USS Apache - 10503.25 - "The Fire within the Ice - Desert Crossing"

The Apache, severely damaged and in orbit of Memfesta, is now back in the hands of the CTO and CEO, whose mission it is to rescue the scattered crew, across several planets... but they have impulse, and the Shades are after them...

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OPS_Ryushi says:
 : lying on the floor in his white room, hyperventilating, mind racing:

CO_Storal says:
:: paces around his now empty room, again trying to find an exit::

CEO_Solkar says:
::At the helm moving the Apache away from Memfesta::

CNS_Solaa says:
@::curled up with her knees to her chin, squeezing her eyes tight shut::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: at tactical with OPS slaved over ::

ACTION: The Apache, in orbit of Memfesta, is pretty ugly right now... but impulse is still up... as the CTO and CEO rush to rescue the others.

XO_Naegle says:
::on the bridge, still motionless::

CEO_Solkar says:
::Scans to see which is closer Gizeh or Seqarra, looking to set course to the closest.::

MO_Turok says:
::Doing nothing, motionless::

ACTION: Suddenly, the walls surrounding the CO and CNS collapse around them... and they find themselves together, on a dark, desolate planet with half the crew, as the flash of light dissipates...

CEO_Solkar says:
::Sets course for Seqarra, at full impulse::

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO/CEO: We must hurry to rescue the others.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CEO: Well we got propulsion but if it comes to a fight it is going to get real medieval around here

CO_Storal says:
::feels around...knocks on a wall, then nearly falls through as the wall disappears::

CEO_Solkar says:
CTO: I've plotted our course to Seqarra... it's the closest planet our friendly shade told us we'd find some of the crew.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CEO: Then go, before we have to get out and push this tub

CO_Storal says:
@::peers around and sees the CNS sitting there:: CNS:Ryn are you alright?

CNS_Solaa says:
@::is still sitting with her knees to her chin:: Aloud: I just want OUT of this nightmare!!!

CEO_Solkar says:
CTO: Oh we're going. ::Pushes the engage button::

CNS_Solaa says:
@::looks up suddenly, startled:: CO: Captain?

ACTION: Similarly, on the other planet, the MO and OPS finds themselves on a desert wasteland, vast and empty, with the other half of the crew...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: reaches down and touches the picture of a silver caitian on his station ::

CO_Storal says:
CNS: Yes it's me. Were you visited by anyone when you were isolated?

CNS_Solaa says:
@::starts to cry::

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO: We need more power.

CEO_Solkar says:
CTO: Is it possible to get some junior officers in here... kind of empty in here.

OPS_Ryushi says:
#::finds himself standing in a desert, and nearly sighs with relief::

CEO_Solkar says:
XO: Yes sir!

ACTION: Slowly, the Apache begins to pick up the pace... but at impulse, it'll take them... oh, several years to reach Seqarra...

CEO_Solkar says:
:: Jumps to feet and heads to the engineering station::

CO_Storal says:
@::kneels down next to the CNS and puts his hands on her shoulders:: CNS: Ryn, I need you to calm yourself. Don't wig out on me...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO: Can I help?

CNS_Solaa says:
@CO: I--I--saw that damn Cardassian!

CO_Storal says:
@CNS: Which one? Who?

CTO_Grey-feather says:
*Shipwide*: This is lieutenant Grey-feather I need a duty ops and FCO on the bridge immediately

OPS_Ryushi says:
#::turns around and nearly steps on the CMO::

CEO_Solkar says:
XO: Are you sure you're up to it?

MO_Turok says:
#::Stands in the desert motionless::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: Yeah commander, you are kind of the reason we are here

OPS_Ryushi says:
#::notices the MO standing motionless in front of him::

OPS_Ryushi says:
#MO: Doctor Turok!

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO: I'm up to it.

CNS_Solaa says:
@::shakes her head:: CO: Podan... he came at me again... it was horrible... ::looks up at the CO, her waterproof mascara not so waterproof anymore::

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: Me? I had no bearing on what happened here.

CO_Storal says:
@CNS: It's ok Ryn...I was visited by the so called Prophets. I don’t think they are who they say they were. I think we were being tested in someway.

FCO Williams says:
::standing around in his quarters, still a little dazed, unsure of what happened...:: *CTO*: I'm on my way, sir...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: We will argue that later, Commander, show you some very interesting video

CEO_Solkar says:
XO: I don't know what were going to do to get more power... if we had the warp core you know.. I'd have something to work with.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
*FCO*: Understood and appreciated Williams

ACTION: As the CTO looks at the XO, he can see a slight twinkle, spark, in the XO's eyes...

