what bothers me the most are those automatic guns.  They get one whiff of anything and the party is over.  With all of this tech I bet they know we’re here.  They probably hope the cloaking shield will keep them safe and that we’ll eventually leave.”

 

Ramius nodded in agreement.  “We can use that to our advantage.  I suspect Akina is correct and that they are confident they won’t be detected.  We still have the element of surprise in that they probably are not expecting an attack.”

 

“Do you see that”, Akina whispered.  The marines shrugged unsure what the intelligence officer was indicating.  “It’s that look.  He’s plotting something.  Gonna get us all killed in the process”, Akina sneered.  “You are plotting aren’t you Ramius?”

 

“By plotting you mean formulating a plan then yes.”

 

“Why not hit them from orbit sir?  A few well placed shots from the Corsair’s phasers and we could eliminate all obstacles.  They’re defense relies upon not being detected.  The compound would be unable to repel an orbital attack and they do not appear to have facilities or equipment to shield the area.”

 

“I’ve considered that and it may be our only option, but there is something not right about all of this”, Ramius answered the marine.  “The placement of the guns, the sophistication of the equipment, and the careful planning involved to secure this area – it’s all too slick and too professional.  If I didn’t know better I’d say the Romulans or another government was involved here.”

 

“What are you suggesting Ramius”, Akina asked wiping the accumulated snow from his goggles as the wind howled around the men.

 

“I’m not sure.  It’s just a feeling.  I’m not convinced a full scale attack is our best option.  An orbital strike could damage any structures below in the ice if they exist and could force these people to take hostages to bargain for their escape.  I’m not willing to risk so many lives with heavy handed tactics just yet.”

 

Ramius took one last look at the perimeter before sinking below the snow bank.  “We still have a few options.  Surprise and secrecy are still our best weapons.  Sergeant, have the men fall out.  We’re returning to the Corsair.”

 

“You aren’t giving up are you Ramius”, Akina quipped.

 

“I don’t like to lose”, Ramius replied with a wry grin as he motioned for the team to move out.

 

[ To Be Continued… ]

 

________________________________

Captain Taverain Ramius

Commanding Officer, USS Corsair

 

Captain Zane Akina

Intelligence Operative

 

NPC Marines

[USS Charon] USS Corsair - SD241004.26 || "Progeny of the Progenitors - Part XVIII"

U.S.S. Corsair - NX-011979
Nebula II Prototype
 “Sic Parvis Magna”
(Greatness From Small Beginnings)

“Progeny of the Progenitors – Part 18”
________________________________

## USS Corsair - Transporter Room ##

Ramius carefully checked his phaser before sliding into one of the pockets of his heavy white camouflaged coat.  Covered from head to toe his team was outfitted with clothing and gear designed for the extreme cold.  “Is everyone ready”, Ramius asked as he pulled on a pair of white gloves and checked the small computer strapped to his forearm.

 

“Yes sir”, came the confident reply from the three marines who had volunteered to accompany the captain to scout the cloaked area and gather recon.  The forth member of the team seemed far less prepared.

 

Ramius turned and helped Captain Akina pull on and secure his heavy white parka and field pack.  The officer had only had a few days to rest and recover after being stabbed and beaten by several hired thugs.  Ramius had personally assured the ship’s doctor he would keep an eye on the captain who was still somewhat sluggish from his recent injuries and ordeal.  The captain was a tough intelligence operative and Ramius would not have allowed him to join if he didn’t believe Akina was up for the mission.  However he still felt obligated to annoy the captain when possible.

 

“You sure you’re up for this Zane”, Ramius asked snapping the officer’s pack into place and ensuring the pack straps were tight.

 

“Of course”, came Akina’s confident reply.  “I feel the need to obtain some payback and can endure the elements if it helps to put an end to this mysterious group and its sinister leadership.”

 

“That’s the spirit”, Ramius said giving his fellow officer a reassuring slap on the back.

 

“Alright everyone.  Gather round.”  Ramius activated his arm top computer which displayed a holographic image of the terrain in as high detail as the ship’s sensors could provide. The amber image flickered into existence allowing the captain to quickly go over the mission objectives. 

 

“ Our mission is as follows:  We will infiltrate the area and conduct recon within an area that is believed to be hidden by a cloaking shield.  Once we’ve penetrated the shield’s perimeter our goal will be to find a suitable safe zone and perform recon of the area.  Sergeant Wallace, you and your men will be responsible for obtaining detailed scans of the area.  Captain Akina and I will scout the perimeter and obtain visual recon on type and numbers of personnel, defenses, vehicles, equipment, and structures.  Keep communications to a minimum in the event comms are being monitored.

 

Once our initial recon is complete we will regroup and evaluate the gathered intelligence.

 

If your position is compromised during the mission your orders are to proceed to evacuate and return to the Corsair.  Do not engage any hostile forces unless absolutely required.  We aren’t here to fight just yet.  Our mission is simply to observe and collect intelligence.  Any questions?”

 

With no questions voiced Ramius deactivated the holographic image.  “Mount up.”

 

The men took their positions on the transporter pad checking weapons, adjusting their heavy winter packs and clothing, and affixing protective eyewear.  The last step was to attach a small breathing mask to their faces which helped keep the air warm and moist given the brutal temperatures they were moments away from entering.

