MARQUIS 5/4/2018
Scene 1
Ayala woke up and opened one eye. He stretched his hands out and discovered they were dry even though he appeared to be underwater.
He took several deep breaths and discovered, to his surprise, he wasn't dead - yet!
He swivelled his head around to check for Hirogen and let out a sigh of relief when he couldn't see one.
"We haven't seen any of your kind before - you have a strong heart and lungs. The implant which allows you to breathe underwater can irritate some species' lungs."
Ayala sat up confused as he couldn't identify the speaker. He opened his eyes and was completely dazzled by his surroundings. The walls were an iridescent jade green which reflected every light source. He appeared to be sitting in a giant bubble. It startled him when the wall undulated after he touched it.
An alien walked out of the shade to Ayala's bedside. Although he knew it was rude to stare - he couldn't help himself. The alien's face had humanoid features. It was tall and thin. Its skin glowed with an emerald green light which was brighter than the walls. The alien didn't need to walk because it glided across the floor.
The eyes were its most distinctive feature. Huge, limpid black eyes stared at him with sympathy and curiosity. It blinked and there were two upper and lower lids at work.
"I am Alana of the Mistral, most of the rescued take some time to adjust themselves to our unique appearance."
I apologise for my rudeness. I didn't realise that I gained a new ability to breathe underwater," explained Ayala.
Alana continued, "Unfortunately this device only works during daylight. After sunset, we have to retire to the Grotto.
"How have you evaded the Hirogen for so long?" asked Ayala.
Alana replied, "The Hunters never venture into the Grotto. Their bodies are too clumsy and tall to walk through here with comfort."
When did the hunters arrive on your planet?" asked Ayala.
"Many moons ago we had an advanced civilisation with a population of over three million. Our cities contained huge majestic buildings and impressive architecture."
Ayala looked puzzled, "What happened? We couldn't find any traces of man-made structures."
"When the hunters arrived we thought they were peaceful settlers. They told our ancestors that they were looking for asylum."
"Why weren't your ancestors suspicious of their motives?" asked Ayala.
"The Hunters were our first contact will other species. It didn't take long for their true nature's to emerge. They targeted our main settlement then slaughtered everyone who lived there. Finally, they razed the city to the ground. That was the catalyst for the Great Hunt which destroyed my people," explained Alana.
"I can guess what happened next," said Ayala.
"My ancestors ran to the hills and attempted to hide from these
devils."
"You must have outnumbered them. Why didn't you fight back?" asked Ayala.
"We are a peaceful people. We existed on this planet for thousands of years without violence."
"Didn't you have any weapons or an armed force trained to protect you?" enquired Ayala.
"The hunters were our first and only invaders."
Alana was starting to get upset so he changed the subject.
"Did you manage to save my friend?" asked Ayala.
He held his breath because she looked as though she didn't want to be the bearer of bad news.
"Your friend is finding it difficult to breathe with our implant. She is fighting our attempts to help her."
Ayala hid a grin, she didn't know the Klingon's natural instinct was to fight everything and everyone.
"I can help her settle down. I would be grateful if you could loan me some clothes or a robe. My species wear clothes when we interact with each other."
Alana wasn't bothered by his lack of clothes but B'Elanna would be especially if she was in a bad mood.
Alana helped him walk into an identical room. The Mistral had strapped B'Elanna to the bed but she wasn't lying down. She was gasping for breath and trying to yank her arms and ankles out of the restraints.
Ayala held her hand and whispered, "It's Mike, B"Elanna - nobody is going to hurt you. Relax and breath - slow and steady - focus on your breathing."
B'Elanna stopped struggling and managed to slow her breathing down.
She hugged Ayala, "Mike, I thought I was dead - where are we?"
B'Elanna looked down and realised she wasn't wearing any clothes.
"Where are my clothes?" asked B'Elanna with an air of menace.
Alana handed him a robe.
"This is the last time anyone takes my clothes off without my permission," warned B'Elanna, "Who or what saved us?"
Ayala told her everything he had learnt so far:
"The Mistral saved us. They are a peaceful people who were no match for the Hirogen when they invaded their home. To survive they developed an implant which allowed them to breathe underwater. The Hirogen armour couldn't function in the water. They can't swim because they are too heavy or use a boat or raft."
"How are we going to meet the others at the caves? asked B'Elanna.
"The Mistral have to go to the surface at sunset. It is fortunate that we were heading to those caves because there is underwater access. The Mistral use the caves because the Hirogen can't go there. Their height prevents them from travelling within the caverns."
