Taik-luk-caverns

Star Trek: Odyssey

Aitera / taik-luk-caverns

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 01-Oct-21 03:44 AM

Narrator BOT 01-Oct-21 03:47 AM

*A darker and more hidden destination, Taik-luk Caverns. There is no need for a lantern here, as the large fungi emit their own beautiful glow. The moss sprinkled along the walls sparkle and make this place a truely impressive dreamland. Stay a spell in one of the many Cabins, or simply take a stroll through the underground ruins.*

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[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 05:25 PM

*A bubble formed as Vax had walked down this direction. He wasn't much of a party guy, contrary to popular belief. He used to party hard in the Academy, but really, he was just bullshitting everyone. He enjoyed the quiet when he wasn't flying. He enjoyed his holodecks, but this place. The dark and gloomy caverns seemed like one of his holodeck programs. He was taking a simple stroll.*

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 05:31 PM

*T’Shenn had come down here after having a nice dinner in the great hall. The place was fascinating, pure life and science in this dark dark cave. It was beautiful. She walked in the opposite direction and almost ran into him.* “Hello.” *She greeted before noticing his spots, and greatly hoped that he was not the type to ask her questions.* (edited)

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 05:36 PM

*Vax looked over at the fellow Trill. The only trills he had met on board as of late were Ryn and that was about it. This was a nice time to see another trill was at least on board. Or at least one he could talk to. He hadn't had much of a chance to talk to many people on board since getting out of borg space. And if he did, he didn't feel like conversing much, but this was a nice chance to at least say hello.* "Nice place here huh?"

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 05:39 PM

*She kept a straight face but looked around.* “It quite is.” *She found her way back to him.* “I’ve always had a fondness for bioluminescence, and this cave is quite a wonderful example of my I find it so appealing.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 05:43 PM

"Just seems like one of my many holodeck programs to me, nothing fond about it."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 05:57 PM

*She cocked her head slightly.* “I have never understood the appeal of the holodeck, especially when places like this are available to be visited.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 06:03 PM

"I prefer It to this cause I can be anywhere in the world from the holodeck."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 06:08 PM

“Well, I do understand that, there are times where I am missing Vulcan and will use the holodeck to visit it, but I always find the real world more appealing. It is logical to be in these caves, then be in a holodeck replica of these caves.” *She attempted to explain to him her reasoning, which was very logical reasoning.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 06:36 PM

"You're a vulcan yet you have spots, do explain."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 07:03 PM

*Here we go again.* “My mother ran away from home when she was young and mated with a Trill man. She came back to Vulcan for my birth, after which she left again. I was raised by my grandparents.” *She said, having gone through this routine too many times in her life. She had been able to boil the story down to the bare minimum of what people needed to know.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 07:11 PM

*Vax nodded* "Ah..I see..well nice to know you."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 07:25 PM

*This guy was a big talker, if she was not Vulcan she would be frustrated.* “Are you leaving?”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 07:27 PM

"No?"

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 07:34 PM

“I am sorry, I am confused. Saying “nice to meet you.” Can usually mean that someone is leaving.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 07:35 PM

"I wasn't leaving, I was just saying its nice to know you."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 07:44 PM

“Ah.” *She felt as though she understood now.* “I don’t believe I gave you my name, I am T’Shenn. Tell me about yourself.” *She told him about her, it was only fitting if he told her something.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 07:47 PM

"Lieutenant Vax." *He held out his hand to shake*

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 07:52 PM

*T’Shenn did not take it, Vulcans did not touch hands with strangers. She held up a Ta’al instead, the Vulcan greeting.* “It is agreeable to meet you, Vax.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 08:00 PM

"Do you always talk like a Vulcan?" *Vax raised a brow*

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 08:06 PM

*She raised an eyebrow, what sort of question was that supposed to be.* “I am a Vulcan.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 08:12 PM

"Yet you are also trill."

"Do you consider yourself fully Vulcan?"

"Or fully Vulcan in spirit."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 08:22 PM

“Yes, regrettably.” *She said, before realizing that was rude, especially when talking to a Trill.* “I am sorry that is not what I mean. It’s unfortunate that my mother was so illogical to mate with a man she had never met. However she made the logical decision to let me be raised my my grandparents. So yes, I think of myself as fully Vulcan, The Trill in my has only given me spots.” *She was in denial, she didn’t even mention the fact that she could be joined. But she wouldn’t admit it, not today at least.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 08:52 PM

"Ever considered letting that Vulcan side go astray and embrace the Trill side for once? The wilder side?"

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 09:19 PM

*Her eyes widened slightly in Vulcan offense.* “No. I am Vulcan, albeit half, therefore any emotions I may have would be too dangerous. So it is logical to embrace my Vulcan side more, as not to be a danger to myself and others.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 09:34 PM

"I see..."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 09:43 PM

*Now with that settled and T’Shenn already writing a message to someone to see about a head covering to hide her spots like she wore on Vulcan, just so people would stop asking. It was logical to avoid such an unnecessary conversation.* “What brought you to the Caverns Vax?”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 10:03 PM

"Nothing much, though I promised my girlfriend I would get some fresh air."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 10:09 PM

*She perked up a bit, now they were getting somewhere.* "You have a girlfriend?"

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 10:12 PM

"Aye I do, Cecilia."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 10:16 PM

"I myself am also betrothed, to a woman on Vulcan by the name of T'Varen." *She had not spoken T'Varen's name in a long time, which in her opinion was quite a shame, as she loved her Fiancée.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 10:23 PM

"I am not betrothed T'shenn, we are just merely dating."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 10:30 PM

*She nodded.* "I understand that, I was simply trying to relate." *She said bluntly.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 10:34 PM

"Its alright, keep it on the down low, but she's the one I want. Contrary to popular belief."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 10:37 PM

*If she were Human, she would have smiled.* "Of course, it would be illogical to tell anyone something that is so personal."

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 10:46 PM

"Hey, you're a vulcan. You can keep a secret."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 10:50 PM

“Of course,” *She replied, and then looked around the caverns taking it all in.* “Do you suppose that the ship would allow me to spend a night in one of these cabins?”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 10:53 PM

"I don't see why not? You're on shore leave."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 11:30 PM

*She gave a nod.* “This will be a more than acceptable place to meditate.” *In Non-Vulcan “more than acceptable”really meant “absolutely wonderful.” Despite knowing that Vax was not Vulcan it would never hurt to ask.* “Would you like to meditate with me?”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 11:34 PM

"My version of meditating is not like yours."

Night Owll 17-Oct-21 11:38 PM

“What is your version of meditation?” *She asked genuinely, as long as his meditation wasn’t distracting she would completely invite him to join her.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 17-Oct-21 11:43 PM

"Loud music, the occasional holodeck program."

Night Owll 18-Oct-21 08:42 AM

“That is not meditation.” *She said, squinting so very slightly.*

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 18-Oct-21 08:51 AM

"Its meditation to me."

