Arcadia Mission 11103.07
The Echo of Your Last Goodbye: Episode 6
 
starring
 
Jeremy Castro as FCO Lieutenant Commander Logan Cartwright 
Christina Doane as SC Captain Paige Juliet Harker 
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight 
Eduardo Oneto as CEO LtCmdr. Edward Luc On 
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: ​Commanders Kraight and Starr have been working on some simulations  --  to no avail. Now there are choices to be made, for good or ill...
 
=/\==/\=  BEGIN Arcadia Mission 11103.07 : The Echo of Your Last Goodbye  =/\==/\= 
=/\==/\=  Episode 6  =/\==/\=

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Sitting at one of the stations on the bridge, watching, listening, waiting...::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: enters the Bridge, crosses to Sulek's command chair ::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::Monitors course and speed of their vessel and the mystery vessel, evasive maneuvers programmed on stand by as well as a haul jets option.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: sits in chair ::   Kraight: Report.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Our attempts to open communications with Orpheus by conventional means have failed. We are quickly running out of options, Captain.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
XO/CO: Being that our other options seem to be going nowhere, and given the fact that he is as much machine as he is not, therefore being something of somewhat of that of a computer, would it be possible to reprogram him as if he were an oversized, whale of a computer?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CSO: I doubt it. Serena was not a computer; she was a living organism. We can no more reprogram these beings than we could reprogram you.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::Mutters, "I wonder if I could fly that thing..."::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: That was one option.  The problem is that we need access to upload programming and as they used to say according to the Earth history, he does not seem to be in our service area.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::She said almost itching to try it.::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Then I suggest we go to his.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Leaning against the rear wall of the Bridge as he runs several combat situations ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Phase the ship from our dimension to his.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CSO: I'm not certain I follow you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he uncharacteristically drums his fingers on the chair as he contemplates what the CSO and the mutterings of the FCO::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: We may not need to go that far.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::checks her sensors to see if she can pull anymore information about its flight ability and other related information.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If we cannot wirelessly transmit to the computer what would your next step be?
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::uses it to try to make educated guesses about how its pilot/flight interaction might work as she keeps an eye on her readouts, ready to react.::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Well should we need to, it is a fairly simple procedure
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: You know my preference: a direct neural interface with Orpheus. If you choose not to attempt that, then we could try moving some asteroids into his path. We might least be able to slow his approach to the Zeta Ophiuchi system.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Or we could try direct line of connection.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: We need a power port.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Used to make whole fleets "disappear" at the academy in the simulator... used to piss the enemy off.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Ponders moving asteroids - wonders if it's like throwing pebbles at a starship ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Fascinated the instructors though
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Airhart: You may not be able to fly it, but how close can you get us to it?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: rubs the bridge of his nose ::  CO: I'm sorry, I'm not following you, sir.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Actually we "become" the power port.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If you cannot get wireless access to the computer, the next step is to directly access its ports.  If we umbilical to Orpheus, we may be able to feed it enough correction to its program that you would not be linking if needed to a mad ship.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::blushes a little that the Captain overhead.::CO: I can move us in but not up their tail pipe.....
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: I can adjust course but too much more and we'll be hitching a ride....Sir...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Airhart: Let's see if we can find a connection point that we can get near.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::Finishes the calculations, waiting to see what the Skipper will do.::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::She grins broadly.::CO: Yes Sir.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: thinks about this for a minute ::  CO: I don't think that changing the mode of connection is going to make much of a difference, sir. I think the basic problem is that none of us have anything to say that Orpheus would care to hear.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Get me that external port on Orpheus.  If he connected with Serena, then perhaps we can become his conscience... reawaken what he has lost in his obsession.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::Checks and the grin fades.::CO: No connection port yet Sir, still checking....
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: Sensors can't scan properly....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am not proposing we talk to him like Freud and patient on a couch; I am suggesting we make a more aggressive change to his behavioral matrix.

ACTION: The Quirinus is picking up seismic disturbances on the outermost inhabited planet to the Zeta Ophiuchi system.

FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: Do you want me to adjust course to closest safe point?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the alert:: Starr: How long before damage goes cataclysmic?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain, the only way we can make any change in Orpheus' behavior is to get him to communicate with us. We are not Serena, and therefore he's not interested in us at all.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Airhart: If need be, we can go beyond the safe point.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Checking...
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Imminent.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: And as you point out... your neural interface is not Serena either.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The population of Zeta Ophiuchi VI is approximately three billion, Captain.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: Aye Sir moving us to kissing range...::She was serious now, all her attention focused on the two ships and her readouts. She was going to move the ship as close as she could while still have room to move if they needed it...::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Understood.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: purses lips ::  CO: It may be best if we pursue parallel strategies. I need to check something in the Stellar Cartography lab. There may be some asteroids we could move into Orpheus' path in order to force him to change course.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
FCO: Roll us upside down and underneath Orpheus
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Puts a system-wide tactical view up on one of the auxiliary consoles ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  XO:  We are not Serena, but you carry part of her essence within you.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: Sir? ::Asking CO for confirmation of the CSO's order even as she inputs the new instructions ready to go.::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::  CNS: I am aware of this as never before, Counselor.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: You want that port?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Access the reflector dish.  Transmit all history we had with Serena into any open port.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Yes.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Permission to leave the bridge, Captain?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Agreed and…   :: somewhat resigned ::   …bring your interface on line.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
FCO: Upside Down and Underneath him then, please
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: exits via the turbolift ::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CSO: Aye Sir. ::inputs the new orders and carefully moves the ship to its new position, keeping careful watch on speed, pitch and the million other readouts.::

ACTION: Kraight exits the turbolift but turns left, away from Stellar Cartography. He stops instead at the control panel outside Holodeck Two.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Airhart: Follow the CSO's instructions.  Let's make this a good connection.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
;;accesses Reflector Dish, and readies for the Port::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: Aye Sir. Moving now.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Computer: run Neural Interface Program Three Delta.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Prepare direct feed on your mark
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
XO: Now Commander
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Watching her friend go, she said nothing more.  She simply did not want him to take that path.  But with so many other lives involved, she was obligated to at least bring that fact again to light.::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::adjusts the ship to match the other ships speed, seeking the connection port..::

ACTION: Kraight enters the holodeck to find the neural interface simulation running. He stops just within the arch, opens an access panel, and repositions several isolinear chips. He also disconnects an ODN conduit. 

ACTION: The crew fails to find an open port.

FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CSO: Holding position central to underneath and upside down...
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
FCO: Stay with him.

ACTION: Kraight sits down in the chair in front of the neural interface control board and activates the interface. Bright blue beams of light stab out from the apparatus over his head and bathe his head in an eerie glow.

FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CSO: Aye Sir. Holding position with other vessel.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Captain... the neural interface is online. I am about to attempt contact with Orpheus.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::  makes any needed adjustments to keep them in their place under the other ship.  ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Anything?
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Wonders silently about the security of this neural connection... ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: through interface ::  *Orpheus*: {{Orpheus... I am Kraight. }}
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::  a pause  ::    *Kraight*: Good luck.....
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: No. We're gonna have to reroute and overflood his entire body through a tachyon beam from the deflector dish, if the XO can't make contact and reason with him.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Then prepare that option.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<Orpheus>: {{Gone... gone... gone... she's gone... can't find her... must keep looking... searching... searching... folded space... so many times... nothing... empty universes... all empty... all empty... }}
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Airhart: Drop us back slightly.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::makes the preparations for the Tachyon Beam Overwash::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CO: Aye Sir dropping back to shadow distance, restoring ship to upright levels.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Closes her eyes and listens beyond, reaching outward.::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::does so.::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*Orpheus*: {{Orpheus... I know Serena. She touched my mind. I carry her memories. You can touch what she left me. You can know her again. }}
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Captain... I am detecting alterations being made to the forward deflector array. May I inquire as to the purpose?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Secondary back up.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Preparations Complete. Operation Overwash ready to go at your command
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: It looks very much as though the array is being reconfigured to emit a coherent tachyon beam. That would likely kill Orpheus. I must ask you to reconsider, Captain.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: If I may explain to him.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: If you fail, we will have little choice...
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::Looks at the other ship, silently hoping they won't have to use the device...::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<Orpheus>: {{Serena? Serena? No. Not Serena. The voice of another. Ignore it. Ignore it. Nothing must interfere with the quest. Find her Find her! FIND HER!}}
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Three billion lives on one planet alone rely on its choices...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Give me just a little more time, please, Captain. We must not destroy Orpheus.

