There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [USS Capricorn] Resident Alien
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-D]From City To Warren
From: "Edward Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2004 20:35:24 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [USS Capricorn] Resident Alien
MD 3
19:00
Ury didn't like beaming down into twilight, but he understood from the
security briefing that this planet wasn't safe to move about in during
the daylight. He had run long range scans on its sun and didn't see
any
unusual radiation emanating from the orange orb, so he wondered just
what was causing the daylight radiation. If it had been planet based,
wouldn't it be there regardless of hour of the day?
Perhaps it was given off by some thing they had yet to encounter that
reacted to daylight? He wasn't a scientist, yet, he had scanned for
residual radiation and found nothing harmful in the ambient or a
source
of any residual radiation that would be harmful to humans. He frowned
as he examined the tricorder quickly. Perhaps a scientist might be
able
to detect what he could not. He'd be sure that all of his data was
transmitted to the ship for a full analysis.
He approached the shuttle, noting that it was of an older vessel, one
not currently being used on the Federation starships. However, it
might
have been purchased for individual use after decommissioning. He
ruled
that out as he examined it. The MCCLELLAN had Federation markings on
it
and indicated it was from the USS ANTIETAM, a smaller military craft
that had been on the border of Federation Space -- about 50 years ago.
What was one of its shuttles doing here on this planet?
He scanned for the missing crew of the small vessel. Carefully, he
had
entered the shuttle craft, phaser in hand. It was empty and there was
no indication of the remains of bodies anywhere or any signs of a
struggle, only damage from what might have been expected of a crash
landing. The crew had either survived the crash and left, or if not,
had been removed from the vessel.
He checked the computer for the log entries, but the computer was not
working. There was just enough power for the distress beacon. He
removed the isolinear chip and inserted it into his tricorder and
found
the data had been corrupted. He got some bits and pieces, but it
wasn't
coherent. He'd have to send it to the ship and see if someone up
there
could get something from it. He hoped Akora would be able to get
these
old systems up and running again and perhaps they would know more
then.
[TAG: Rob. What can Akora do with that old ship?]
The footprints around the ship had not been made by Federation-type
footwear. The heels were of a hard material and dug into the ground,
leaving a deep imprint. They did appear to be made by humanoids, with
similar foot-structure to humans. Whoever had made the prints had
walked the periphery of the ship several times, as if trying to make
it
appear to be a larger party than had been there. Quick analysis
indicated that there were between a half dozen to a dozen individual
prints. One had entered the shuttle recently. Perhaps that had been
the
individual who had activated the distress beacon, he mused.
He had given his report to Montana and she had contacted the Capricorn
above. When the security force he'd had waiting beamed down, they
quickly established a perimeter and set up their powerful lamps to
give
the crew light to work with.
[SNIP]
He stood at the edge of the treeline.
"Hello, and welcome to my planet. My name is Marquis. Please allow me
to be your host for while you are here." He said, allowing what he'd
said to sink in. He would seem gracious, especially since he would
probably be the last face they would ever see.
[END SNIP]
Rogan's phaser was immediately leveled on the stranger and those of
the
security team formed up between the intruder and the more vulnerable
crew. This was their job, to protect at the costs of their own lives
if
need be. They would view anyone as a threat unless told otherwise.
But
Ury examined the man, if that was what he was, and did not see any
overt
or immediate threat. He felt himself relax slightly, and let his eye
scan the woods behind him wondering if he were alone and reasoning
that
if he were such an important personage as to call this "his" planet
that
he was not.
With a nod of his head, Ury gave the signal for some of the security
force to spread out into the woods from the other side of the ship and
come up from the sides of the alien. They knew to be on the lookout
for
any "friends" of his who might be a threat to their company.
Montana stepped up even with Ury and addressed the Marquis, "Sir, I am
Lt. Phillips, of the USS CAPRICORN. We are here in response to the
distress beacon. It appears to have been activated recently. Sir, do
you have knowledge of the whereabouts of the crew?"
