USS Cherokee   
"Infinity's Child" Part 13 
11410.12

Starring_
Lea as Guest Producer and Ethan_Burke
Topper Loghry as CTO_Ens_Q’ten
Dawn Freeman as OPS_Cmdr_Nash
Zach Farland as CNS_Ens_Daniels 

Absent
Steve Weller as CO_Ayidee

Leave of Absence
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Mission>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

SCENE: Ethan Burke stands within the containment field erected within the shuttle, while Daniels and Q'ten continue questioning him.

ACTION: Captain Ayidee dematerializes, headed for the embassy, while Commander Nash materializes within the shuttle.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Hello, Commander.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Stands, somewhat uncomfortably, as he eyes the newcomer, and sort of paces back and forth within his small space, filled with nervous energy::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Is the data that was stolen data from the doctor you spoke with prior to the... mugging?

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::materializes in the shuttle, to see the elusive Ethan Burke in a containment field.::  CNS:  Counselor.  ::nods as part of the greeting::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Snaps his head to Daniels:: CNS: No! It's mine! I've spent years on it...decades!  The Korin doctor just had the medical technology for me to get the last pieces of the puzzle....  ::Sighs, suddenly defeated, and drops back down on the bench:: ...and now it's gone.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Does your research have anything to do with the reason you can rise from the dead?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: The people who took your research, then turned around and attacked us. That's why we were looking for you. To find out who they are and why they would ambush us.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods to Daniels::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: I for one am very curious as to just how you do that.  Care to clue us in?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Shakes his head:: CNS: I don't know how.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
OPS: This is apparently Ethan Burke. He was the victim that we witnessed being attacked, and killed before we ourselves were ambushed.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CTO:  Interesting.   ::turns her attention to Burke.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: You can't explain your resurrection power?

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  So you are the one I tried to help in that alley.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
OPS: Please don't ask me to explain how he is back from the dead, but apparently this is the second time that it has happened, because we just watched him recently suffer a fatal fall not very long ago.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
OPS: I--I'm afraid I don't know. I was rather dead at the time.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
OPS: See what I mean?

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CTO:  It's okay Ensign.  We'll find a way through this matter somehow.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: As near as I can tell, I was born with it. One day, I was working with a clinic, and caught the desseler virus...and I died.  ::pauses.:: ...and then I woke up in the pile of bodies.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Lucky you.  I can see the value of that data that was stolen, if it was about your... condition.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  That's a blessing and a curse that I don't wish upon anyone.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods slowly:: OPS: I died of the virus three more times before getting clear of the area....and I believe I infected hundreds more before I figured out what was happening. It was....a nightmare.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  Do you have any knowledge of others with your infliction?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Shakes his head:: OPS: I've heard...rumors. But I haven't been able to find any of them. Everyone I've looked into thus far, were either untraceable legends, or turned out to be misunderstandings.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: So, exactly how old are you?

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  Not surprising.  Many scientists have many subjects to conduct their tests.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO: I was born May 5th, 2121, on Earth.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Whoa! You're an antique!

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Smiles sadly, but with a hint of amusement:: CNS: Something like it, Ensign.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: So, what was in the data they stole?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Simply:: CNS: The key to infinite life.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: Well I can see why they would steal such information, but who are they?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: That's what I was afraid of.  I thinks it's real important to get that data back before it can be used for evil purposes.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO: I thought - you.  I've been to many medical centers, Federation and otherwise, seeking the best and most detailed scans, to determine what was behind my condition. A few contacted me later...said they'd been questioned by individuals with Starfleet Intelligence.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
All: But no one stopped me.  I thought getting the final keys here on the planet, nearly shut down, would be a safe place... and then I was killed.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL:  Whoever endeavored to find infinite life needs to be checked for mental defects.  I cannot fathom living forever.  I would hate to outlive my children and grandchildren.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Folds his arms...his voice infinitely sad:: OPS: Yes, Commander, you would.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I think I'd like to live forever.  Earth is a story and I'd kind of like to see how the story ends.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: One of your attackers was definitely a Korin. A Korin working with, or in, Starfleet Intelligence should not be too difficult to track down.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  I take it that is what happened to you?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods slowly to Nash:: OPS: Too many times. Even as human lifespans extended...my spouse, my children, my grandchildren, grew old and died. I finally gave up... I have only one son living now, and he won't be for much longer.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  You have my most sincere sympathies.  ::tries to hide the fact she is tearing up as well.::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: So if you know the secret to eternal life, is it something that can be... synthesized?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: Otherwise I don't see the point in attacking you and stealing the data.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Rubs his forehead a moment, to sort of refocus on the matter at hand:: CTO: Of course, with some modifications, the data could be used to extend - perhaps indefinitely - life, both human and otherwise.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO/OPS: See, we got to get that stuff back.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
All: We do have one thing in our favor.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: ...and that is?

