Episode Nineteen: Succession

[James Calmara]

2154

Alone at last! a least for a short while.

Calmara let out a sigh of relief as he undid the cloak, screwed it up in a ball, threw it in a corner, and slumped on to the bed. Then realizing his mission gear was now all on show started up and pulled the twin holsters from his belt and the mini-toolkit from round his leg - the toolkit was designed with concealment in mind, containing basic items, adjustable spanners, flathead screwdriver, etc, etc, which were miniaturized and placed in a slim foam padded sleeve the could be wrapped around and upper arm or leg with ease, remaining concealed under all but the tightest of clothing. - and slid them under and attached them to the underside of the bed, concealing them with a slight rearrangement of the frame and some strategical placed duct tape.

Pulling himself back into a seating position Calmara grabbed for and started to change into the clothing provided. exchanging the slightly baggy but native looking pants for the Olympian pair and, the standard issue black tee for a tunic type-thing. Once changed he lay back, placed am arm over his eyes and, feigned sleep, a few minutes rest would be real good right about now. Plus they had to catch the Olympians of guard, rushing about would only make them suspicious, Calmara let a few minutes go by, then called Chief Upright.

"Delta-three-four calling delta-three-three, Miss have you managed to hack into the Olympian system with those electronic skills of yours?"

<Upright>

"three-four to three-three, Copy that just sticking my head out for a visual"

<Upright>

Calmara slid the door slightly ajar and gave the corridor a cursory scan then pulled his head back in.

"three-four to three-three, one guard at the west end of the corridor other than that its clear, i saw a guard alcove with a terminal when we came in I'm sure i can get back to it, from there we can get you full system access and start throwing spanners in the works. All we need now is a go from Three-six"

<tag Upright & SD-3>

[Miranda Upright]

2154

"Here is your room, sir," The servant said as she opened the door and turned on the lights.

The figure under the cloak gave a small nod and entered into the room.

Once the door was closed, the hood instantly came off and Miranda went to work. Looking around, she tried to find any signs that they may be watched. Nothing that looks like a camera or sensor of any sort. Good. This means that she can do her work in peace. Placing her cloak on the bed in front of her, she quickly brought out her PDA and starting tapping at the screen in front of her. She'd have a much easier time with her laptop, but because of bulkiness and weight of it, she couldn't afford to bring it without someone easily noticing it.

After a few tries, she finally connected wirelessly. Now to the firewall... Once she got past this, she usually could access any information stored on the network. Sometimes there was encryption that she would have to go through, but for some odd reason, there was none that she had to do right now. They must be either really confident that no one can gain illegal access, or really dumb.

No luck. The firewall would not budge. She tried again. Nothing. None of her programs installed on the PDA would get any farther than her first try. "Damn," cursing under her breath.

From her earpiece, she could hear someone calling her.

"Delta-three-four calling delta-three-three, Miss have you managed to hack into the Olympian system with those electronic skills of yours?"

Wow, he's really good. "Delta-three-three to Delta-three-four, no, I can't get in. They must not let anyone connect wirelessly. I'm gonna have to get to a local terminal in order to access their network. There's no place I can connect in my room, so we need to go outside. See if there might be any resistance outside."

"three-four to three-three, Copy that just sticking my head out for a visual"

If I connect to their network, I can find out pretty much anything I need to know.

"three-four to three-three, one guard at the west end of the corridor other than that its clear, i saw a guard alcove with a terminal when we came in I'm sure i can get back to it, from there we can get you full system access and start throwing spanners in the works. All we need now is a go from Three-six"

Good, nothing terribly hard. "three-three to three-four, roger. We need to take out that guard first before we proceed. Three-three to three-six, we're good to go on this end. Waiting for your orders, sir."

<Tag Calmara, Walker, SD-3>

[James Calmara]

2155

"Three-four to Three-three, that's a negative on taking out the guard, he's to high profile to visible we take him out the Olympians will be on us in no time, we bypass take the east corridor, right at the end, a left, a right, straight for a while, then left."

