[USS Charon] [USS Corsair] - SD241005.02 || "Progeny of the Progenitors - Part XXIII"

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

“Progeny of the Progenitors – Part 23”
________________________________

## Planet:  D’aisnenn – Underground Complex  ##

Moving out of the noisy massive room they had successfully crossed Ramius and company steadily headed north through a smaller shaft that rose several degrees leading back into the icy earth strata they had seen in their trip down the entrance shaft.  There were fewer refinements in this area of the underground complex.  Lights were strung along the walls and water dripped from the melting ice around them creating tiny streams and puddles under foot.  The air was damp, cold, and filled with an unusual mix of earth, dirt, water, and something mechanical.

 

Approaching a larger room ahead the group slowed and cautiously entered a medium sized rocky chamber.  The environment was barely tolerable.  Rock gave way to mud and slush from the huge blocks of melting ice around them.  The water and mud, now ankle deep, was laced with lubricants and other chemicals possibly in use by the heavy drilling machines they had seen earlier.  Water ran from the walls and ceiling everywhere in miniature waterfalls.  If the goo under his boots and the stench of chemicals was removed from the air the cavern might be considered relaxing.

 

Slogging through the mire they had encountered, Ramius stopped suddenly noticing several unusual objects protruding from the rocky ceiling of the cavern.  Akina had noticed the unusual objects as well.

 

“Looks like machinery, possibly a wall, and look more of those markings.”

 

“Appears this is some sort of underground complex they’ve discovered and are attempting to unearth.  There’s something down here buried under all this ice.  We still need to figure out what.  Come on, let’s keep moving.”

 

The men continued splashing their way through worsening conditions as dozens of personnel scurried about like ants paying them little attention.  A fleet of pumps, hoses, and various other machines were being attended to by frantic engineers who appeared to be fighting against the elements to keep this area from flooding.  The large excavation equipment was probably generating too much heat causing the ice above and around them to melt.  Ramius wondered just how safe this area was given the risk of cave in and collapse.

 

Moving past the machines and personnel, the path narrowed again into a straight shaft cut through solid ice.  The mud and water receded and the temperature dropped considerably as they left the areas influenced by machinery.  Ramius was keenly aware of how sparsely populated this underground maze was with the exception of workers.  He expected more than engineers, hired guns, and forced labor.  Where were the other NeoDyne personnel hiding?

 

“Up ahead, look.”

 

The squad stopped as the tunnel emptied out into yet another massive cavern.  Before them a massive monolith encased in ice rose upwards before disappearing into darkness.  Their path was blocked by a wall of metal that expanded in all directions.  With a silver sheen it strangely bore few signs of weathering or damage from the icy prison around it.

 

“What is this place”, one of the marines mumbled looking upwards at the impressive structure.

 

“Hell if I know”, Akina replied as he too was also in awe of the structure’s grand size and scale.  “NeoDyne didn’t build this.  That much is for sure.  It must have been down here for ages, but look at the metal.  There’s no rust, corrosion, or denting.  Ice moves and flows over time, yet there’s hardly a scratch anywhere.  If this was an ordinary structure it would have been crushed by the ice long ago.  I’m  beginning to see NeoDyne’s interest in this place.”

 

“As fascinating as this is sir, I suggest we remain on the move.  This wall is a dead end.  Do we head back and scout the other areas”, one of the marines asked Ramius.

 

“Wait a moment”, Ramius stated moving closer to the giant metallic wall.  “There’s something else we are missing here.  Look around.  They wouldn’t have just given up after hitting something like this.”

 

The team searched the giant room for several minutes before regrouping.

 

“Nothing here sir, just that metal wall.  Found some tools, but nothing else.”

 

Ramius faced a dilemma.  This wall held some secret but what was it?  If they could not learn its secrets they would be forced to retreat and head back into the more heavily populated and dangerous areas they had already passed through.  Risking an encounter with the mercenary guards was a poor option.

 

“I’ve scanned the wall Ramius.  Tricorder says it’s some neutronium based alloy.  We don’t have anything on record that even comes close to this material.  It’s no wonder the ice has had little effect on it.  The combined output of our weapons would barely scorch its surface.  It’s so dense I can’t see what might be on the inside and there doesn’t appear to be any access panels, doors, or hatches.  Perhaps NeoDyne ran into this thing and is just as confused as we are on what it is and how to access it.  Perhaps they too have been unable to penetrate inward hence the drilling and digging.”