CNS_Solaa says:
@CO: And then some k-k-kind of shadow man came out and asked me questions... I think I failed its test... ::buries her head in her knees::

MO_Turok says:
#OPS: Ryushi, is that you?

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO/CEO: You all don't seem surprised to see me on the bridge

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: Say commander you look very spry for someone who just came out of a coma, who else you got taking a rest in that head of yours?

ACTION: The stone in the CEO's hand begins to glow softly...

CO_Storal says:
@::tries to comfort the CNS:: CNS: Well I don’t think I did any better. Here stand up. ::tries to get her to stand::

OPS_Ryushi says:
#MO: Yes, doctor.  I believe... ::gestures to the body on the ground:: I think this Dr. Powers...

CEO_Solkar says:
XO: Eeeeey... that’s right!

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO/CTO: Can you guess?

CEO_Solkar says:
::Looks at the stone::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: No because we carried you here, Janet Naegle was a friend of mine I couldn't leave her behind

CEO_Solkar says:
XO: You helped us escape didn't you.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::nods at the CEO:: CEO/CTO: Yes, I did.  Now let me help you with your engines.

MO_Turok says:
#OPS: How is he?

CEO_Solkar says:
XO: Okay... let's get to it then. What do you think?

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO: And the stone in your hands should be able to help as well.  All you need to do is tell it where you'd like to go.

MO_Turok says:
#::Standing motionless with his eyes unopened::

ACTION: Sensors go off, as they detect energy readings beginning to materialize around the ship, similar to the Shades...

CEO_Solkar says:
::Looks down at the stone, concentrates real hard::

CNS_Solaa says:
@::stands up shakily:: CO: Where's John?

CEO_Solkar says:
Stone: Seqarra high orbit.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CEO: Think hard the bad guys are here

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO/CTO: They're coming! ::looking fearful::

ACTION: Suddenly, a massive eruption can be seen directly in front of the Apache, as what appears to be a wormhole terminus blasts itself open, dragging the ship in with it...

CEO_Solkar says:
::Jaw drops::

OPS_Ryushi says:
#MO: I am unsure... perhaps your skills would be more helpful in that assessment.

CO_Storal says:
@CNS:I don’t know. I have a feeling that we were all separated. I think we are still being tested. Why else would they allow us to come in contact.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
Aloud: Cool

FCO Williams says:
::bounds onto the bridge:: CTO/CEO: What'd I miss? ::hurries to his console::

CEO_Solkar says:
:: checks engineering panel to see if transporters are functional::

MO_Turok says:
#::Gropes around for the CMO's personage::

CEO_Solkar says:
FCO: A whole lot... but you're in for a ride.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
FCO: One heck of a light show

ACTION: In mere seconds, they're dragged through the wormhole, and released at its exit, a short trip, directly in front of a new planet... the original shades have been lost for now...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::sits back::

CNS_Solaa says:
@CO: I don't like this planet... ::looks around and wipes the makeup from her eyes::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: You still with us commander or did the trip pull your extension cord?

CEO_Solkar says:
::Slave sciences to engineering... scans planet for comm signals::

CO_Storal says:
@CNS: Agreed, I don’t hear any sounds of anyone else around. I have a feeling that they have placed us in a limbo type of area.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: Your commander's body is still here.  I am in control of it for now.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: checks his readings again:: XO/CEO: We have rear phasers, not much but got them.

CEO_Solkar says:
Aloud: Sweet, and transporters?

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: And which spirit are you?

ACTION: On the CEO's sensors, he can detect a series of humanoid life forms, all localized in one tiny nook of the Northern continent...

CNS_Solaa says:
@::takes a hold of the CO's arm:: CO: Those shade things might come back...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: I am a spirit of hope and love.

CEO_Solkar says:
COM: Apache Crew: This is the USS Apache can anyone read me?

CO_Storal says:
@Ryn: Easy there... ::chuckles:: You will cut off the circulation in my arm. :: pats her on the back:: I have a feeling that they will return.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: Hope, we definitely need that

CNS_Solaa says:
@CO: And we forgot our phasers...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CEO/CTO: Some of your friends should be able to answer you now.

CO_Storal says:
@::hears the message and taps his combadge:: COM: Apache: This is Captain Storal I read you Apache. What is your status?

CO_Storal says:
@CNS:I don’t think they would do any good if we had them...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
COM: Storal: Beat up sir but operational

CEO_Solkar says:
*CO*: Alright sir... standby for transport.