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Night Owll 18-Oct-21 05:13 PM

*It was not, meditation was clearing your mind, no sounds exempt for occasionally the wind or some water, but she was not here to argue.* “Well then I suppose that here would not be an ideal place for you to meditate.”

[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 18-Oct-21 05:14 PM

"Precisely."

Night Owll 18-Oct-21 05:24 PM

“If it is acceptable to you, I would like to meditate now.” *It had been a rathe long day and people had given her a lot to think about. She needed to clear her mind.*

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[C] Lt.JG Terzom Vax BOT 19-Oct-21 09:56 AM

"Of course." *Vax nodded, walking away and thus his bubble popped*

Night Owll 19-Oct-21 09:58 AM

*T’Shenn found a nice place upon one of the large glowing mushrooms and sat down to meditate, but not before sending an invite to join her on the crew’s chat.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 12:20 AM

*He was slowly strolling through, taking a look around the ruins and beautiful glowing fungi. He was wearing a simple turtleneck, a main part of his shore leave ensemble. He could be any member of this world... or anyone, really, though his incessant looking up at the fungi could signal that he was indeed a tourist.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 12:28 AM

*A bubble formed as Maxwell showed up, he had decided that a visit to the planet was warranted. He wandered around eventually finding the caverns. They were spectacular, but he couldn't help but think about what dangers could be lying here.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 12:33 AM

*He sighed and turned down a different way through the caverns, ultimately walking down the same path as Maxwell. He tapped his foot on the ground and indeed noticed the man, a friendly wave directed in his direction.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 12:44 AM

*Maxwell waved back. With a half smile.* "Howdy, Zebulon. How are you doing?"

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 12:47 AM

"I'm doing pretty good... pretty good. How about yourself?" *He asked back as he slowed down to speak with the other man. A human conversational pleasantry... yes.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 12:49 AM

"I'm doing well. Just enjoying what little shore leave I have available, you could say." *Maxwell came to a stop and faced Zeb. Remembering his last interaction with the young....old..... middle aged man.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 12:53 AM

"May as well cherish it while you have it, hmm? This is something straight out of a fantasy novel," *he replied, an energetic smile etched on his face.* "How's security doing these days?"

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 12:55 AM

"We are doing alright. Considering." *He was a bit hesitant answering the question, knowing full well of how security had been, in the last little bit.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 12:58 AM

"Heh. I heard what happened... and it isn't really my place to comment on it. You alright?" *He asked, hearing that there were hostages and stuff and more stuff that Zebulon didn't care to process on his mini vacation.*

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Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 01:05 AM

"I'm doing better then I was. But still I have.......moments." *Maxwell said which was truth. He was starting to actually feel like himself, but there were several times. (More than he's like to admit) where an episode will sneak up on him and take him by surprise.*

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[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 09:42 PM

"Moments? Hmm. You talking to a counselor about this?" *He asked, eyes drifting about for a split second before going back to Maxwell.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 10:15 PM

“Not exactly yet. I’m on their list. I guess they’ve got a lot of other people to see.” *He shrugged.*

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[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 10:30 PM

"I hope they help you soon... it's never good to let your emotions fester for so long. I used to be like you at one point... then I was still finding my footing in the universe and things happened. The best thing to do is to seek the aid of others especially in this Starfleet," *he replied with a supportive look. He seemed like a hyper-intelligent child, a repository of knowledge and wisdom.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 10:39 PM

“So I’ve been told.” *He chuckles. He had been told that the last time he visited a counselor back before the Borg-verse escape.* “I’ve had some help from a good friend.” *He said slightly smiling.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 10:46 PM

"A good friend. That is very good! That's what friends are for. Would you like to walk with me?" *He motioned to the scene before them with his hand, a quirked brow. He always found it calming to walk and talk.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 10:51 PM

“Lead the way.” *Maxwell said, starting to walk beside Zebulon.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 11-Nov-21 11:13 PM

*He started to walk down, taking in the sights and scenes around himself.* "So... you're from Earth. I honestly forget where exactly..."

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 11-Nov-21 11:41 PM

“Texas. United States.” *He said taking in the sights around him as well. This planet sure was beautiful, but the dangers were also very real.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 12-Nov-21 12:06 AM

"I've been there a few times. How you ride those large cows... absolutely mesmerizing. Pretty dangerous, too... rodeos. That's what they're called. You a fan of rodeos?" *He asked. His was certainly something he liked from the state itself.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 12-Nov-21 12:19 AM

“I would always go to rodeos with my father. Anytime we could. So yeah I do like rodeos.”*He said with a smile.*

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 12-Nov-21 10:27 PM

"Fun... rodeos." *He yawned softly and shook his head. He seemed to be getting tired already. Twelve hours of sleep... and he only got six.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 12-Nov-21 11:24 PM

*Maxwell softly chuckles.* “Tired much?”

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 13-Nov-21 11:14 AM

"Only six hours of sleep and I need twelve. Tough. I won't let that interrupt my journey out here, of course. When's the last time you went to a rodeo?" *He asked, a soft smile on his face.*

Lt. JG Hunter Maxwell 13-Nov-21 11:18 AM

*Maxwell nodded, he didn’t understand the 12 hours of sleep, but he did understand not getting enough sleep.* “Oh geez… last time I was at a rodeo, I think, was my 18th birthday. My father came by the academy, during his shore leave, and took me out to Texas for a good rodeo.”

[T] PO1 Zebulon Tothe BOT 18-Nov-21 11:54 AM

“Nice...” *Zebulon yawned again and looked at his watch. He skipped over slightly.* “I must sadly get some rest before I drop. See you around?” *He slipped around the corner rather quickly, however, bound to return to finish talking with the man at a later point... and also free up a bubble for Hunter.*

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Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 24-Nov-21 01:09 AM

*It is difficult to tell how far in she got as she was distracted by the glowing moss on the cavern walls, though she had stopped completely when she spotted the towering glowing fungi, sways softly in the cavern breeze.* *It was picturesque indeed. Though, there was a chill and it reminded her that camp still needed to be made. So she walked to find a large and flat enough area for everyone to start setting up.*

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 24-Nov-21 01:11 AM

Expedition Camp

Narrator BOT 04-Dec-21 02:59 PM

*The next day after everyone woke and readied for the day, T'Pel gathered her science staff to begin exploring the large cavern.* *Off in the distance, further beyond the illumination of the tall and large glowing fungi, you can see what looks like structured buildings sparsely littering the far cavern wall. At your feet there is a small creek that snakes back further into the cave.* (edited)

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[T] Ens. K. Karvak BOT 04-Dec-21 11:09 PM

