Canterra - Operation: Cold Comfort: Nemo's Lode

Posted on 19 Aug 2019 @ 1:47am by Captain Edward Bolingbroke (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR After Gorn War) & Lieutenant Commander Iria Taltos & First Lieutenant Chea Accusay (Jan 2389 - TRNSFR After Gorn War) & Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Walken & Lieutenant Junior Grade Emma Walken & Lieutenant Junior Grade Anyi Nila

Mission: Hahai i na pilikua nui - Hunting Monsters
Location: Xore Mine
Timeline: T+3 1955 Hrs Zulu

[ON]

[Xore Mine Mine Control Room]

While Bolingbroke spoke with Infantry Captain Sonia Bjornsdotter the rest of Second Team waited in the corridor outside the control room. Generally taking it easy and swapping tales between Blue Element, the Frog Squad, Command and Orange Elements on events in the power substation.

Around the corner came their Staff Sergeant and shipmates from the Infiltration Team.

"I might have known you lot would be goofing off!" Mason called.

"Ah hell Mom's here!" A Marine replied and they went to meet their comrades.

"I should have stuck with you lot, kick-ass exo-armor and here I am dressed in my rags." Walken laughed.

"Ha, you would still look like crap even in this exo-suit Sarge." Jackson taunted as he and the rest of Blue Element welcomed back their Sergeant.

Iria shook her head softly, she was fighting to keep back tears again...

... After Stevens had gotten stunned by the Gorn and then the Gorn changed the settings on their disruptors, shots rang out and she tried changing choice of cover, only to get literally tackled down by a colonist. The guy was barely 20 if that, still he'd been taller than she was, he had gotten a nasty abdominal wound, she had tried to keep the bleeding to slow and he had told her she reminded him of his sister, shortly after that statement he died. Iria had numbly helped others as best she could. Then another woman started crying a wailing sound that hit Iria like a punch to the stomach, she turned around and saw something horrific; one of the Colonist men had uncovered the dead Gorn bodies and was viciously removing parts.

Iria had run from the prisoners holding pen area and found a corner to huddle into, wrapped her arms around her knees. She didn't make a sound but some gasps as she cried quietly her whole body trembling as tears streamed down her face...

Now, Iria was mostly calm because she was seeing folks she knew, trusted, and cared about being okay. She just didn't trust her voice yet.

Emma was used to talks like this having grown up in a Marine household, she let them have their moments and took a back seat.

Nila just laughed a little to herself, since they had survived she felt it okay to laugh about Stevens getting drilled with the disruptor rifle twice. It helped take her mind off of the people who had died down there.

A few minutes later Bolingbroke and a tall blonde Human female Infantry Captain and a civilian Human man, looking as haggard as the rest of the workers had been, came out into the corridor.

"Officer on deck!" Kadesh called out "Team... Team 'Shun!"

"Stand easy," Bolingbroke waved them off. He nodded when he saw Walken and the Infiltration Team were there. "Good to see you all. We'll talk in a moment but right now we have a problem."

"This is Captain Bjornsdotter, Sixth Infantry and Mister Eddington, who is one of the Mine Engineers" The introduced the other two. "It seems we have a group of Gorn who have refused the Talon's order to surrender.

They are holed up in one of the deepest levels of the mine, called Nemo's Lode, they have colonist hostages and.... well I'll let Mister Eddington tell you."

The man stepped forward "About two years ago we followed a very rich vein of ore, but it runs into an underground lake, a really big one, we called it Nemo's Sea."

He held up a PaDD.
Xore Mine Plan

"Well, we went in on Levels Eight and Ten and built a pumping station to keep the lake water out. It has to run constantly otherwise the lake would flood those levels and then eventually the whole mine. The Gorn down there disabled our link from the Control Room here and they've have turned off the pumps.

The pumps have their own power source down there, a small fusion reactor.” Eddington explained “We show that they took it off line, when they turned off the pumps, but it’s not showing any faults on our systems, so you should be able to power it right back up.