The Marquis shook his head and murmured, "No, I'm afraid I know
nothing
about the whereabouts of the crew."
His smile made Ury relax even more, and he felt a strange compulsion
to
like and trust this man.
Montana smiled at the Marquis, "But then who might have activated the
distress signal?"
"Why, I did of course," The Marquis stated as if that were a perfectly
normal thing to do and no one seemed inclined to wonder why he
wouldn't.
[TAG: Tree and Josh. So, will they accompany the Marquis to his
"castle"?]
---
Summary:
MD 3
1900
The away team quickly examine the shuttle craft, discovering that it
is
about 50 years old and that the crew is long gone. They are greeted
by
the Marquis who admitted he'd activated the distress beacon.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Lt. Ury Rogan, Tactical/Security
USS CAPRICORN
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2004 01:17:19 -0800
From: "Edward Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-D]From City To Warren
Day 104
Morning
[Triylar]
At the Keep
The dark ones rested below as the hooded figure paced the great hall.
The
once great walls were once adorned with great tapestries and pictures,
but
now only bare walls with large creaks kept the lonely figure company.
Not so
long ago the halls would echo with proclamations as the lord of the
city
presided over the people his word law, now only silence and the
occasional
rustle of wind.
With purpose the hooded figure moved over to the throne that once was
adorned with gems and ancient runes, where the lord of the city held
the
power and wealth of its citizens. Now it was marred the gems removed
leaving
only a chair that was but a shadow of its previous glory.
A large figure enters the room, with bald head and tattoos covering
his
body. The sound of his bare feet slapping against the floor echoed in
the
silence. When it was with in ten feet of the throne he stopped and
knelt
down. The hooded figure watched as the large mammoth of a man with
muscles
that could easily snap a human in two, waited.
He didn't have to wait long a husky and yet whispering voice soon
granted
his request. "Speak Jar, this silence is too much."
Taking in his surroundings he began, "High priestess the troops are
ready."
"Thank you Jar, I'll be there presently." Though she had dismissed him
with
a wave of her hand the large man did not move. "Is there more?" She
stood up
and stepped up to her loyal servant.
"Please forgive Jar he knows not the mighty ways of the priestess
mind, but
Jar fears a trap is being laid." He said no more as a small finger
traced
the tattoos on his bald head.
"That's why I need you; Jar, to stay by my side. We need to crush the
lords
once and for all if we wish to continue our plans. Already informants
tell
me that the warren is already aware that Wyverns are coming from the
city
and may be in league with the people in Triylar. Long seated hatreds
filled
with jealousy will be the down fall of the warren. There ears and eyes
are
for the master to explore and with his wisdom we can not fail." She
leaned
down and kissed the top of the big mans bald head. "Now leave me a
moment."
[Malthean Manor]
The large fat man sat happily counting his gold coins as his brother
and
body guard talked off in a far corner. It was a challenge to have the
weapons ready not to mention getting the new metal that was needed,
but in
the end the stacks of money he felt made the whole thing worth it. Now
that
he made the money more then his father had ever done and a wealth a
king
would feel happy with a sudden realization dawned on him.
"Oh my God what have we done," he shouted out loud.
The other two looked his way. "What is now Jorhiem?"
"Liaghon, don't use that tone with me. Listen you two, we must vacate
and
try to make Killjaree. The bitch will soon know that I've figured out
only
what she had known all along a hoard of gold with no place to spend is
like
owning the sands of the great dessert it means nothing if you have no
way to
use it." The big man looked to the female body guard. "Jade you will
stay by
my side at all times, I fear that already she may be sending a force
to deal
with us."
The woman nodded. She hated this man but it was her duty and she would
see
to his safety though she longed more for the company of his brother
Liaghon
then that of the large fat sweating man. She watched as Liaghon simply
nodded as well and went to make preparation.
Jorhiem quickly began to put the gold into carrying sacks lined with
leather
bottoms the sound of clinking echoed into the large office. The sun
shined
through the top windows and Jade watched her master whose greed she
knew no
end.
