Stardate: 70613.2000
Title: Proceed
Author: Salvek
Scene: Bajor
Time: After "Where to Arrive", then present (concurrent with "Do you hear. . ." by Zanh Liis)
=========================
TC nodded and tapped his badge. [Lt. Blane to Commander Salvek I found a
transporter location. We are ready to depart at your leisure.]
"Understood Mr. Blane. Assessment?"
[Plenty of caves, tunnels and other natural formations that would be immune to the storm effects and out of the way of the other transport locations.]
"The conditions sound treacherous. Perhaps a more open location would be logical."
[We can make this work Commander. We've picked out a spot in close proximity to the rocky terrain. Just a few minutes walk from where we can set up base camp.]
"Very well, we will proceed with the away teams. Notify the crew. Transporter room, 10 minutes."
*** Time advances to present***
Salvek checked over the status reports Delagotta was feeding him on his PADD as they filtered in from each away team. Six hundred thirty eight dead so far in the early going, over 1000 critical cases sent to the Independence or hospitals on Bajor for immediate care, and over 5000 minor wounds that were treated in the field and would need to wait till the critical cases were treated for further care. Salvek expected those numbers to peak in the coming days.
The search was slow arduous work, now well into its second day. Salvek was pressing his team hard, knowing the window to find trapped people alive was shrinking fast. There would be plenty of time for rest later. Blane, K'Pajek, Biggs and Samson were none the worse for the wear despite the lack of sleep. At least his team had proceeded through flat terrain. N'Dura's group had headed straight for the mountainous areas near base camp.
Starfleet rations supplemented the occasional handout they received from a generous Bajorans who's homes were still in tact. Salvek caught a few of them off guard with his knowledge of Bajoran cuisine.
"Salvek to Independence."
[Go ahead.] Came a rather lonely voice. With the Command crew dedicated to search and rescue and the Captain's health situation still in jeopardy, Captain Zanh was likely sharing the bridge with a skeleton crew of Ensigns and Cadets in field training. Salvek had little doubt she would have preferred to be down here helping her people rather then babysitting the ship.
"My men need new uniforms, showers and rest. Request transport. I will remain behind and continue searching."
"Like hell!" Said Blane, catching wind of the conversation.
"We're not going anywhere Commander." Said K'Pajek.
[I hate to burst your bubble Salvek but its a moot point. Kellyn has the power relays bypassed like an octopus just trying to keep the transport power levels up. I can't spare a beam right now.]
"Very well. Understood. Salvek out."
Biggs held up his tricorder and motioned towards another roadway littered with fallen buildings. "We should get back to work then."
**************************************************
Commander Salvek
Acting XO
USS Independence