Calmara thought for a moment Ok planing time "Three-four to three-two and three-one, come in lads, how do you fance sneaking round the complex and causing havoc"

<savage & plisco>

"Ok how's about this for a plan three-three, three-two and three-one head for the guard alcove, three-three distract the guard somehow then give him a smack on the head, and secure him, three-one takes his clothes and poses as the guard while three-three hacks in, three-two finds a place to hide, keeps a look out and deals with any unexpected develpopments, any comments or observations?"

Calmara waited in silence for his plan to be ok'd, he'd diliberatly left himself out of the plan as he figured as he and Col. Walker were the only ones to speak up they might be draged before Lartan.

<tag anyone>

[Robert "Jackal" Walker]

2154

Walker narrowed his eyes. The transmitter was clear, but something else was going on. From the pain in her eyes and the shake, he decided it was best to not talk about it or think about it now. His fist clenched involuntarily and he was sure she saw it. They knew the risks and possibilities ... but that didn't mean he had to like it. He cupped her cheek in his hand and looked in her eyes, and left the room.

Walking out to the rest of the team, he listened intently. After the explanation was finished, Walker smirked and said, "Well hell, not leaving me any work. I like it ... let's run with it. Move in five." With that, he moved back to the room with Kat. Grabbing something to write with, he began scribbling something and handed it to 'Rosetta':

Moving in five. Meet us at Gamma in 60. Device to ensure exit throne room

When she left, he waited for the time of the operation to begin ...

<Tag SD-3!>

[Katrina Logan]

2155

The touch of his hand across her cheek almost rendered the major a blubbering mess. It felt so comforting, so secure. Their eyes made contact and words spoken before were merely lingering through irises where silence rang out in a ray of quotes. He knew something was different, but how different or how life changing it could be was far beyond his reach. Before she could say anything (the only device to pick up sound was no drowning), the commander was out the door. Kat quietly sobbed standing there picturing her life to become that of a breeder for the Olympian army, Ares’ personal toy and birthing franchise. She knew once the God of War found out her real identity or even couldn’t possibly bare any more children; an execution would take place immediately. But to sacrifice herself to save an entire race or galaxy was something any soldier signed up for when working with Stargate…no matter how emotionally painful.

When Walker returned, he scribbled something then handed her the paper. Kat stared at it. Over her left shoulder was a small fireplace, the only means of warming the room. Walking over to the flame, the young officer gently placed it in the fire to be consumed in moments. The message was clear, but her fate was waiting as soon as she left the room. Turning, it would be the last time she saw him. Maybe a search rescue would commence, but would it be too late? Would they find where she was? Walking up to Walker, tears were streaming down cheeks now. Grabbing a hold of his shirt, the medical officer pulled him in for one long last kiss. Pulling away slowly, she took one last look into his eyes. Whispering, the major told her commander of the fate.

”There are two guards waiting for me back in the throne room. If I don’t return there and be escorted to a flagship that will take me to where Ares is, you and the rest of the team could be in danger. I can’t risk it. I’ll do what I can before I ….. before I …..” Her throat was full of lumps. ”Always remember how much I love you.” Without hesitation, the young major walked around the love of her life and left the room.

Where destiny awaited….

<Tag: Anyone>

[James Calmara]

2155

As Col. Walker left the room, Calmara looked round at his teammates and found himself following on from his CO, detailing his orders, organizing his fellow teammates, did they appreciated this? if they did or didn't wasn't a concern, completing the mission and
getting EVERYBODY home was.

"You heard him, I'm guessing you all have gear hidden in you rooms? Go grab it, and be ready, five minutes remember." Calmara reached for where he'd hidden his gear tore it free. Tucked both pistols into his belt at his back. Pulled up his left tunic sleeve.
Wrapped his tool kit round his upper arm. Then sat on the bed letting a few minutes slip by, trying to cap his rising tension levels where he liked them, then when the time came he moved.

2159

Inching the door ajar he glanced right, the guards back was turned then several of his teammates heads popped out. Pulling his head to the left he slipped out along with his team mates. They rounded the corner and now in a blind spot halted to regroup. As they gathered there was one notable absence, Calmara then addressed his CO "Team present save one, sir, do we move now?"

