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The Klingon Kerfuffle [ShadowOfDesire & ThomasRHellsing]

Thomas smirked and handed her a Replicator code. If she used it, she'd end up with a pair of cut off daisy duke jeans, a tube top, and a button up shirt with a knit tied to help preserve her modesty.

Few knew that on large ships like the Enterprise their were what were known as "Hell Labs", ones where they were too close to the cooling and heating generators. So they were too hot, or too cold never really equalizing out. Or they were too close to the warp core, and physics were a bit odd. Some were too close to a relay and had power fluctuations. Long story short, they were labs that no one wanted and so were often left empty.

Thomas had chosen a former horticulture lab for his get together. It was a few hundred feet, about the size of a small gymnasium. It was so close to a heating and cooling relay that it was a good ten to twenty degrees above comfort levels, thus why alot of skin was visible, skin and thin fabrics. Set up behind one of the bars was a alcohol still. Potent "home made" whiskey, vodka, everclear, all being offered up with fruit added. Thomas was drinking from a mason jar filled with blue berries and strawberries. Their was a medium thick fog of smoke in the air, Cannabis no doubt grown in the bay. The heat would prove good for that particular plants. Thomas's low gravelley voice rang out "Family Traditon" then "Ring of Fire". Some danced, some chatted around. some flirted. Most were drinking and everyone was sweating.
 
When Deanna arrived, the scene before her was not what she was expecting. She stopped in the doorway, blinking at the scene, nostrils flaring at the scent of the fog. She was decidedly not dressed in the clothing he'd provided. Instead, she'd chosen a simple, short dress in a lightweight material of pale blue that flowed about her slender frame as she moved. The neckline was off the shoulder, ruffled, and showed no cleavage, allowing for some modesty despite the bared skin. Dark eyes roved over the scene, gauging the mood of the crowd and the emotion of the individuals within it. It seemed a relaxed atmosphere, as he'd said, though there was an underlying sexual charge in some of the groups where flirting might soon turn to other activities. Avoiding those groups, she drifted in search of Thomas.

Imbibing in a jar of Thomas' homemade liquor, Alara elbowed him as she spotted the counselor. "Fuck, Thomas. She showed up. Why in the hell did you invite her? I don't like those touchy feely types that mess around in your head. You know she's going to take one look around this place and report your nefarious activities to your superior officer. Commander Riker might stop by for a song or drink, but he doesn't know everything you're up to. If he did, he'd shut you down real quick." She was scowling, a certain sign that his next overture at intimacy was certain to be rebuffed.
 
Thomas took a hit from his joint before saying, "Nah, besides everything I'm doing here is above board. You said getting my license to serve and sell liquor was a waste of time. Technically as long as I've got that, and I have official documentation of everything I've requested I haven't broken any rules. Besides, all the members of H.A.Z.A.R.D. team have those instant system purification nanites, and a shot and everyone else will be fine."

The H.A.Z.A.R.D. teams version of nanites were meant to remove poisons from the blood. They also helped speed up tissue regeneration. They were based on Borg nanites. With them no member of H.A.Z.A.R.D. team was ever really too drunk or stoned to fight. Plus while being stoned on shift wasn't ok, off shift so long as your drugs of choice weren't too self harming no one cared. Him selling booze and the stronger weed for replicator credits wasn't exactly expected, but that was as close to money as the federation offered and it wasn't super expensive. It also gave him a way to keep an eye on who might be getting too much.

Blue eyes took in the woman's form, wishing he could see some brest flesh he said, "As for why I invited her. I've been a bit too up tight lately. She's worried I'm about to snap to the point of revoking my holo-deck rights. Apparently the commanders think I'm some sort of pussy who should feel bad about war crimes. Like the bastards wouldn't have done worse to me. I figure finding out I'm skirting regulations in my off hours will show her why on paper I'm so strict. Work hard, play hard."

He smacked the woman on the ass, "Speaking of, go play nice I've got one more song then I'll meet up with you."

Thomas nodded to the band and began to play John Henry, Big Iron, a Boy named Sue, all by Johnny Cash, and finally A Country Boy Can Survive, by Hank Williams Junior. As the crowd cheered he headed for the head therapist and his favorite Sniper.
 