 

“Perhaps”, Ramius said looking upwards.  He still could not shake the odd sensation of familiarity which seemed to ring louder within him now than ever.  He was unable to recall anything specific, but something within him felt as if he had perhaps seen this place before or perhaps even been here.  Dismissing the unusual sensation the marine was correct.  They needed a new plan.  Time was against them and staring at a wall would not help them determine NeoDyne’s intentions.

 

“We’ll head back.  Let’s try some of those side passages where we encountered the machinery.  Perhaps we can find another way in or past this thing.  It’s risky, but we might try chatting up one of those engineers and see if they can help point us in the right direction.”

 

He took one last look at the wall moving closer to its surface.  Ramius reached out and touched the metal and to his surprise the surface was warm.  Again the sensation of familiarity surged forward into his consciousness and he noticed an odd tingling that spread across the surface of his hand.  Without warning the metal before him seemed to lose it rigidity.  Suddenly its surface felt soft and pliable like clay.  His hand sank into the softening metal and before he could react he felt himself pulled forward.  In an instant the captain was absorbed into the surface of the wall vanishing from sight.

 

“Ramius”, Akina shouted as the captain suddenly disappeared against the wall.  He reached out but it was too late.  He was gone.  Zane pressed his hands against the wall where the captain had been but there was only solid metal.  “Ramius.”  Feeling around the captain searched for some sort of hidden switch or trigger that Ramius may have pressed, but he could find nothing in the nearly flawless, smooth surface of the wall.

 

After several moments of frantic searching Akina hit the wall with a fist and a string of blistering profanities.  Ramius, his friend, ally, and perhaps the most hazardous man to peace alive was gone, missing in enemy territory, and there was seemingly nothing any of them could do about it.  If NeoDyne was able to capture him then Akina feared for the future as the galaxy as they knew it could be in serious peril.

 

“Captain, what do we do now”, one of the marines anxiously asked as it became clear that Ramius was gone.

 

Akina looked at the wall with an expression of loss mixed with anger.  He was a highly trained intelligence officer.  A captain by rank, he preferred working as a lone operator in difficult situations with only himself as a concern.  He was unaccustomed to leading others and wasn’t a born leader.  He was certainly no replacement for Ramius.”

 

“I..I don’t know”, Akina said with an exasperated voice.  “I just don’t know…”

 

[ To Be Continued… ]

________________________________

Captain Taverain Ramius

Commanding Officer, USS Corsair

 

Captain Zane Akina

Starfleet Intelligence Operative

 

NPC Marines

[USS Charon] [USS Corsair] - SD241005.02 || "Progeny of the Progenitors - Part XXII"

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

“Progeny of the Progenitors – Part 22”
________________________________

## Planet:  D’aisnenn – Underground Complex  ##

Surrounded in freezing blackness Ramius activated a small light clipped to his outer coat.  The lift was passing through layers of ice and rock as it continued to drop toward some unknown destination.

 

“Once we get off we need to find a shady spot to ditch these heavy clothes.  We’ll need them for the return trip so keep your eyes open for any suitable locations like a maintenance hatch or air ducts.”

 

“Captain, take a look”, one of the marines suddenly said nudging the captain with his boot.  The men peered down past the open grating under their feet making out a faint pinpoint of light in an otherwise dark environment.  “Lights.”  “Must be getting close.”

 

“Keep close.  Stay alert.”

 

The next three minutes were spent in silence as the elevator car continued its descent.  Ramius switched off his light as the car passed into an area of the tunnel illuminated by lighting.  Gone were the icy layers replaced by rock.  Suddenly even the rock faded replaced by solid metal whose surface was rough and jagged as if it had been cut or melted through.

 

A slow change in their momentum signaled their destination was fast approaching.  Ramius’s gloved hand tightened on his phaser the rifle he had secured behind him on his back.  Akina drew his two disruptor pistols from the holsters at his sides and closed his eyes for a final moment of reflection, mediation or perhaps something more.

 

The lift car slowed again as its metal carriage touched down on hardened concrete.  The narrow vertical shaft they had descended through had a single dimly lit horizontal shaft at its base which led to a large, heavy door well illuminated in the darkness.

 

“Let’s go”, Ramius said taking point.

 

Quickly and quietly the men filtered down the outside edges of the shaft reaching the heavy door.  Once again it was up to Akina to investigate the locking mechanism.

 

“Looks like the same as before”, the intelligence operative indicated after a quick inspection.

