USS Apache - "In the Shadows," Part XVI - 10509.09

The USS Apache crew, on the stolen shuttle, are currently deciding where to go from here, after uncovering a clone of Dr. Powers... unjoined... from Dessica, along with the two scientists responsible...

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Host John says:
:: turning slightly in the CNS' arms, falling in and out of consciousness...::

CNS_Solaa says:
::sitting against the bulkhead cradling John still::

ACTION: The shuttle is heading for Romulus at maximum warp...

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::on the shuttle, hoping the Andorian behaves himself, and the scientists as well::

EO_Daniels says:
::Monitoring systems, turning her glance every now and then to the Andorian and to the clone.::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Sec: Lieutenant Abbott, keep a close eye on the Andorian.  I don't trust him.

Dessican Third Minister says:
::frowns:: XO: What do you hope to accomplish by... so brutally abducting us like this?

Sec_Abbott says:
::rises to her full height and nods briskly and dutifully:: XO: Aye Sir. ::glares at the Andorian::

Lant says:
::hisses at the SEC::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Dessican Third Minister: There was no brutality, Minister.  I just want to make sure there are no surprises.

ACTION: All is, for the most part, silent in the RNZ... the shuttle is currently 35 minutes away from Romulan space...

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks over towards Turok:: MO: Turok... how is the Captain?

EO_Daniels says:
Dessican Third:  And didn't you say you were headed to Romulus anyway?

MO_Turok says:
CNS: I have done everything I can do for him with the limited resources at hand.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
EO: Yes, but this is highly irregular!

CNS_Solaa says:
::nods slowly:: MO: Good... can you come and determine what is wrong with John?

Sec_Abbott says:
::narrows her eyes at him, but doesn't move as she stands guard of the Andorian::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CNS: John might be suffering the effects of no symbiont, Ryn.

MO_Turok says:
CNS: You mean his clone? If you wish it I shall comply.

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks down at John:: XO: No... He’s not.

Dessican Third Minister says:
XO: No, no, no. We had to pull him out of the processor prematurely. What is... a symbiont?

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CNS: How do you know?

CNS_Solaa says:
XO: Commander, I'm Trill. My parents are on the committee. I've seen the symptoms.

Lant says:
Sec: Never seen a Klingon in Starfleet before... not too many of those. What's wrong, Klingon Imperial Forces didn't want you?

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Dessican Third Minister: If you had the original John Powers, you would have noticed that he has two parts to him.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CNS: I know you're Trill, Lieutenant, there was no need to get nasty.

Dessican Third Minister says:
XO: Actually... I never did see the original. I had a sample... a few skin cells... but the original never did arrive at the station...

MO_Turok says:
::Begins looking at the supposed CMO, comprised of replicated DNA::

CNS_Solaa says:
XO: He's probably been drugged. Also, judging by the Dessican's reaction to the word "symbiont..." he was probably bred without the symbiont.

Sec_Abbott says:
::lets out a sigh, not falling for his attempt to anger her:: Lant: It was my choice to enter Starfleet, Andorian... ::said calmly::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CNS: Agreed.

CNS_Solaa says:
XO: And I didn't mean anything by it... ::looks at her sulking::

EO_Daniels says:
CNS:  Why would they want a clone of John Powers without his symbiont?

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Dessican Third Minister: So you had no idea what  you are dealing with, did you?  You just blindly cloned a man without knowing his physiology.

CNS_Solaa says:
EO: They probably didn't analyze him--wait a minute! Ask HIM! ::points to the Dessican Third::

MO_Turok says:
CNS: It seems healthy enough, for a clone.

EO_Daniels says:
::Looks at the Dessican Third, then to the CNS and back to the Dessican Third again.::  Dessican Third:  Why would you want a clone of John Powers?  And why was he taken out prematurely?

CNS_Solaa says:
XO: I bet they just extracted some skin cells and slapped it on a petri dish and let it grow.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: We try to run a business, madam! This is what we do. It is not for us to ask questions, nor for you to ask either.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::Nods to the counselor:: CNS: That's my theory as well, Ryn.

CNS_Solaa says:
Dessican Fifth: The hell it isn't! That's my fiancé you cloned and carted off to Romulus you jerk!!!

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: It is always good to ask questions about species you've never dealt with before, Minister.

Dessican Third Minister says:
EO: We wanted a clone of him because the Romulans did. As for taking him out prematurely... what was the alternative? Being ripped to pieces by those... savage Undividuals?

