Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:06 PM
:::SHIMMER SHIMMER, THE AWAY TEAM BEAMS DOWN INTO A FLAT PLAIN. TO THE EAST IS THE BEGINNING OF A RAIN FOREST LOOKING JUNGLE WITH TREES REACHING INTO THE CLOUDS, TO THE WEST IS A MOUNTAIN WITH SNOWY CAPS. TO THE SOUTH A RIVER AND TO THE NORTH SOME SMOKE ON THE HORIZON OVER SOME HILLS.:::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:06 PM
::Looks around slowly and points:: smoke that way.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:07 PM
::sniffs the air::Interesting…
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:07 PM
((Statzia, Millie? Both?))
((Sorry, was claiming a snack))
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:07 PM
(whoever the XO requested)
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:08 PM
::to K’Naut:: it shouldn’t, but if so, we have a hypo for that.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:09 PM
So which way?
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:09 PM
(Let’s say Millie)
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:09 PM
Toward the smoke?
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:09 PM
This feels like Montana
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:10 PM
or do we brave the forest first?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:10 PM
::lets out a breath she seemed to be holding::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:11 PM
If this was shore leave, I’d say the river, but yeah, signs of life is what we’re looking for.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:11 PM
::pulls out a tricorder and begins scanning:: For my collection.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:11 PM
So, smokey distance, for the win
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:11 PM
::Tugs out her tricorder and turns slowly, scanning around them. For the records, of course.::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:11 PM
::out of habit and training, checks the rifle (?) on her shoulder and the phaser in her boot::
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:12 PM
::TWENTY METERS BEHIND THE AWAY TEAM A FURRY HEAD POPS OUT OF ITS BURROW. IT EYES THE TEAM, BLINKING ITS FOUR EYES:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:12 PM
::mumbles something about being set down closer to a settlement::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:14 PM
Er.. ::watching the screen:: I think there’s something near?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:14 PM
Well, would you look at that…
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:14 PM
::shifts the rifle off her shoulder, slowly:: Where?
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:14 PM
::turns:: wha- oh!
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:14 PM
::Looks up, a little startled:: Oh! Well..
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:15 PM
::ANOTHER POPS UP, LOOKING LIKE A GROUNDHOG THE SIZE OF A PONY::::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:16 PM
:: takes her rifle off her shoulder looking at the massive creatures:: ” giant groundhogs
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:16 PM
What are they?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:16 PM
::eyes the second one, kicking the safety off on her rifle:: Those are…giant.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:16 PM
Yes, big
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:16 PM
::grins at all the eyes, but aware of the size difference:: let’s keep going.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:17 PM
::Makes sure to keep them in view as they head out:: Signs of life.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:17 PM
We should take care, I’m reading a whole bunch of tunnels beneath us, some close to the surface.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:17 PM
Kerwen, just keep tabs on them as we walk away, please.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:17 PM
Aye Commander
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:17 PM
:::AHEAD OF THEM TO THE NORTH IS A PATCH OF MULTI-COLORED LARGE FLOWERS RESEMBLING SIX FOOT TALL TULIPS:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:18 PM
::looks at K’Naut:: really? How far down?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:18 PM
The highest are less than 50 centimeters.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:18 PM
They seem friendly enough, so far.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:19 PM
Well, our little friend wasn’t kidding about everything being giant, was he?
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:19 PM
::stops, not liking that:: can you see which way they end soonest?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:19 PM
Yeah, but I wouldn’t want to fall into a giant groundhog family dinner.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:19 PM
staying away from the flowers in case
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:20 PM
::quick nod to Millie::
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:21 PM
:::THE ‘GROUNDHOGS’ QUICKLY DUCK BACK DOWN IN THEIR HOLES. A MOMENT LATER A SHADOW COMES OVER THE TEAM, CAUSED BY A BIRD HIGH ABOVE WITH EASILY A 30 FOOT WINGSPAN:::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:21 PM
Let’s see, looks like the nearest edge is about 100 meters just west of north.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:21 PM
::Glances up at the shadow:: That , on the other hand, is probably hungry.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:21 PM
Let’s head that way then.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:21 PM
::trains her rifle to the sky::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:21 PM
looks up at the bird ” I hope were not on its menu”
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:22 PM
::readies a phaser:: Huh, now that’s not something you see too often.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:22 PM
Great…gonna be one of these trips.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:23 PM
:::THE BIRD CONTINUED ON BEFORE IT BEGAN TO TURN AND HEAD BACK IN THEIR DIRECTION::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:23 PM
::grins at Constance:: Right? So, do we duck under the giant flowers, or the giant leaves?
