Stardate: 70527:0949
Title: When Gods Roam (Part 2)
Author: Ensign Andrew Keller
Time: During 'Lost And Found'
Scene: USS Relentless crash-site


Keller stared at the native as he spoke, he couldn't keep the look of surprise or recognition from his face once he realised he understood fragments of the native's speech. It was apparent to him that the native too, recognised that Keller had understood parts of his guttural statement.

The uneasy silence between Keller and the native facing him lasted but for a moment, but to the Ensign it seemed to last for an eternity. Then, the native turned to his comrades standing a few steps behind and spoke to them. Keller couldn't make out anything he said, but the other natives turned and headed back the way they came. The native, who Keller now assumed to be the leader of the group turned back to Keller and spoke again. Keller didn't understand at first, but when the native gestured to him and spoke again, he caught one word from the dialogue: follow.

Now, Keller stood in two minds. He could make a break for it towards the Relentless, hoping that Abby and the rest of the crew were aware of what was transpiring. However, it would be likely he'd be struck down in a matter of strides by the natives' spears or other missiles. A dash to the tree line was also out, as that was further away than the ship. Either option, even with the added speed afforded to him by his cybernetics held little hope of success. He could try and jump the native, perhaps take a hostage, but with the others in close proximity, it would be likely he would be overwhelmed quickly.

There was only one other option. With a glance back towards where the rest of the crew remained, he followed after the natives as the made their way out of the clearing.


=/\= USS Relentless =/\=

A hushed cheer indicated that they had managed to open a rear access panel, and could now gain entry to the stricken Relentless. Abby watched the sky as what appeared to be shuttles dropped through the atmosphere towards the planet surface. For a moment she took her eyes away from the happenings in the middle of the clearing. When she returned her gaze, Keller and the natives had vanished. She cursed under her breath. However, there was nothing she could do for her helmsman at the moment and turned her attention to her most immediate concern - retaking the Relentless. Ordering the crew to their duties, she looked back at the clearing, perhaps hoping Keller was still there and she had merely not seen him. One of the other crewmembers, a security officer she had stationed at the entry hatch spoke up as she approached the ship.

"Ma'am. What happened to Ensign Keller? Shouldn't we go after him?" He asked. "He's in trouble."

"Ensign Keller can look after himself," she replied with a sigh. "He survived the Borg, he'll get through this. Right now, we need to secure the ship and get her back."

She gave another look back towards the clearing before disappearing into the bowels of the ship


=/\= Jungle =/\=

The natives marched at a brisk pace through the dense undergrowth. Keller was in the midst of them and altogether he counted nine natives, including the leader who walked alongside. Every so often, he would call something to the others, but he never spoke directly to their captive. At least, Keller assumed he was captive. The natives hadn't bound him, and other than the leader they kept a distance away from the Starfleet Officer.

They marched for what Keller estimated at one hour, before they broke the tree line and emerged atop a huge valley. Although it was dark, Keller could see that a river ran along the valley-floor and there were crude huts built along either bank. The leader pointed towards the valley and spoke something to Keller which he didn't understand, but guessed that the leader was proclaiming this was his home.

Moments later, the group were heading down a narrow path towards the village and soon they entered the environs of the village. The village seemed huge and it was a good ten minutes walk before the natives stopped outside one of the huts. Compared to the others Keller had passed, this hut reeked of superiority. The leader gesticulated for him to enter.

Looking around him, Keller noticed for the first time that quite a crowd had followed him and the group of natives as had made their way to where they now stood. The crowd spoke in hushed, excited tones which made him feel uneasy. Again, the leader motioned for the Ensign to enter the hut, and this time Keller entered followed by the leader. Inside, there was a multitude of crudely-made rugs and furs spread across the floor. In the corner was what appeared to be a mattress woven from grasses and ferns.

The leader sat down on one of the rugs and indicated for Keller to do the same. Keller sat down and eyed the native cautiously. What was going to happen now? Why had they brought him here? After a few minutes, a female native entered the hut carrying a basket and placed it between the two men. The leader reached forward and plucked something from the basket and began to eat, again motioning to Keller to follow. Keller realised how hungry he was, and it soon overtook his caution. Before long was devouring a sweet, apple-like fruit. It was delicious and he ate his fill, all the while watching the leader and the girl beside him.

Once the two men had finished eating, the leader stood up. He said something to the girl, and then to Keller before the two natives left the hut, leaving the Ensign alone. The native had said one word, which he understood clearly: "Wait".


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Ensign Andrew Keller
Helm
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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