EO_Daniels says:
::Nods.::  Dessican Third:  Will he survive?

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Third: You mean your mistakes?

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: We extracted nothing. We were given the sample, and we produced the product. No more, no less. And yes, he will survive. We take great pride in our work.

Host John says:
::opens his eyes, and looks upwards...::

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  Do you think the Romulans were planning to replace the real John Powers with a clone spy?

Dessican Third Minister says:
XO: They are NOT mistakes... they are... experiments. In order for our craft to move forward, we have to take certain risks.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: You produced an incomplete product, Minister.

ACTION: 25 minutes to the Romulan Star Empire...

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  Sir, ETA 25 minutes to the Romulan Star Empire.

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks down at the clone and is marveled by his clear eyes:: John: Hi, there.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Third: So, experimenting on species you've never dealt with before.  ::nods to the EO::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
EO: I don't know about the clone spy.  But I'd like to know what they were wanting.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: We most certainly did not! Are you not listening - the Original most likely never even set foot on the station. We met with our Romulan client just beyond the Romulan frontier, and we brought back a small sample.

EO_Daniels says:
MO/Dessican Third:  When someone or something is cloned, does the clone retain the memories of the original product?

CNS_Solaa says:
EO: Of course not. That's silly. Besides, most of his memories are retained in Powers.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: No, sir, YOU're not listening.  You brought back a sample of a species you've never dealt with before.  It was your duty to ask questions.

EO_Daniels says:
CNS:  You don't know that.  You don't know anything of their technology.  That's why I was asking.  How do we know that the memories are not cloned as well?

CNS_Solaa says:
EO: Because if he retained John's memories, he would know me. He asked me who I was when we got him on board.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
EO: That is extra. And, yes, the Romulans did include a copy of the Original's memory engrams for inclusion.

EO_Daniels says:
CNS:  But the process was incomplete.  You don't know if the fragments contained SF information.  Further, if the Romulans are indeed trying to gain the memories of SF personnel, maybe this was an experiment to see if it would work.

Dessican Third Minister says:
EO: Not a complete copy, mind you. It would be a monumental process to reproduce all memories.

CNS_Solaa says:
Dessican Fifth: WHAT?!

EO_Daniels says:
::Nods to the Dessican Fifth.::  Dessican Fifth:  And you included these engrams with the sample product?  Meaning, these memories would evolve over time?

MO_Turok says:
Fifth: And your process implants the victim’s memories completely?

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks down at John:: John: John... tell me what my name is.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::listens as her crew questions the Dessicans::

Host John says:
::looks up at the CNS:: CNS: ... 

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
MO: We only take what is given to us. I imagine our clients have sifted through appropriately according to their own needs.

CNS_Solaa says:
John: Say something!

Host John says:
::blinks a few times, and looks around:: CNS: ... Am I supposed to know what your name is? And how do you know me?

ACTION: 15 minutes to the Romulan Star Empire...

CNS_Solaa says:
ALL: See? There we go. He doesn't have his memories.

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  Sir, ETA 15 Minutes to Romulan Star Empire.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
EO: Thank you Cadet.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
CNS: And yet, he has the knowledge of language, does he not? And he may very well store a great deal more memories. We are not interested in what our client has in mind. That is, how shall I say it? Personal.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Sec: Start long range scans of the area.  See what you can come up with.

EO_Daniels says:
Dessican Fifth:  Do the Romulans have any completed copies of John Powers or was this the prototype?

CNS_Solaa says:
Dessican Fifth: You better start talking fast, mister. I'm NOT in the mood to play games. WHY did you clone him?!

Sec_Abbott says:
::gives the XO a glance as she stares at the Andorian, nodding at the XO:: XO: Of course sir... what will I do about the Andorian you asked me to watch over?

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
::looks up at the CNS, a blank look on his face:: CNS: We already told you. We were commissioned. No more, no less. ::looks towards John:: John: Poor soul. Sleep - all will be 
clear soon.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Sec: Whatever you need to do to keep him subdued, Lieutenant.  I'll leave that up to you.

Lant says:
Sec: DO with me?

Host John says:
::frowns:: CNS: Don't... don't shout... hurts...

MO_Turok says:
Fifth: How did the Romulans arrange their payment to you and where we you to deliver the finished product?

