The Badlands"
By: Samantha Carter, Security Officer, [RNPC]
Charles Atwood, Chief Intelligence Officer, [PST]

Stardate: 58204.03 0930

== on board of the Euphrates==

After a few hours Sam dropped out of warp and the Euphrates hit the first wave of turbulence. They had entered the Badlands. Sam tried to smooth out the bumps, but the inertial dampers couldn't compensate for the irregular chop generated by the plasma waves.

It was, Sam thought, like sailing through rough seas, not life threatening but requiring a pilot's undivided attention.

Twenty minutes later, they hit a high pressure ridge, that tossed lt Atwood out of his bunk. "Sorry Sir, Sam yelled, shields are on full, and I am down to one quarter impulse".

"Good modify course to starboard direction 2568.5...Engage", said Charles

”Acknowledged Sir, heading 2568.5, wow” Sam said, a second before the wave of turbulence struck them broadside. She would have, she knew, been thrown from her chair if she had not been strapped in. "Hang on to your stomach, Professor, Sam said, here comes another one". The runabout pitched an yawed, while all around them, plasma streamers erupted, flared, then faded, laving red and green afterimages dancing on Sam's retinas.

The runabout was swept into a maelstrom of light and energy. Sam did not so much pilot the ship as goad it from side to side, avoiding globes of coruscating energy and ribbons of supercharged plasma.

"We are nearly there, Professor, just a few more minutes", Sam said.

"Perfect, put us into orbit Lizzie", Answered Charles

After checking her sensors, Sam fired the manoeuvring thrusters and pointed the bow of the runabout towards Artus. It was a small world, closer in size to Mars than to Earth, a blue-green orb dappled and streaked with gray white clouds.

"Where do you want to put down, Professor", Sam asked.

"We'll beam down straight to location after I've contacted our man down on the planet", answered Charles.

“Aye aye, Sir, we are in orbit now”. As the Euphrates slowly orbited Artus, both Sam and Lt Atwood waited patiently after Lt Atwood had contacted his source at the planet. Then after a few minutes they were hailed.

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