Homefire #45"
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]
Stardate: 58209.19 0900
Prologue:
The USS Zion was now ready to execute the next segment of its dangerous mission. A runabout had now ferried the away team to the Oberon Mining station near Uranus where the team had been successfully recruited.
As their destination drew near, Captain Hunter walked from the flight deck of the runnabout to the transporter area and nodded at Sam Carter and Doctor Dane. He could tell by the look on Dane's face, she was nervous, "don't worry Doctor, no amount of training and preparation is ever enough.
"I know Sir, but I just can't help myself. It's not something I do everyday.
"You are a Doctor, you are used to making fast decisions, let's not sweat the little things." he said giving her a little smile for encouragement.
He turned to Carter, "You have the ids?"
"Aye Captain," Sam responded calmly as she handed him the ID's.
He took the holographic badge and looked at it. It was a state of the art id system. He looked up at Carter, "These are going to work huh?" he asked with a sly grin.
"Well Sir, " she grinned back, "I had to work with only limited knowledge, these and a little prayer should do the trick."
Teilani grimaced and tried not to roll her eyes. She felt itchy all over, the cloths she was wearing felt hot and prickly. Come to think of it she was pampered by the fine fabrics of her medical uniform.
Again she checked her little knapsack, containing a small tricorder, water satchel and some food bars. It wasn't much but all a miner would possess. She hoped that Carter and Hunter had studied the workings for the breathing gear. One false gesture or so would blow there cover.
Hunter looked at Dane's ID before he handed it over to her. "Nice to meet you Miss Wellington."
She smiled " Nice to meet you to... Mr.... Jones," she said glancing at Hunters ID.
"Are we ready to go?" Asked Hunter looking at the other members of the away team.
Carter nodded as well as Teilani, Scott Xavier one additional security officer.
"Any last minute questions?"
"None from me, Sir."
Hunter turned around, "oh, one more thing. Don't call me that."
"How should we call you then Sir," Sam asked as she adjusted the back pack she was carrying.
Hunter looked at his ID-tag and said, "Warren, call me Warren."
"Maybe," she suggested, "we better use our own first names, so we won't get confused. Oh and one more thing, Marsian miners are a tough bunch, don't get insulted if they... well use tough language. Once they get into town they head for the nearest bar..."
Hunter nodded, "Noted."
He stepped up on the transporter pad and nodded at the transporter operator.
"Energize."
When they materialized on a large personnel transport they were greeted by a scruffy looking man who eyed them over.
He was somewhat short, with a large potbelly. On his ample unwashed face he wore a goatee. Little handlebars accented his mustache.
"Well, ain't you all be nice and shiney? First timers I bet."
Hunter nodded slightly.
"I know, things are tough. It's hard to make a living ever since the Federation went back to using money."
The man cleared his throat, "speaking of which,' he said with a nod in their direction as he held out his hand, "transportation is 80 credits hard each."
Hunter opened the bag slung over his shoulder that Carter had prepared for the mission. He reached in and pulled out a small money bag. "Will pressed latinum suffice?"
The scruffy man smiled as he took the bag, "John Betlow," he said holding out his other hand.
Hunter reciprocated and shook his hand, "Warren Jones."
Betlow pulled open the top of the bag and inspected its contents. "Ferengi money eh? It'll do," he said as he put it in his vest pocket. "...and what lovely companions. Why would such fine ladies as yourselves want to work in the mines?"
"Because all other jobs are taken?" Sam quipped at the scruffy looking man. Teilani held back a little observing the other travelers.
"Is that so?" quipped Betlow, "I could think of other great jobs for a lass like yerself."
Sam grinned and gave him a wink. "I think you do. Unfortunately I fancy minegophers more. So what you say, can we go through?
Betlow's eyes undressed Carter, "hmmpf," he grunted in reply and stepped aside, "Deck 2 section 7, you can find a spot to sit there. We'll be at Mars in about 9 hours.
"Excellent," Sam responded and walked passed him, "Well Jonesy, Wellington," she said at Hunter and Dane. "Don't daddle come on!."
Hunter repositioned the bag slung over his shoulder and nodded at Betlow, "thanks."
Teilani rolled her eyes a little but then followed Sam. The boldness of this woman would someday get her into trouble.