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U.S.S. APACHE NCC 61491 
EPISODE #26: Ring of Forbearance - Part III 
Stardate 10212.13

Last on Star Trek: Apache: 

Continuing their investigation of the Ring World, the Starship Apache sent down an away team via shuttle, led by Cmdr. Storal, to the habitable part of the Ring. They managed to land safely and without incident in the middle of a park within the largest city-like structure on the inner surface. Meanwhile, on board the Apache the crew continued their investigation from space.

It was soon discovered that there did not seem to be any sentient lifeforms, only animals roaming the unsettled parts of the inside of the ring. The away team proceeded to the largest building at the center of the city. The building had no doors, but seemed to be an entrance to a massive complex as detected by the Apache sensors. However, an entrance was soon discovered when Cmdr. Storal said 'Open Sesame'.

The AT entered the building and found it to be a large, circular structure devoid of furniture. It was soon discovered that this was instead a large turbolift. With another voice command, another entry way was found. In this new room, a holographic construct appeared, roughly the size of a human head and square-shaped. The construct welcomed the AT as the 'Creators'. The turbolift then proceeded to descend.

Contact between the away team and the Apache have been severed from this point on.

<<<<< Begin Mission - Week 3 >>>>>
CMO_Naegle says:
::On the Bridge::
CTO_Yeung says:
@::looks around as they descend:: XO: So....now what?
MO_Powers says:
::in sickbay::
CMO_Naegle says:
OPS: Try hailing the Away Team
XO_Storal says:
@CTO: We wait until this thing stops then go from there.

ACTION: a quick blurp erupts from the central white dwarf star. A level-2 shockwave originates from it and heads to the Apache

XO_Storal says:
@Construct: What is the operation status of the station?
Construct says:
@Creators: I'm sooooo happy you have returned after the long long time away... ::hums and whistles to itself::
CMO_Naegle says:
::sees the shockwave coming:: FCO: Evasive maneuvers, NOW!
OPS says:
CO/CMO: There's a shockwave headed our way. Impact in 3... 2... ::his voice trails off::
XO_Storal says:
@::whispers:: CTO/CSO: I hope impersonating the creator isn’t a violation of the prime directive?

ACTION: The wave catches the Apache half-way through the maneuver, sending officers on the bridge to the deck. Captain Linard hits her head badly

CMO_Naegle says:
::falls to the ground:: All: Omph!
CTO_Yeung says:
@::shrugs and whispers back:: XO: Not our mistake, sir. They should've given this construct better optical...
CMO_Naegle says:
CO: Captain!
Construct says:
@Creators: We are on full stand-by. As a matter of fact, we have just effected a low power engine test
CMO_Naegle says:
::kneels down beside the captain and begins scanning her.::
CSO_Bern says:
@XO/CTO: I'm not convinced that we're impersonating anyone, yet. ::looks at the construct with curiosity::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: I take it was successful?
CTO_Yeung says:
@CSO: That's true.

ACTION: as the lift descends through the massive underground complex, the transparent walls allows the AT to view the interiors and notice deck after deck filled with what looks like stasis vats of sorts

MO_Powers says:
::scores a three pointer from across the room::
CMO_Naegle says:
Computer: Computer, lock onto Captain Linard's commbadge and beam her to sickbay.
XO_Storal says:
@CSO: Mr. Bern see if you can scan what’s in those vats?
CTO_Yeung says:
@::looks through the transparent walls::
CMO_Naegle says:
*MO* Dr. Powers, Captain Linard is being beamed to Sickbay.  As it stands right now I'm in command of the bridge.
CSO_Bern says:
@::opens his tricorder and scans to identify what's in the vats::
Construct says:
@ ::stops as if it was receiving some data:: XO: Indeed a full success. As the previous times. We execute tests regularly as we were ordered.
CMO_Naegle says:
OPS: Damage report.

ACTION: Several blue constructs hover in the various decks as if checking the contents of the vats. They hum and whistles to themselves as they work

CTO_Yeung says:
@::turns to the construct:: Construct: What are your current orders?
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: What were the last tests run?
OPS_Rahkmatullin says:
CMO: Damage is minimal. Seems we just were in the wrong place. I suggest we move the ship outside of the inner part of the Ring sir
CSO_Bern says:
@::glances down at his tricorder::
CMO_Naegle says:
::sits back in the Command Chair:: OPS: Agreed.  FCO: Make it so, Mr. V’Taran.
Construct says:
@ ::seizes up Storal and Yeung before replying:: Creators: the orders still stand. We are continuing the analysis of the life form
CSO_Bern says:
@XO: Seems there's some kind of humanoid life in the vats. But... ::shrugs:: I don't know.  Either something's interfering with the scan, or I'm being sent some false signals.  Whichever it is, these readings make no sense...  ::shakes his head::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Which lifeform?
FCO_V’Taran says:
CMO: Immediately sir ::takes the Apache off the dwarf star plane and protects the ship in the outer side of the Ring World::
XO_Storal says:
@::nods at the CSO::CSO Do you think they could be cloning?

