A Step in the Right Direction

Posted on Wed Oct 18th, 2023 @ 11:05am by Lieutenant Commander Deanna Celes & Commander Samantha Howard & Ensign Kate Kono & Ensign James Phoenix

Mission: Damn Dirty Apes
Location: Planet

Salos was amazed and somewhat upset after reviewing the VR records. It was all true, all the things Jon and Ayana had told them. It destroyed everything she had been taught, went completely against doctrine, but it was actual evidence, and as a scientist she couldn't ignore the truth. She had to deal with this new reality, and perhaps the first steps would be to help these humans retrieve Jon and Ayana from authorities in her own community. Salos walked up to Deanna and Sam, "So you come from Earth, and you arrived here in some sort of ship that travels through space? What magnificent technology you must have at your disposal. I would very much like to discuss things with you, but I think we should consider working together to retrieve your people from our authorities."

" We would very much like and appreciate that" Sam replied with a smile. She was cautious not to appear overly eager, the latent fear of being double played always present. "Could you lead us to where you think they are?" She asked, nodding towards the structures in the distance.

"It won't be as simple as that. You see, my people and yours have a rather unique societal framework. You see, humans here are rather primitive, and well, the only use they have to my people is as slaves. When we encountered your friends, it caused a rather big problem" Salos began to explain. "My culture is led by leaders of the three directorates, for lack of better terminology. I lead the science community, Gen. Athos leads the military, and Zaius is the leader of the religious sect. Athos is everything you would expect from a gorilla military leader, but he is straightforward. Zaius is the problem. The information I have gathered here throws everything we believe into chaos, and more to the point, is a direct threat to Zaius and his power base."

"Yes, I can see how that would be a problem" Deanna quipped.

Sam rolled this information around in her mind for a little. "So, we need to infiltrate the facility where they are being held? Covertly? Or do we talk directly to Zaius, knowing that he is threatened by us" Sam mused aloud, allowing the others to weigh in on their options.

"Talking to Zaius would be a mistake" Salos offered. "I can get you into our colony safely, but we will have to get Athos on our side if we are to free your people. We will also have to avoid Thade."

"Who is Thade?" Deanna asked.

"Thade is a cruel and sinister ape. He is Athos' chief lieutenant, but his hatred of your species is at a level you cannot conceive. He has been working to marry Zaius' daughter Ziya, which would further consolidate power for himself. I think once he achieves that, he will attempt to overthrow Athos, and that will be bad for the humans here and my people."

"And what happens if we 'apprehend' Thade and Zaius, and enlighten them?" Sam retorted, thinking that if they isolated those who pulled the strings, perhaps they could bust their people out. "Unless anyone has any other options of course?"

Deanna was passively scanning Salos. "I don't think apprehending these men is in the cards" she said solemnly. "I gather this Thade is a violent psychopath. Such people are unreasonable at the best of times."

Sam processed this new information, wondering about the options that were available to them. "Suggestions?" She asked, admitting that she was probably out of her depth. Whilst she was a capable commander, she was a doctor by trade, not a soldier.

"Perhaps a shadow op" Deanna suggested, looking at Kate. "Infiltrate and rescue."

Phoenix lowered his phaser but kept it in his dominant hand in the event that the current group of apes were to attack, though he began to trust that they weren't going to attack them. He looked at Salos. "What is the threat level to us if we do infiltrate?"

"That would depend on who caught you" Salos replied.

" The plan is not to get caught" Sam said decisively, crossing her arms. "We need to get to where our people are being held and take them back with us before anyone else gets involved."

"If you have the same type of weapons I heard your friends had, then perhaps we can avoid getting caught. I know someone that would be willing to help us if we can get you into the settlement unnoticed" Salos replied.

"Can you take us to them?" Sam asked, trying not to sound as though they were running out of options.

Salos was obviously concerned and somewhat afraid considering what was being asked. "I can, with assistance from my friend, but it won't be easy. Your weapons though may be an equalizer."

"Her friend's name is Zira. She is the daughter of Zaius and being courted by this Thade she is concerned about" Deanna offered.

Salos looked at Deanna, "How could you possibly know all of that?"

"Trade secrets" Deanna joked. She looked over at Kate, "Are you ready for something covert?"

Kate nodded and looked at the new company around her. She was still getting used to the situation they were in and was still thinking about the not-so-fun time last time she had to go 'covert' around the apes. Nevertheless, she stepped over to Dianna.

"It's my specialty," Kate stated.

"Alright. Covert it is. Let's pack up and get ready" Sam nodded to their temporary camp and started packing up. Within 10 minutes everything was out of sight as though it had never been there in the first place.

"Everyone ready?" She asked, glancing around the small team.

Deanna walked over to Sam and whispered in her ear, "Salos is trustworthy. Her companions are skittish but will follow her orders."