Alara snorted, not at all convinced, but rejoined the crowd, moving as far away from the counselor as she possibly could. Deanna tracked her progress through the crowd, curious eyes following the woman and the spike of irritation she felt from her. With a soft sigh, she found her way to the bar where she was served some fruity form of alcohol with strawberries. She sipped at it lightly, careful not to drink too much. Her gaze fell on Thomas once he'd finished his set and approached. "An interesting gathering, Mr. Talonis," she remarked with some amusement. "Not that I entirely approve of all this... but everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. I sense relaxation and comfort rather than rowdy chaos. Your song selections are also very curious. How did you come to enjoy music from 20th Century Terrans?"
 
Thomas shrugged, "The Country vibe was always pretty common out on the colonies. Working hard, playing hard, hard living in general. I've heard newer and older, my voice just fits singing it pretty well too. Klingon stuff requires me to go really deep, and most betazoid music is almost like religious hyms. Well, or pop music. Oddly enough I think Earth has the best music. Sure their's something to be said for Vulcan music with their bells, but again it's more deep and somber. With Earth music you can hit random and you might listen to anything from bubblegum pop to blues or Jazz."
 
"An interesting outlook." She sipped at her drink, throwing a glance at the crowd. "Give me some idea of who is here and what they are to you. I don't need introductions, but I would like your insight on those gathered. I saw Lieutenant Shoye near the stage when I entered, though she didn't seem pleased to see me. Something there I should know about?"
 
Thomas shrugged, "Shoye is a Sniper, that means she sees a target and plots a direct course through the target. It's why she'd decked more then one commander to made comments. She's head strong and sees you as an enemy. It doesn't help she has gives your degrees about as much credit as I do. She thinks "mind healing" is for pussies."

He looked at Troi, "Being a commander, I'm more sneaky. She's worried you'll report us and get our fun time shut down. She doesn't realize as a therapist you have the right to check with the computer where I'm spending time. I'm also guessing given how nosey you are, if you saw me spending an hour a day or so here, you'd investigate. I figured better you find out from me."

Thomas looked around, "Family mostly. We could die tomorrow, but tonight we're family relaxing."
 
She looked from the crowd to his face, studying it silently. Finally she asked, "It is my job to be nosy, as you put it, though I you were not assigned to me so that I could report on your daily activities. I care for your mental health, stability, and your performance as a leader of the Hazard team. As I said before, command's only concern is that you might endanger yourself or others. I am here to ensure that doesn't happen."

"Lieutenant Shoye is entitled to her own opinion, whether it is faulty or not. I would still help her, if she were in need." She nodded her head toward the stage where another performer had taken up the role of entertaining the troops with a revved up folk song that got several dancing. "I do enjoy the live entertainment. I've never been a student of music, but I can appreciate it."
 
Thomas nodded a bit, and soon had pulled Deanna close to him dancing as the tune played. What started out as high energy eventually grew more somber then more slow The colors growing darker as the lights turned low. The surge of lust grew thick in the crowd. It wouldn't be an orgy or anything, but it was obviously people were relaxed and enjoying themselves, bumping and grinding.
 
She stiffened at the familiar touch, but the alcohol had helped her to relax a bit. She was an elegant dancer, light on her feet, and took Thomas' lead despite the sudden role reversal. The song slowed, and she found herself swaying. After a twirl, she finally threw a glance about, sensing the change in mood. "I think, perhaps, it is time I retire," she said to Thomas. "Thank you for the lovely evening. Surprisingly, I've enjoyed myself rather well."
 
Thomas shrugged a bit, "I may seem stressed, but well, when you're a member of H.A.Z.A.R.D. Team you learn to handle it. I understand why command is worried, some days I wonder if it isn't all a dream. But most I'm fine. When you've stood alone against a Borg Invasion fleet. Or held a position against a Jem'Hedar force that outnumbered you a dozen to one. Honestly, that level of stress can become addicting in a way. You learn to manage it."