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:23 PM
K’Naut, do we have any way of masking our presence from above?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:23 PM
I dunno…I think I’ve seen worse.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:24 PM
Hiding under the plants seems like a good idea
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:24 PM
We…should probably take cover, Commander.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:24 PM
Ooo.. or do we pick the giant flowers and use them to walk with?
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:24 PM
::hears Kerwen:: flowers sound like a great idea
Everyone, go now
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:25 PM
::rushes towards flowers::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:25 PM
runs to the giant flowers keeping her eyes on the sky
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:25 PM
There’s something familiar about all this.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:26 PM
:::THE BIRD BEGINS TO DIVE BUT MISSES EVERYONE ON THE FIRST GO:::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:26 PM
::Ducks under a nearby fern::
Bad birdie!
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:26 PM
::brings up the rear, diving down when it gets too close::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:26 PM
::turns, firing a shot as it pulls up::
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:26 PM
:::THE BIRD CLIMBS AGAIN AND BEGINS CIRCLING, TRYING TO FIND THEM AGAIN:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:27 PM
No! Do not fire
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:27 PM
dives under the flower has her rifle at the ready but not fireing
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:27 PM
::gets up and makes the last dash for the flowers::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:27 PM
::Watches carefully:: If we go from plant to plant, it might lose us.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:27 PM
Sorry… ::ducks under the plants with the others::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:28 PM
It’s okay. I want to leave as small a footprint here as possible.
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:28 PM
::snorts at that statement:: I think we can muster that.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:29 PM
:😁: touche, Mr. Ghas
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:29 PM
::To Ghas:: That one was bad. Very, very bad.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:30 PM
shakes head at Ghas
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:30 PM
I just take what I’ve been given.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:30 PM
::AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE BIRD MOVES ON:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:31 PM
Let’s only use our weapons on the wildlife if absolutely necessary. We don’t know if any species are threatened.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:31 PM
::Chuckles::
So, do we take leaves with us now?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:32 PM
shoulders her rifle
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:32 PM
Honestly, we don’t know if their intelligence is higher than we’re used to.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:32 PM
You mean, besides us? ::lets out a nervous laugh, rubbing at a spot on her shoulder::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:33 PM
So.. plant to plant it is then.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:33 PM
I’d rather beam someone back directly to the ship than kill something that is simply acting instinctively
I don’t see it anymore, but yes, let’s take some cover with us. Birds of prey tend to have incredible eyesight
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:35 PM
::chuckles:: You know that your husband gives me ‘the look’ every time I’m sent on an away team with you, right?
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:35 PM
::Walks slowly to the next plant along the path::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:36 PM
::winks at Millie:: you know you can make him sweat a little, right?
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:36 PM
:::THE GROUND BEGINS TO RUMBLE AND IN THE DISTANCE A VEHICLE WHICH LOOKS LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN A MONSTER TRUCK AND A SLEEK SPORTSCAR, HOVERS OVER THE HORIZON. WHAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED WINDOWS ARE BLACKED OUT::::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:36 PM
Mmmhmm. ::checks her rifle. Again.:: And I get to put the pieces back together every time you do.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:37 PM
::Tilts head to one side::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:37 PM
::perks up::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:37 PM
Grumble rumble.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:37 PM
::looks around upon feeling the ground shake::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:38 PM
looks around seeing the vehicle* ” I think we should run”
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:38 PM
::stares at vehicle::Sweet ride…
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:38 PM
Everyone off the path? And.. I want to drive that so badly. so, so badly.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:39 PM
:::FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, SEVERAL PROJECTILES ARE LAUNCHED OVER THE FLOWER PATCH ONTO THE PRAIRIE. A MOMENT LATER SEVERAL ENORMOUS EXPLOSIONS ERUPT WITH MASSIVE CONCUSSIVE WINDS. SEVERAL GROUNDHOGS JUMP OUT OF THEIR HOLES AND ARE CUT DOWN BY BLUE ENERGY STREAKS FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE::::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:39 PM
::takes cover under one of the giant tulips::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:40 PM
::Dives to one side, watching in horror::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:40 PM
::blinks:: so much for saving the critters…
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:40 PM
:::THE VEHICLE FLOATS TOWARDS A FEW OF THE CARCASSES AND THE SIDE HATCH SLIDES OPEN:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:41 PM
I…think we found our sentient species.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:41 PM
::nods::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:42 PM
Aye.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:42 PM
:::A FIGURE, EASILY TEN FEET TALL BUT LOOKING BODILY LIKE A TERRAN WITH A DARK COMPLEXION EXITS THE CRAFT. HE IS DRESSED IN ROBES SIMILAR TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WALKING OVER TO ONE OF HIS KILLS, HE PICKS IT UP BY THE LEGS AND PLACES IT IN THE BACK OF HIS VEHICLE:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:42 PM
::eyes the vehicle through the rifle scope, trying to take a closer look::
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:42 PM
Look out for Hagrid
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:42 PM
::shakes with excitement:: First contact!