<Tag SD-3>

[Robert "Jackal" Walker]

2156

Walker stood for a moment in surprise when she turned away and went to grab her, but she pulled her arm away and slid into the hall. Following her, he was going to make a move but realized they could be being watched. His eyes burning into her back, he watched helplessly as she moved out of sight. Wiping a weary hand over his face slowly, the man sat on the edge of the plush bed.

We won't leave her behind

That statement repeated itself over and over in his mind. Anger boiled up in his veins, and he stepped himself back mentally. He had to remain cool for the mission at hand. There were five people depending on him getting them home, and him on them.

2159

The Lieutenant Colonel made his way to their rendezvous and stopped, checking the corners. When he was sure, he turned to the others. "Team present save one, sir, do we move now?" Robert hesitated - one moment too late - and replied, "We move now. Major Logan knows the plan." The rest of the team, he knew, would be wondering why he had been so vague in his answer. Hopefully they would not need to find out ...

Using hand signals, Walker motioned for the three lower members to move out, and behind them, Calmara and himself.

<Tag SD-3!>

[Katrina Logan]

2200

Quietly, she walked into the throne room. It appeared to be empty. Maybe they've forgotten. Yeah right, like they'll disobey an order from one of the strongest Olympians in the galaxy. Looking around, the major decided to "help" out. The computer console was barren and it appeared that she might have enough time to input what she wanted. Quickly, the young woman darted to the keys and began imputing data. It would be a smear campaign to make it look like soldiers were convincing other soldiers to join a rebellion against Lartan. It would put him off guard. It would.....

"Just what do you think you're doing Rosetta?" came a low commanding tone. Rosetta (Kat) froze looking down. All I have to do is press enter. Turning her back to the keyboard and looking at Lartan, a weakened smile came over her. "Even after everything we've asked you, you're still trying to convince me you have nothing to do with this rebellion?" His words matched the steps walking towards her. Fingers reached and pressed enter before he came. "I told you before, I don't know what you're talking about. I was merely... The sentence was not finished before Lartan's hand was securely around her neck. But, no squeeze, no attempt to strangle. His eyes had a different appearance. They were cold yet carried something else, something......

Reaching in he began to kiss her, but the shock made her pull away. "It is your sworn duty to be my pleasuring tool. I want to know what Ares sees in you, now come here." The color drained from her face. "But my lord, I must not keep the great Ares waiting should I?" Another hand laced around her waist and he pulled her in again. "His shuttle has been.....delayed...shall we say. My orders. You leave in one hour, plenty of time to test out your skills with me." Pulling her close, his lips kissed her neck hard and instinctively she pushed him away. This irritated Lartan to slap her face hard.

Kat held the reddened cheek in her hand. His voice became darker, but the same hormonal rage pierced through her body. "I order you to be of service Rosetta!"

Damn! He's one horny son of a b......

<Tag: Anyone>

[James Calmara]

2200
Corridors
Command Complex
Palmyra

Forming up with the team Calmara moved off down the corridor, they were following the route Calmara had suggested earlier, though they were dressed to blend in Calmara noticed those at the front checking corners just before they rounded them, typical military common sense you can never be to careful.

They'd been going a little way when Calmara pulled out his earpiece to show this was of the and had a quite word with his CO"You know sir we never did discuss Maj. Logan's exit plan." he glanced across at his CO, then back at were they were going,"also sir i hope you don't mind me speaking up and improvising, coming up with ideas, or suggestions things like that?" replacing the ear piece Calmara nod acknowledging his CO reply.

2201
Outside Guard-post
Command Complex
Palmyra

Moments later a halt was called, they'd arrived outside the guard-post, "whats the lie of the land?" Calmara asked

<Savage, Upright, Plisko>

Glancing round at the team Calmara suggested their next move "OK we sticking with a plan we send Chief Upright to distract the guard, with Savage and yourself close in the second the guards attention is drawn you two take him out, me and Plisko will hold here to back you's up in case of trouble, what does everyone reckon?"