ACTION: Captain Linard is safely - this time! - beamed to Sickbay

CSO_Bern says:
@XO:  Possibly.  I don't have enough relevant data to confirm that, though.
OPS_Rahkmatullin says:
CMO: I've got cut from contact with the Away Team. Trying to locate them ::works::
CMO_Naegle says:
Rahkmatullin: Please keep trying
MO_Powers says:
::scans the captain to ascertain what her injuries are.::
MO_Powers says:
*CMO*: I have the captain sir.
Construct says:
@ XO: "What life form" ? ::muah hahaha:: Creator: have you developed a sense of humor? The adaptive life form, of course.
CMO_Naegle says:
::waits impatiently:: *MO*: Acknowledged.  Let me know how severe her injuries are.
CTO_Yeung says:
@::walks around the turbolift/room, observing all around::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Since I have been away for a long time I was testing your programming. My associate would like to see the adaptive lifeform.
CSO_Bern says:
@::nods quickly::  Construct:  Oh yes, very interested.
CMO_Naegle says:
OPS: Also keep an eye on that dwarf star.  I don't want anymore surprises.
MO_Powers says:
*CMO*: The captain just got a bad concussion. She will be off for a while but she will be OK otherwise sir.
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: My other associate would like to see the stations engineering section.
Construct says:
@ ::beams with apparent happiness:: Creators: A inspection then...good good... we are prepared, yes we are
CMO_Naegle says:
*MO* Acknowledged, Doctor. When she feels better she can come back up here. But for now, that will be all.
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Yes exactly an inspection.
Construct says:
@ Creators: I believe all that can be accomplished ::winks twice and the TL comes to a halt in what would be like Deck 57::
CSO_Bern says:
@::slowly:: Construct: Just...out of curiosity...what was the date of our last visit? I seem to have forgotten entirely. ::feigns a good-natured chuckle::
CMO_Naegle says:
::accesses sensors from the captain's chair, to take some of the load off of OPS::
MO_Powers says:
*CMO*: Aye sir.
CMO_Naegle says:
*MO*: Bridge out.
Construct says:
@ ::hovers toward the CSO:: CSO: Ahhhh...more tests. Good. ::seems to be doing some head math:: That would be precisely 495,394 cycles ago
XO_Storal says:
@CTO/CSO: Ah yes.. My have we been getting lax in our duties.. Now that we are back. Everything will be as it was.
CTO_Yeung says:
@::nods warily::
XO_Storal says:
@::steps out of the lift and begins to look around.
CMO_Naegle says:
FCO: Keep a steady course, but be ready for anything, Mr. V'Taran.  And yes, I know, I'm trying too hard.
CTO_Yeung says:
@::follows the XO out, looking around::
CSO_Bern says:
@Construct: You've done quite well. ::nods and follows the Commanders out of the turbolift::
Construct says:
@ ::hovers off into the deck:: Creators: Indeed. XO: Would you like me to activate the Ring's primary systems as well for the inspection?
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Yes. We want everything online for the inspection.
Construct says:
@ Creators: Marvelous...Marvelous... ::freezes for a second and blinks twice:: Ignition sequence started!
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: What is the primary mission for this station?
FCO_V’Taran says:
CMO: No problem, sir. That's my job ::works of the console some escape routes::
CMO_Naegle says:
FCO: Thank you.
MO_Powers says:
::monitors the captains vital signs::

ACTION: The darkened outer surface of the Ring World begins slowly to lit up. Several window-like ports <<like windows in starships>> are now seen. Their number give yet another insight in the vastness of the Ring