ACTION: The shades regroup, and approach the Apache's position again... noticeably making the XO agitated, as she seems to be fighting a battle of some sort, in fierce concentration...

CO_Storal says:
COM: CEO: Acknowledged...It's good to hear you. Two to beam up.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CEO: Get them away team on board and squeeze that stone again

CEO_Solkar says:
*TR*: Two to beam up from the surface.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::looking distracted as she's agitated by the shades:: CTO/CEO: They're regrouping!

CEO_Solkar says:
::Grips the stone...::

ACTION: The crew on Seqarra is beamed aboard the Apache... as one of the shades begins to materialize on the Apache bridge...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: Will our weapons have any effect on them

CO_Storal says:
@CNS: See its not so bad. We are going home. ::grins::

Shade says:
XO: Why are you helping them?

CEO_Solkar says:
Stone: Gizeh

CNS_Solaa says:
@::looks up at the CO in awe:: CO: The ship is still in one PIECE???

CEO_Solkar says:
Stone: orbit above Gizeh

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
Shade: They are good people.  They've come so far.

CO_Storal says:
CNS: She is a tough lady. We have been thru worse.

ACTION: Before the Shade can respond, the CEO uses the stone again... and the Apache is thrust into another throughway... the Shade on the bridge dissipates, as if the Apache was being dragged through it...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: You want to try weapons on Shades?

CNS_Solaa says:
::nods:: CO: You can say that again...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: looks around for the missing shades:: XO: Never mind

CEO_Solkar says:
Aloud: Whew...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: I want my crew back and to be back in our own space.  Either without harming any shades or by destroying every last one.  My duty is to this ship and its crew, you can keep your promotion to God

CEO_Solkar says:
CTO: I don't think this one need any negativity... it's trying to help us.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: You had better calm yourself, Mr. Grey-feather.  I could send you clear across the galaxy if I wanted to.  As it is I'm trying to help you!

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: Great then we are working on the same page, as for across the galaxy...we will need that later

CO_Storal says:
CNS: Come on lets head to the bridge. Perhaps they know what is going on.

ACTION: The ship is pulled out of the throughway... at Gizeh...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: Then let's try working together.

CNS_Solaa says:
::still holding onto his arm:: CO: Yeah...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
XO: Agreed

CEO_Solkar says:
*OPS*: This is the USS Apache do you copy?

CO_Storal says:
::exits the TR with the CNS in tow and heads to the bridge::

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CTO: Now, about those engines . . .

OPS_Ryushi says:
#MO: How is he?

CEO_Solkar says:
:: begins surface scans::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CEO: You heard the lady, tell her what we got left

ACTION: Several more shades now appear on the bridge, surrounding the XO:: 

CO_Storal says:
CNS: You can relax a little bit. ::grins::

Shade says:
XO: They belong with us...

MO_Turok says:
#OPS: I'll let you know when I find him.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
Shade: Never! I won't let you take them!

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: I don't think so... I'm ready for something to jump out at us... and you can take care of it.

OPS_Ryushi says:
::Hears his commbadge chirp and the CEO's voice come through and taps it::  *CEO*: This is Lieutenant Ryushi.  Your voice brings us relief, ensign.

Shade says:
XO: You are willing to sacrifice your existence for these people? So that you can keep them away from us?

CO_Storal says:
::chuckles at the CNS' comments:: CNS: Ok you got a deal. ::enters the TL:: Computer: Bridge.

CEO_Solkar says:
*TR* Beam our crew off the surface on the double.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::nods:: Shade: I am willing.  They have done you no harm.

Shade says:
XO: We cannot allow that to happen.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
All shades: What type of guiding spirits destroy one of there own to regain something?

CEO_Solkar says:
*OPS* : We're beaming you up.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::stands up tall:: Shade: I cannot allow you to take them.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: moves forward to help the XO make her stand ::

ACTION: The Shades turn to look at the CTO, and the CTO can feel a menacing amusement from the Shades, as they dissipate... as the Apache is bombarded by something, not weapons, but... the Shades begin to attack...

OPS_Ryushi says:
*CEO*: Very well.  I suggest a direct transport to sickbay.  Dr. Powers is with us, and he appears to be unconscious.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::tries to protect those on the bridge::

CEO_Solkar says:
*TR* : Get the crew directly to sickbay.

ACTION: A barrier of sorts surrounds the ship, with the XO/Shade's intervention, lessening the impact... but it's one shade against many...

ACTION: The second group of people is beamed onto the Apache...

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks up hearing something and gasps:: CO: Hear that???