'What was that she thought,' to herself. A shadow in the light it took
only
a moment for her to realize what was happening and with out conscience
thought the dagger was in her hand and lunched through the air.
A figure gripped at the dagger protruding from his throat then slumped
to
the ground. But he wasn't alone and several more figures appeared.
Jade was
at Jorhiem's side trying to pull him to the door and to safety.
"No not without the gold." He yelled, "Do your job."
There were six other figures, but they were not ordinary men she knew
the
markings of the assassins guild. She began to sing a song not of words
but
of sounds as she was trained to do and the dance began. Darts flew
across
the room not at her but at her charge out of reflex she knocked them
aside
using nothing more then a scarf. The assassins knew to take out their
mark
they had to go through her.
They quickly advanced; where her fighting technique was disciplined
theirs
was Chaos which they worked to throw off her balance. Jorhiem watched
fascinated by the display. It seemed Jade danced with the six other
figures
her movements were so quick he could hardly follow with his eyes. The
men
she fought counted her but in a matter of seconds one more lay died
but in
his death he took with him her last dagger.
This didn't seem to throw Jade off however for she soon had one of the
men's
daggers but not without cost it left her open for a fist to smash into
the
side of her face and now blood dripped from the corner of her mouth.
The man
never landed another blow for she stepped forward hugging the man and
placing him between a dagger blow and her-self. The man arched back
and fell
to the ground clutching at his back then laying still his eyes glazed
open
in his death.
At this point the last four men knew to gain their mark some of them
needed
to keep her busy while the others made for Jorhiem. The pace of the
attacks
got faster and perspiration beaded on Jades forehead the blood from
her
mouth dripping down her neck now. Suddenly and without warning all
four men
leaped away then made a mad dash for Jorhiem.
Thinking quickly Jade grabbed for the darts of one of the fallen men
turning
she threw one, two, three, darts each found their mark the poison tips
acting quickly bringing them down the forth dart was at finger tips
and time
seemed to slow down. The fat man her master had stepped back but not
without
first making sure he had his precious gold. His eyes looked at his
assassin
as though he saw a nuisance before him to be squashed like a bug. His
own
hand had moved to his sword but the gold was too heavy and he needed
both
hands to lift the sack. His eyes turned to Jade as though he was
wondering
what was taking her so long to swat this bug for him. But in those
eyes she
also saw the man who lusted after her body using her for his own ends.
For a
split second she broke her training. It was all time the assassin
needed.
The poisoned dagger struck Jorhiem's chest just as dart struck true in
his
neck.
The two figures lay dying as the doors to the office were thrown
opened the
figure of Liaghon standing there looking from Jade to his brother who
now
laid staring at the ceiling as his assassin lay on top of his body.
[Warren]
In the office of the Warrenlady set a mature woman with long chestnut
hair
who was none other then Theodora Trueheart know more lovingly as Thea
from
those close to her and as the Duchess for those not yet having that
privilege.
She was busy looking over a stack of paper work while drinking a cup
of
black coffee. The aroma had the hint of almonds a brew the Duchess had
procured from her homelands and treasured greatly.
The door to her office opened and she lifted her head to see Lyinnas
enter
with the mail bag and a new pot of coffee. "Thea!" She exclaimed. "You
are
getting an early start." As she set the mail and coffee down a
horrible
thought seemed to cross her face. "Is everything ok?"
With grace of a noble born woman she ignored the question for the
moment and
instead poured herself another cup of coffee. Then she inhaled in the
aroma.
"Good morning Lyinn. You have made a wonder cup of coffee. Have you
seen how
beautiful a day it is outside?"
"Don't start that with me, it may all be well and good that you grew
up in a
noble house and all, but I've set here many an hour now and know how
you
worry over ever single detail of the warren. So what gives?" Lyinn
asked
then watched the distant look the Warrenlady got when talking to her
dragon.
**She has you there** piped in voice of Galendriel.
*Hush you*, Thea answered back to the gold dragon, which was rewarded
with
laughter.