 

“All of you stay out of sight.  I’ll open the door.  If we end up with a hard contact they will have seen only me.”  The squad nodded and took up defensive positions on each side of the massive door.  Ramius took the keycard and slid it through the card reader.  The computer panel beeped as the air was suddenly filled with the deep echoes of heavy machinery.  A hiss filled the shaft as the door slid sideways.

 

Ramius readied himself for anything.  In his mind there could be a full infantry division behind the door with their weapons aimed and ready to fire.  He had to be ready for the worse possible scenario.  As the room beyond came into view he suddenly tensed as he was assaulted by the unexpected.

 

“What are you doing down here”, an officer shouted with a high pitched, raspy voice.  “What is going on up there?  Our visual sensors are obscured by all the snow and ice.  You can’t see a damned thing top side.  I warned them about relying upon all of this technology!  But they don’t listen to me.”

 

Ramius stood alone nearly dumbfounded.  He hadn’t expected this.

 

“Are you just going to stand there like a frozen statue or something”, the man shouted.  “Obviously the starships in orbit have discovered our location.  I warned them about putting too much faith in that cloaking shield.  I was in charge of defense planning for this facility.  Now I guard doors!  DOORS!  They said my ideas lacked merit.  Told me I didn’t know when to be quiet.  Told me I was paranoid and unfit to plan the defenses!  But look now!  The starships in orbit have obviously seen through their deception.  What are they going to do now against two ships?”

 

“I don’t know”, Ramius answered the peculiar officer who obviously had something shoved deep up his…

 

“Exactly!  And neither will they!  We don’t need orbital defenses they said.  They’re too costly and hard to maintain in cold weather they said.  They are unnecessary they said.  HA!”  The officer returned to his station.  “Well this should be interesting.  We’re too far down for those ships to do anything to us and there are enough supplies and resources down here to last a small eternity.  It would take the combined firepower of the Star Empire’s fleet to blast their way down here.  I’d almost like to see them try.”

 

“Look I came down here to”…

 

“Request assistance?  Call for backup?  Perhaps runaway from the battle?  Smart man.  You’re far safer down here than just about anywhere else in the galaxy.  Let the mercs up there battle it out.  No one is getting down here with all of the security in place and now that we’ve been detected the facility is officially on lock down meaning you can’t return to the hired help above until these ships finally decide to give up and leave.  You might as well make yourself useful though I’m not sure what a dumb grunt can hope to accomplish down here.  If you want my advice I’d just find some corner to inhabit and stay out of the way if you know what is…”

 

The annoying man clutched his chest in horror before slumping to the ground motionless.  Ramius holstered his weapon as the squad moved in behind him.

 

“What was that”, Akina muttered glancing at the stunned officer.

 

“Hell if I know”, Ramius answered moving over to inspect the body.  “It’s a wonder none of the mercs didn’t kill him.  Hello…”

 

Ramius produced another security card and an ID badge from the officer.  “Hmm…I have an idea.”

 

## A Few Minutes Later ##

 

Having stashed his heavy cold weather gear in a spot not easily seen the squad appeared ready to move out into the interior of the facility which appeared to be behind yet another large door.  Ramius had opted to switch clothing with the stunned and now drugged officer while the squad remained suited up in their white winter gear.  It was likely they would be dismissed as mercs from the surface and the added bulk kept the team’s identities better concealed.

 

Tugging on the uniform jacket that just barely fit, Ramius had to relinquish his rifle and settle for the more discrete phaser which he placed in a pocket of the borrowed uniform.

 

“You look ridiculous Ramius”, Akina stated causing a few chuckled among the marines.

 

“No one ever said this job was glamorous”, he answered back.  “I don’t think any of us need to have fashion on our minds at the moment.”  Approaching the door, Ramius eyed the security reader yet again.  “Ok, same as before.  Stay frosty and let me do any talking if we are stopped.  Understood?”

 

Nodding, Ramius slid the keycard through the reader and once again the heavy metal door slid open revealing a massive underground structure.  Stepping through the doorway the men could have never imagined what they saw before them.  The ongoing operations were massive and far outpaced anything Ramius or Akina had anticipated or expected.  Walking through the giant chamber that surrounded them it was quickly evident the complex was of some alien design.  Dozens of teams peppered the walls with drills and heavy equipment chipping away at metal, rock, and ice.  The entire facility was encased in an icy tomb and someone was funneling massive funding and resources to uncover what had long been buried.