Scene 2
Kathryn collapsed before they reached their meeting place. Chakotay picked her up and carried her in his arms. Tom offered to help but he wouldn't let her go.
"As soon as I make her comfortable we have to find fresh drinking water and food. We don't know how long we will be here," said Chakotay.
After they found a dry cave, Chakotay made Kathryn as comfortable as he could. His next task was to find a suitable rock to provide heat. He placed the rock in the middle of the cavern and made it glow hot using his phaser.
Kathryn started to get restless. Without thinking, Chakotay knelt down beside her and stroked her head to calm her down. Her pale skin was as cold as ice. He took off his jacket and tucked it around her for warmth.
Tom came into the cave carrying a bag of fruit and nuts.
"I found these growing nearby. I've already checked whether they are edible," explained Tom.
"We will make this cavern our base. It is dry and easy to defend from the outside,"
Tom knew that things were awkward between Kathryn and Chakotay. He didn't know anything about the deal made with Q to save Kathryn's life. He knew that Q would protect his own interests, not the lowly humans.
"Tom, why don't you explore the cave system. There may be a source of freshwater or an underground spring," suggested Chakotay.
"What about Kathryn?" asked Tom.
"I don't want to leave Kathryn alone. If she cries out in her sleep - she may attract the Hirogen.
Scene 3
Tom put some fruit and water into a bag and activated the torch on his phaser.
He crawled through a tunnel into the next cave with his phaser in his mouth.
As he crawled deeper into the mountain the caves descended. He saw signs that something had walked this path before him.
He stopped to look at some cave paintings. It showed a spaceship landing on the planet. Giant figures came out of the ship. The next image showed a big feast in honour of their visitors.
The next painting depicted the destruction of a large city by the giants. The last three paintings were hunting scenes. They showed the massacre of the native species in gory details. The Hirogen destroyed their whole civilisation.
Tom noticed an opening in the floor of the cave. Tom turned his torch off and lowered himself through the opening. He dropped to the floor to explore the hidden cave.
He switched the torch off when he heard voices. He could hear snatches of conversation. His heart was beating so fast he thought it would jump out of his chest. He thought his ears were playing tricks on him when he heard familiar voices. Tom waited until it went quiet before he climbed out.
Tom followed them from a safe distance. He kept his phaser in his hand prepared to shoot anybody who stood in his way.
"Mike, stop messing about - the Hirogen could be around the next corner!"
Tom grinned because he recognised an angry Klingon when he heard one.
"I'm not tall or lethal enough to be an Hirogen," said Tom.
He made everyone in the cave jump as they hadn't anticipated company. Alana's skin went clear due to the shock. Tom spotted her when her skin returned to its usual colour.
"Will someone introduce me?" asked Tom.
Alana stepped forward and held her hand out, "I am Alana of the Mistral. We rescued your friends from the Hunters. We will help you escape from the planet."
Tom thought she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.
"Are there any more of you in the Grotto?" asked Alana
"Yes, our Captain and First Officer are in a cave not far from the opening," explained Tom.
Ayala continued, "Lam, our cook and Astra, the Weapons Officer are waiting for us on our ship."
"I will send a runner to bring your crew members back to the Grotto. It is easier to protect you from the Hunters in the underground caves," explained Alana.
Scene 4
Chakotay heard voices so he went to investigate. He didn't expect to be so relieved to see B'Elanna and the others. Ayala introduced Alana and explained the status quo on the planet.
Alana asked him whether he could take her to their wounded friend.
"My First Officer is very weak. She is recovering from a serious wound infection - she needs medical help?" explained Chakotay.
"Of course! At sunrise, when we return to our home bring her to my treatment pod so I can examine her."
Chakotay didn't understand how the Mistral had survived. No doubt the crew would meet the Hirogen again. He needed to learn everything he could about them before they escaped.
"How many outsiders have you saved from the Hirogen?"
"We have helped thousands of outsiders to escape from the Hunters - too many to count."
Did the Hunters sabotage their ships?" asked Chakotay.
"That ruse is popular with the Hunters. They have no technological knowledge. We survived because we learnt everything we could about our enemy," explained Alana.
While we are your guests, could we access the intelligence you have collected?" asked Chakotay.
"Of course Commander, I will introduce you to our archivist," promised Alana.
Scene 5
Lam was enjoying his lessons in survival and hand-to-hand combat. Astrid was a strict teacher and a hard taskmaster. He had learnt enough to defend himself so he could show Ayala he wasn't useless.
They found a shelter hidden by two enormous trees. Someone had used it before so it was easier to repair this structure than build another one.
