[Galaxy] [New-Darwin] 24 Sep, Joint log, Austin/Holcolm, "Good News"

[Kate Nicholson]

[ Colony Proper ]

"This is Raven Two.  We're Oscar Mike," she said into the communicator
before snapping it closed.

The MACO pair played leap-frog through the colony -- one sprinting past
the other to a forward position, then letting the one behind know it was
clear to do the same.  They passed the Unity Memorial between the
Command Center and the Infirmary, watching the other buildings for
indicators of possible Klingon occupation.  Once they hooked up with the
colony team in the Infirmary, they could start securing the other buildings.

Mane grabbed Carter by the elbow as he walked past her.

"What the hell?" He said, spinning around.

"Quiet." She said in a fierce whisper. "Do you hear that?"

Carter looked at her quizzically for a second as Mane drew her weapon
and padded back through the main room to the door. Carter drew his own
disruptor and gave her cover from the hallway.

The female MACO stopped with her back to the door of the Infirmary.  Her
partner landed his back on the wall to the side and dropped to a knee to
survey the area down the barrel of his rifle.  She banged on the door
three times in rapid succession, then replaced her hand on her rifle as
she maintained a visual perimeter.  "United Earth Military," she called,
but not too loud.  "Open up."

The red-frocked woman held up a hand for Carter to hold on, then opened
the door. She stuck her head out, spotting the pair of MACOs. Behind her
the Klingon captives had started another chorus of shouted curses.

"Get the hell in here." She said to the pair, tossing a thumb to the
main infirmary room.

The two filed in and secured their weapons once inside and safe, except
for the male of the MACO pair, who saw the Klingon prisoners and unslung
his rifle again -- just to be safe.  The woman extended a hand to Mane.
"Ma'am," she greeted, then began introductions.  "Staff Sergeant
Holcolm, medic, Military Assault Command Operations.  That's Corporal
Carpenter.  What can we do to help?"

Mane looked at the woman strangely. She had never been called "ma'am"
before.

Carter stepped forward, shaking the woman's hand. "Ah'm Austin, Carter
Austin. Ah'm the colony's science officer. This is...uh... Mane.
She's... new to the colony and having a hard time fitting in." Carter
felt it best to leave out the part about her being an augment from a
sixty year old expedition for a better time. He cast a glance over to
the alien captives, who returned their own glare.

"We've managed to get out all the hostages... at least all the ones that
were left after they got through with them." Carter's expression changed
to one of disgust as he looked at the Klingon. "We think we got them
  all, but we haven't made a thorough search of the rest of the building.
We were just about to rejoin our team when you all arrived."

Mane shifted her weight nervously as the two groups exchanged words.

"How are things going elsewhere?" he asked.

Holcolm nodded as Carter explained.  "We've taken the Command Center,
Sir.  Major Mason and the rest of the team, along Lieutenant Sheppard
and Captain Oliver, are there now.  We're waiting for reinforcements to
shuttle down, but the Constitution and the Aurora are currently
negotiating a minefield."  She turned to the Klingons.  "I'll update the
Major, then Carpenter and I will clear the rest of the building.  If you
can contact the rest of your team, Sir, we can start consolidating our
forces."

Carter's eyes shot wide. "The Captain and Lt, Sheppard!? That must mean
they're alright!" A genuine smile crossed the young Lieutenant's face.
"We thought they were... Nevermind," He said waving his hand. " It's
certainly going to come as welcome news Sergeant."

Behind him Mane shifted. Her eyes told Carter all he needed to know.
They had been there too long.

"Most of us are holed up at safe site one. If Ah can beg you for a
communicator ah'll be happy to head back and relay your message and
we'll stand ready for further instructions."

Holcolm looked at Carpenter and nodded.  The corporal relinquished his
black, MACO issue communicator and tossed it to Austin.  "I don't think
the Major will like that I've let you go, Sir, but I'm sure he'll agree
that it's more important that we establish secure communications.  That
communicator is encrypted for A-Team -- that's us -- and Mission
Operations on the Constitution.  We'll update you when the B-Team pods
break atmo."

As Mane and Carter reached the hallway which led back towards the secret
tunnel, Carter stopped and turned. "Ah just wanted to say that you
MACO's sure are a sight for sore eyes." Smiling, the scientist turned
and hurried off down the hallway, giant redhead in tow.


-----
Lt. (Jg) Carter Austin
Chief Science Officer
New Darwin Colony

Elizabeth Mane Walker (NPC apb Leo)
Phoenix Survivor

SSgt Holcolm, S.
2nd Expeditionary Team, MACO
ESS Constitution
(apb Robert)

Cpl Carpenter, P.
2nd Expeditionary Team, MACO
ESS Constitution
(apb Robert)

_