*He slept very well the night before being in nature, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as the old saying went. He looked at the scene around themselves, the beauty of it all... He was curious, infinitely curious, though he felt like a bump on the log. He wanted to join the science troop and aid them in any way possible, though the words never found their way to his lips. He was certainly the one that didn't want to look foolish in front of the group for asking a possibly foolish question. He silently cursed his father for pushing his career choice... and resolved to simply learn from this expedition. This world reminded him- oddly- of the Lord of the Rings. A fantasy world... did they have ghost-figures too? The Romulan's eyes traced the cave in neverending wonder, for he was finally creeping out of his emotional shell from the Borg universe.* *He tied his hiking boots up and stood straight with his pack, waiting for the group to set out to their next adventure. He was excited and optimistic for what would come next. No, he didn't address anyone in particular for the benefit of RP... but that was totally fine. Karvak simply loved looking at things in silence; conversation was taxingly tiring at times. When he wanted to simply stare at something nice, someone else talking to him would irritate him. He wanted to focus on the nice-looking things. The things that made him smile and squint in pure curiosity. He wanted to see if they had more of those large mushrooms like the one Sara pulled out... so he was sure to keep a lookout.* *He took out his notebook a bit before his getting ready and decided to sketch the interesting scene from earlier, the one of the triumphant woman with the large mushroom. He dubbed it 'King Arthur's Mushroom' because he saw it fit, drawing a simple sketch around the edges of this small masterpiece. The Romulan smiled after he got the proper outline, putting the book away back into his pack with the pencil.* (edited)

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 05-Dec-21 09:00 PM

*After seeing to it that everyone was situated, T'Pel had turned in after ensuring Sa'val she had set up his sleeping bag in the tent with herself. Things were awkward right now, but after the cave the logic of his hesitation at bonding made much more sense to her, even if it still hurt. There was no telling where they would end up next and he did not want to put her through what her broke. Half went through.* *So she wasn't going to push anything but he was informed he was still welcomed next to her. The image of him curled up on rocks cuddling his rifle, while amusingly adorable, seemed supremely uncomfortable.* *Once up and caffeinated she gathered her officers and took them further in to explore, their tactical and security detail following to keep an eye out.*

PO3 Harry Lynton 07-Dec-21 01:41 AM

*Harry for the better part of two hours, had stood watch over the entrance of the cave. It was that nice early morning dew and the fact that the only other person there was the tactical officer off on the other point. Meaning that he had time to just think. It almost reminded him of back home, at least those days where he wasn’t being woken up early for a ruck or to do harvesting. His grip on the phaser rifle in his hands was pretty loose, very counterintuitive to the defensive nature he presented but the sense of serenity was nice. He didn’t have to worry for a few hours that anything more than the occasional animal would possibly scare him. There seemed to be no opponents, no apparent sighting of those creatures that had caused a minor ruckus. It was the first time in a while that he could actually say he wasn’t extremely concerned about other people’s wellbeing’s. Although yes it was his job, that sense of calm and clarity seemed to take command, maybe the side of him that people wanted him to be like. But besides the introspection, Harry made a few steps left and right, continuing to stare down the cave for any sign of trouble.*

Water Nymph BOT 07-Dec-21 01:51 AM

*Unbeknownst to anyone around, because this one knew how to be quiet, the tactical officer had been being observed. Quite intently, in fact. So dutiful in his pacing, but once he stepped closer to the small creek, she reached out and grabbed him by the foot!* *Surely he yelped, which she couldn't help but giggle at as her watery form raced up.the creek to the first deep pool she came to. Disappearing under the glassy surface with her prize.*

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PO3 Harry Lynton 07-Dec-21 02:01 AM

*As Harry continued his duitable march, all of a sudden his foot gets grabbed by something and instantly he starts getting dragged. In this type of fight or flight scenario, he picks the option that involves the attempt to grab any sort of ground or stone he could possibly get. All this of course did was scratch up his hands and generally reduce his ability to scream to anyone. And as soon as the deep pool is found and the nymph got in with Harry, the clattering of his phaser rifle being dropped and the sound of someone jumping into a pool of water would be the only things from Harry. He had of course been so shocked that he didn’t even say a word, just a gasp. And there goes kidnapping number two.*

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Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 03:03 AM

[T] *You could hear the echo coming from Rick as the voice got closer.* "Harry? Harry!!" *He called out but no answer.* "Where is he? Thought someone was here watching the enterence.." *He muttered but just suddenly he heard a clunky noise coming from below him, he looked down and saw a rifle on the ground to which he quickly picked it up.* "Hmm... who would leave this here?" *He wondered as he inspected it.*

*It didn't seem that it wasn't used, the battery seemed charged, the ammo clip is full, and judging from the warm feeling his hands felt on the rifle handle, someone was using this recently. He has a pretty good hunch that it might be Harry, but the question is: where did he go? He couldn'tve just up and left just like that he wondered.*

"Okay Harry, im not one to be pulling a prank on, but this is not your style so come on out!" *He called out.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 10:17 AM

*The only thing he could hear was the sound of ~~music~~ crickets.*

"Oh..no. nononono this is not like Harry." *He muttered as he rushed back to the camp.*

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Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 11:46 AM

[T] *Few minutes later the group comes up to where Rick found the rifle.* "This is it, this where I found the rifle...which means that this is the last known location of Harry before he disappeared." *He pointed out.* "But to where and how? That which I don't know."

Narrator BOT 07-Dec-21 12:15 PM

*Near where the rifle was dropped are clear indications of disturbed ground, as though someone had attempted to grab any sort of ground or stone they could possibly get. The drag and scratch marks lead into a very nearby watery pool.*

Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 01:04 PM

*Rorik turned on his flashlight and scanned the grounds carefully for even the smallest rock that was in an unnatural position. Sweeping the ground in front of them, there was already several clues leading them towards their destination, and likely where Lynton was..but just looking at the marks in the ground, finding him alive and well was looking less than promising.* "There was a scramble." *He murmured, bending down onto his haunches with a creak of his boots and a shuffle of his supply bag as he waved out an arm to show where he was pointing, directing the flashlight over the upturned ground that swept into clawmarks in the dirt. A body was dragged some several feet, and by the looks of the disturbed dirt that moved wildly away from the main dragging mark, it had been kicking and screaming.* "They lead towards the water." *He said again simply, settling down onto one knee and glinting the light towards one of the many glowing, watery pools.* "We will head back to camp and see if anyone has thought to bring a rebreather..then we will dive down into the pool to have a look."

Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 01:09 PM

*Rick nodded in agreement and all of them journeyed back to the campsite. "Dragged down to the water? But by whom... or more importantly what could've dragged him down?" He wondered.*

Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 01:10 PM

*Rorik stood and headed back to camp as well. This would be an intriguing rescue mission.*

[Sec] Warrant Officer Serapia Albitina BOT 07-Dec-21 01:20 PM

*Serapia moved up to Rorik and looked at the same water.* "I agree with your assessment Ensign Rorik. I am willing to venture into the water myself locate any evidence. I can hold my breath for a considerable amount of time."

Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 01:31 PM

"You will be doing no such thing. You will don a rebreather and then, and only then, we will investigate the pool." *He ordered, giving Albitina a firm look before gesturing her to follow him with a two-fingered 'come hither' gesture. It wasn't necessarily that he felt 'bad' about grilling her earlier, but as a team leader and someone who would be working with security often, it would bode well for her to know that it was only in her best interests that he did so.* "..While I do not doubt your abilities, we do not know how deep or where the pool leads to. I cannot allow harm to come to you nor allow your death by conceding to your wishes of a freedive. I trust you understand my orders, Albitina." (edited)

[Sec] Warrant Officer Serapia Albitina BOT 07-Dec-21 01:35 PM

"As the Federation wills it, Ensign Rorik. My apologies." *She said respectfully. It certainly wasn't her place to argue with orders nor would she. The woman followed the Vulcan staying by his side.*

Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 01:37 PM

*It took everything in him to not roll his eyes at her reply, but simply nodded in confirmation and led her and Reyes back to camp with great haste and purpose. The longer they doddled above ground, the longer Lynton was below it.*

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 07-Dec-21 02:20 PM

*T'Pel, having been off trying to keep all her officers from straying too far from the group (like curious cats are want to do), hearing the commotion she wandered closer to camp .* (edited)

Ignis BOT 07-Dec-21 02:27 PM

*Ignis was simply relaxing on T'Pel's shoulder, not really knowing what was going on. She was probably going to get more info out of this conversation however.*

Lt. Xander Spica 07-Dec-21 03:34 PM

*Xander was looking around the caverns to see if everything was in order. All this commotion pretty much woke him up anyways, so why not be of some use to people?*

Forest Nymph BOT 07-Dec-21 03:37 PM

*What appeared to be moss one moment, moved off the rock face it was sitting on as Xander's back was turned to it. With long arms, they wrapped around him, covering his mouth as the creature stepped back and melded them both into the mossy rock face, disappearing completely.*

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Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 03:37 PM

*Having arrived back in the inner caverns, Rorik held up a hand just before the pool, palm flat and fingers pointed skyward. The sign for 'Halt.'* "Spread out, keep your flashlights on the ground and look for more disturbed soil, holes, unnaturally laying rocks and more. We are not to dive until the rest of the party arrives- until then we will gather as much at the scene evidence as we are able."

[Sec] Warrant Officer Serapia Albitina BOT 07-Dec-21 03:41 PM

*Serapia turned on her phaser rifle flash light and scanned the surface for any clues of movement or recent activity. She would spread out and head closer to the lake to see if there was anything.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 03:41 PM

*Rick switched the light on and began to search for unusual ground activity.*

Water Nymph BOT 07-Dec-21 03:45 PM

*Just as quickly as before with the tactical officer, up through the water she moved, grabbing the blond woman and submerging just as quickly with her prize...*

[Sec] Warrant Officer Serapia Albitina BOT 07-Dec-21 03:53 PM

*Serapia had no time to react or do anything when whatever creature pulled her into the water. It was so quick she left her phaser rifle behind leaving her with two options. The woman struggled feeling something was holding onto her waist. She would try to pry it off her with all her might, hopefully it was weak enough so she could do so.*

Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 03:54 PM

"Albitina!" *He called out, watching with raised brows as an otherwordly being shot out of the glowing pool and snatched the warrant officer so quickly, there had not even been enough time to raise his phaser rifle to aim at it. Perhaps it was without logic that he did so, but with a running start, he took a jump and dived boots first into the pool after the being and Albitina.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 03:55 PM

"Hey!! Stop!!" *He shouted when he saw the whole thing go down and went in after them. This is indeed a disturbing new universe.* (edited)

Narrator BOT 07-Dec-21 04:01 PM

*As far as the Vulcan could see, the water was empty.*

Ensign Rorik 07-Dec-21 04:03 PM

*With nothing immediately to be seen besides the cool, clear water. Rorik lunged downwards further. A fairly proficient swimmer, Rorik swam to the bottom of the cavern pool and began to touch and push against the rocks and the cavern wall- looking for something. A door, a passage way, **something**. There was no way they disappeared into nothing- two grown humanoids would take up much more space- as well as the being that likely snatched Lynton as well.* (edited)

[Sec] Warrant Officer Serapia Albitina BOT 07-Dec-21 04:05 PM

*Serapia looked up to see how fast she was retreating from the surface and to see if there was anything, or anyone that she could see.*

Water Nymph BOT 07-Dec-21 04:10 PM

*The woman in her arms struggled, so she injected her with a light poison, meant as a sedative.*

6

[Sec] Warrant Officer Serapia Albitina BOT 07-Dec-21 04:13 PM

*Just as she was about to reach for her power sword to end this quickly, the woman felt a slight pinch and suddenly her eyes closed.*

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 07-Dec-21 04:43 PM

*T'Pel jogged away from camp to where she left her team, and looked around for Xander, having left him in charge while she stepped away.* "Xander, we need to get everyone back to camp. Xander? Lieutenant Xander Spica! Answer me!" *It wasn't until she found his tricorder on the ground near the cavern wall,* "Everyone, move! Drop everything and get back to camp now!" (edited)

*Quickly, everyone was corralled back to camp.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 07-Dec-21 06:09 PM

*Rick quickly swam down at the best possible speed trying to reach for the kidnapper and Serapia.* (edited)

PO3. Richard Hughes 07-Dec-21 06:24 PM

*Hughes had separated from the group slightly, walking around the pool to take a look from other angles while being careful not to stray out of eyeshot. But hearing a shout from the other side of the pool shortly followed by an order for the science team to evacuate, his instincts came to the fore, and at once he took a knee behind a little pile of rocks, the closest thing nearby to cover, weapon brought up to the aim, trying to see down into the water a few dozen metres away next to where he could have sworn there were at least three crewmen just now.* *Wait.* *Cripes.*

PO3. Richard Hughes 09-Dec-21 04:38 PM

*After kneeling still for a moment as the fact he was alone seared itself across the inside of his skull, Hughes brought back his left hand to slap his combadge, not feeling it was safe to take the normal right hand off his weapon - there'd have been a call over the net if they were proceeding to the dive, so it stood to reason they'd disappeared like Lynton. He spoke quietly, though it sounded like he was trying to shout through a whisper, and it took a great deal of restraint to keep his speech at a measured speed.* "Hughes to Commander Stryker. I've lost contact with the other members of the dive team, they disappeared beside the pool. Request instructions, over."