If we don't get them restarted Level Ten will be flooded within about six hours, Level Eleven and the shaft probably three hours after that. Then Nine and Eight and so on.

Within about thirty hours the whole mine would be flooded, the upper levels would freeze solid and it would take years to get it all cleared again, if we even could..."

"More immediately, we would also lose the Mine as the Safe Zone for all the Colonists on Canterra." Bjornsdotter added "We have nowhere else to keep this number of people safe"

"So, we're going down there to fix it," Bolingbroke said "We neutralize the Gorn, save any hostages and get the pumps back on.

The Captain's Marines are busy dealing with the rest of the mine and guarding the Gorn prisoners. She can spare us a Platoon to support, which should be enough since the size of the mine tunnels limits engagements anyway.

The Gorn are holing the entrance to Level Ten. We're going down to Level Eight and see if can find away down the elevator there.

Ok get yourseleves sorted, we're moving to the elevator in fifteen minutes!"

Hudson and a couple of marines stepped forward with kit bags. They had brought Blue Element, Bolingbroke and Walken's gear from the Aubrey.

While the Team got ready, Bolingbroke and Bjornsdotter came over to speak with the Infiltration Team.

"Glad to see you all," Bollingbroke said, "Where's Stevens?"

"From what I was told he ran out with no cover and then got drilled by two disruptor shots, thankfully it was still set to stun otherwise the Captain would be writing up a report to his family," Walken explained.

"Huh, well hopefully he'll be alright when he wakes up." Bolingbroke said, inwardly thinking the foolish Security Officer was lucky he had not got his head blow off.

He introduced Walken and Mason. "Captain Bjornsdotter, Staff Sergeants Mason and Walken. Sarn't Walken is our Gorn Expert, he was captured by them when on the USS Wyoming and led the Infiltration Team today. We're lucky to have him."

Bjornsdotter waved them to stand at ease and shook their hands. "Good work Marines, both of you" She said with a smile "You ever get fed up with all this Specialist nonsense and want to try some real soldiering in the Infantry, you give me a call"

"Well if they find someone better to replace me and you need a sharpshooter I'm your guy." Kyle laughed softly before looking back at his squad. "Not sure how they would take it, honestly they would be pretty lost without me." He joked.

While Bjornsdotter spoke with Walken and Mason Bolingbroke went over to Taltos, Nila and Emma Walken. "How you three holding up? I heard it was rough in there" He noticed Taltos in particular looked a little shaken and that she had been crying

"Things were alright on our end," Emma spoke before getting close and whispering to Bolingbroke. "You should make sure a counselor meet's up with the Lieutenant, I don't know how well she is taking it."

Bolingbroke nodded. "Understood." he said quietly

"Growing up I heard stories like this happening on Bajor, we're lucky only a few people died," Nila answered.

Iria wanted nothing more than to give him a hug, but she didn't want to embarrass Captain Edward Bolingbroke, in front of his marine comrades. She nodded her head lightly and offered him a relieved grin, he looked tired, bruised, and had a few cuts that crossed his face.

Bolingbroke noticed Taltos looked withdrawn, he tried engaging her.

"We could use a good Engineer and Operations Officer to help with the pump systems." He said. "Eddington and his colleague are the only two proper mine crew we've found so far and they are needed here in the Control Room"

Iria straightened her shoulders and nodded, "Yeah I can definitely do that," her voice steadying, repairing things was her element and a much more welcome thing to be doing, than trying to help with the colonists; she didn't want to see/hear any more wailing folks, or folks seeking revenge on the dead.

"If they had done anything to the electrical systems inside I can help out, otherwise I will do what I can to support Taltos." Nila nods softly.

"Good," Bolingbroke nodded, still a, little concerned about Taltos, but time was short and he needed her help.