<Savage, Upright, Plisko, Walker>

Calmara shut up for a moment and listened to his CO, and with their orders confirmed spread out along with the rest keeping to the shadows, as his three team mates made there way to the guardpost. Turning to Plisko, Calmara asked "So Sergent you've been quiet, what do ya reckon to SD-3"?

<tag anyone>

[Miranda Upright]

2155

After talking with her comrades, Miranda slowly got up and started preparing for the work ahead. Since they'll have to look ambiguous, she donned the clothes laid out for her on the bed. She took her belt from her previous pants and tied the around her waist, under her shirt so they wouldn't stick out. On this belt she put her PDA, pistol, and a few other tools that may prove useful in their mission.
As she was getting ready, a thought came up in her mind. suicide... Exactly what this mission was. If it didn't go perfect, they'd all die. One move could mean the difference between victory and their demise. Ironically, Miranda found herself chuckling at this thought. Heh, this is the most fun I've had in ages. I don't think I'd ever experience anything like this on a sea ship back on Earth. Putting my life in danger to save others; that's my job. I just didn't think it'd happen lilke this! Keeping her smile in tact, Miranda headed out the door, regrouped with her team, and headed on.

2201
Outside Guard-post
Command Complex
Palmyra

They stopped right outside the guard post, where Calmara spoke up. "whats the lie of the land?"

"It looks like there's another guard post about 500 meters to the north, and another one to the southwest, about the same distance. If we can get into this one without making much of a ruckus, they shouldn't notice anything. We have the walls protecting us from the east, and the complex to the west. Unless someone should come within the next few minutes, we should be fine. At least that's my analysis. Any other thoughts?"

<Tag any>

And with their CO's acknowledgement, they headed off into the shadows. Miranda headed off into the post

2202
Guard-post
Command Complex
Palmyra

As Miranda entered, she was quickly met with gazing eyes by two soldiers. Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into... One of the guards stood up and asked, "Can I help you, missy?" Quick on her toes, she responded, "I just wanted a good look at the city and stars, you know. The night is so peaceful here, and you I heard that you get a really good look at the city from the walls. Do you guys ever get so bored that you want to just look up at the stars and forget everything? It's an odd feeling, that it is. But sometimes you just have to take some time off, gaze out into the beautiful open, and forget all your worries..."
Miranda slowly made her way across the alcove, making sure that her victims were watching her, and not the opening that she came from. As Miranda continued to speak, two dark figures emerged from that opening. One of the guards started to close in on her. "Civilians are not allowed up here. You need to leave now, or we'll..." The guard's words were cut short.

<Tag any>

[James Calmara]

2204
Outside Guard-post
Command Complex
Palmyra


Listening to Sergeant Plisko while keeping an eye on Chief Upright, he saw the next part of the mission go of with out a hitch. Chief Upright managed to get the guards out in the open quite originally, then in moments they were down and out of the picture, that's what comes with having two special forces operatives up front. On signal Calmara moved up arriving at the guard post, his teammates already at work "where we at, what do you need?"

<any>

"Try looking for Maj. Logans entry's, she'll have been dropping incriminating messages and entry's lets see what she was working on and we'll just build on that, we could do with as many pairs of as eyes possible, if you see anything just shout up."

<any>

Calmara scanned the screens as information flashed up and down Maj. Logan had clearly been busy their were several entry's about Olympian officers passing messages between themselves, including one that was posted just minutes before, it read like this.
From. Yadmin
To. Minyadan, Rhovanion, Dananion

URGENT!
Barthos killed on the word of outsiders, Lartan increasingly dismissive and uncooperative, new measures needed, meet usual place, be discreet.

This set Calmara mind racing, another idea was beginning to form "Is their anyway we can group all these entry's together and make them easily assessable, also i was thinking we could find out who these people were that were mentioned in the message, Colonel did Maj.Logan mention any thing about these?"