He chuckled a bit as he escorted Troi out of the room, "It's the stress of never knowing that rattles me here. And all the paper work. It's easy to go on a "Suicide Mission" because with enough balls, brains, and will power you can make it home. But assigning someone else to one? Sending someone's son, daughter, sister, or brother to do that, that's alot harder. Knowing when you screwed up. In alot of ways that's why I never want to enter the true Command options again. I'm in charge of a few hundred Security officers. I can't imagine what it would be like caring for a million souls or more on a vessel like this."

He shook his head, before saying, "I had a nice time, I'll try to make it to my appointment on time Councillor."

He gave Deanna a kiss on the knuckles like a true gentleman.
 
"You will make your appointment, Mr. Talonis," she said firmly, though she smirked at the gallant gesture. "I will send you your schedule tomorrow."

Breaking away, she gave him a slight nod and went on her way to her quarters. Once there, she updated her files on Thomas to include the gathering and his views on his job duties and dealing with stress. To her surprise, he actually had a fairly good handle on dealing with his command position, which she would dutifully include in her report -- leaving out the illicit activities that might bring unwanted notice. He'd treated her to a drink and dance, so she figured it was the least she could do. Now to see how he handled his missions. After a brief thought, she checked the mission schedule and requested that she be included on the next Hazard team mission in some capacity.
 
It was a few days later when her comm badge beeped. Thomas's voice came through, crisp and a bit harsh but not cruel as he said, "Doctor Troi, if you're coming on my latest mission report to Security's main hub. I'll have someone meet you to bring you back into the H.A.Z.A.R.D. team lock up. Bring a towel, soap and shampoo will be provided."

The simple truth was, that by necessity, Security's location wasn't a secret. The problem with this was any enemy with even basic ship information knew what decks to hit to cripple them. Thus Thomas had requisitioned a dozen small rooms built into either defunct labs, or storage chests in maintenance closets with the load out for one to three H.A.Z.A.R.D. agents. The reason for this was so if the ship was attacked, the forces could "armor up" and arm up. While a few of the chests had been opened during boarding combat Security had never been taken off line.

Thomas would send Alara Shoye to stand outside the cage for the Betazoid. They would be expected to shower in the H.A.Z.A.R.D. Unisex bathroom, using a special scentless soap to wash. It would have a natural low level shielding effect on the skin preventing U.V. damage as well as a natural insect repellent. Then they would apply the suits. Each had three layers, a skin tight almost latex one, that was a bio-weaved synthetic skin. Upon being activated it would tighten up and sensors on it would show pulse, blood pressure, if the person was blasted it would tighten forming a bandage or even a tourniquet. It could also harden to set a bone. Once it was activated it would also go partially invisible, and could reflect most blade attacks, or resist them. Then came the second layer which further enhanced the damage resistant. It was designed to help turn energy weapon. However, the final over suit was by far the heaviest, but because of the polymer plates they were very lite, but with added augmentations to the shield generators, and sensor equipment micro-motors would also double their raw physical strength and speed if not triple it. The only thing visibly making it possible to tell the women apart once the helmets were on were the strips, Shoye's would be red on a yellow back ground, medics like Troi or Crusher's would be blue on a red back ground. Thomas however had a custom outer suit the "Commando Model" from the war, it had even thicker polymer plates weighing in at around a pound. However it also had double the shield capacity that the other ones did, and was custom modified to increase his telekinetic strength by a certain degree. All of the outter suits were climate controlled and capable of purifying dangerous or foul smells. Because of the way the suits were designed rather then feeling like three layers of clothing it merely felt like one three times as thick Starfleet uniform.

Thomas would enter once everyone was suited up, saying outloud his voice slightly modulated, "Outter comms check." He then spoke through through the internal coms preventing anyone from hearing them, "Internal coms check. Syncing bio-data now."

In the right corner of the screen they'd be able to see their pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, while on the left corner they'd see their three team mates. He nodded, "Ok, everyone lock and load, anything custom you want or any specific mods the Replicators are open. Double check your energy packs, food supply, and wter storage transporter buffer. This should be a milk run, but better safe then sorry."
 