 

Sparks dripped from the ceilings, heavy equipment was everywhere mixed in with earth movers, excavation equipment, and scores of workers.  Peppered throughout the workforce were lone armed mercenaries.  Ramius noticed several observation towers scattered throughout the facility which confirmed the evidence they had obtained.  Labor was being forcibly obtained and hired mercs were paid to keep the workers in line.  So far the stories of abductions and smuggling were true however Ramius was still shocked by the scale of the operation.

 

Leading the squad to a nearby corner with several heavy tractors, Ramius produced a package of cigarettes he had lifted from the stunned guard and passed a few of them out.  “Act like we’re on break.  Should give us some cover to talk.”  Lighting up the foul implements Ramius and his men did their best to appear as if they enjoyed the unpleasant tobacco product.

 

“What the hell is this Ramius”, Akina asked blowing a cloud of smoke into the air.  “I’ve never seen anything like this.  Someone had stumbled upon some type of alien facility.  Look at the markings on the walls.”

 

“I noticed those”, Ramius answered coughing as he grimaced at the white stick hanging from his lips.  “There’s something familiar about all of this”, he said puffing on the cigarette.  “I can’t place it though.”

 

“Sir those observation towers are a concern.  We aren’t going to be able to walk around down here forever before someone becomes suspicious.”

 

“Eliminating them is out of the question at the moment”, Ramius said taking a long look at the tactical situation.  “We need to see what else is going on here.  What does the tricorder see?”

 

There are a few areas off this main chamber.  Looks like some barracks to the east.  Storage perhaps to the west.  We entered from the south.  North…not getting any readings there.  It’s as if it doesn’t exist.  That can’t be right.”

 

“Let’s head there.  I want to see what it is we cannot scan.”

 

Ramius was about to toss away his cigarette when a hand fell upon his shoulder.  “Ramius, you need to see this.”  Tav turned to face Captain Akina whose eyes held an unusual, almost fearful quality.  Following the captain, Tav took several steps behind one of the large tractors.  Several large metallic shipping crates were stacked against the rocky wall.

“What is it captain”, Ramius asked taking a final puff on the foul smelling cigarette.  “Look.”  Akina approached one of the crates and brushed its surface to clean away the dust and ice that had formed on its surface.

 

The cigarette in Ramius’s mouth fell from his lips hitting the ground.  It’s glowing tip went dark on the cold rock before Tav spoke or moved.

 

“NeoDyne”, Ramius growled from behind clenched teeth.  On the cargo container was the unmistakable logo of the NeoDyne Defense Corporation and Ramius’s sworn enemy. 

 

“I should have guessed.  Who else has this type of access to hardware, the means to secretly move and hide, and defend it, and who has nearly limitless funding?”

 

“Ramius if NeoDyne is involved then…”

 

“They have found something which is obviously worth the millions or perhaps billions of credits they have invested here.  This facility must hold something they seek or believe there is something here.  We must find a way to learn what they know and quickly. 

 

Akina surveyed the massive chamber.  “I’d say whatever it is they are looking for they have yet to find it.  The work crews are all actively cutting away at the walls exposing more of this facility.  It’s possible they’ve only scratched the surface.  Who knows?  This place might run on for miles underground.  Anything is possible.”

 

“First things first.  We have to try and determine what NeoDyne may be after.  If we can do that then and only then can we take additional actions.  Without that knowledge we cannot act.  Ok, let’s head north toward the unusual sensor readings.  I suspect we can learn more there.”

 

The squad disposed of their tobacco props and left the cover of the tractors.  So far their luck was holding out, but Ramius knew all too well that it had its limits.  He wondered how long he could push his before lady luck found someone else to bless with her presence.

 

[ To Be Continued … ]

________________________________

Captain Taverain Ramius

Commanding Officer, USS Corsair

 

Captain Zane Akina

Starfleet Intelligence Operative

 

NPC Marines

[USS Charon] [USS Corsair] - SD241005.02 || "Progeny of the Progenitors - Part XXI"

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

“Progeny of the Progenitors – Part 21”
________________________________

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

Only an occasional gust of icy wind broke the heavy silence that enveloped the whole of the frozen horizon.  A gentle snow fell from menacing grey clouds as it coated the eternally white surface of the Romulan planet.  Captain Ramius, Captain Akina, and three marines lay motionless on the frozen surface as the snow slowly covered their bodies its icy fingers probing for any weakness in their substantial subzero clothing and armor. 

 

The three marines were heavily laden with ordinance and weapons.  Ramius had procured a Type II phaser as well as a standard issue rifle.  Akina had opted for lighter arms carrying with him his two prized disruptors of Romulan design.  With no stun setting they were as lethal as they were light and were a good choice for one who wanted to move quickly while hitting the enemy with maximum force.  Ramius had no desire to take lives during this mission however he was certain that those defending this mysterious planet and its secrets would not give up without a fight.  Thus, conflict however unwanted was unavoidable.