<Walker>

A few moments later the small chip Maj. Logan had palmed to Col.Walker had found a home in a special attachment on Chief Upright's PDA, this attachment had been dreamed up and built by Delta's research staff to help field teams when they encountered Olympian technology, it was soon spewing out a wealth of information including the identity's of the four persons in the message which are:

Yadmin
- Vice Head of Complex Operations, next in rank behind Barthos
Rhovanion
- Head of Internal Security
Dananion
- Head of External Security
Minyadan
_ Space yard Master

Calmara felt a twinge of excitement through the tension of the situation, their was now a way of binging things to a head very quickly, he put his idea forward "I was thinking if we could find a clip of these guys together, doctor it so it would take place now, that would look even more incriminating, then..." He was cut short by a voice from the communications terminal he seemed to be demanding a pass code of some sorts, Thankfully Chief Upright was already searching through, and then Chief Savage spotted it, and Plisko volunteered to try and pass himself off as an Olympian, though he it took a bit of convincing the officer on the other end seemed to be satisfied. Calmara decided to fix the problem for a while, taking out his broken down tool kit, opened up the communications panel and with the help of a adjustable wrench head some insulated pliers managed to short circuit the communications terminal "that should stop any interruptions for a while..now were we, yes, if we can come up with video footage, together with the notes, and show them to Lartans all at once it will look like these four are conspiring against him Any thoughts?"

<Tag Walker & Anyone>

[Robert "Jackal" Walker]

2204

Watching from down the hall with his peripheral vision, Walker witnessed the takedown of the guard. Glancing casually to the other end of the hall, Walker ensured it was clear before nodding to the team. Plisko and Calmara made their way further up the hall and into an alcove to cover Upright and Savage. As the seconds ticked by, his radio crackled to life and he received the all-clear from the first two.

The team converged and Walker waited slightly impatiently for the tech weenies to do their thing. Hearing Calmara's words, he hesitated a moment and responded, "Major Logan did not give specifics." It was best if the rest of the team did not know yet ... at least that was how he was justifying it to himself.

The sound of shorted-out circuitry snapped him back to the situation at hand, and he nodded absently, "Yes, that will work ... but let's get it presented to Lartan just before them, he's the one we have to convince that everyone is working against him."

<TAG EVERYONE>

[Ares]

JOINT POST FOR ARES AND KATRINA

2202
The Hand Bridge
Ares’ Throne Room

Being put “on hold” for technical and precautionary measures was on the high list of bull for the almighty Ares, God of War. His dislike for Lartan dated way back to a small scuffle the two had encountered against one another over a small planetary cluster of abandoned deserted planets that harbored some plutonium crystals. The much needed ore for some of their machines became a feeding frenzy with intergalactic pirates. Lartan looked to make more money than obey orders and Ares wanted full recognition of discovering the small planets so he could bask in its glory before the Supreme Council. When Ares found out about Lartan’s little agenda, the commander exploited his then second in command. However, somehow Lartan convinced the council otherwise and it was rumored he even may have offered a high ransom to keep him alive and give him his current command.

This small tidbit of annoyance lay on the shoulders of the greatest warrior around. His head rested lazily upon his fist. An elbow was already becoming embedded into the silver metal throne he sat upon on his vessel. Peering out of his viewpoint, he mentally triangulated several different scenarios for Lartan’s execution. Each form of death gave the Olympian a smirk. Having enough of a delay, he commed his chief engineer. “I’m through waiting for this buffoon to play games with me. Take me in and land me in the docking bay. If he resists, blow up the damn landing platform leveling everything and everyone around.” A shaken voice responded. ”Sir, you may want to look at this on your database, your most Excellency.” That perked the God’s interest. Lifting his head, and turning it slightly to his control panel he waited. A flicker of light then a document in code came crumbling across the screen. Ares knew at once what the message entailed and even raised a brow at the genius plan of a breeder. ”Well, well, well, looks we have a spy amongst us for the rebels. And wouldn’t you know it’s her.”

2205

He was more impressed with the notion that Rosetta was his personal choice to take back with him and eventually supply him with sons and soldiers. Now, he was even becoming respectful to the young female even though they normally receive none unless married to the highest ranked officers. He continued reading the plot to Lartan and decided not to intervene, but would certainly come and take his new bride back with him immediately. ”I’ll be sure to reward you my sweet with a little something extra for helping me out. Lartan won’t know what hit him.” His crew notified of their landing in the docking bay and Ares readied his men to retrieve what was rightfully his.