Deanna had no qualms about showering in the nude with others, but Beverly Crusher was a bit hesitant. However, she was a doctor, and was accustomed to dealing with nudity on a professional level, so she made quick work of it. The two of them suited up as instructed, finding the processing interesting, to say the least. Both had basic training in close quarters combat and knew how to handle a phaser, though rarely had the opportunity to fire them. The suits fit them nicely, as neither were overly large. Deanna was the shortest of the group and some accommodation had to be made for her shorter height. They responded to the comm checks and nodded the understanding of the suit displays. Once they were properly geared up, Beverly added her medical kit to her supplies and Deanna took another as backup.

Deanna had been on countless away missions -- some of them far more dangerous than others -- though one never really knew what would happen until they were in the thick of things. The walk to the shuttle bay was a quiet one. As they settled on their chosen ship, flight delayed only long enough for the pilot to go through the safety checks and receive clearance, they listened attentively to Thomas' briefing on the situation.
 
Thomas spoke, "At around 10:00 a long distance scanner picked up a distress call from the local class M Planet named Cal-Co-3995. It's got an atmosphere with a high level of acidity. It's ground water and thus rain are lethal to bare skin. Our filters should last six hours direct contact. It also has a thinner atmosphere, so expect the temperatures to be high and humid. The only indigenous life forms are non-sentient creatures with scorpion like tails, they very in size and a few Biologist notes say they have massive poison glands. The creature are night predators, and tend to be Omnivores. The local plants aren't directly harmful, but not alot of research has been done to their spores over prolonged term."

He cut back to the main reason they were landing, "Upon closer inspection, the distress call is a Federation issue. Because of the planet's threats but atmospheric, and organic it was decided for H.A.Z.A.R.D. team to drop in. The distress beacon in a mile into a rocky canyon. According to the meteorologists we have 4 hours before a "Super Storm" that runs the planet's gambit reaches the distress beacon. Because of the ionization in the air we'll have to walk at minimum half a mile to reach the valley where the images show the ship is."

The helmeted telekinetic spoke, "Shoye, you'll leave as soon as he land, their is a high mountain pass a half mile away from the distress signal. I want you to be over watch and sniper cover. I don't like this, a planet with nuclear based super storms is perfect to prevent escape. Our pilot will stay to make sure that the acidic condensation doesn't damage the ship. That means it's just you and me ladies to approach the ship. Any questions or comments?"
 
Alara nodded, already checking over her sniper rifle and scopes to ensure her settings were accurate. The Bajoran woman was as stoic as ever and had already voiced her protests at bringing along two untrained females on what could be a dangerous mission. She prepped her weapons in a cold, stony silence.

Beverly accessed the shuttle's computer and searched for the previous research on the planet. She frowned at the results. "The acidity levels of the planet's water systems vary with the season and frequency of the storms. However, I have neutralizing agents that will suffice for short-term contact if our suits are damaged and it penetrates to skin. I strongly suggest that no one falls into any lakes while we're there."

Deanna looked to Thomas. "Do we know what vessel this beacon belongs to? Was there any information on the crew?"
 
Thomas nodded, "Our H.A.Z.A.R.D. suits are designed to handle extreme environments, a minor electric charge through the special plating. Plus they are air tight, and have a shield. Although obviously seals and such react badly to acid."

He spoke as they touched down, "Chrono, set alarm 30 minutes."

The blond shook his head, nodding to Alara to head out and get into position "Unfortunetly no, the beacon is just the standard shuttle or run about model. Part of the reason we're suspicious is no record exists of a Federation ship with run about's range of fuel. That tells us something strange is going on."
 
Alara jumped out into what appeared a jungle and was immediately lost from sight as she disappeared into the trees. The shuttle door closed behind her and the pilot took off, heading for the second landing area.

"Comm check," they heard Alara over their suit's internal comms. "Heading to position alpha. No sign of any lifeforms in the area other than native wildlife."

After a few minutes, the shuttle touched down again and the doors opened. Deanna and Beverly stood with their packs on and ready to go, closing their helmets before exiting.
 
Thomas marched them fairly hard, enough that Bev and possibly Deanna would be sweaty by the time they reached the pod. Neither were in bad shape, but the sheer humidity was heavy and thick in the air. Thomas grew more tense as they walked saying over the coms, "Shoye, go live, wait for my signal. I'd suggest those bullets that can short range "Jump" through plating. The path we're taking is too well maintained. Plus I see scorch marks on some of the rocks. This path was made by someone."