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:43 PM
We would be lunch.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:43 PM
::HE STOPS, LOOKING AROUND AS IF NOTING SOMETHING IS OUT OF PLACE, BEFORE IGNORING THE FEELING AND RE-ENTERING. THE CRAFT HOVERS, THEN TURNS 180 AND LEAVES THE WAY IT CAME:::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:43 PM
::Busy scanning::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:43 PM
::watching:: not yet. This is just reconnaissance
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:44 PM
We would be a small snack compared to those…creatures…they just hunted
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:44 PM
watching the men take their Kill and leave* ” you think they knew we were here”
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:44 PM
I don’t know.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:45 PM
let’s keep moving
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:45 PM
::Nods::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:45 PM
The vehicle did have basic sensors.
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:46 PM
Hmm…
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:46 PM
They may not perceieve us as a direct threat, at least for now
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:46 PM
So, let us take a different path?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:46 PM
“ok sounds good”
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:47 PM
Well, we’re under the flowers, so I think we’re good for now
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:47 PM
::points in the direction the vehicle departed to:: Was that the direction of the smoke?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:47 PM
It’s possible the sensors were designed to detect just the prey.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:47 PM
::Checks to see if they are still heading in that direction:: Maybe?>
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:48 PM
::checking her tricorder:: the smoke was north, so I…think so.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:49 PM
::;THE TEAM APPROACHES THE HILLS AND THE SMOKE IS COMING FROM BELOW IN THE VALLEY. HUNDREDS OF DWELLINGS, EACH LETTING OFF SOME SMOKE FROM WHATEVER IS BURNING IN THEM:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:49 PM
Our little friend suggested avoiding the planet of giants, so there might be a good reason to not walk directly into town.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:50 PM
” wow a vally of giants”
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:50 PM
No…let’s hold here and just see what we can observe. Get an idea of how they act and react.
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:51 PM
That is a lot of giants.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:51 PM
” sounds good”
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:51 PM
I know we’re small, but let’s still keep a low profile.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:53 PM
::fiddles with tricorder:: Setting to passive scan
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:53 PM
::::DOWN IN THE VALLEY ITS WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM A COMMUNITY. ADULTS, CHILDREN (4 FOOT TALL TODDLERS), DOMESTIC ANIMALS WHICH LOOK CLOSER TO DOGS THAN YOU’D EXPECT. PEOPLE TALKING, EATING, TO THE RIGHT ONE OF THOSE GROUNDHOGS IS BEING BUTCHERED FOR WHAT WOULD BE A COOKOUT:::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:53 PM
Just in case
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:55 PM
::watches through binoculars::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:55 PM
::sniffs:: It sure does smell good.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:55 PM
” looks like a happy family down their”
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:56 PM
:::FROM BEHIND THEM, THERE IS A HIGH PITCHED HUM:::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 9:56 PM
Activities from here seem much like what we are familiar with.
::whips around::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:57 PM
::spins, rifle ready but lowered::
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 9:57 PM
Hello
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:57 PM
turns around* ” what the hell was that”
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:57 PM
4 Figures> :::more locals, each pointing a blue glowing weapon down at them::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:57 PM
::looks toward sound::
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:57 PM
Oh… that. Just.. that…
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 06/06/2023 9:58 PM
Poopy
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 9:58 PM
looking up at the weapons ” shit”
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 9:58 PM
Commander. Do we talk, or do we beam out and run away>
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 9:59 PM
Group Leader> March.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 06/06/2023 9:59 PM
::lets the rifle slip lower, taking her hands off of it::
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
::stands up and steps forward:: we are here in peace
Lt Kerwen Nuhl-Helm — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
Universal translator works.
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
GL> He will decide that for himself.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
::Leaves the rifle over her shoulder::
Lt. Ghas – COpsO — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
This will be fun
Cdr Edra Crow — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
He, who?
Cpt H Crow — 06/06/2023 10:00 PM
Anu.