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke:  You being here, right?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Turns away from everyone and pulls Commander Nash over to speak privately with her:: OPS: If Starfleet Intelligence is involved in this, then perhaps I could contact my Father and see if he could get us any information that would help sort this out.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods to Nash:: All: The data was biometrically locked. Essentially impossible to crack. Which they should have been determining just about now, if they spent all night trying.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: That's why I thought you were them, come back to get me.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CTO:  You think you can get through the barrier?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
OPS: I don't know. I may have to get back to the Cherokee, but if I do that, then whatever information I can get may be too late to do any good here.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: No, we have nothing to do with intelligence.  ::Thinks about what he just said::  All: Aww, you know what I mean.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: Also, the data-chip emits a transponder signal... I can track it.  I just didn't have any weapons, any way to fight back, when I find them.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
OPS: Surely the Korin have communications that can get through the barrier.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CTO:  Let's put that idea on the backburner as a backup plan.  Let's just concentrate on Mr. Burke.  I think he has much more to tell and we just need to give him room to divulge whatever he needs to tell us.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I recommend we remove the restraints.  OPS/Burke: We can work together.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: You can track it? I wish you would have told us that earlier! I would already have those p'taHs heads mounted on the wall in my quarters!

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I was about to suggest that.  ::turns to Burke::  
Burke:  Do you agree to remain in our custody until this matter is contained?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Never mind.  Your quarters are scary enough.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Pauses and considers:: OPS: On one condition.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke: And that would be...

Host Ethan_Burke says:
OPS: Once we recover my data, I be allowed to use it once...

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke: How?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
OPS: To reverse my condition...and die before my son.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke: I somehow knew that would be your request, just needed you to tell us.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: You can reverse it?  Is that what you're trying to do?  Use it to die?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods to Daniels:: CNS: The wonders of the universe....are grand...until they, just...aren't, anymore.  And when the once-great universe loses its grandeur...you die inside.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Think about it.  He has seen his children and grandchildren die.  Being a parent myself, I would hate to outlive my children.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: Wasn't there some evidence, something about the murder victim, Mister Burke here, and the human attacker having a similarity in their DNA?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: I know, but you're asking us to assist you in a suicide.  I think I'd like to discuss it further before committing to something like that.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I don't think it's our place to tell him he cannot die.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: I'm asking you to assist me in regaining normalcy - in regaining the very natural condition that even makes us alive: facing death.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: My recommendation is to not make any promises, Ma'am.  I'm just saying...  It’s your decision.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  At best, we can take it under advisement.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Advisement, that sounds good to me.  As counselor I just need to know your reasoning’s better we can talk about it in session after we've got your research back.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  You know my reasoning, once you become a parent, you'll understand.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
Burke: Would you be willing to undergo this mission with the knowledge that we are taking your request under advisement?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
OPS: I would consider a mandatory period of counseling before being given the opportunity to use my research as I see fit.  But I will not assist you in finding it without your promise that I WILL be given the opportunity, should -I- see fit, to use the research to reverse my condition, within a proscribed period of time.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: I'm not going to be a parent.  And I understand just fine.  I just need to know if he understands.  It's not something to rush into.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Turns:: CNS: Ensign, I have spent the last eighty years on the research, knowing every, single day, what I was working toward. This is hardly something I'm "rushing in to."

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Please, understand, it's not an easy thing for me to consent to.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: I wasn't aware that as a Federation civilian, I needed the consent of a Starfleet counselor to reverse my own unnatural condition.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: You don't need my consent but, it’s hard to help you get your research back knowing what you're going to do with it.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  I normally don't like to pull rank here, but clearly he understands what he is asking.  I am inclined to granting his request.  I will remain by his side the entire time.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Aye, Ma'am.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: You should want to help get the research back to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. ::Takes a deep breath, and prepares to try again:: CNS: Ensign, if you put your commander here into cryogenic storage or stasis, she would, essentially, live forever, yes?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Yes, I guess so.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: Would removing her from the stasis, be the same as assisted suicide?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: No, I don't think so.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: I am asking only for the same consideration.  Living IS dying  You are all dying, Ensign...You and the Commander and the Ensign and your Captain. You are all undergoing cellular death, and inching toward the day when your body will finish winding down - if something traumatic doesn't get you first.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: All of you, everyone...except me.  I am in stasis. Perpetually. And worse...I am conscious every moment of it. I see all of creation going on around me. But I'm never really with you...I don't face the same stakes you do.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: Ensign...help me reverse my condition...so that I can LIVE, as you do.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: I still not sure I get it but, I guess I don't need to.  It is your life.  Okay, I'm in.

Host OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL:  So its done, We are going to help Mr. Burke here with his request.  End of story.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 12>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: None>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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