USS Cherokee   
"Infinity's Child" Part 14
11410.19

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

Leave of Absence
Trish Yarborough as Executive Producer
Andrew Cotterly as CMO_Lt_Talora
Ship's Log, Stardate 11410.19, Captain Tio Ayidee recording.  I am returning to the crew at our shuttle after a meeting with the embassy, learning a few things about what our aide Nadi is going through.  I am still trying to figure out a way forward in dealing with the Burke issue.

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

ACTION: Captain Ayidee materializes once more inside the shuttle.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Sitting on the same bench as before, he reluctantly hands a PADD back to Daniels, with the transponder frequency for the data chip::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::sees the Captain materialize.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Sees the Captain and steps back::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
ALL: I have returned.  Have the authorities come to claim the body yet?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Takes the PADD from Burke::  Burke: Don't worry we'll get your files back.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: That's going to be a problem sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: The body wants to go get his stolen stuff back, Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CTO: Perhaps.  Any chance we could replicate a body convincing enough?  Limited Replicator capacity but perhaps with the Transporter?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Waves rather casually to the man the others calling the Captain::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: We can deal with that shortly.  If we tell the authorities there is no body, how would you expect that to go over?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Gives a strange look to the CO::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::trying to figure out a way to tell the Captain of her decision.::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I think you should be honest with them, Sir.  That Shault guy seems reasonable.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Well we have the proof right here sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Thinks a minute.::  All: It will be risky, but I suppose honesty is the best policy.  Now, what about Mister Burke's missing goods?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Apparently it was data concerning his unique condition.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: We can track the item stolen, Sir.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Take a step back.  What exactly is this data?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: The data chip we are looking for has a tracking devise.  Mister Burke has just given me the frequency information.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: I think Commander Nash should tell you what the data chip will be used for.  ::Looks at OPS::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Watches the others quietly, his head cocked::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
OPS: Commander?  What is this data about?

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
::still not knowing what to say but she just goes for it.::  CO:  Captain, from what I understand from what information I was given, it basically will allow Mr. Burke to finally die for good before any more of his children and grandchildren.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: In other words a suicide, Sir.  ::Wanting him to fully understand::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: He wishes to stay dead sir.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Folds his arms:: CO: In other words, a return to mortality. To humanity.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: This data explains just how he is apparently immortal?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Let's at least call it what it is.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: And that's what it is!  ::Pauses.::  CNS: Or do I have the right to put you in eternal stasis, against your will and against nature, in the name of "preserving your ongoing existence"?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Burke: With this data, if you are able to do what you want, you will die from the procedure or will be allowed to die?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Yes, Sir and right now the bad guys have it but, they can't use it because the data is bio...  its encrypted somehow.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CO: The reversal of my condition will not, itself, kill me. It would only mean I could once again age, suffer injury without unnatural regeneration, and potentially die of old age one day.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: You've stated your point, Sir.  I get it.  I just don't agree with it.  But, I may have to concede it is your choice whether I like it or not.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Nods.::  Burke: So not really suicide, but by a bit of semantic expansion it could be seen that way.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: ...seen that way?  Uh! ::Goes silent, finding he has nothing to say that won't get him into trouble.  Steps away, folds his arms across his chest and waits to calm down.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
ALL:  I completely understand his reasons for wanting to die before his children.  It's the natural order of things.  I wouldn't want to outlive any of my children.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CO: If I forced immortality upon you, against your will, would that not be a violation of your rights? Wouldn't that be something you ought to have the choice to decide for yourself?  Why am I any different?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Burke: I've seen enough that I would not want to live extra life.
CNS: I understand your thinking.  I just don't know if it's up to us to decide who has to live forever.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Sighs::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hears the CO but says nothing::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CO: Captain, may I have momentary use of your shuttle's console?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I have lost friends, colleagues, those even closer than that.  I am not actively seeking death, but I also would not want to live forever.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: How do you know you don't want to live forever until you actually do it?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Give Ethan Burke Level 2 access.  
Burke: If more access is needed we'll give it as needed.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: Fascinating question, Ensign. Here I am, doing it.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: And its one man's opinion, his not liking it.  It’s just very sad, that's all I'm saying.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods:: CO: Thank you, Captain. ::Stands up and approaches the nearest console, tapping a few buttons.

ACTION: A series of force fields flicker into place, surrounding Ensign Daniels.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: If it's any consolation among my people you would be free to choose.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: I do not know that.  I've never really considered...
Burke: What are you doing Burke?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
:: Pulls Burke away from the console::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CO: I've placed protection around the Ensign.  ::Is pulled rather abruptly from the console, but remains calm, letting himself be moved as the security officer deems necessary:: CNS: Now you can't be shot or stabbed. You're likely to live much, much longer now.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO: I wouldn't remove those force fields, Ensign.  You would be, in effect, killing your friend. 

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Wonders what is going on::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: No I would not. I would be freeing him.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Starts pushing buttons to bring down the force fields::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO: Not according to your friend here.  By removing his protection, by allowing him to face life AND death equally...  ::Continues "addressing Q'ten," but turns to face and aim the last of his comment direction to Daniels:: ...you would be killing him.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Living for ever is not imprisonment.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: The force fields can be moved, Ensign. This entire shuttle can be moved.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Burke: You've made your point.
Computer: Remove Force Fields.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Looks worried::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: I see the point you are trying to make, but this is not the way to make it.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: And you would, in point of fact, live considerably longer. Really, what are you even doing in Starfleet, if you value the longevity of your life so much? The life spans in Starfleet are so much shorter than average than the rest of your peoples.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Is this because I disagreed with you?

