Arcadia Mission 11009.27
He Was But A Stranger To Himself: Episode 14

starring

Jeremy Castro as FCO Lieutenant Commander Logan Cartwright 
Christina Doane as SC Captain Paige Juliet Harker 
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight 
Gina Hembrook as CTO Lieutenant Commander Brianna Murphy 
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers 
Christopher Dickinson as CSEC Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr.
Bruce Oriani as CSO Lieutenant Commander Trikk Starr
Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek

with

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

Last time on Arcadia: The Quirinus returned to home base, only to have Captain Sulek go on a destructive rampage for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, the Lyrans have attacked in force, and the Starfleet mole was reported to Starfleet headquarters...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Arcadia Mission 11009.27 : He Was But A Stranger To Himself =/\==/\= 
=/\==/\=  Episode 14  =/\==/\= 

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In medical at Sulek's bedside, working in tandem with a medical team as they work on his body and she works on his mind. ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Having made his way to Sickbay, he stands off to one side watching the form of Captain Sulek, as his communicator chirps frequently with updates from the security office ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Continues to engage the enemy vessel with phasers attacking the weapons and torpedoes aimed at the engines ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: as he fights the image of that which controlled him...he slips into an even deeper trance, almost a coma ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: making rapid-fire adjustments to the EPS system, trying to keep shields up ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Is working on coordinating things from the OPS station. ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: Report...

ACTION: As Kraight deals with the shields, the second Lyran ship suddenly drops out of warp and begins firing on the station as well

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Using her own talents in conjunction with his abilities, she seeks the center that is Sulek, her voice soft. ::  ~~~~CO:  Sulek... I am here... how can I help you best?~~~~
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Mutters to himself some unkind words about the Lyrans as the station rocks again under weapons fire ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: Continuing checking environmental, checking to see if anything is messed up or out of place ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: there is a whisper... a voice... he strains to listen to what it says, but then he must turn to the other... ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: I'm putting some dings on 'em Boss, but their shields are hella strong. If I didn't have station power and this level of weapons it'd be bloody useless. :: continues firing ::

ACTION: Station shields are down to 40%

Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
XO: Can you find a weakness in their shields?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes a few moments to run a spectral analysis of the Lyran's shields ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Goes over to the XO. ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Ignoring the guards whispers, the medical officers talking back and forth, she gives her full concentration to Sulek ::  ~~~~CO:  My friend... reach with your heart toward me... I am here... just for you.  Nothing and no one else is important.~~~~  :: Under her breath she begins to hum a melody.  Those around her seem to still ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: Shields are down to 40%, bugger this disabling nonsense, I'm blowing them up. :: targets full phaser fire concentration and maximum torpedo volleys at the engines/reactors ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: As the station rocks, yells an order to funnel power to weapons, life support and shields...
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: And it gets better, the second one just turned up...
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: I know. do what you have too.. :: She says turning back to the XO. ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Directs all the fighters to keep the second ship busy while she engages the first one with station weapons ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: On the periphery she notes the stations motions.  She notes the medical staff moving away to deal with injuries as Sulek is stable. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: a sound...the other pauses and looks as if staring into the distance.  he moves to grab this violent betrayer...he hears the song...it is familiar ::

ACTION: Starfleet advises the station that three Akira class ships are en route, with support ships

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: finding everything in order in environmental, starts to return to OPS ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: watches the battle outside. :: CTO: Make sure the fighters maintain what distance they can, I want them to keep the ship busy not close engage, they can't do much with those shields anyway...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her fingers lightly smooth Sulek's brow as she leans closer to his ear.  The volume has not changed, but the vibrational tones have, resonating, her mind gently calling Sulek, all reminding him she is a friend. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the scans ::  SC: Their shields have a frequency hole in the high-end thoron band. A properly modified quantum torpedo could flood their systems with thoron radiation. The Lyrans themselves would be unharmed, but their ships' systems would be severely disrupted.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they grapple and he stares into the others eyes... they are his... but they are filled with... how can this be... hate? ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: I've got them harassing the second one, mostly to keep it busy and give me a clear field of fire on the first. :: lets loose another full torpedo salve and phaser barrage ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SC: With your permission, I will go to Engineering and see to the modified torpedoes myself.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
XO: Understood. Let's do it.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: pulls the PADD out of its holder on his side, and reads Harker's message ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he reaches down the line of the music :: :~~~Music hath charms~~~ :: his mind echoes out :: :
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
XO: Go. CTO: You catch that Commander?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns and races for the turbolift ::

ACTION: From the second Lyran ship, a rather large and imposing Phase Cannon emerges, looking menacing. It begins to charge.