Soon they had reached the ship it looked old, older then it should be. he spoke over his comms, "You two stay close. If I was an enemy I'd wait until we approached the ship. The canyon is a perfect kill box."

Sure enough when they were about half way between the ship and the wall, two dozen forms became visible as a Romulan stelth drive became visible. It was in rough shape, burned and marred, it was also ancient looking. A klingon with an eye patch spoke, "Surrender Federation Dogs. We are the House Krant Pirates. If you fight you will be tortured before being sold. If you surrender then I'll have my men be more gentle when breaking you."

Thomas looked around, the crew has Kazon, a few Klingon, a few Romulans, a real mix of degenerate low lives. Even a few humans stood out. Thomas laughed low, using his abilities to project his voice, "Fools, you have no idea who you're crossing do you. Look at me, and my friends. We aren't like those pussy security officers you're used to dealing with. We're H.A.Z.A.R.D. team. I've got two teams in stealth suits surrounding you as we speak. You surrender, and I won't send all you bastards to your hell of choice."

This seemed to make some of the men look around hesitantly. The captain laughed, "Oh, I doubt that. The planet had a nasty energy field, but with the right sensors you can detect a ship piercing the Ionosphere. We detected only one ship. A valiant bluff captain, but now you'll see why it's foolish to cross me."

One of the larger Kazon stepped forward a baton crashing into his clavicle, then his side, where it was shoved into his chest and triggered. A klingon pain stick, designed to stimulate the nerves in a negative way. It was impossible to block to pain completely. It had been proven an empath or psychic near the someone effected with one could get a back lash. Thus it would seem odd to most that Thomas laughed. A deep, bitter laugh as he said, "Really a pain stick? Bitch I was in the war. I eat those things for fucking breakfast."

The captain snarled, "Break him!"

Two more muscular beings stepped forward each triggering a pain stick of their own. Thomas let them beat him for about ten seconds before he said a bit annoyed and obviously in pain, he spoke the "Kill em all" trigger phrase "Let the devil sort them out!"

He then surged up throwing a grenade with his left hand, it had been stored in his tranportation buffer it flew right into the midst of the jeering pirates. His other hand delivered a hellish upper cut, snapping the middle sentience's neck with a single thunderous blow. a quick gesture and he was holding a pair of Klingon Disruptor pistols that he fired point blank into the two aliens who'd been beating him's face. He then made another gesture, and an Attrexian Arc Launcher was in his hand. He fired the secondary fire as the enemy seemed to be reorienting themselves from the flash bang he'd first thrown. The "Smoke bombs" hit the opposite wall and shattered causing a thick cloud of vapor to form. He dropped the weapon and snapped his fingers drawing and raising a single disruptor pistol he commanded, "Go back up the canyon, I saw a cave half way between us and the shuttle, head for cover. The storm will reach us before we can reach the shuttle."

He then fired the Disruptor hit the thick plasma smoke and ignited it, causing a not tiny explosion. He hoped the pirates in it were dead. He'd be surprised if they didn't have a back up team in place or two. Even as he looked around some pirates t the edges of the cloud had just been thrown to the ground. He fired deadly blasts from his pistols, but if the enemy got a chance to truly regroup they'd sheer numbers over whelm them. He closed his eyes and small and medium rocks began to fly through the air, offering random shields, but it was the best cover he could provide. He spoke into his comm, "Lady Doc's, once you reach the wall, use your phase rifles to give me some cover and keep an eye on the enemy. Be careful the path is treacherous."

Thomas hissed as some sort of energy weapon nailed him in the back. Luckily his shields held and he shot the bastard responsible in the face. He then spoke into his communicator again, "Aloye, once we're out of the party pull back to the shuttle. If Pilot is still alive message Enterprise, tell them what's going on and follow orders. My guess will be reload, restock, and come and burn these fuckers once the storm passes. If Pilot is dead, you're to return to Enterprise, and tell them everything you know. I'll keep visual records up and sent to the H.A.Z.A,R.D. data banks. Alara, don't worry, you don't have my job just yet. Give em hell."
 