ACTION: Upon the CTO's and CO's work, the force fields drop.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: ...and you think this guy is sane enough to be deciding something as important as life and death?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: While I cannot say for certain, I have to say I do not think I envy his condition.  Again, I don't want to push death, but I also don't want to push it away forever.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CNS: I do not believe that Mister Burke wants to commit suicide, just that should he die, he wants to stay dead.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: I haven't taken any hostile actions toward you, Ensign. I never had the authority in the first place to erect a force field that your superiors couldn't immediately release. So why did you feel threatened?

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Computer: Scan mister Burke.  Based on physical condition how old would you estimate him?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
<Computer>CO: Thirty-two years of age.

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CNS:  Put yourself in his shoes.  After you had live over 200 years, seen so much of history ticking away in front of you, and knowing what happened , how would your sanity fare?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: I guess because I don't like feeling not in control of my freedom, Sir.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
OPS: Just fine because I'd be enjoying life, acquiring knowledge, meeting people and seeing great things.  It sounds great to me.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: Thirty Two years old.  Young adult by human standards, isn't it?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Smiles, as if a moment of enlightenment has occurred:: CNS: And so I feel the same.   ::Sighs once more, sadly, and sits again:: CNS: I am not trying to oppose you blindly, Ensign, although it may feel as much. It really doesn't appear that either of us have the authority in the situation. But I feel some need to try to help you understand me...to see me as something other than "crazy," even if you'd never agree with me enough to do the same in my place.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Cocks his head, and raises a breath, then pauses::

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke/CO: I think we should get the data files back and then decide what to do with them.  If Starfleet Intelligence is behind this, we should move fast.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
ALL: the way I see it if Mister Burke wants to undergo this procedure that would allow him to die, that does not necessarily mean that he won't still live a long and productive life, but he will have peace knowing that it will one day end.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: Good point.  Let's see if that tracking frequency works.  The Shault will have his people here shortly, I would like to have a plan in place by the time they arrive.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO: Thank you, Ensign! I appreciate and admire your open-mindedness. The Klingon culture has many sagacity’s.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CTO: That might be a different story.  That could make a difference but, he wants to do it before his son dies.  Burke: How old is your son, Sir?

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
CO: Not to mention it would lead us to those who attacked us.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Stands up:: CO: Now wait. I agreed to hand over the transponder frequency only upon the agreement that I would be guaranteed the right to use the data to reverse my condition.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
::Hands the PADD with the transponder frequency on it to the CO::

Host CO_Ayidee says:
::Hears Burke.::  All: Was that the agreement?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: With Commander Nash it was.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Looks to Commander Nash::

OPS_Cmdr_Nash says:
CO:  Yes, I agreed to his terms.  I'm a parent and I understand his situation on a parental point of view.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
All: So without that agreement we would not have the information...but it seems letting him use his work as he sees fit is our best course of action.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: oh sure, it’s to everybody's best course of action... doesn't make it right but, as I've been told, my opinion doesn't count.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
Burke: We will abide by the agreement.  At this point I don't see a legal point we can use to stop you even if we agreed it was wrong.
CNS: Your opinion does count.  It made us consider this situation closely.  It is not an easy option.  But that is our life, picking the tough choices.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke:  I have what may seem to be a totally off the wall question.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods:: CTO: I would love to hear what would be considered an "off the wall" question, by a Klingon, in this situation

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS: If I believed he would die quickly from this, I would be inclined to choose your preferred path.  But if we did, eventually he would figure it out again.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Yes, Sir.  ::Pouts a little and then adjusts to the fact this was going to happen::

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: Is there any chance that your condition, and this data have anything at all to do with the energy field that surrounds this system?

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO: I...don't know why it would?  I came here for the medical technology, and because due to the field, I thought this would be a safe place to finish my work.  But no one here is immortal, that I've seen.

CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
Burke: I didn't believe so, but just wanted to make sure.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: Ensign, have you considered the purely negative aspects of immortality?

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: Ha, I only wish I were.  I'd show you how it was done.  I know about the good byes and I'd be sad to but, life does go on.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: If I were to be captured and tortured...it would last eternally, with no hope of death as an escape. I could be buried alive...eternally.  Left to drift in space, fully conscious and aware, with no escape.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
All: I'm sorry to be a pain but, I don't want to die.  I just can't imagine why anyone would but, I agree with Q'ten, it may be your choice.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CNS: Well then, Counselor, perhaps we can come to an agreement between us. A reversal of my condition, for a reversal of yours. I could easily modify the data to provide you with the immortal life you so desire.  And it would even be your choice! Rather than thrust upon you, as it was to me.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: You think of life in a negative way.  I see it in a positive.  I understand how one could be tainted.

Host CO_Ayidee says:
CNS/ Burke: A dangerous offer.  Right now, through the eyes of youth, the universe is an unplucked bit of fruit.  At your age I may have agreed…

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
Burke: I'll take it!!!

Host CO_Ayidee says:
...just think carefully about what it entails.

Host Ethan_Burke says:
::Nods firmly:: There we go.

CNS_Ens_Daniels says:
CO: Aye, Sir I'll give it lots of thought.  ::Has his mind made up::

Host Ethan_Burke says:
CTO_ENS_Q`ten says:
::Just slowly shakes his shaggy head::

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Pause USS Cherokee: "Infinity's Child" Part 14>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Time Lapse: A few minutes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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