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: I'll be ready when the ordnance is. :: keeps firing ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: puts the PADD away, and bolts to OPS, appearing in OPS and at Harker's side in what seems like a few seconds, but is actually minutes ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: arrives in Engineering... quickly briefs two junior engineers, and begins work on the torpedoes ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turmoil resonates through Sulek, what kind she is uncertain... it is almost as if he is divided into two, each battling the other.  She lets the song continue to sooth and pull him toward her. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the other responds :: ~~~they must die~~~...~~~he must die~~~
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Sends the fighters to engage the first ship, and switches all weapons fire to target the second ship, specifically the canon ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Nods and continues to work the ops station giving orders, watching. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the response follows the pathways that are Sulek's mind... both reasoning and unreasoning... hatred lashes out towards the music ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: Boss, we have a new problem, look at that second ship. I'm shooting at it, but I don't know if I can take it out in time. Might want to tell folks to brace fer impact.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: goes over to the CTO :: CTO: Can you give me a tactical screen on that ship?
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: You see that cannon, moving fighters to focus on it....
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: I'm on it, leave the fighters out of the way please, sent them after the other ship already.

ACTION: The Phase Cannon is giving off a lot of radiation, even more than the Lyran shields could absorb. It's obvious that it is detrimental to them, yet they seem not to care.

Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Taps a key and a calm, prerecorded message in Harker's voice is heard: "Attention Arcadia, this is the Captain. All personnel brace for impact, all civilian personnel to their safety points" ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: Their own weapon is causing them problems....
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: I see it Boss.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Tries to open a channel to reason with them but not expecting much luck.. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: Sulek moves to block this attack.  He is calm... logical... and like all Vulcans has locked this violence... this hatred away... it must be so again ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: locks science sensors to where CSO is to feed him information that may help them. ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Does a quick modification to the fuses on the next torpedo spread, making one of each setting, hoping that one will cause a radiation pulse that will react with the cannon's own radiation... and then fires the salvo at the canon ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: a tiny thread of hatred leaks past and seeks to grab the link... the link that is Azhure ::

ACTION: The torpedoes detonate prematurely, but do some damage to the phase cannon. It is taking it's time recovering, but it's firing has been delayed

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the hatred of one touches her, she reaches out to him and then the other and realizes Sulek is divided...  somehow she needed to help him become whole. ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Seeing some success and readies another salvo and fires them again at the canon ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: quickly looks at the information :: CTO: Set cannon modulation to 365.74, Phasers to modulation 293.81
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
*TO*: Ensign, the XO is making some modifications to some ordnance. Hook up with him and lend a hand. Expedite, this is a priority.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: drops an isolinear spanner :: Aloud: Eyes of the Maker!  :: picks it up and returns to his task ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: and hit them here, here, and here :: pointing at where the warp nacelles connect to the ship on either side and what appears to be the deflector array ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
*Cosec*: Powers, if Sulek is taken care of, there are trapped injured on multiple decks, damage controls teams have asked for assistance. And I'll need teams ready to board enemy vessel if anything survives..
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Torpedo spread Tango 637 Delta 5
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Calmly she reaches past the hatred to the man beneath it, projecting friendship and trust... built upon years. ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CSO: Roger that. :: sees where he points and nods, then resumes firing ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he tightens his grip on the other and pushes.  he pushes the other toward darkness where he... no it was once held.  he feels Azhure's mind for the first time.  Azhure ~~~No...he will try to destroy you~~~