He turned to Emma "Sorry not much use for a Biologist on this op. But thank you for volunteering and helping us liberate the mine. We will get you a ride back to the ship on The Aubrey” Bolingbroke said.

"That's fine with me Captain Bolingbroke, I think my talents will be put to better use back in the lab," Emma spoke calmly. "Make sure my brother takes care of himself down here."

"I'll do my best but you know he's a Marine, no promises" Bokingbroke replied honestly. "But lm sure we'll see you back on the ship soon enough"

Bolingbroke left for a few minutes to brief the incoming medical personnel from the Hawaii when he returned, he, Walken and the rest of Blue Element were changed into their Marine BDUs. Then the Team moved down to the elevator control room.

Bjornsdotter was waiting for them with an Infantry Platoon. “Captain Bolingbroke, this is Lieutenant Accusay, Second Platoon, Alpha Company, Call Sign Cheetah Two.

Lieutenant this is Captain Bolingbroke, Bravo Company, Third Raiders. He is in charge of this operation, clear?” She locked eyes on her Officer, she did not want any inter-unit rivalry getting in the way.

"Captain." Chea said. In the Bleddyns mind he knew his platoon had this. He looked at his Gunnery Sargeant, who just shrugged.

“Lieutenant,” Bolingbroke nodded to the Infantry Officer “Let’s get our Marines down to Level Eight and see what’s going on.” He waved towards the open door of the massive mine shaft elevator.

He nodded. "Alright gunny. Let's move em out. Take second squad, I'll lead first squad. If that's good with you, Captain." Chea said

Bolingbroke nodded.

Iria was already on edge but the sight of the large "husky-like" Marine from the other company had her stop short a moment, on good days canines made her nervous, today was turning into a crappy day, she shuddered as she stood still, waiting for Bolingbroke and the rest to move forward, if she kept focused on what she needed to do, in this case getting the pump going so the mine didn't flood, though the urge to keep some distance from the canine-like Marine was hard to fight.

Kyle looked over at Iria and noticed her reaction, "You okay Iria?" He asked her.

Walken was a bit concerned for his friend after what he had heard happen to them in the Pens and now to see her look a bit off once she saw Lieutenant Accusay.

Iria looked at Kyle her eyes wide, "Yeah I'm okay just surprised by the big guy there." She side eyed the "husky-like Marine than carefully moved forward. Her movements were tense ready to move out of reach if needed.

She stopped close by Captain Bolingbroke and after a moments hesitation she reached out to hug him.

Bolingbroke was a little surprised at the hug from Taltos, pleasantly though. He realized she must be taking events in the mine harder than he thought. He looped an arm round her shoulder and held her tightly for a moment.

“It will be alright, we’re nearly done here. One last bunch of Gorn to deal with, some more colonists to save and you can get the pumps back on. Then we can get back up to the ship. Think you can handle that?”

He gave her a reassuring smile.

Iria nodded her head slowly, "Yes I can make the repairs." She reached up to gently and carefully of his bruised and cut covered face touched his cheek with her left hand, "Thanks for the hug and please be careful."

He nodded, not having the words after her touch on his face.

There were a few grins from the Team, even though they all pretended not to notice and suddenly became very interested in checking their gear and weapons.

Walken rolled his eyes as his team all looked away, "Children." He taunted them in a whisper as he took the time to look around at the various other Marines and of course the newly acquainted Captain Bjornsdotter.

Bjornsdotter watched them board the elevator “Gentlemen, ladies, good hunting!” She said, as the doors closed and the elevator descended into the mine.

[Level Eight]

Stepping off the elevator the Marines found a couple of sentries waiting for them.

“This level is clear of Colonists and Gorn sir” One of them reported, “Well, live ones anyway” There were six dead Gorn laying in a row to one side. “Gunny Maddocks is waiting for you, at the secondary elevator control” He pointed down the tunnel.