"Yes well all that will come out in do time." She pulled out a
parchment and
handed it to Lyinn I need to see each of them by the end of this
morning
preferable in that order unless it can't be helped."
Lyinn took the parchment and opened it for a quick read.
-T'rell and Sharees
-Akety and Lexi
-Tonweya
-Current Searchlings
-Jason and Sybil
-Pandora and Rayn
-Lyinn and Alexander
The list and the collecting of names was ominous but the spying hers
and
Alex's at the end seemed to give her pause. "Very well I'll play along
with
your game for now I know you enough that you'll not tell anything
until you
are ready, but getting everyone in will make for a busy schedule this
morning."
"If anyone one could succeed it is you," Thea laughed.
"I don't understand why you just don't have the dragons communicate
your
wishes it is so much faster." Lyinn started down a path that she
already
knew the outcome.
"I could but I prefer this method." Thea smiled, "oh and thank you for
the
coffee."
"My pleasure well off to get this started." With that said Lyinn moved
quickly to the door glancing back over her shoulder she saw that the
Duchess
was now looking over the mail she brought her.
A few minutes later-
A soft knock on the door and Lyinn showed T'rell and Sharees into the
office. Thea looked up and met the two half way to her desk. "Lyinn
would
you be a sweet heart and bring the Wingleader and his second some
coffee."
The courier responded with a nod then rolled her eyes as if she knew
all to
well that the Thea only meant could you interrupt in just a few
minutes.
"I hope you two are well," her question seemed more aimed at Sharees
then at
T'rell. The last time they had been called to the office had been over
Pandora's explosion.
[Tag John and Arlene add what ever you like here]
The three of them talked a few moments until the door opened once more
as
Lyinn brought in the coffee and some sweet cakes. "Oh bless you
Lyinn." The
room was quiet a moment giving each time to collect their thoughts as
Lyinn
poured the coffee for each. The Duchess cradled her cup in her hands
and
enjoyed the almond scent until Lyinn had left.
"Very well I guess I can't beat around the bush any more. Sharees from
what
I understand Chamelle had seen a rider on one of the Wyverns. It
seems she
is not the only one and from the reports I'm getting I believe this
upstart
group in the city of Triylar is connected with the Wyverns. So we are
going
to war." With the words out of her mouth she watched as T'rell almost
spit
out his coffee.
"We are what?" The two asked as one.
"I fear something grave is going on in that city and if we wait to
long it
will be the ruin of us all. My last two informants have never returned
and I
fear they are dead now." Her hands twisted together out of agitation
more
then grief. "Leaia the new ruler of the city has ignored my request
and she
has stopped delivering goods to the warren." Turning the Thea picked
up a
parchment and held if forward like a sword. "This morning I received a
bill
for all the past services that the city of Triylar had given to the
warren
with a treat that if we do not deliver then we would suffer further
consequences not to exclude the death of the warren." She tossed it at
the
foot of two listening.
"I've called you two because Gamma is the most ready wing for this,
but I
need the two of you to put together a winning strategy to go to war I
expect
you to work out the matters with Jason and Sybil as well you have my
full
backing on what ever you need." As she said this she began pacing
walking
around the two and stopping behind T'rell.
"One last thing, there is going to be military there as well made up
of
Calvary and foot solders I need Alexander to be the liaison for this."
She
gently messaged T'rells neck as she mentioned this but once said she
walked
back to her desk and set down. I expect a full plan on my desk by
tomorrow
morning." As if on some hidden sign the door opened as Lyinn stepped
in.
"Akety and Lexi are here to see you." Lyinn chimed in.
The Wingleader was quick to catch on and he nodded to Thea, "Well it
seems
we are dismissed." Sharees nodded.
[Tag John and Arlene ok you've been tasked to come up with plans on
what is
needed for an attack]
With the Wingleader and his second gone the Duchess turned her focus
to the
two now in her office. Seeing Lexi she couldn't help but wonder back
to the
mating flight and what it felt like to be in bed with the man. As for
Akety
the last contact she had with the young woman had been haunting with
the
Wyverns attacking her dreams she had thought the girl was on the verge
of
death.
