*** Near the Einhoften Research Complex *** The figures of Cortez and Jones, visible in the vivid triple flash of lightening, rejoined the group as the thunder rolled away to the hills. They half knelt in the mud next to Walsh. Rangi, leaving the larger group, joined them. The torrential rain had soaked everyone to the skin. Water dripped off the peak of Rangis cap and she tossed her head in an effort to lessen it.She knelt down next to Jones. In a loud whisper, Cortez reported what they'd found...the roads were clear, no sign of guards or activity of any kind but they 'had' found a body ...that had only recently died. The heavy downpoue continued relentlessly and its pattering was the only sound that followed Cortez' hushed statement. Rangi spoke first shifting her weight as she squatted in the mud. "Major..I want you to search the base and secure it.I have the blueprints Commander Guzman gave us at the meeting. I know which building houses the computer core and probably the archives. Ensign Nejor, Lietenant Terek and I will go there. The three men you've assigned will accompany us." She got to her feet and glancing to her right at the larger group looked back to the ODA Commander. "Keep in contact with me and Chimera following standard battlefield Comm procedures." She turned away, unfastening the clasp of her bag and pulled out the padd holding the blueprints of the facility. Terek and Nejor stepped forward followed by the three marines who would make up the rest of the smaller away team. Activating the padd, she shook away the rain that began immediately to pool on its surface and brushing residue raindrops away said.. "We're heading for the third building on the right. Its where we believe the computer core to be and its the best place for us to start.Sergeant.." she looked at the tall marine beside her.".. its up to you to get us there." He nodded and took the padd from her hand. The other two men in turn studied the plans. There was a short conference between the three. "Ma'am?...when you're ready?..we'll go this way." The sergeant pointed into the gloom lit now and then by white flashes of lightening. "We're ready now" she replied looking quickly ..and needlessly... to check that Terek and Nejor had phasers to hand. Seconds later they moved off toward the complex, squelching in the liquid mud and saturated by the rain. *** End Log *** Commander Rangi Summers XO USS Chimera-A