ACTION: Kraight's neural interface is requiring more and more power.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*Orpheus*: {{Orpheus, you must listen. You must know that Serena still lives in me. Listen to me! }}
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks at Starr:: CSO: How long before planet becomes critical...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<Orpheus>: {{Searching. Searching. So long... She must be out there. I must find her. Keep searching! Keep searching! Never stop!}}

ACTION: The deflector array is now down to minimal power. There is no chance it can emit a Tachyon beam in it's current state.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*XO*: This beam's intent is do overwash him with every shred of Serena's essence that we have in the computer memory banks, and literally "flood" him with her "presence" and for him to absorb it and hopefully it will lead him to her. However, I assure you, that this beam will not destroy him.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: notes the power reading ::  *Engineering*: Shut down all non essential power and prepare to transfer to array.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: We have 37.32 minutes to do this or 3 billion people will meet their maker.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CSO*: What we have in the computer memory banks amounts to nothing more than a shallow portrait of Serena, not her 'essence'. Only what I carry in my mind can hope to reach Orpheus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: How long to repower the array once Kraight is off line?

ACTION: The CPU responds that Captain Sulek does not have the proper security clearance to do so.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain... I cannot convince Orpheus to listen to me. He is too deep in his madness. All of Serena's memories live in me, and so  --  There's only one thing left I can try... Forgive me.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*XO*: It just may be enough to satisfy and sustain him though.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Computer: Initiate upload sequence. Transfer all data I carry to the entity Orpheus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises ::  ...Kraight...  :: he heads to the TL ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You have the conn.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: 18.66 minutes.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Captain...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr: Then break contact in time to make the recharge if no change occurs....

ACTION: The eerie glow that surrounds Kraight's head brightens, becoming a blinding blue-white glare. Kraight's eyes slowly close, and as the glare fades, he slumps in his chair. The beams of light from the device overhead fade and wink out.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  CO:  He needs to do this.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
CO: Aye Sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: It is...  his...   :: he looks not at the screen but at the chair next to his ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  And if the decision laid in your hands...  :: she did not need to say more.::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::prepares to sever Commander Kraight's connection to Orpheus::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: It does...  :: he steps onto the lift ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
TL: Holodeck Two.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly as the lift doors close.:: CO:  Not that one...

 ACTION: Suddenly, Orpheus comes to a dead stop. The gravimetric disturbances fade, and with them, the seismic activity on the planet ceases. Orpheus hangs in space, silent.

CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks towards his wife ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
::She knew full well Sulek knew what she was asking, not what he responded to.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he steps off the TL... he knows that he will arrive too late... still Kraight must not go alone ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Standing, she moves toward Bill, needing to be near him.::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Strange things are afoot?
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::Not entirely sure what’s going on with the Captain, monitors her station but glances around worried.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he arrives at the Holodeck and presses the entry button::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles weakly::   CSec:  On this ship?  :: she looks toward the screen and the still ship silently outside::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly:: CSec:  Kraight would save us, the captain would save him...

ACTION: The holodeck doors open.

CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*CO* Orpheus has come to a stop. The gravimetric disturbances have faded as well as the seismic activity on the planet. He is now just hanging in space...silent
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he enters and looks at the array:: Computer: End program...::moving to...::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CSec: All stop -- maintaining distance.

ACTION: Orpheus suddenly phases out of this plane, and is gone.

CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
FCO: Understood, Ensign.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CSec: Entity is gone Sir.
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
CSec: Just gone...
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::seems a bit surprised.::
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::checks sensors and readouts.:: CSec: No sign.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::watches Orpheus disappear off sensors:: *CO* Orpheus is gone sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Starr* I know...
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CO*: Captain?  *XO*: Commander?  Respond.
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
::powers down deflector dish, rerouting power back to normal::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Frowns ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he moves to the silent unmoving body::  Kraight: You went alone  :: too late… too late ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Starr says:
*CO*: I've rerouted power back to where I drew it from for the Tachyon Beam. Ship will be at normal operating power in 5 minutes.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She shook her head and turned back toward the screen.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers* Send medical to the holodeck.  ::he looks down:: There is no rush.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sighs and taps his commbadge ::  *Medical*: Medical team to Holodeck Two.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*:  Captain, I will see to it...
FCO_Ens_Airhart says:
::looks very serious, her face drawn as they sit there in space,::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he rises and straightens his uniform:: ~~~Azhure: It was my choice... I knew when I told him to bring it on line that I was assigning his end.~~~
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Standing, she kisses her husband's cheek and then slowly heads for the turbolift, feeling all her centuries.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  ~~~~As did I.  But in the end, the choice was his... the needs of the many~~~~
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
~Azhure~ Too late... he went alone... it should not have been that way... It was and shall always be my responsibility. But you too knew this.

=/\==/\= END Mission =/\==/\= 
 
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