Lam was alone because Astra was foraging for fruits and nuts while he was guarding the camp. They had decided on a signal to warn the other one that Hirogen were nearby. As there was nothing else to do Lam decided to practise some of the moves Astra had shown him the night before.
Lam was so focused on his training that he didn't hear the young Hirogen approach him from behind. Lam felt a sharp pain in his back.
where the Hunter stabbed him between his ribs avoiding the major organs. Lam dropped like a stone. He tried to look around because he wasn't sure what hit him.
The young Hirogen stood over his prey with triumph.
"The Alpha will blood me to mark that I am a hunter - not an infant."
Lam tried to whistle to warn Astra but he couldn't take a breath.
Astra observed the situation before she acted. She knew the Hirogen wasn't hunting alone. The Captain said there were at least three of them. Astra could overpower this Hirogen because he wasn't mature. She needed to do it without a sound so she didn't cause him to panic. She moved out of the shadows so Lam could see her. Astra put her finger to her lips to warn him not to speak.
She took two of her knives out of her sheaths and waited for the right moment to strike.
Astra had to find the balance between waiting for the right moment and giving him enough time to finish the job.
The young Hirogen bounced around crashing into everything. He was so excited about his first prey that he forgot about the other members of the crew.
Astra drew her arm over her head to launch the knife. The Hirogen stood over Lam to taunt him which enabled Astra to nick his jugular vein - karma is a bitch!
The young Hirogen was trying to stem the blood. He started to weaken.
Astra didn't waste time. She grabbed a first aid kit and ran to help Lam.
"Don't try to speak or move, I have to stop the bleeding," warned Astra.
She focused her efforts on stopping the bleeding. She packed the wound with dressings and told him to hold it. Lam started to close his eyes.
"Lam talk to me - don't close your eyes. I don't want to be on my own again."
Lam gave a weak grin. He knew that Astra was an ancient warrior and could look after herself with ease..
"Tell me your favourite recipe and what you like to do in your free time?"
Lam decided to tell her why he learnt to cook and who inspired him.
"My mother was a famous chef on my planet. She cooked for our royal family. At one state dinner, she cooked for five hundred guests. As a baby, I used to sit on a chair in the kitchen and watch everything she did. As I grew older I started to help her…"
Lam fell asleep as Astra had administered a sedative. She had to close the wound to protect against infection. The first aid kit was primitive so she had to improvise. There was moss growing on a tree. Astra collected a large clump to cover the wound because of its healing properties.
She turned Lam over and cleaned the entry wound. She programmed the dermal regenerator and started work. Astra knew he would be sore and weak from the blood loss afterwards but she would make him rest for a few days.
When she finished Astra admired her handiwork. She didn't hear the Hirogen approaching her.
"You are a resourceful prey. Did you kill my son little one?"
She stood up to face her accuser. She wouldn't lie because he was the boy's father and deserved the truth.
"He died a warrior's death with no pain. My knife sliced his jugular vein and he died within seconds," stated Astra.
The Hirogen admired this small female. This prey understood their customs and beliefs.
"I will take you to our base. The Alpha will decide your fate. Leave your young companion here as he is an unworthy prey," ordered the Beta.
"I will not leave him here to die alone. I spent too much energy and time trying to save him!"
The Beta admired her defiance and lack of fear. She was small and weak but she had the heart of a Hunter.
"After I have followed my orders, I will return. If the prey is alive, I will carry him back to the base," promised the Hirogen.
Astra nodded her head. That was the best she could have hoped for.
Astra walked behind the Hirogen without restraints. He knew she wouldn't run because he'd retaliate by killing Lam. She looked behind her willing Lam to survive until the Beta returned.
Scene 6
Lam lay on the floor trying not to think about dying alone. His parents warned him that the crew led a dangerous life. He knew it was important to stay awake.
His Mama appeared by his side.
"Lammy, I warned you about this life. You could be looking after your own family now. Enjoying that deep satisfaction when your house is spick and span. You were always a dreamer."
"Typical Ma, even when I'm dying you still have to get in one more nagging session," laughed Lam.
"Stay awake until someone comes to get you. Don't forget your family - we love you son."
Lam felt cold and started to shiver but refused to give up. His Mom used to say he was as stubborn as his Daddy.
He thought he was still hallucinating. A figure floated over to him. Its huge, beautiful, expressive eyes were purple like wild heather. Lam knew the alien sympathised. The alien summoned more of its kind. He started to float through the air after they fixed a device on his chest.
Lam tried to struggle because he didn't know their intentions. He realised the device pinned to his chest immobilised him. He fell asleep after a spell of dizziness.