OPS_Ryushi says:
::fades out of the desert and into sickbay::

CO_Storal says:
CNS: Yes I did. It doesn’t sound very good. ::exits the TL and enters the bridge:: All: Status...

CEO_Solkar says:
::Looks to the stone again::

CEO_Solkar says:
Stone: Bajor.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: decides it is time to be Shaman over warrior and attempts to fight off the shades ::

ACTION: There is no response from the stone...

CEO_Solkar says:
self: Shoot!

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::taking the stone from the CEO:: CEO: Let me try something. Stone: Great River, Provider of Life.

CEO_Solkar says:
:: Looks as if his ice cream just got stolen::

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks around the Bridge, horrified::

OPS_Ryushi says:
MO ::gestures to the unconscious CMO::  What would you like to do with him, put him on a bed?

ACTION: The Apache is dragged into a wormhole, somewhat different from the others, though... it's dark inside... but there appears to be an expanding light, in the distance... the attack from the Shades begins to end... and the XO sits back in her chair...

CTO_Grey-feather says:
Himself: Great Spirit aid me in saving my friends from these spirits that have lost their way

CNS_Solaa says:
XO: What the HELL was THAT?! ::walks over to her chair and stares her in the face::

MO_Turok says:
::Stands motionless:: OPS: I would if I could see him, why don't you handle that?

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CNS: That was the great River, Provider of life.

CEO_Solkar says:
CO: Hopefully, status is... better.

CNS_Solaa says:
::realizes that she is talking to the XO, whom she previously believed was dead:: XO: Oh my god... Y-You-you're ALIVE!

CO_Storal says:
CEO: Good. Do we have everyone on board?

ACTION: The Apache speeds up, as it approaches the light... and suddenly, with a great force, it pierces the barrier, and the Apache finds itself in the Great River once again... with the XO/Shade appearing severely weakened... it's prohibited for a Shade to enter...

CEO_Solkar says:
CO: Yes sir, as far as I know.

OPS_Ryushi says:
MO: Very well... ::moves the CMO to the intensive care bed:: Doctor... have you lost your vision?

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::sinks down in her chair::

CO_Storal says:
::looks over at the XO:: XO: Didn’t you die? What are you doing here??

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CO: Sir different spirit sir

MO_Turok says:
OPS: Apparently so.

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CO: Your Commander is not dead.

CO_Storal says:
XO: Then where is she??

ACTION: A stream of energy appears on the bridge of the ship next to the CO...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CO: She's right here. I'm protecting her.

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks at the CO:: XO: S-s-she's not Cmdr. Naegle???

Energy says:
XO: YOUR PRESENCE HERE DEFILES US ALL.

CEO_Solkar says:
::Steps away from the energy... shielding eyes with my arm::

CNS_Solaa says:
::points at the light:: CO: WATCH OUT!!!!

CO_Storal says:
XO: Protecting her from whom?? ::turns and looks at the light::

OPS_Ryushi says:
*CO*: Sir, this is lieutenant Ryushi reporting... I am in sickbay with the CMO and the MO, sir.  Dr. Powers is unconscious... and Dr. Turok... has lost his vision.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
Aloud: Would be nice if they let us in on the whole story

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
Energy: My apologies, I was helping this crew reunite.

CEO_Solkar says:
CTO: No kidding.

CO_Storal says:
*OPS*:Acknowledged. Keep me informed of their status. Are they stable?

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
CO: The evil shades.

CO_Storal says:
::turns to the energy:: Energy: What is going on?

Energy says:
::encircles the XO:: XO: The fate of the crew is of no consequence. You will be destroyed. ::turns to the CO, circling his body:: CO: ... We meet again.

CNS_Solaa says:
::grabs the XO and practically hugs her, trying to protect her:: Energy: Leave her alone!

Energy says:
All: This shell is condemned, as is the being that controls this shell. And yet you bring them both here. Why?

OPS_Ryushi says:
::hearing the CO, turns to the monitor above the CMO's bed.  Having no medical experience whatsoever, it might as well have been written in Bajoran to him.::  *CO*: I believe so, sir... however, I do not know for certain.

CNS_Solaa says:
Energy: We just want our Commander back!

CO_Storal says:
*OPS*:Activate the EMH and monitor the situation.

CNS_Solaa says:
Energy: Please... we just want to go home and get away from all of this...

XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::shakes herself away from the CNS and walks over to the energy:: Energy: I will gladly sacrifice myself, but not the entity whose body I inhabit right now.

CO_Storal says:
Energy: We didn’t have a choice. You know that.