Narrator BOT 09-Dec-21 05:54 PM

*Under the water, there were many different tunnels, or what looked like tunnels, branching out in different directions.*

Ensign Rorik 09-Dec-21 06:07 PM

*It was at this point of coming across the tunnels did Rorik stand at an impasse.. or float, as it were. It took only a few moments disciphering before he took a tunnel on the left, diving forwards with great intent and purpose, his legs kicking strongly behind him, propelling him forward and down his chosen tunnel.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 09-Dec-21 06:12 PM

*Rick followed suit right behind Rorik. Hope that this leads to someplace not so terrifying.*

Narrator BOT 09-Dec-21 06:50 PM

*Rorik and Rick turn down a tunnel, small fishy life forms scurry out of their way. The tunnel eventually leads to a large watery cavern, with more tunnels on all sides. One should wonder if the tunnel's are natural or if something made them.*

PO3. Richard Hughes

*After kneeling still for a moment as the fact he was alone seared itself across the inside of his skull, Hughes brought back his left hand to slap his combadge, not feeling it was safe to take the normal right hand off his weapon - there'd have been a call over the net if they were proceeding to the dive, so it stood to reason they'd disappeared like Lynton. He spoke quietly, though it sounded like he was trying to shout through a whisper, and it took a great deal of restraint to keep his speech at a measured speed.* "Hughes to Commander Stryker. I've lost contact with the other members of the dive team, they disappeared beside the pool. Request instructions, over."

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 09-Dec-21 06:55 PM

"We have a second member of the Expedition who is reported missing. I am assembling a secondary Search Party to follow that track. You will be on your own, Hughes. Stay in contact as much as is possible, follow Ensign Rorik's lead. Stryker out."

Ensign Rorik 09-Dec-21 07:09 PM

*Rorik was mentally mapping their trail as they swam forward, taking any and all note of peculiarly shaped rocks, stalagmites, and tunnel crevices. But..just to ensure.. He unlatched the hasp with a soft 'click' and drew out his tactical knife from his boot. swirling it forwards in his hands to face the blade outwards. With as much precision as one could underwater, he carved a rudimentary 'x' into the stone outside of the tunnel they'd just taken, the end of which ended in a large cavern with begrudgingly more tunnels. This was a most unfortunate turn of events- but one he was grateful to know, as had he allowed Albitina to free dive, she would have no doubt drowned considering the mass of this underwater system.* *The knife marks would ensure they would in the very least find their way back, hopefully with the other officers in tow. Though it was not looking so hopeful the further they swam on.. Swiftly trudging forth into the open water of the cavern, he carefully looked around to memorize all the details he could while simultaneously looking for any would-be dangers. Looking back to Reyes and noting he was still alive and behind him, he ultimately made the executive decision to take another tunnel on the right, but not before marking an 'x' on the outside of it with a few rough slashing motions.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 09-Dec-21 07:29 PM

*Rick followed and looked around the tunnel the are in.*

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 08:25 PM

*Kk'kkv leads @Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker and @Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra into the caverns proper, going into the position the science officer was last, the location that Sa'val had pointed out. Making sure to entirely remain inside her superiors officers site.* *She scanned the location in all directions.* "Sir, if we are attacked, do we fire to stun or kill?" (edited)

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 09-Dec-21 08:52 PM

*As soon as they left the camp, Sa'val's posture changed from militarily crisp to hunched and low profile, like a hunter stalking prey. His footfalls became nearly silent as he followed Kk'kkv.* "Stun. We are not going to indiscriminately take any lives unless ours, or our crews, are in immediate danger. Keep on your toes, Kay-vee."

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 09:02 PM

"Yessir." *Kk'kkv did not exactly have toes, but she understood the meaning of Sa'val's words. She looked for signs of where the lost science officer may be.*

Narrator឵ BOT 09-Dec-21 09:23 PM

*The last location the Science Officer had been seen at was still within eyesight of the camp entrance. The walls here were significantly mossy and the surroundings reflect a greenish hue that intermingled with the damp walls. It would be almost a bit disorienting to an untrained eye. To the front is the opening towards the intricate passages that marked the entrance to the Cavern that the Expedition had come through. To the rear is the pond and the Camp. To the left is a solid wall of stone and moss. There appears to be damp footsteps near the right wall of the cavern passage but it appears, at first glance, to be solid as well.*

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 09:30 PM

*Thankfully, Kk'kkv is a trained eye. While she was not born in the caves, she has spent a significant portion of her life underground. \*As Kk'kkv analyzed the right wall, she blinked, then spoke.* "Sir, there are footsteps at the right wall of the passage."

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 09-Dec-21 09:45 PM

*T'Pel whipped out her tricorder and began scanning, being sure not to stray far from Sa'val and Kk. Though like a cat on a hunt, she slowly moved along the wall.* "There seems to be a strange... residue? It's nearly invisible but it's also much too big to be a slug trail." *Further down the way as she followed it, the trail suddenly disappeared, and T'Pel looked from the cavern wall to her tricord and back, before...* "'*AH HA!**"*** **A loud and almost giddy proclamation before she quickly reserved herself, *"Finally. Finally something here makes* sense*. This particular area of the wall has an extremely large collection of this...****magical*' energy. Reading what I have...I am certain it is an illusion *spell*." *Sa'val had picked up her distain correctly before. This magic was very distasteful to her. So she picked up a stick and threw it at the spot, and it bounced right off, smoking from the spark it received. She then looked at her companions for opinions.*

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 10:05 PM

*Kk'kkv looked upon it. Indeed, nothing here makes sense. She thought for a moment, then spoke.* "That energy must have a source, yes? Uh~" *She blinked a few times, attempting to get her thoughts together. It's hard.* "Maybe that source can get overloaded and confused, if we put stress on wall, and cause it to dissipate or weaken?" (edited)

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 09-Dec-21 10:07 PM

"An excellent point. Depending on the nature of the energy of course. Electromagnetic pulses have often been commonly utilized for such a purpose."

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 10:21 PM

"Our Phasers emit electromagnetic properties which could potentially overwhelm whatever uh~ energies this wall is getting. Yes."

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 09-Dec-21 10:41 PM

"That is outstanding thinking, Kay-vee. Make it a wide beam, set to lowest stun first to test your theory." *Sa'val placed his hand softly on T'Pel's shoulder and ushered her behind him as he stood behind Kk'kkv's firing arc.*

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 10:42 PM

"With my rifle or phaser, sir?"

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 09-Dec-21 10:43 PM

"I suggest using your Phaser. Even with the lower output, it should be sufficent. If something should happen, I personally would rather be without my sidearm than my rifle."

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 10:52 PM

"Ayesir." *As such Kk'kkv took out her phaser, her rifle equipped with her other set of arms. Taking a few moments to input the desired settings, she'd aim the phaser.* "Firing." *PSsssshhhhh.* (edited)

4

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 09-Dec-21 11:10 PM

"That is an agreeable idea." *T'Pel had muttered as Sa'val put himself between her and the wall. An action that was small, and she knew he would have done for anyone, but with her intentionally keeping a sensitive "eye" open, it was difficult to not sense he cared. Which was such a pleasant relief.* *However her focus quickly moved to watch Kk. Inwardly swearing to herself that if this didn't work she was going to scream.*

Narrator BOT 09-Dec-21 11:11 PM

*Thankfully it did work, and the illusion of rock faded to expose a tunnel.*

PO3 Kk’kkv 09-Dec-21 11:15 PM

*Kk'kkv puts her phaser at the low ready, reverting it back to it's usual settings. She looked into the tunnel.* (edited)

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 10-Dec-21 01:52 AM

"Perhaps Kay-vee is equally suited to work in your labs considering her capacity for electromagnetic interference propagation..." *Sa'val sidestepped again to peer around Kk'kkv into the tunnel before turning back to T'Pel with her tricorder and her innate capabilites to see if she could detect anything, silently glad she had come along as it was the most logical thing to have her here, even if the less logical side of him would rather she be safely protected.* "Do you detect any sign of your Officer...or the perpetrator?"