 

Ramius glanced at his timepiece.  “10 seconds.  Standby”, he said quietly.  All that remained now was to wait.

 

The calm silence of dawn was suddenly shattered as shouts and weapons fire slowly gave way to explosions and chaos.  The mercenary camp’s eastern flank erupted in a cauldron of weapons fire, explosions, ordinance and battle cries.  Dormant weapons shook off their snow covered systems  as computer controlled guns sprang to life tracking heat and movement with deadly accuracy.  Energy weapons crisscrossed the frozen terrain throwing up clouds of powdery snow and fragments of ice upon impact with the earth.  An alarm sounded somewhere within the compound its wailing tone adding to the chaotic symphony that was now fully engaged.

 

“The Colonel is as punctual as always”, Ramius remarked watching the chaos before him.  Dozens of mercenaries poured from one of the large domed structures to join the fray.  A small armored vehicle appeared on the scene only adding to the impressive force that had been deployed to defend a seemingly worthless chunk of ice and rock.

 

Ramius was confident the Colonel and his men could handle themselves no matter what the mercenaries threw at them.  As the battle continued it was evident the marines were causing a significant amount of chaos.  The time was ripe for action.

 

Now’s our chance.  Go”, Ramius instructed pulling himself from his snowy hiding place.  The marines and Akina quickly rose to their feet as the group dashed across the ice toward the compound’s interior.  Reaching the perimeter the men fell back against a large metallic cargo container and quickly surveyed the landscape.  The automatic guns were distracted by the diversions creating a clear path for them to reach their intended target.  A single sentry guarded the entrance but the mercenary’s attention was focused upon the marine’s attack.

 

Ramius silently motioned for the team to move.  Quickly and quietly they crossed the exposed open distance from the perimeter to the structure without detection.  Moving with practiced efficiency the squad approached the entrance.  Moments later the distracted mercenary, stunned by an unseen phaser beam, was quickly dragged inside the structure as the five man team secured its internal space.

 

“Sims, watch the door”, Ramius ordered quickly busying himself with searching the stunned merc.  “Akina, look around and see what you can find.”

 

Ramius took the merc’s communicator and injected him with a sedative that would ensure he would remain silent for several hours.  “Let’s stash the body and get moving.”  The team carefully hid the limp body of the mercenary behind some machinery where he was unlikely to be discovered.

 

“Ramius, I found a lift that heads down.  Seems you were right about this place”, Akina shouted as the team closed on the elevator.

 

“How’s it look outside”, Ramius asked Sims who was watching the entrance.  “The Colonel and the boys are giving them hell.  We’re still clear.”

 

“Shit”, Akina shouted as he manipulated the controls for the lift.  “The controls are locked.  The system uses some type of key access.  If I attempt to call the lift it most likely will set off an alarm.”

 

“Can you hack it?”

 

“I don’t know.  It’s a newer model.  Expensive and sophisticated.  It’ll take time.”

 

Ramius glanced at this timepiece.  They had precious little left before the Colonel pulled back.

 

A second search of the drugged sentry revealed an item Ramius had overlooked in a small pocket; a keycard.  “This should be it.  Let’s go.”  As the team moved toward the lift the sounds of weapons fire faded.  The battle was ending as was their cover.

 

Handing the card to Akina, Ramius and the marines took aim at the entrance.  “Hurry up Akina, we’re out of time.”

 

The intelligence operative inserted the ID card into the small console and manipulated its controls.  As he worked the men could hear the defense guns outside go quiet replaced by shouting and movement.  “Akina, tell me you have something”, Ramius muttered his finger resting on the trigger of his rifle.

 

A sudden whir of machinery filled the room and within moments an elevator car appeared from the dark depths of a gaping shaft that led down into the ice below their boots.  Wasting little time, the squad entered the car and pressed the controls.

 

With a frightening jerk the elevator car rattled and groaned before descending at a smoother, quiet pace.  The men looked upwards through the grating of the metallic car the light of the surface slowly disappearing as they were enveloped by freezing cold blackness.  Every man had the same thoughts on their mind as they descended into the dangerous depths of a dark unknown.

 

[To Be Continued… ]

________________________________

Captain Taverain Ramius

Commanding Officer, USS Corsair

 

Captain Zane Akina

Starfleet Intelligence Operative

 

NPC Marines