OPS_Ryushi says:
*CO*: Aye, sir.

ACTION: The XO convulses once, as the Shade pulls itself out of the XO's body... the XO collapses to the deck plating...
XO_Naegle-Shade says:
::collapses::

CNS_Solaa says:
::runs to the XO's side:: XO: Commander!

OPS_Ryushi says:
::walks over to the replicator::  Replicator:  ::pleasantly:: One EMH, please.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
Energy: We were drug into your battle without choice, we just want our friend back and to return to our home

Energy says:
CO: That is of no consequence. Shade: ... Explain your proposal.

ACTION: The Apache is sitting, motionless, in the centre of the wormhole...

CO_Storal says:
::looks over as the XO falls:: Energy: I am tired of your condescending attitude. You will leave this ship and all on it alone.

OPS_Ryushi says:
::when nothing happens, turns to the MO:: MO: Doctor?  why was the Operations Department not informed that your replicator is not functioning properly?

MO_Turok says:
OPS: Is he on the monitor?

CEO_Solkar says:
Self: Wow.

OPS_Ryushi says:
MO: He?  Who, doctor?

MO_Turok says:
OPS: It isn't working?

CEO_Solkar says:
:: Turns sensors to full to see the effects of being stationary in the wormhole::

MO_Turok says:
OPS: He the CMO?

Energy says:
CO: We will destroy your ship if it is so decreed, Storal Kylorean. ::turns back to the dark Shade:: Shade: Speak!

OPS_Ryushi says:
MO: No.  I attempted to replicate an 'EMH' as the captain requested...

CNS_Solaa says:
CO: Yeah... um, sir, I do suggest you hold your tongue with this thing...

CO_Storal says:
Energy: Then do it and move on...You have no right to judge us.

MO_Turok says:
OPS: Must be engineering screwing up again.

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: bites his tongue but wants to say much to these false prophets::

XO’s Shade says:
I will gladly sacrifice myself.  But I want this one ::points to the XO on the ground:: to get her soul back.  She's been through enough.

OPS_Ryushi says:
::looks on a computer panel, finds the reference for EMH, and feels foolish, having tried to replicate one.:: Computer: Activate the Emergency Medical Hologram.

CEO_Solkar says:
Energy: Sounds like a fair trade to me.

Energy says:
Shade: You sacrifice yourself willingly, in exchange for this being's soul? ::pauses in silence for a moment... in contemplation:: Shade: Very well.

ACTION: The energy surrounds the Shade, and they both disappear... off the bridge of the Apache... as the XO begins to come to...

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::begins to wake up and looks around::

Emergency Medical Hologram says:
::appears with a frown::  OPS: Please state the nature of the medical emergency.

CNS_Solaa says:
::smoothes back the XO's hair:: XO: Cmdr. Naegle... it's me, Ryn... how do you feel?

CO_Storal says:
::turns to the CEO:: CEO: Get us out of here....

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::looks up at her:: CNS: Ryn? What happened?

CTO_Grey-feather says:
:: goes over and picks the XO up and puts her back in her chair :: XO: Nice to have you back commander

CEO_Solkar says:
CO: My pleasure...Where are we?

CO_Storal says:
::fights back a tear as his best friend comes to:: XO: Welcome back Janet. CNS:Ryn, take her to sickbay and fill her in.

OPS_Ryushi says:
EMH:  ::points:: That. Man. Needs. Your. Assistance.  Do you understand?

ACTION: The stone in the CEO's hand begins to lose its glow, as it begins to die... as the Apache is slowly moved out of the wormhole, at full impulse...

CEO_Solkar says:
CO: We are through.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CO: Thank you, Sir. Glad to be back.

CNS_Solaa says:
::nods:: CO: Aye, sir... CTO: Could you help me carry her, Joshua?

CO_Storal says:
CTO: Are we back in our own Space?

Emergency Medical Hologram says:
OPS: Yes, and I also understand that you do not know my capabilities. ::walks over to the CMO and takes out a tricorder, busily recording data::

OPS_Ryushi says:
Self: Extraordinary... a hologram capable of learning...

MO_Turok says:
::Giggling, despite his blindness, at the EMH::

CTO_Grey-feather says:
CO: Unsure sir, was so busy...checking sir :: checks position::

Emergency Medical Hologram says:
::walks over and hands the OPS a PADD with the specs of the EMH on it:: OPS: Here, when you get some spare time, read these... you may find them interesting.

ACTION: The Apache is back in normal space... all is swell and good... although the Apache is looking pretty ugly these days...

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