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 10-Dec-21 02:59 AM

*T'Pel also looked around the large bug lady, and squinted slightly before looking to her tricorder,* "I sense nothing and I am reading nothing. We can proceed."

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 10-Dec-21 03:00 AM

*Sa'val nodded and waved a bladed hand down the hallway as a silent hand signal for Kk'kkv to proceed. Sa'val, meanwhile, raised his rifle to the low-ready position and prepared to move out behind her.* (edited)

PO3 Kk’kkv 10-Dec-21 07:39 AM

*As such, Kk'kkv leads the small group into the tunnel.* *Very subtly clicking with her mandibles, which produced a strange and generally quite sound.* (edited)

Narrator BOT 10-Dec-21 07:59 PM

*Meanwhile, in another part of the caverns, under water to be exact...Out Vulcan and Rick were swimming deep in the tunnels. However, vibrations in the water would give awareness that they were not alone. While swimming through one small tunnel, at the next interaction, a large long creature moved past before disappearing down another tunnel.*

5

Crewman Rick Reyes 10-Dec-21 08:23 PM

*Rick would be sweating right now if they were on dry land, but instead he gets chills up his spine. He knows they're not alone, but who or what would be following them he is not sure.*

Narrator BOT 10-Dec-21 09:25 PM

*Above, on dry land, in the tunnel with Madam bug and the two pointy and logical hybrids (sounds like a strange sitcom to me), the three of them moved silently throught the tunnel uneventfully until it became obvious they were being followed by many little bugs with glowing abdomens. Mimicking Kk's mandible clicks.*

1

PO3 Kk’kkv 10-Dec-21 10:08 PM

*Kk'kkv would look to them, obviously piqued. They were adorable, and Kk'kkv prevented herself from turning around, picking several of them up and giving them the love they deserve. Instead she tilts her head, and continues towards the front. She was pointman, afterall - but as she walked forward, she continued her clicking. To see if the bugs would continue to mimic it, while still focused at what is ahead.* (edited)

Narrator BOT 11-Dec-21 12:37 AM

*They did mimic and soon there were many more, the mimicking getting louder as a result.*

3

1

1

PO3. Richard Hughes 11-Dec-21 05:40 PM

*Hughes continued to crouch beside his little rock for a good few minutes, the only sounds his own breathing and the occasional drip from the cave roof. At last his ankle, pressed against a little outcrop of the rock, started to hurt, and the dull ache pulled Hughes from watching the pool.* *He couldn't stay here forever. For one thing, his orders were to follow Ensign Rorik, and while what that did mean wasn't clear, it didn't mean falling back to camp. For another, this was getting rather uncomfortable.* *So he carefully took a half-pace back from his rock, staying low. When no fairytale monsters dropped from the ceiling, Hughes straightened up, and stepped softly back to the cave wall, where once again he kneeled down and grabbed his canteen from his belt, taking a swig before reattaching it and looking back up to the cave.* *Hughes was alone, and had no idea what it was that had been taking people away. For all he knew the ground was about to open beneath him; it'd looked like Lynton had been pulled into the water, but that wasn't a sure indicator of anything. The fact of the matter was that Hughes couldn't prove he was safer here than he'd be in the water, which his team's mission was to search. Plus, there was every chance that his comms were malfunctioning or there was interference and he'd missed an order to dive.* *And if he was wrong? Well... the way Hughes saw it, if he was going to die he didn't want to just sit there and wait for it, he was going to see if he could knock out a few of the Grim Reaper's teeth on the way out. Bit morbid, but true.* *How was one supposed to conduct oneself when one was about to die? Of course, best case scenario he wasn't, and no-one was watching, but he might as well have some Famous Last Words, even if they were off the top of his head and therefore not as profound as those found in books. Unfortunately, Hughes didn't consider the effects his rebreather would have on his Famous Last Words.* "mfffmf mmfmf. mmf." *splash*

Ensign Rorik 12-Dec-21 12:11 PM

*Holding tight onto the hilt of his blade, Rorik watched with wide, focused eyes as the long, large creature that he couldn't immediately identify slithered past. He looked to Rick, ensuring the creature hadn't bypassed him to consume his Human companion, but once he saw that he too had made it through unharmed, Rorik gestured to Rick to follow forward with two fingers pointed out towards him, and then curling them inwards twice. They needed to hurry along, there was no telling where the other officers were and time was truly of the essence.*

3

Crewman Rick Reyes 12-Dec-21 12:56 PM

*Rick nodded and swam behind him. The feeling was growing and his stomach was curling into a ball of mothballs.*

Narrator

*They did mimic and soon there were many more, the mimicking getting louder as a result.*

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 13-Dec-21 12:55 AM

*Sa'val's ears tingled at what sounded like stereo clicking and observed the bugs gathering around them in, what appeared to be, some sort of coalescing formation. Sa'val glanced at the Pointman...or Pointbug and whispered only loud enough to he heard by Kk'kkv.* "It appears you have a following, Kay-vee...and they may be trying to communicate with you."

PO3 Kk’kkv 13-Dec-21 12:57 AM

*Kk'kkv spoke in a similar, quite tone.* "Permission to try and communicate with them, sir?"

Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker 13-Dec-21 01:26 AM

*Sa'val glanced at T'Pel to gauge her reaction before turning back and nodding to Kk'kkv.* "Granted. Attempt to determine their purpose or level of threat."

PO3 Kk’kkv 13-Dec-21 01:32 AM

*Kk'kkv turned around towards the mass of insects. They were all so small, but there glowing abdomens lead to a brilliant looking display, especially for Kk'kkv's eyes. Kk'kkv would carefully kneel to the ground in order to have a better level of communication. Then she will speak - in her native language - a series of clicks of her mandibles and internal tendrils.* ~Xxkt'tkxkkrtkKx'~ [Hello. Do you understand me?] (edited)

3

Fire Beatles BOT 13-Dec-21 06:30 AM

*A cacophony of excitable clicks sounded, rather loudly in the tunnel, as they replied,* "Yes! You are bug! You are big bug! You are Queen bug! Hail the Queen!"