Scene 7
When Lam woke up he thought he had travelled to the next life. He was under water but he wasn't wet. He started to panic because he was underwater and still able to breathe.
"We have given you an implant which allows you to live under the water. You are currently in my pod because you need healing and I am a healer."
"Do you know what happened to my Captain and his crew?" asked Lam.
"We know that a Hunter injured you but we couldn't find any trace of your female crew member," explained Alana.
"An Hirogen took her away. He was going to let me die but she made him promise to return," reported Lam.
"I look forward to meeting your brave companion," said Alana.
As soon as the healer finished she allowed the others to visit for a short time.
"I am glad you're okay. Where is Astra?" asked Chakotay.
"The Hunter took her away. I couldn't stop him because I was unconscious," babbled Lam.
Chakotay put a hand on his shoulder:
"Astra has lived for thousands of years. She is quite capable of looking after herself."
"Is everybody else okay," asked Lam.
"The Mistral healers are treating Kathryn. She is making good progress. Ayala, B'Elanna and Paris are waiting to see you," explained Chakotay.
Lam was becoming agitated, "When can we rescue Astrid? It isn't safe to leave her with those monsters."
"Get some sleep and we will talk about it when you're ready," said Chakotay.
Scene 8
Astra tripped up because the Beta pushed her.
"You can't tell the Alpha that I haven't treated you like prey or I will become the next trophy.
The Hirogen had turned their ship into a base. Over the years they added buildings to accommodate their trophies. There was a shuttle in an open hangar behind the main building. They used it for journeys to the planets in the system.
The Alpha came to meet them because he wanted to know why his Beta had taken so long.
"What have you been up to? We have eight prey to hunt and you capture one puny female?" swore the Alpha.
The Alpha turned to examine Astra: "Ancient one, you must forgive me. If I had known you were visiting the planet," grovelled the Alpha.
Astra remembered a myth from her childhood. The Ancient Royal family had Hirogen personal guards. She made a decision to push her luck.
Astra looked stern: "Why have you colonised this planet? You are hunters, not common farmers. It sickens me to see noble warriors scrabbling around in the dirt for prey."
The Alpha looked ashamed. He kept his head bowed and wouldn't look her in the eye.
"We have grown lazy and indolent. We allowed the prey to come to us," confessed the Alpha.
Astra tried to motivate them to leave, "Pack up and rejoin the hunt! Your brothers are waiting for you!
The Beta hadn't said a word throughout this exchange. Astra knew that he wasn't convinced she was an Ancient. She couldn't use any of her powers so she had to be careful.
"Take me to the prey. You will allow them to leave unharmed as you behaved like cowards, " ordered Astra.
The Alpha escorted Astra while the Beta followed behind - sulking all the way. When they reached the caves she told them to wait outside.
She followed the voices and surprised them when she walked in. Lam rushed over and picked her up with one arm.
"I thought you were dead - what happened?" asked Lam.
Astra told the whole group about her meeting with the Hirogen Alpha.
"He sensed I was an Ancient but didn't know that my powers were bound. The Beta is suspicious. I killed his son because while defending Lam," explained Astra.
Chakotay tried to reassure her, "You did it to ensure the safety of your crewmate. You had to kill him or he would have killed both of you."
"I don't like taking a life - it leaves a stain on your life force," said Astra.
"I agree but we are stuck in a hostile environment. To survive we have to make tough choices," stated Chakotay.
"The Alpha doesn't know that I have renounced my powers. We have to get off this planet sooner rather than later, warned Astra
"Get everyone together. I will carry Kathryn with Ayala's help. Tom and B'Elanna can support Lam," ordered Chakotay.
"What can I do? I want to help," offered Astrid.
You have to behave like a goddess. You are in charge until we leave the planet.
Scene 9
The Beta walked into the cave to see what was going on. Chakotay was making a stretcher to carry Kathryn with Ayala's help. Alana was packing a bag with fruit and nuts for the crew's journey. She dropped the bag when she spotted the Hirogen.
"I didn't give you permission to leave your post." Astra had to behave like an Ancient or the Hirogen would kill them all without mercy.
"I wanted to check whether you needed my help?" claimed the Hirogen.
"Go outside and wait for my next orders. If I see you again - you will be sorry!"
"What are you going to do if I refuse to carry out your orders?" asked the belligerent Hirogen.
An invisible hand lifted the Beta in the air and slammed him against the wall. Astra was as surprised as the others when she watched the Hirogen hit the wall leaving a huge dent.
Alana floated by her as she left the cave to return to the water, "You are welcome, Ancient one."