ACTION: The Phase Cannon is almost at full power

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
~~~~ CO:  He is you, you are he... and I am your friend.~~~~
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
*XO*: Any chance ye have one of those torpedoes ready Sir? We're about to get blasted.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
*XO*: If you have one done, we need that torpedo Commander... :: seeing the power up... ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Pauses for a moment before responding ::  *SC*: I'll have security patrols assist where possible
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*SC, CTO*: The first two modified torpedoes are ready to launch. They should be set to detonate no further than one hundred kilometers from their targets for maximum effect.

ACTION: The Starfleet reinforcements are approaching

Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
*Cosec*:Understood. :: Hopes he is going to be OK but no time to ask.. ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
*XO*:Load 'em up.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: Fire when ready.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*SC*: The torpedoes are already in the launch tubes. You may fire.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
*XO*: No worries Sir, they're going right down their throats. :: loads the torpedoes and fires them at the canon ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the hatred tries to surge past its would be captor....perhaps it can send this one to finish the job it started.... friend? :: : Azhure ~~~You matter to him~~~
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: Cavalry is closing in Boss.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns back to his team, and begins work on two more torpedoes ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: I see. :: Sends them data on the battle status, warning them about the special torps just released.. ::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Makes some calls to Nani and Min to coordinate with the damage control teams, asking if any are close to his location ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Tells the fighters to disengage and make way for the incoming Starships ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
~~~~ CO:  You both matter to me.  I need you both... I need you whole.~~~~
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure ~~~Then I can take something from him.  I can make him as I have been.   He can be alone.~~~

ACTION: The Akira class fighters arrive, and begin firing on the Lyrans

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
~~~~ CO:  Neither of you need be alone, ever.~~~~

ACTION: There is now widespread damage to the station, over 20 dead, many wounded. Sickbay begins to fill up in a hurry

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
SC: The Calvary is here.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Orders personnel not vital elsewhere and with the ability to assist medical with the injured and damage control teams. ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Is that cannon charged yet?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the urgency of what is pressing towards the counselor becomes stronger.  he begins to wall the other before it will be too late :: Azhure: ~~~I am divided by necessity. Emotion from Logic.  It is the only control any Vulcan knows...I must gain control of him...of it~~~
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Continues firing at the canon ship as the Akira class Starships engage ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: ~~~Understand~~~
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: As medics begin to push around the crowding Sickbay, Bill thinks maybe he could step away; he trusts Azhure to contact him if he's actually needed ::

ACTION: The Lyrans' Phase Cannon is now at full power. It suddenly turns on one of the Akira ships, and fires. The Akira ship simply disappears, as if it were never there.

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: We just lost an Akira in one shot Boss. :: fires another full salvo at the ship with the canon ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
~~~~ CO:  Emotion and logic should never be separated, it makes a person less then whole.  However, this is your decision and I will help you as I can, if that is what you want.  But keep in mind the cost.~~~~  :: she alters her song a bit, barely registering the apology and movement of Sulek as those more in need require the biobed. ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Blinks in shock at the ship disappearing. :: *XO*:ETA on more of those torpedoes? We need them now... :: Sends down a report on what just happened.. ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: Acknowledged, I want their heads Commander... :: She says coldly. ::

ACTION: The modified torpedoes are knocked off course by the phase cannons shielding, but they are sent crashing into the Lyran ship, causing great damage

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*SC*: We'll have two more torpedoes loaded in less than three minutes, Captain.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: I intend ta give them to ye Boss, as soon as I can manage it. :: takes advantage of the damage the torpedoes caused and targets the ship with a full spread of torpedoes and maximum phaser barrage from all batteries she can bring to bear ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
*XO*: Understood, however less than 3 would be better.. :: Eying the reports of the recharging... ::

ACTION: The Phase Cannon is turning back to the station, and recharging

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure ~~~A price that is paid in madness for my people.  For me... more than  most.~~~
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Orders ops to lock down empty decks and shunt that life support to weapons and shields. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: slaps the access panel closed on another torpedo and directs the crew to load it into the launch tube ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*SC*: We're loading one now. The other will be loaded in thirty seconds.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Torpedo spread Charlie 7 Tight formation. Shoot em in the heart. Right here. :: points at a very vital part of the Lyran ship ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Notices the modified torpedo is loaded and targets it on the cannon and fires it, along with another salvo of regular rounds for effect ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: she closes her eyes a moment before taking a deep breath.  This man was her friend... the price in that context was small ::   ~~~~ CO:  If you will allow it, I would give the other a 'gift'.  That should help you and... he.~~~~
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*SC*: Second torpedo loaded. I have additional engineers working on four more.

ACTION: The Phase Cannon is destroyed, and the Lyran ship carrying it has lost all shields

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CSO: Thanks fer yer advice Sir, but if ye dinna mind, this is my specialty, an' I gots a bigger thorn to pull.