Construct says:
@ ::eyes the XO and laughs out loud:: XO: You are surely decided to tease me, aren’t you, Creator? Of course you know all too well what's the purpose of this and the other 3 rings
XO_Storal says:
@::laughs along with the construct:: Construct: Of course.. isn’t that a part of any good inspection?
Construct says:
@ XO: Indeed master ::hovers toward one of the vats, filled with a green liquid and something inside:: Right now we are continuing the inspection of the adaptive life form
CMO_Naegle says:
::stands up as she sees what's happening:: All: Okay this is interesting. OPS: Keep monitoring that thing for me for contact from the Away Team, Mr. Rahkmatullin.
CSO_Bern says:
@::walks over to the vat, and peeks inside, taking readings all the while, though they still don't appear to be returning any useful information::
CTO_Yeung says:
@::walks up to the vat and looks at what is inside::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Where did the lifeform originate?
Construct says:
@ Creators: As suspected before you left and hid the rings from view, it seems to be a creation of the Dark Ones
CMO_Naegle says:
FCO: Mr. V'Taran, be ready to maneuver out of the way.
OPS_Rakhmutallin says:
CMO: It looks like the Ring is coming into full online status. Power levels are growing throughout the whole structure.
CMO_Naegle says:
TO: Mr. Verall, weapons on standby.  I'm not sure we'll need them yet.  But just in case.
CMO_Naegle says:
OPS: Acknowledged.  Any indication of what they might be up to?
CSO_Bern says:
@::looks at his tricorder::  CTO: Some kind of humanoid, it looks like... ::shivers a little:: ...but I don't know what kind, exactly. ::walks to the next vat in line and looks inside::  This one is somewhat different... ::scans this one, as well::
TO_Verall says:
CMO: Aye aye. Weapons on hot stand-by. Loading torpedoes.
CTO_Yeung says:
@::fingers his phaser as he continues to examine the vats:: CSO: Well, as long as they're all stuck in there...
CMO_Naegle says:
TO: Acknowledged.
CSO_Bern says:
@::feels a chill run down his spine:: CTO: Fine by me, too. ::winces slightly and looks away from the vat:: Construct: Have you discovered anything new about the adaptive lifeform?
SO_S’klar says:
::stoically:: CMO: Sir, I'm detecting an increase in background radiation in this area. It's originating from the interior of the Ring. The star.
XO_Storal says:
@CSO: Perhaps a visit to the stations computer core would be prudent, So that you may inspect the ships computer system.
CMO_Naegle says:
SO: How long can we -- or the Away Team -- stay in this area?
Construct says:
@ CSO: Indeed we have acquired quite a number of things from it, altho the purpose of the Dark Ones with it remains nebulous. Creators: Would you like to access a full report from the Control Room?
CSO_Bern says:
@Construct: I'd like that a great deal.
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Yes! On to the control room!
SO_S’klar says:
CMO: Indefinitely, sir. Altho there's a raise, the radiation is not harmful. Apparently it cannot cross even the unshielded hull of the Apache. It's logical to assume the interior of the Ring is likewise protected
CMO_Naegle says:
::nods:: SO: Thank you.  I don't like that you say there's a star in there and I can't see it, though.  See what you can get on it, please.
Construct says:
@ Creators: this way please ::hovers back inside the 'lift'::
XO_Storal says:
@::follows the Construct inside::
CTO_Yeung says:
@::follows the construct inside::
CSO_Bern says:
@::follows the construct eagerly, wishing to get away from the vats of these adaptive lifeforms::
FCO_V’Taran says:
CMO: I can take us above the Ring's edge, so we can take a look at the star directly
CMO_Naegle says:
FCO: Make it so, V'Taran.  I want to see this star.
Construct says:
@ Creators: the primary systems will be online within the hour now. ::the 'lift' descends even more::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Excellent.

ACTION: as the Apache comes over the Ring's edge, the crew can get a view of the star. The protective black bubble appears to be getting thinner and the star shiner, like it's powering up

CMO_Naegle says:
SO: Can you scan the star?
SO_S’klar says:
CMO: Isn't that obvious? ::said with a raised eyebrow, and gets to work::
CMO_Naegle says:
::rolls her eyes:: Self: Vulcans!
CMO_Naegle says:
SO: Scan the star and find out why this is happening, if you would be so kind, S'klar.

ACTION: the lift reaches the Command Room. It's huge, a great circular room with an entirely holographic interface for the computer system.