Thomas was not alone in his assault. Several of his attackers fell from sniper fire, proof that Alara was as good as he'd claimed she was. She continued to provide cover fire for him, taking out anyone that got too close. The medical officers did not balk at the attack, either. Both of the women had taken cover at the first sign of trouble and fired their phasers at the pirates. A few random shots went their way, but their shields held. At Thomas' orders, they both bolted from cover and started back up the path, taking cover where they could and providing cover fire for his retreat. They didn't stop until Thomas was clear of the pirates and free to retreat, himself.

Alara's voice crackled over the comms. "On my way to the shuttle. Stay alive, Thomas. I don't want your damned job."

The wind had already started to pick up and the skies were turning a violent purple, rolling with dark and dangerous clouds that sparked with electricity. Dust and debris obscured their vision as they scrambled to reach the cave that Thomas wanted to use as cover. By the time they reached cover, the wind was so strong they had to walk at an angle. Safe to say that the pirates wouldn't be pursuing them until after the storm had passed. Nothing would be able to survive out in the open. In the cave, Deanna cracked one of their emergency lamps and sent the beam skittering over the rock formations, searching for signs of anything dangerous within.
 
Thomas set four micro charges, and blew the entrance to the cave. It was the best way to stop radiation bleed, their suits built in datapads had began to click far too rapidly. A sign of the radiation that had been submerging them. Taking a few deep breathes he said, "People tend to forget 36 inches of packs dirt or 24 inches of concrete or packed rock is enough to block radiation."

He equipped his Phase rifle, and began to fire on the collapsed entrance, using a medium strength wide dispersal beam to melt the stone together. Thomas spoke, "I think we're safe for now. The pirate even if dosed up on anti-radiation drugs wouldn't want to risk that sort of almost caustic rain and mist. Most anti radiation drugs are to stop long term damage right?"

Thomas wasn't trying to be a dick as he looked at Beverly, he honestly wasn't sure what hyper focused radiation would do to cells. He knew at some point heat was just heat regardless of how it was made. Plus he was always a bit worried he'd end up trying to make a weapon forbidden by Federation doctrine. Thomas set his mini-replicator up, as it began to form what he wanted he said, "And here when I was hoping for a sexy Irish woman and my favorite betazoid in the dark, I imagine all of us wearing far less."
 
Beverly snorted and gave him a look that clearly said 'I'm old enough to be your mother'. Rather than commenting, she took a seat to consult her data padd. "There are anti-radiation doses that would stop the cellular degradation, some for the short term and some for long term. If they are positioned here on this planet, I imagine they would need some of both. Long term doses to keep them healthy in the interim and short term doses for when they are exposed to higher levels than the initial doses can handle. However, they would also need protection from the acidic properties of the rain, which few suits would provide for long term exposure. In short, I doubt they would risk it."

Deanna took a seat as well and began digging through her rations for something to provide needed sugars to replace the drained feeling after the adrenaline rush wore off. "I sensed something of their intentions," she said quietly. "None of them good. They meant what they said about torturing and breaking us. If we are captured, they will do both ruthlessly." For Thomas it would likely mean extreme pain and torture. For the women, something else entirely.
 
Thomas smiled at Deanna as he pulled off his helmet, both to save his suit's power, and to save the filters since the air was relatively clean in the collapsed cave system, "I wouldn't worry Doc, after all you're with Commander "Kill em all" Talonis. He's killed to many to get into Heaven, and the Devil is too scared of him to let him into hell."

He smirked at Beverly, "Hey, women are like fine wine, they get better with age. To be fair both of you are attractive and older then me by at least 20 standard years."

He popped his knuckles before saying, "Would you ladies like to set up camp here, or explore deeper into the cave? My guess is the pirates pulled back, and I worry going deeper we'll risk finding some predator. Suddenly the mini-replicator dinged and the whole cave was full of white light as the small fuel cell of the remote control hover turret kicked on. It was meant to act as a light, and scout, however it was it's completion that saved Beverly Crusher's life.