 

A quick visual check indicated everyone was prepared.  Ramius gave the order.  “Energize.”

 

## Surface of Romulan Planet D’aisnenn ##

 

The transporter beam released the small infiltration team from its grasp into a bitterly cold environment of snow, ice, wind, and little else.  The entire landscape was much like that of Earth’s moon except covered in a sheet of iridescent ice as smooth as the most brilliant pearl and polished by millennia of powerful, unrelenting winds.   The lone ruler of  clawed at the men who dared stand against it on the barren planet.  Ramius looked upwards and shielded his eyes against the dim white dwarf star which bathed everything in a blue white hue.

 

“The shield should be about a half a click ahead.  Watch the terrain and your footing.  Sergeant, have your men fall out, Akina and I will cover your six.  Let’s move out.”

 

The men slowly proceeded toward their destination which was invisible against the white backdrop of an endless sea of blue and white.

 

# Later #

 

“Tricorder indicates a weak power signature nearby sir.  According to our position we should be only a few meters outside of the cloaking field.”

 

Ramius nodded retrieving his phaser as Akina followed suit.  The marines were already brandishing their rifles with Akina and Ramius opting for smaller weaponry to remain agile and mobile.

 

“Stay tight.  If we encounter resistance passing through the shield evacuate and return to the Corsair.  Understood?”

 

“Yes sir”, came the unanimous reply.  “Let’s go.”

 

The marines took point and one by one the men cautiously moved forward.

 

[ To Be Continued … ]

 

 

________________________________

Captain Taverain Ramius

Commanding Officer, USS Corsair

 

Captain Zane Akina

Intelligence Operative

 

NPC Marines

[USS Charon] SD241004.26 | Duty Log | Lhaetan tr'Valkar

[Galae Facilities, I'Rak Prime]

 

Morning had come on board the Rihannsu orbital facilities before any further word had come in from the frontier regions. And, after his rather interesting evening spent reading over countless reports and evaluations of the Shiarrael t'Rehu made by numerous officers and field agents over the last decade, erie'Arrain tr'Valkar was excited to see that the USS Charon was again prominently mentioned in them. The vessel and its commanding officer had quickly become some of the most interesting material to come through this particular field office.

 

Still though, just a few hours after reading his first reports on the Starfleet crew, Lhaetan still had no idea where he had previously heard t'Rehu's name. Messages had been sent to both his mother on ch'Rihan and his brothers stationed at various points around the Galae forces. None had yet responded, but the young officer was sure that the question would be answered in no time.

 

In the mean time, the Endless Sky was making fast progress on its return, and the Erissvae'sa and Vrelaui had both reported that the Starfleet vessel was on a direct course to the Lyrillian System, apparently planning to eventually return home as well.

 

'Licking their wounds?' tr'Valkar thought to himself as he studied the starmaps that had accompanied the reports. After the sort of defeat they had suffered it would be understandable for humans to behave as such, but for a Rihannsu? Especially after the fight described in the reports; even in defeat, they had put up a noble fight.

 

But then, what sort of Rihannsu would serve in Starfleet? Working for and alongside the human ataen. A vang'radam, no less, and consort to a human.

 

The reports on t'Rehu went on and on.

 

However, there were files on a number of other Charon crew members, none as interesting as their Captain's, but entertaining to read nonetheless. Lhaetan had sat up through most of the night reading through the database.

 

"And what is it that you are doing, erie'Arrain?"

 

Quickly looking up from the computer console the young man found his superior standing behind him, looking over his shoulder at the contents of the display screen. Clearing his throat Lhaetan replied, "Reviewing incoming reports from the field, rekkhai."

 

"Aeuthn qiu oaii mnek'nra?"

 

With a firm nod the erie'Arrain answered, "Oiuu'n mnekha."

 

Apparently dissatisfied with tr'Valkar's response, the Arrain bent further over the console, reading through its contents. After a moment white teeth appeared as a grin cracked, "t'Rehu, eh? I wouldn't waste my time reading out that ryak'na."

 

Knowing not to argue with his superior, Lhaetan moved to close the files from the monitor, "Yes, rekkhai. As you wish."

 

"And what of the Temep'Shar?"

 

Lhaetan pulled up the appropriate data, along with a starchart showing the last reported location, "The Endless Sky is in procession of the Vulcan vessel and is en route, rekkhai. t'Rehu has made no attempt to pursue."

 

While this information really grabbed at Lhaetan's attentions, the elder officer seemed to disregard it almost casually. For a vessel such as the Temep'Shar to be handed over such as it was…well, the junior officer had no clue as to why anyone would allow such power to slip away so easily.  The Tal'Shiar would surely have a field day with its technology.

 

As the Arrain retreated into another area of the section, Lhaetan settled back into his seat, setting aside the files on the Rihannsu captain and her Starfleet vessel, returning to the rest of the incoming data files. There would be more time to continue reading their stories after his duty shift had ended…

 

[To Be Continued…]

 

erie'Arrain Lhaetan i-Mhiessan tr'Valkar

Intelligence Officer, Tal'Diann

Galae Forces, I'Rak Prime