"Good morning you two," once again Thea talked but seemly unimportant
topics. When at last she felt he had let them relax and feel at ease
with
her in the office she brought the conversation around to what she
needed to
talk to them about.
"Akety I need your help and Lexi she is going to need yours. You may
have
noticed the large amount of eggs we have. T'rell and Jason have found
several possible searchlings though we are still a few short I feel
they
will have all the candidates they need by the hatching time." She got
up
from her desk and moved to stand before them. "What I need from you
Akety if
you feel you are up to the task is to take charge of the searchlings."
She
stepped over to Akety and set down next to her and took her small in
hand in
to her own, like a mother asking a favor from her oldest child. "Show
them
around the warren tell them what it means to be chosen what living in
a
warren is like and what will be expected of them.' She patted the
young
girls hand and got up.
"And me?" Lexi asked.
Thea turned and smiled and stretched as she thought about Lexi for a
moment.
**Now that is more like it** Galendriel sent.
Thea blushed. *Quiet you*
"Lexi I need you to help her, to offer your experiences to and of
course to
be the strong arm if needed." She hoped the blacksmith would be able
to pick
up her subtle hint that some of the searchlings may just be spies.
[Tag Katie and Tree what say you?]
A few minutes later-
Tonweya was led in to office. The huntress still walked with a hint of
a
limp and though she didn't fidget Thea knew she must feel very
uncomfortable
with her surroundings. The Duchess had seen others like her guide the
hunts
back home keeping the nobles from killing themselves or each other for
their
stupidity when it came to the ways of nature.
"Good morning, I am glad to see you are doing much better. Pandora has
told
me how well you have done in the med center." Thea moved to a seat
next to
the huntress keeping the conversation going for a bit. But she sensed
that
the huntress like a wild cat would not be easily put at ease until she
knew
what it was she was there for. "I was chatting with Sybil the other
day and
I heard that you've been doing some hunting out in the forest."
Tonweya nodded but didn't offer any explanation. She simply waited as
the
Duchess poured herself another cup of coffee inhaled the aroma and
took a
sip.
"I need to caution you, though I have no illusion on your skill to
handle
the wild it is those things in shadow I worry about." She let that
sank in
as she took a bite of the sweet cake. "It is my understanding that
you've
been told that you have a likely chance to bond with a dragon, which
means
your safety is as important to me as my own sons. I'm already looking
into
having some things for you to learn and do while in the warren. I will
not
ask you not to leave the grounds but I must ask if you do that you be
sure
to have a couple dragon riders near at hand."
[Tag Cary's what does Tonweya have to say about all this]
A few minutes later-
Lyinn opens the door once again from the noise and commotion Thea
knows that
the searchlings had arrived. Each of them crowd into the office as the
Duchess mentally counts them. There are twenty in all so far. Most of
them
from farm a few from the refugee camp.
**Oh dear that will not do all my little ones need bond mates**
Galendriel
responded slightly worried.
*Don't worry T'rell and Jason will find them* though she wasn't sure
if she
was trying to cheer up her bond mate or herself.
Tonweya started to slip out, "Please Tonweya stay you are part of
this." The
huntress stayed but kept partly to herself. Though the twins seemed to
take
an interest in the huntress and went to check her out.
"I've called you here to meet you and to tell you how proud I am that
each
of you may soon bond with your own dragon. You'll each find that the
warren
life is far different then what is sung by bards and is filled with
hard
work. Each of you will be pushed to the limit and tested in ways you
could
only imagine. Now I know for some of you that might be scary but the
rewards
far out weigh the down fall. Dragon riders come from all walks of life
from
noble born to servant and each of them learns to work together for the
survival of all the people. I won't lie to you either, being a dragon
rider
is very dangerous and many die young. So in the next few months you'll
be
taught what it means to be a dragon rider what is expected of you. I
suggest
you take to heart what you hear and learn because it may very well
mean your
survival."