2205
Lartan’s Throne Room

Kat continued to fight with Lartan as he continued pushing himself on the medic. ”I have some interesting news to tell you.” He replied a little more playfully. ”Later, after I’m through.” Grabbing her, the kisses became fondles and the top of her gown was almost torn off the shoulder. ”But sir, it’s about the rebellion.” Lartan stopped dead in his tracks. ”Take a look, it’s what I discovered while here. The soldiers are plotting something your highness. You must take action.” Sweeping next to her, the commander looked at the screen then scowled. ”I guess I misjudged you Rosetta…..” An incoming transmission interrupted their play time. “Sir, Ares ship has just landed unauthorized in Platform B. He doesn’t sound pleased about waiting sir. He had weapons aligned to destroy the hangar if we didn’t comply. I had no choice.” A fist came wrenching down on the control panel disrupting the message making it disappear. ”Damn him. He cannot get over his hissy fit of losing the Baltar system to me.”

Touching another console, the commander spoke. ”Come and take Rosetta to her new commander immediately.” It was only a matter of a minute before two armed guards came in. They weren’t Lartan’s security officers, but Ares’. “We’ve come for Rosetta, Ares’ orders.”

<Tag: Anyone>

[James Calmara]

2205
Outside Guard-post
Command Complex
Palmyra

After sabotaging the communications of the guard post all Calmara could do was watch and wait, thankful they came on a huge find their was a real-time shot of the four meeting together at that very moment, this would play superbly in to the teams hand if they acted quickly, with Chief Upright indicating that they were ready and Cheif Savage indicating that their was a patrol moveing their way the team moved out any planing would have to take place on the move, just before they left Calmara made one request "Chief Upright can you keep you PDA hacked in wireless, having access to their systems might just come in handy"

2206
Corridors
Command Complex
Palmyra

AS they moved down the corridor Calmara put his idea forward "Someones going to have to go forward to Lartan and give him this info, now chances are he's going to go into meltdown when he sees this so lets have two going in and three hanging back to give
support if needed, then we get out using our exit plan. I have no idea what our exit plan is right now, but we've been making this whole mission up as we've gone along so i guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it Calmara thought to himself as he move along the corridor, checking it was clear as he went.

<Tag anyone>

[Robert "Jackal" Walker]

2206
Command Complex

Nodding in approval, Walker began, "Alright, let's get Calmara and Plisko to get this all to Lartan. When you two approach him, the rest of us will enter the chamber. We'll move in a row amd kneel as such, with Savage, Upright, and myself, left to right." With a quick glance down the corridor, he continued, "When he gets it, he's going to blow. Expect him to draw on someone ... in the ensuing mayhem, we strike. There should be about ten hostiles in the room, and two or three of them will be concentrated on getting Lartan out. Primary objective is to take Lartan down. We're not interested in prisoners, nor do we have the luxury of being able to transport them out. I will focus on the primary ... just keep yourselves in one piece."

Turning to Calmara and Plisko, the Lieutenant Colonel said, "You guys in particular. You'll be closest to the primary, so clear the path as best as you can, and then get the hell out of the way." Back to the whole group, he inquired, "Any questions?"

<Tag SD-3>

2207

Robert had assumed this question would come up, and replied, "Major Logan is currently being transported to Ares' ship - of her own volition." He could tell the team was about to protest, and held up his hand. "We have to trust her judgement," Walker continued. "She says she has it in hand and not to sacrifice the mission for her sake. But know this, we will be extracting her after the primary objective is taken out. The two cloaked Jumpers for our extraction will be more than enough firepower to eliminate any patrols escorting her to the ship."

2209

With the others in tow, he stopped short of the audience chamber and whispered while pulling his cloak over his head again, "Showtime ... " The Lieutenant Colonel checked his weapon, an H&K USP .45, and took a breath. The situation was by no means ideal, but Lartan was the biggest immediate threat to the expedition and its allies from the intelligence they had gathered, both before this op and when they had embedded themselves as well.

<Tag SD-3>

OOC: Calmara, you can NPC Plisko