Tyvek and Cpl. Smith neared the opening to the large pond that lay ahead. The tricorder revealed that a lot of life forms were just up ahead in that pond. But a couple were on a vast intercept to their position.
"Corporal, holster that phaser," Tyvek commanded.
"But sir, regs state that we can set them to stun," Smith replied.
"I will not repeat myself, Corporal."
Two huge toad shaped beings pounced upon them almost crushing them were it not for the fact that their stomachs were huge but soft.
Their boisterous voices pounded their ears almost deafening them.
"We mean you no harm. Do you understand me?" chimed Tyvek into his comm badge.
The beings croaked again to one another and them slowly moved off of them.
"What are you supposed to be?" one of them asked.
"We are strangers, from far away. We mean you no harm," said Tyvek.
"I should think not, you're nothing but tadpoles," ciphered the large bullfrog looking creature.
Tyvek was glad that the universal translator was working.
"Since you do not find us to be dangerous, will you take us to meet your leaders?" Tyvek asked.
"They will not treat you as equals. You are only tadpoles. They will not listen to you," said the other one.
The planet was dark but glowed just enough to reveal the runabout as it orbited. Gunney had automated most of the systems to aid him until the Lieutenant returned. Watching their life signs he was able to follow their every move. Even as they entered the close proximity to the pond area.
Gunney was also able to detect the sudden approach of the Romulan craft that had decloaked just inside of the alien system.
"Holy .... Computer? Raise defenses."
>DEFENSES ARMED. SENSORS DETECTING A D-CLASS WARBIRD ON APPROACH<
"Have they scanned us?" asked Gunney.
>NEGATIVE<
Gunney slowly maneuvered the craft to the darker side of the planet. He would be out of range to the away team but at least he'd be alive. He did however, need to get a message to them before getting out of communications range.
The comm badge chirped on Smith's chest.
"Gunney, what's up?"
"Chaz, where's the Lieutenant?"
"Beside me, why?"
"Lieutenant, we have company," replied Gunney.
"Gunney, get to cover. Try to find a spot on one of the continents and if possible near the mountains. The mountains are lined with tachionic particles, they will help blind their sensors," replied Tyvek.
"Ok sir. It appears to be a Romulan Warbird. Gunney out."
What would the Romulans be doing inside of the Patch so far from the Neutral Zone? Tyvek queried.
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