ACTION: The Akira Class ships attack the Lyran ship that had the cannon, and it is no more

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Targets the reactors of the damaged vessel with another full spread of torpedoes and fires them, then adds a full volley of phaser fire ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he must protect her....he knows that if the other breaks free it can and will destroy her.  The contained rage of the Vulcan mind ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
*XO*: Well done Sir, one down, one to go.

ACTION: The remaining Lyran ship is taking damage

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Just trying to help end this
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: Are their weapons and engines down as well?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*SC, CTO*: Two more torpedoes loaded. Fire when ready.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CSO: Appreciate the help, but that canon was a bigger issue. :: Targeting the second ship as the CSO suggested for the best effect ::
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Fires the torpedoes in the salvo ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She internalizes the music, altering it for the 'other', reaching out to him but for a brief moment before gently pulling back.~~~~

ACTION: The image of Drach Sert appears on the operations screen. He speaks. "There is a place in hell reserved for you, Captain. We will see you there".  He can be seen giving an order and the Lyran ship disappears in a flash of light

Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
All: Son of a...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: Sulek takes her gift :: Azhure ~~~It will be lost to you for all time.  Thank you, friend. ~~~ :: then with his grip firmly on the other, he shatters the link ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
ALL: Brace for impact..
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
Out loud: You first, mate.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Gently she pulls back, her voice a whisper ::  CO:  It can never be lost, given to a friend.

ACTION: Back at Starfleet Command on Earth, the errant Admiral falls into  deep crevice of his mind, and is little more than an idiot at the moment. It seems the Lyrans had paid him a visit as well.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CTO: Maybe they'll blow up on the way home
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: All hostiles destroyed Boss, securing from General Quarters.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the other stares at the shadow of Azhure as he is sealed back in the emotional wall that is Sulek ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: Stay at yellow alert for a bit longer but yes, let's start cleaning up...
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Sends all the Tactical personnel to assist in the after action duties ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: addresses the engineers working with him :: All: Well done. It appears that we can stand down now.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CSO: Thank you for your help, you're pin pointing weak points was vital, we could not of dealt with a shot from that thing. CTO: nice shooting Tex...
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Has ops open a channel to the senior reinforcement ship.... ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: let's out a sigh of relief :: SC: Thanks Captain. CTO: Awesome job Brianna
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he takes a sudden deep breath and then he opens his eyes :: Out loud: Friend...
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: Any time Boss. Sorry I couldna beat them down faster. :: nods ::

ACTION: Reports of station personnel 'returning to normal' come in, indicating that there were several more moles on the station.

CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
CSO: Good input Sir, it was just a matter of priorities.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Sits back with a deep sigh, searching within herself and then nods.  At the sound of Sulek's voice she opens her eyes and looks down at him with a smile. ::  CO:  Welcome back.
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Nods at the CTO... ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Duty Ops works with the reinforcements to coordinate repairs. ::

ACTION: Reports of 73 dead come in. Over 200 wounded

Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
*XO*: Harker to Kraight, great work to you and your team. Those torpedoes really turned the tide...stand down, Harker out. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I have never truly left :: a small twinge appears at the corner of his mouth :: I suppose I must submit to your husband's investigation of my actions.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
:: Makes sure the weapons and shields are back in order as soon as possible, using Tactical personnel for the repairs to free up Engineers for other tasks ::
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
CTO: You have ops I'm going to see Sulek and the other injured.
CTO_LtCmdr_Murphy says:
SC: Aye Boss, I have the Deck.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes twinkle a bit ::  CO:  I hope you do not find it too crowded in there.  As for Bill... he can be kinder then I sometimes.  :: humor dances in her eyes ::

ACTION: The Akira ships and support craft dock to render aid as well

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: raised eyebrow :: Azhure: Indeed?
Host SC_Capt_Harker says:
:: Duty Ops continues to coordinate repairs and via com works with SC as she steps into the TL. ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
:: a sudden yet soft snore can be heard coming from the science console ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lightly she touches his shoulder ::  CO:  You should rest... some good meditation will do you good.  I need to go help with the wounded.  :: she looks up and nods security over ::  He will fill you.

=/\==/\= END Mission =/\==/\= 

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