5

2

4

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 13-Dec-21 06:33 AM

*T'Pel tried to cover her ears but settled to the sound quick enough as she watched. A hand gently petting Sa'val's neck as she tried to counter act the sudden wave of happiness around her.* "I think they like you, Kay-vee."

PO3 Kk’kkv 13-Dec-21 07:37 AM

*Kk'kkv looked at them with genuine shock. They were so small and so happy - Kk'kkv understood the seriousness of the message they conveyed. She looked breifly up at Sa'val, then down towards the collective of fire bugs.* "They think I am there Queen sir." (edited)

4

PO3 Kk’kkv 16-Dec-21 08:22 AM

( @Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra @Lt. Cmdr. Sa'val Stryker )

PO3. Richard Hughes 16-Dec-21 02:43 PM

*One secondary advantage of wearing a rebreather - the main one of course being being able to breathe - was that the equipment's density roughly balanced out most people's buoyancy, making it a lot easier to dive with full lungs than normal. So Hughes had no trouble diving even with one arm taken up with his rifle. The exhilaration and terror of what Hughes had done just about wore off by the time he came to an underground, flooded cavern, with many branching tunnels from it. Moving to the wall so as not to be crept up on from behind, Hughes realised that he'd probably never find the others down here alone - that was, until his uniform snagged on something behind him. Flipping around, fearing who knew what, he was pleasantly surprised to find an X carved jaggedly into what must be soft rocks. He couldn't be certain that this was the dive team's doing, but it was the best lead he had.* *Now this tunnel led upwards, whence he came, so it wasn't what he was looking for. But perhaps there'd be another...* *After a couple of minutes of searching Hughes found it, another crude marking, and swam after the tunnel it indicated, further into the depths of the cave system.*

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 17-Dec-21 06:55 PM

"Queen?" *T'Pel softly repeated.* "Have the just made you Queen or is it a case of mistaken identity? Also...see if they have seen our missing crew..." *Opportunistic, sure. Time was unfortunately a wasting.*

Narrator BOT 17-Dec-21 06:56 PM

*For the team in the water, there was glowing light from up ahead. Then three forks.*

PO3 Kk’kkv 17-Dec-21 07:47 PM

*Kk'kkv looked back down to the collective of bugs. They were very endearing, again so small and so happy, to be in the presence of there queen. It made Kk'kkv miss her own, deeply.* ~Kxkx'Tk'xxkx'cC'kxzrrttzk~ [Why am I your queen? What happen to the previous?] (edited)

4

Fire Beatles BOT 18-Dec-21 02:15 AM

"You Queen! You big, so you Queen!" *Many began to dance in place, continuing to mimic Kk's prior clicking noises.*

3

3

3

PO3 Kk’kkv 18-Dec-21 10:46 AM

"I am Queen because I am big. What does your missing officer look like, ma'am?" (edited)

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 19-Dec-21 04:23 PM

"He is wearing the same uniform as I am. Also there are more missing. Total of three. All in similar uniforms. Bipedal."

PO3 Kk’kkv 19-Dec-21 04:51 PM

*Kk'kkv looks back at the collective of bugs, and speaks.* ~Xxxk'tkkxrTx'krk'xxkCtk~ *There is a short pause, then resumes speech.* ~Kkkkrx'Ckrytk'xxkxkr~ [Thank you. Have you seen 3 bipedals, wearing a simular uniform to myself? If so, where were they heading, and who or what else where they heading with?] (edited)

Narrator BOT 20-Dec-21 02:35 AM

@Narrator (@Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra) - jump (Since it was missed by @Crewman Rick Reyes and @Ensign Rorik )

Fire Beatles BOT 20-Dec-21 02:36 AM

*They clicked among themselves, obviously their own way to communicate before returning as one to reply,* "We did! They are in the Nymph's grotto!"

PO3 Kk’kkv 20-Dec-21 07:41 AM

*Kk'kkv blinked, before continuing* ~Kxxhtkkrt'kkktrxkxCkrtkz~ [Could you lead me and the other bipedals to them?] (edited)

Narrator

*For the team in the water, there was glowing light from up ahead. Then three forks.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 20-Dec-21 10:01 AM

*Rick decided to back track to see if they had passed something which they should've took.*

Narrator

@Narrator (@Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra) - jump (Since it was missed by @Crewman Rick Reyes and @Ensign Rorik )

Ensign Rorik 20-Dec-21 02:16 PM

*Treading deeper into the water made for dangerous circumstances if something came up and at them..a tactical knife could only wreck so muc havoc against the magical creatures that inhabited this land. He would need to keep a sharp eye on Reyes to ensure he did not become a fourth taken. Catching @Crewman Rick Reyes's attention with another 'come hither' motion with two fingers curling inward, he swam forward towards the light that shone deeper into the cave system. Light usually meant sun or moon, and at this point he would be grateful for either one.* *Once they had reached the three forks, Rorik made another sloppy 'x' cut into the stone with several swipes of his knife. Peering down as best he could down the tunnels, he looked for anything differentiating one from the other two.*

PO3. Richard Hughes 20-Dec-21 03:26 PM

*Hughes was starting to tire a little in his attempts to catch up, but just as he was about to pause for a rest he saw the dimmest flicker of light out of the corner of his eye. The light penetrating this deep was minimal, but Hughes' eyes had adapted enough for him to stop bumping into things. Hoping beyond hope that the light source was his colleagues and not this world's equivalent of an anglerfish, he tore on ahead.*

Ensign Rorik

*Treading deeper into the water made for dangerous circumstances if something came up and at them..a tactical knife could only wreck so muc havoc against the magical creatures that inhabited this land. He would need to keep a sharp eye on Reyes to ensure he did not become a fourth taken. Catching @Crewman Rick Reyes's attention with another 'come hither' motion with two fingers curling inward, he swam forward towards the light that shone deeper into the cave system. Light usually meant sun or moon, and at this point he would be grateful for either one.* *Once they had reached the three forks, Rorik made another sloppy 'x' cut into the stone with several swipes of his knife. Peering down as best he could down the tunnels, he looked for anything differentiating one from the other two.*

Crewman Rick Reyes 20-Dec-21 04:05 PM

*Rick followed suit.*

Fire Beatles BOT 22-Dec-21 03:19 AM

@PO3 Kk’kkv - jump *The clicked happily as the mob began to move down the tunnel,* "This way, your majesty!"