Glancing around she knew she had all of their attention each of them
holding
on to her very words. "I want you to understand one more thing once
you bond
with a dragon, you don't just hold the life of yourself in your hands
but
you also hold the life of the dragon. I've never heard of a dragon
surviving
the death of his bond mate, I've heard of humans surviving but from
what I
understand it wasn't a way I would want to live."
"Well enough with the speeches tell me about you," and so the next
several
minutes the Duchess listened to the new searchlings. Once she had met
them
all she showed them out. Just in time for her next meeting.
-Entering Jason and Sybil-
Jason and Sybil had been waiting for a time. Sybil had made advances
on
Jason and Lyinn even offered a threesome while they waited on the
Duchess.
When the searchlings exited Sybil quickly looks the lot over for those
she
might consider pursing she spotted Weya and a smile quickly came to
her
lips. "Ah my sweet I see you too have been in to see the Duchess.
Isn't' she
just so regal. Makes you want to just eat her all up."
"Sybil! That will be enough. I'll not have you." the Duchess was at a
loss
for exactly what to call Sybil's lustful ways. "Get in here now
please."
"Yes your highness," the Alpha wingleader laughed and slapped Jason on
the
ass. "She summons us, shall we oblige her or make her suffer a long
wait."
She laughed quickly entered and plopped down on the couch and laying
back
she stretched like a cat so as to accent her more sensuous parts.
Thea just shook her head and for once cut to the fine points for she
didn't
want to spend more time in Sybil's company then she could help.
Leaning back
against her desk and crossing her arms. "Something is going on in the
warren
I believe we have at least one spy if not more. Last night I found
this on
my bed." She tossed a dagger on the table between the two. The blade
was
nearly nine inches the hilt was nearly half that in the shape of two
snakes
twined together and coming face each other at the very end.
[Tag Michael have fun with it I have no fixed ideas with this just an
idea
for writing]
The morning was coming close to an end and she still had two meetings
left.
Pandora and Rayn entered. Thea got up and move to Panda and gave her a
hug.
"Ah my friend it is good to see you." And taking Rayn hand it is good
to see
you as well. Please both of you have a seat and try the coffee it is
very
good."
For the next several minutes the three talk and laughed. Pandora
watched the
subtle change in face expression when it came time for the Duchess to
get
down to business. "Well I bet you both want to know why I called you
in. I
need to know how we are doing in supplies and staffing. I've read the
reports but I need to know from each of you if we have what we need in
order
to sustain the med center and the dragon care facility if we have
heavy
casualties such as might happen if we had an all out war."
[Tag Crystal and Tree]
It was the last of the morning when the Duchess set down with
Alexander and
Lyinn. The knight was courteous but he was none to happy to see the
Duchess
and Thea knew the feeling and even shared it to a point.
"Lyinn I want to thank you for all you've done today, I couldn't have
done
as well with out you, which makes this next part very hard." Thea
picked up
a parchment from her desk. "I need you to deliver this to my son,
Eagan. But
this message can not fall into the hands of our enemies in any way."
Thea
turned to the knight. "And so this brings me to you. I'm sending you
with
Lyinn to keep her safe from harm, plus your knowledge of nobles will
help
you gain audience with my son that much quicker. What say you two?"
[Tag Rachel and Tom]
When they were all gone the Duchess set back in her chair and rubbed
the
temples of her head.
**What's wrong? ** Galendriel asked.
*There will be deaths from all this and who is really to blame*
**Don't you start like that, death is seldom sought after, yet it is
part of
the cycle of life**
*You know they will never allow us to go to battle with them. Yet, I
can sit
back and send them into battle. I'm not sure that makes me a fair
judge of
what is right in all this*
**It is not your place to fight but to lead and sometimes that must be
behind enemy lines. The very fact that you worry about them only
endures
them to you and the need for them to keep you safe. **
The Duchess nodded and got up deciding it was time for a long hot
bath.
Submitted by
Edward L Murray
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