A massive thing was clinging to the wall behind the Doctor. It's tail striking like a scorpion. The tip would have driven through her back where her shoulder blades and spine met. His right hand and arm shoved her out of the way. The tail continued on and it felt like a sledge hammer blow to the pelvis as it hip him making him spin a bit despite his mass and the armored plates. A nasty scored line was visible. His right hand came up holding an old style but heavily modified side arm. While the balistic based weapon wasn't normal, H.A.Z.A.R.D. team members tended to run into odd creatures. Kinetic force was kinetic force, and ironically enough raw power tended to ruin anything's day. Each shell was a custom titanium slug with a tungsten tip and with enough power behind it to hurt most organic life. Without hesitation he pulled the trigger. Rather then being blown into meaty chunks the creature slammed into the rocks and dropped on it's back. In a literal shimmer of light he had his Disruptor pistol in his hand and was firing a full power stream down upon the struggling creature. If they watched they'd see the beam slowly burning through the creature's natural armor. Thomas then flicked his wrist, raising his war axe high he brought it down again and again on the creature's neck until the head was separated.

Moving over to his helmet he pulled it on and triggered the floating turret. On top was a white orb of light most likely a gas based bulb under protective plastic. Along the bottom were two barrels, a spark dancing between them. Along the under side was a small tiny anti-grav lift. He chuckled a bit, "Sexy ladies, meet M.I.C.R.O. Mischevious Ionized Camera Reconnaissance Orb. Little bot has been my spotter for one or two missions. Most H.A.Z.A.R.D. teams have something similiar for sensor sweeps, to check out places before we go in etc."

The small orb was about the size of a baseball. He looked at Beverly and Troi, "Bev, I want you to set up a hazmat containment area, and bisect that thing. It's skin reacted weird to the Disruptor. I don't think it's totally organic. Or atleast it wasn't originally. Set up your own containment sphere, it's blood is highly acidic. Micro, go fifty feet down the tunnel, activate stealth systems, use sonar pulses to communicate."

He looked at Troi, "You Miss Councilor, I need to help me take my pants off. Not really, but that thing grazed my hip, I don't feel any pain but the suit is designed to stop me from feeling pain. We need to make sure my leg isn't being melted by the acid from the tail."
 
"Do you not think that I would be more qualified to inspect your wound?" Beverly asked as she pulled herself to her feet where he'd shoved her, dusting herself off. Both women had readied their weapons as soon as Thomas acted, but they weren't necessary. Crusher looked at the deadly beast with disdain, lips slightly pursed in speculation. "I would not wager that this thing is in here alone. There could be an entire colony of..."

Almost the moment the words left her lips, the probe began to blare as it pinged more sensor tags. They could hear the scrabbling of claws as several things rushed to meet them from the darkness of the cave's tunnel system. Almost without warning, one leapt into the air over Thomas' head. The beam from Deanna's disruptor pisol struck it full force, knocking it back against the wall. It screamed in agony, long tail whipping about with deadly force as the beam dissolved the outer carapace of its skull. A second creature came crawling along the wall, but Beverly had backed away from the rock and stood in the center with the other two, forming a tight cluster so they could see the threats looming from all directions. She fired, but the creature was too fast and leapt away in a shower of rocks, circling them in search for an opening. A third creature lingered in the shadows, waiting for the chance to ambush its prey.
 
Thomas swore, "I was hoping if we stayed near the entrance we wouldn't attract any more."

He ran through his possible and useful weaponry, most of his heavier duty weaponry was slow, and most of his quick weapons weren't the most powerful. Realizing what the best action was he grabbed Deanna and Beverly around the waist and forced them and himself to the ground calling out, "Micro, Gungir protocols!"

Instantly a loud whining filled the air, before the smell of ozone began to fill it as well. Thomas ordered, "Rear deflectors full power, all power routed to rear deflectors, over ride Talonis69 engage!"

Suddenly with a loud echoing "Crackow!" Micro fired off a massive bolt of electricity, however, rather then hitting one target, the current was so massive it arced out. Leaping between the organic creatures, screams of pain and agony echoing until after about thirty seconds the bolt died and the creatures steamed. Thomas's shield had taken feed back and were down to 50% effectiveness. Even so he was moving as the area seemed clear, and equipping a grenades launcher fired fire suppression grenades down the hallway. Each of them detonated, filling the area with air tight, foam that in a few miliseconds was as hard as concrete. Panting a bit he said, "Everyone ok?"
 
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