Bolingbroke nodded and they made their way down the tunnel, after around ten minutes the tunnel opened up into a bigger cavern. There was a concrete and durasteel construction in the middle of the space.

Some Marines were there and a Gunnery Sergeant approached.

“eLTee” He acknowled Accusay "Is this Captain Bolingbroke and the Raider Team?” He asked

“That’s us Gunny” Bolingbroke replied “What’s your SitRep?”

“Sir, we have approximately twenty to twenty five Gorn on the level below us, Level Ten Nemo’s Lode” Maddocks explained “We believe they have around forty colonists as hostages and have shut off the water pumps which is causing those levels to flood.

Right now they are in a standoff with Third Platoon who is in the entrance tunnel on Level ten. The Gorn are dug in and have colonists chained up in front of them, so we cant attack.”

“The elevator system here” He pointed to the building behind him “Goes directly from this level down there. This is only a secondary system, so unlike the main shaft, there is only one elevator car instead of four. Right now the car is down on Level Ten. We could bring it up, but that would alert the Gorn.

We think there may be a way down the elevator shaft without using the actual car and then drop in behind the Gorn. Catch those bastards with their pants down! Sir!“

Bolingbroke nodded “Sounds like a plan Gunny, let’s have a look at the shaft.” He followed the NCO into the building, bringing his command team and Accusay with him. A couple of Marines had got the elevator doors pried open and Bolingbroke looked down the shaft.

It was about ten feet square, it was lined with metal panels, there was an angled frame in each corner and a power strip ran down the back wall. Next to the power strip was a service ladder. The elevator was electromagnetic, so there were no cables or mechanical systems. The shaft and the ladder dropped down into darkness.

“How far?” He asked.

“According to the plans, it’s five hundred and twenty eight feet.” Maddocks replied “The last hundred and forty or so are out in the open, where it drops out of the cavern roof in Level Ten. Just the corners, power strip and ladder, no shaft walls…”

“That’s a long way Gunny… And that last part in the open…?” Hudson did not look too enthusiastic.

“We have the power cut off to that level, its pitch dark down there” Maddocks said “Unless you make a lot of noise, they are not going to know you are coming.”

“That’s better news” Kadesh commented “We have night vision gear too.”

Bolingbroke nodded “Five hundred feet, on a single ladder and need to be super stealthy for the last hundred plus feet. That’s what fifteen, twenty minutes at least?” He looked around his team “What do you think?”

"Don't have much of a choice, it might be a better choice if we only take a small team down keep the noise to a minimum and then have the remainder of the group link up with the Third. Also, Captain do you still have the Frog Squad armor? With so many humans down here and with how dark it is it be a chance to get closer or even in the pump station unnoticed."

“The suits are back on The Aubrey but they are all pretty banged up and I don’t think we could handle the climb wearing them.” Bolingbroke replied

“I agree a smaller team on the ladder makes sense. But rather than sending the rest down to level Ten, once we control the bottom of the shaft we bring the elevator up to get them and our Fleet Officers” He nodded at Taltos and Nila.

“We do need the Infantry to stage a diversionary attack though, draw the Gorn into the tunnel away from the elevator once we get to the last part of the descent” He looked over to the husky Lieutenant.

“You got anyone who can handle that kind of climb Lieutenant?” Bolingbroke asked Accusay

"Two or three actually, sir." He grinned. "Besides myself there's corporal th' Zarath, Andorias finest. And of course Sergeant Stevens. Take your pick." He smiled.

“Good” Bolingbroke agreed “Have your men stand by. Sarn’t Kadesh will be in command of those who take the elevator, Corporal Hudson, you’re with me. Sarnt Walken pick four more to come with us on the ladder.”

"You want me to pick out four people?" Kyle asked as he looked over his shoulder towards his unit, "Well it's kinda hard to not take those four, besides I think they will be cranky if I don't bring them along."

Bolingbroke smiled "Blue Element it is then"


To be continued...


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