<html><head><style type="text/css"><!-- DIV {margin:0px;} --></style></head><body><div style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10pt"><P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">-= Earth =-<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A solitary figure ran through the relative cover of the wood, darting between the trees and occasionally falling over the undergrowth.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Ever since the alarm had sounded he’d been running.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It may only have been 20 minutes but it felt like an age.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They were right behind him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He could feel but not see them in pursuit.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If they caught him, well that didn’t bear thinking about.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In one hand he carried a laser pistol.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>An old military issue side arm but deadly in the right hands.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the other he carried his locator and what he had been told was a small dampening field for emergencies.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“If this isn’t a bloody emergency … “ he gasped as he ran.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Larson paused by a tree, his panicked eyes darting about the dense wood, trying to see if he could see any hint of his pursuers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sweat drenched his muddied clothes and his legs were beginning to shake from the exertion.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He so badly wanted to stop, wanted to crawl into a hole and hope they passed him by but he knew better than that.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They wouldn’t stop so he couldn’t afford to.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>His only hope was if the signal got through and the others had picked it up in time.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He knew it would be a devastating blow to Terra Prime if Starfleet or their Vulcan lackeys were able to interrogate him.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They’d come, he knew too much for them to simply ignore it and leave him to his fate.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Drawing a couple of deep breaths he mopped his brow with a dirty sleeve, smearing the wet mud across his face, before once again darting off into the wood.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">-= Undisclosed location =-<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Two figures stood either side of the main board on the bridge of the Romulan Bird of Prey.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The circular command console was covered in many displays and consoles but the sensor data streaming in from the ships long range sensors was the only thing both figures were actually watching.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Behind them, around the outside wall of the bridge the other officers watched over the ships systems.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They didn’t expect any trouble.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They had yet to be detected by any passing ship, their cloaking technology seemed to be sufficient to overcome the pitiful Starfleet sensor technology.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Still, it paid to be careful and the
Commander was always careful.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“They nearly have him,” stated the older figure, dressed a Romulan military uniform, his collar showing him to have the rank of Sub Commander.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“I thought you issued him with a sensor dampening kit,” asked the younger female, Commander by her uniform.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The question was asked with an air of total disinterest.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The older Romulan nodded, “I went for an older model, non-standard issue.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I thought it best to ensure there was nothing that could be traced back to us.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The Commander nodded.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“You thought right.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is of no matter.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have other contacts now.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He has served his purpose and things are in motion, according to plan.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She looked up from her viewer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“You made the relevant modifications of course?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Of course my lady,” nodded the Sub-Commander.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Then I see no need to prolong this chase, unless you are interested in the sport?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The Sub-Commander smiled, “He has shown some resourcefulness.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A pity, The Empire could have used him.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“He is as weak as the rest of the Human race,” stated the Commander, her tone carrying a slight hint of a reprimand.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“In his thirst for power he hasn’t even once questioned the source of all this ‘help’ we’ve been giving him and has pitiful organisation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But he has had his uses.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Pity, for him, he no longer does.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The Sub Commander nodded.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“Yes my lady.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">-= Earth =-<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">It wasn’t long before he heard a craft approach in the distance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They were trying to track him for sure.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As it passed overhead he instinctively dived for cover, pressing himself into the roots of a large tree and tried to calm his breathing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>No!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Not yet!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He cried internally.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The ship passed over him, Larson knew they had a good idea where he was.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He didn’t know how.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was only a matter of time now.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He gingerly eased himself out of his protective cover, his legs complaining every inch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He had to keep moving.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was his only chance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If his transmitter was working properly the nearest Terra Prime cell would come for him at nightfall and he’d be able to go underground, so deep there would be no finding him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was already getting dark.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Not
long now.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“If only you bastards knew what we had in mind for you,” he whispered under his breath, his panicked face taking on a more sadistic visage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Once again he darted off into the dense wood.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">He stopped by a clearing, using the cover of a tree to taking in his surroundings.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>About 10 meters ahead, on the other side of the well worn path the forest continued, he’d have to make a run for it.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">As he was about to make the dash he heard a branch snap behind him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>On instinct he ducked, he phaser blast striking the tree where is torso had been only a moment earlier.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Clumsily he rolled from cover, coming to his feet and fired wildly into the woods behind him.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Another blast sailed off into the upper tree canopy, missing him by some distance.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turning he ran as fast as he could across the clearing, for the cover of the trees on the other side.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Overhead once more was the roar of engines as his pursuers got an easy visual on his location.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The roar grew louder as the ship dropped below the tree cover to cut him off.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Desperate Larson began firing at the ship as he ran.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As he staggered nearer the other side of the clearing he could easily see the figures waiting for him in the tree-line.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“No!” he exclaimed, his run becoming a walk as hope gave way to reality.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“No!”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Were it not for the roar of the engines above his head Larson would have heard the small hand held locator begin a high pitched whine.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As the black-clad soldiers broke cover and started walking towards him, their weapons trained upon at him the device exploded, leaving nothing but a red mist where the Terra Prime officer had once stood.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">General characters apb :<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Commander James Rice<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Commanding Officer (OOC)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Forrest Outpost<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P> </P></div><br>
<hr size=1> Sent from <a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/mailuk/taglines/isp/control/*http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51949/*http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/mail/winter07.html">Yahoo!</a> - a smarter inbox.</body></html>