CTO_Yeung says:
@::looks around and whistles:: Self: Nice...
XO_Storal says:
@CSO/CTO: Sort of puts Stellar Cartography to shame doesn’t it. ::looks around the immense control room::
CSO_Bern says:
@::steps off the lift::  CTO:  My thoughts exactly.
SO_S’klar says:
CMO: readings have it the protective shield around the star is being ... 'shut down' ... to use a Human metaphor. I surmise the Ring World will come to full activation status
CMO_Naegle says:
SO: Thank you. Continue scanning.
Construct says:
@ ::zaps from one interface to another, checking systems, then returns to AT position:: Creators: All is going well. Would you like to enter the command codes now? I'm so curious as to what will happen when the Ring is active...
Construct says:
@ Creators: can you tell me? can you?
XO_Storal says:
@::winces as the Construct finishes his statement:: Self: I knew this was gonna happen.
CSO_Bern says:
@::looks at Storal, wondering whether he has any magic phrases left::
CTO_Yeung says:
@::looks around and thinks 'uh oh'::
Construct says:
@ ::is confused at the Creators lack of reply:: Creators: is there a problem?
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: No there isn’t a problem, We would like to wait awhile. We aren’t ready to input the command codes.
SO_S’klar says:
CMO: I'm reading a power fluctuation on the surface of the dwarf star that is facing the planet below
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: We must go over the results from all the testing and decide if it’s right to proceed or not.
CMO_Naegle says:
SO: Any idea what that might indicate?
Construct says:
@ ::is more confused:: XO: As you wish. We are about to execute another test ::hovers toward a panel showing the exterior of the Ring. The Apache and the world below can be seen in the background::
MO_Powers says:
::starts report on captain's condition::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: What test is that?
XO_Storal says:
@CTO/CSO: ::whispers:: Hopefully I bought us some time. I want options gentleman.
Construct says:
@ XO: We'll be testing the Eradicator ::turns back to the screen::
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: What’s the target?
SO_S’klar says:
::loses his composure for a split second:: CMO: Sir! It's an antiproton surge ::looks at the screen::
CSO_Bern says:
@::whispers:: XO: Sir, I generally don't like to mess with any entity that has something called an "eradicator" at its disposal. Maybe we should get out of here.

ACTION: from the whirlpool in the surface of the now shinny star, a blast erupts headed roughly the Apache's way

CTO_Yeung says:
@::leans in close to the XO and whispers:: XO: We don't know what kind of security they have. We'll need to find a way to deactivate the construct and take control.
XO_Storal says:
@CTO/CSO: We need to find out as much as we can. Both of you try to access the control panels.
CMO_Naegle says:
FCO: Now would be a good time for evasive maneuvers.
CSO_Bern says:
@::frowns a little:: XO:  Aye sir. I'll do what I can. ::moves slowly over to one of the control panels and looks it over::
FCO_V’Taran says:
CMO: I concur ::taps console::
CTO_Yeung says:
@::nods and quietly approaches a console::
XO_Storal says:
@CSO: Don’t worry Mr. Bern I don’t plan to stay longer than we have to.

ACTION: The Apache swiftly moves off, only to find she was not the antiproton beam’s target. The beam continues down onto the planet, crossing the atmosphere and smashing through the crust

CTO_Yeung says:
@::tries to access what he can from the console::
CMO_Naegle says:
SO: Scan the planet. See what kind of damage that thing did.
CSO_Bern says:
@::glances to the XO with a bit of concern and nods, then looks up at the monitor displaying the eradicator test:: Self: What is this thing...?
CSO_Bern says:
@::shakes his head and looks back to the console in front of him::  Self:  Focus.

ACTION: several deep gashes emerge centered on the impact point and spread across the surface of the world, exposing the molten mantle kilometers below. Seismic and volcanic activity go over the scale

XO_Storal says:
@::looks at the power of the eradicator:: All: Impressive...
CMO_Naegle says:
OPS: Please tell me you're still trying to contact the Away Team.
Construct says:
@ Creators: Reaching full power now. ::blinks::
CSO_Bern says:
@::tries to locate the report on the adaptive lifeforms::

ACTION: a second - far more powerful - blast emerges from the dwarf star in the center of the Ring World and smashes onto the planet, effectively reducing it to stardust in mere seconds

CTO_Yeung says:
@::observes the result of the 'eradicator' with dread::
XO_Storal says:
@::sees the total destruction of the planet:: Self: Oh dear...
Construct says:
@ Creators: Now that's what I call a well done test ::smiles at the AT::
CMO_Naegle says:
::looks on with horror:: All: Oh my God! What have we started here?
XO_Storal says:
@Construct: Indeed... Self: What have I done...
CSO_Bern says:
@::looks up again as he catches the brilliant flash from the corner of his eye...and feels his jaw slacken::  ::swallows::  Construct: Certainly...accomplished what it intended. ::forces a half-smile::
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