Narrator BOT 22-Dec-21 03:23 AM

@Ensign Rorik - jump *The tunnels on the left and in the middle seemed to just get dark, where the right seemed to be the source of the light.* *However the rumbling returned, back beyond Rick you can see a light, and two reflective eyes that sat above an open maw heading right for our tactihunks.*

Narrator

@Ensign Rorik - jump *The tunnels on the left and in the middle seemed to just get dark, where the right seemed to be the source of the light.* *However the rumbling returned, back beyond Rick you can see a light, and two reflective eyes that sat above an open maw heading right for our tactihunks.*

Ensign Rorik 22-Dec-21 06:12 AM

*Two reflective eyes while on land was not always an immediate cause for concern. But in the water, two humanoids such as theirselves were at a large disadvantage as far as speed and strength. Those two reflective eyes might actually come as some burden to them. Peering intently back with a narrowed brown gaze, Rorik tried to make out the shape of the creature, his tactical knife still brandished just in case he might have to defend himself or his fellow officer. Though while the pitch black shadow did not immediately make itself known as a creature he had seen before, the reflective gaze of the animal was getting larger. Closer.* *Closer, and very quickly, in fact.* *While Vulcans did not exactly feel 'terror', Rorik definitely felt a sense of **deep concern and trepidation** for their safety, namely Reyes as he was much closer to the glossy black teeth that suddenly shone in what little murky light was available to them. With Reyes at the middle of the cavern and he at the front having just finished making his bread crumb trail, there was little time to react before the worst possible outcome was dealt. Three missing officers was a travesty, four would be unspeakable. He could not allow another possible death to hit the desk of his commanding officers.* *Kicking off with a powerful slam of his boots against the cave siding, he swam towards Reyes with great intent and purpose, seeking to snatch Reyes out of the way of the oncoming maw and down into a nearby tunnel before he or both of them were nothing more than a snack to the enormous water monster.* (edited)

PO3 Kk’kkv 22-Dec-21 08:58 AM

*Kk'kkv followed them, expecting the others to aswell.* "They said they are in a Nymphs Grotto. They will lead us there." (edited)

Crewman Rick Reyes 22-Dec-21 09:59 AM

*He looked confused and turned around only for his eyes to meet two oddly looking glowing eyes which he immediately jumped and swam away from just as Rorik snached him further away from it.*

Lt. Cmdr. T'Pel Kestra 23-Dec-21 11:30 PM

*T'Pel and Sa'val followed Kk and their buggy little friends.*

Narrator BOT 23-Dec-21 11:33 PM

*The creature swam past the two tactical officers and down one of the tunnels, though now that it knew there was food roaming these waters, it would likely be back very soon.*

PO3. Richard Hughes 28-Dec-21 05:34 PM

*Hughes felt movement up ahead through the water and pulled himself to the side of his tunnel, squinting into the water to see an enormous piscine shape descending - and two smaller shapes forming one as one knocked the other out of the monster's path.* *Having brought up his weapon instinctively, though his breathing mask got in the way of the sights, Hughes remained as still as he could for several seconds until the creature was gone, at which point he tore off towards the two people ahead.* *At last he reached them - Starfleet uniforms, no doubt about it. Crewman, Ensign, these were the people who'd disappeared up above. He tried shouting to get their attention but didn't expect the others to hear him, there was water in the way. Damn, he should have put his combadge in his mask. Too late now.*

Ensign Rorik 30-Dec-21 10:05 AM

*As the monster swam past them and didn't seem to be turning around, Rorik could exhale a breath he had been holding, though still keeping a firm grip on the redhead as he gazed down the cave system just to be double-sure that it hadn't gone the length of it and turned around. Once confident they were not about to duel underwater, Rorik tapped Reyes twice on the shoulder and released him, a signal to keep moving forward.* *And move forward they did into the next bit of the cave system where Rorik had carved an 'x' into the cave face, but now where di they go from here? There was no trace of the other officers thus far, no way of knowing where they had been taken..in theory they could simply explore the whole of the cave system and report back but.. his eyes quickly darted over to Reyes, looking at the oximeter on the side of his mask. How much time did they have left?*

Crewman Rick Reyes 30-Dec-21 10:18 AM

*Rick checked and it seemed they don't have much time left, he gestures him to double their speed.*

PO3. Richard Hughes 30-Dec-21 03:12 PM

*Gah. Nothing for it. Hughes simply pushed himself forward and tapped the Crewman on the shoulder, reasoning that if he was attacked before he was recognised it'd be much better for it to be by a fellow human than by a Vulcan. Strong, they were.*

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Ensign Rorik 30-Dec-21 08:20 PM

*A shadow beside Reyes garnered Roriks' line of sight with a hitch of adrenaline. Swirling around with great intent and purpose, Rorik flipped the blade around in his grip, ready to make a large slashing motion to cut whatever arm, tongue or otherwise appendage of the monster that had reached out for Reyes. Thankfully..Rorik quickly saw the error of his assumption as the face of one of the security petty officers came to light. That would have been a dangerous mistake to have slashed the throat of a fellow officer...though his knife still stood at the ready as Roriks' gaze zeroed in on him..ensuring that what he was seeing was really what he was seeing. The caverns thus far had not played any tricks of the light on them, but with the magical properties of this area, and the unknown circumstances of which the other officers had been snatched..he was warier than usual.* *Kicking forward, he grabbed Hughes by the jaw and moved his head up, down, and then side to side. Yes. Human. Okay. Releasing him, he beckoned the security officer to swim with them with a wave of his hand, his knife no longer aimed at the other man.* (edited)

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Narrator BOT 30-Dec-21 11:29 PM

*There was a faint vibration in the water again, increasing in intensity...*

Ensign Rorik 30-Dec-21 11:38 PM

*With the two Humans now in tow, Rorik looked back towards the cave system they had dipped out of and towards the set of caves they had originally been going towards. There was a large area were the cave system took out into a large basin and there were more caves to choose from, hopefully whatever the rumbling was would not follow them that far, unless it was a cave-in of some sort. In that case, their safest option would be where there was the most amount of space. He hurried the two other men along, physically pushing them forward towards the entrance as they quickly swam.*

Narrator BOT 31-Dec-21 12:28 AM

@PO3 Kk’kkv - jump *As our land team follows the little bugs, you come to the end of the tunnel into a large clearing with a tree on a small island, in the middle of a lake that sits in a large cave.* #deleted-channel

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PO3. Richard Hughes 31-Dec-21 01:39 PM

*The Vulcan wasn't just strong, he was quick too, Hughes noted as he was manhandled first by the jaw and then through the water. Hughes wasn't very happy about moving into the open water, but the officer clearly thought it was the best course of action, so he swam on, resecuring his grip on his rifle. Hopefully it'd actually work down here. Come to think of it, did phasers even work in Narnia?*

PO3 Kk’kkv 31-Dec-21 08:10 PM

*Kk'kkv marches forward, allowing the thousands of small fire bugs to lead them into the #deleted-channel* (edited)

Narrator BOT 31-Dec-21 09:10 PM

*The under water team made it to a cavern and through a tunnel, and for the interest in expediting the process, broke water in a large cavern, with a tree and small island in the middle. Above were thousands of golden glowing orbs floating in the air.* #deleted-channel

Crewman Rick Reyes 31-Dec-21 09:19 PM

*Rick waved at the others and pointed upwards to where the island is up top, and maybe towards the missing crewmembers.*

Ensign Rorik 01-Jan-22 11:48 PM

*And move they did!*

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