CNS_Solaa says:
John: Sorry, hon

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
MO: Payment is standard... we retain a copy of the genetic material for our personal use. Though, I suppose... that's of little use now, since our facilities have most likely been destroyed... though there is a possibility that data has been transmitted through our information network onto the planet surface... as to our destination... we were to head straight for Romulus. We were promised no interference.

Sec_Abbott says:
::smirks as only a Klingon would and fires her phaser at the Andorian which was set to it's lowest setting -- stun:: XO: As you wish, Sir. I believe that should keep him under control for the time being.

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  If I may ask, Sir, what do you plan to do once we arrive at Romulus?

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::smiles:: Sec: I believe it will

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
EO: Get answers, Cadet, get answers.

ACTION: The Andorian leans forward in shock, as the phaser hits him; he collapses into his chair.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: You do realize that you will most likely stick out on Romulus?

Sec_Abbott says:
::watches the Andorian slump over stunned in his chair, then takes the helm again quickly carrying out the XO's orders::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: And what concern is that of yours?

Sec_Abbott says:
::her hands fly over the console as she activates the long range sensors of the Romulan Star Empire and sets them to continuous scanning::

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: I am merely stating fact. You will not last a minute on Romulus. The Romulans are not known for opening up their borders willingly.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: You just let me worry about that.

ACTION: On the SEC's sensors, she can detect a series of Romulan outposts all along the Romulan frontier... no ships detectable...

Sec_Abbott says:
XO: Sir, I'm detecting a series of Romulan outposts along the border.

MO_Turok says:
Fifth: Then perhaps you feel I might fit in better? And with you as my guide we should be fine, especially with you knowing my fate would also be yours.

EO_Daniels says:
Thinks to self:  We're all going to die!

Dessican Third Minister says:
MO: it is foolhardy to go to Romulus for nothing. No amount of fitting in will alleviate that foolhardiness.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::nods:: Sec: Any ships or anything we need to be concerned about?

ACTION: Four minutes to the Romulan frontier...

Sec_Abbott says:
::shakes her head:: XO: No Sir. I'm not detecting any.... ::dramatic pause:: ... yet

ACTION: The shuttle receives a hail from one of the outposts.

MO_Turok says:
Third: We still have a product to deliver now don't we? We wouldn't want to sully your reputation, would we?

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  4 Minutes to Romulan frontier and we are receiving a hail, Sir.  Shall I put it on speaker?

Dessican Third Minister says:
MO: It is your funeral.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
EO: Yes, put it on speakers, Cadet.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::motions to the Dessicans to come forward to answer the hail::

EO_Daniels says:
::Places the hail on speakers.::  XO:  You're on, Sir.

ACTION: As the shuttle approaches the border, they find that the ship is automatically slowing down... controlled by some other signal coming externally, probably from the outpost, stopping them before they cross...

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
COM: Outpost: We are a ship from Dessica.  We have your merchandise.

Sec_Abbott says:
::scowls, trying to see what's controlling the shuttle::

Outpost 57 says:
COM: Shuttle: This is Romulan Outpost 57. Authorization Code please.

EO_Daniels says:
Self:  Whoa!  What's up with these engines?

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::looks to the Dessicans and whispers:: Fifth/Third: Give him the code

Dessican Third Minister says:
::shrugs, looking around:: XO: It was pre-programmed into our ship - I don't know it by heart! It's a string of 525 symbols!

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Third: Well you better get it quick, buddy.

CSO_Marsland says:
::looks at the XO::

ACTION: The shuttle is slowly propelled forward, next to the outpost hull...

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  We're being pulled in, Sir.  Engines are non-responsive.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
EO: Thank you, cadet.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: You'll have to bluff. As you can see, we don't have our ship, because you beamed us off our ship!

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: You're the one who will be bluffing, Mister.  Now get up here.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
COM: Romulan Outpost: We are working on getting the authorization code for you.  Our ship suffered some damage and we'll have to bring that information back up.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
::frowns, and stands up:: COM: Shuttle: I am Cloning Technician 3156. Representative of Dessica, on a mission with a product. Destination, Romulus. Our contact person is a woman by the name of Korata.

ACTION: On the other end, silence... or hesitation?

CSO_Marsland says:
::nods to the XO, and begins furiously typing, trying to establish a computer link with the swarm ship to hack out the code::

Host John says:
::looks up suddenly at the mention of the name...::

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::looks up at the name of Korata::

Host John says:
CNS: ... Korata...?

Outpost 57 says:
COM: Shuttle: Korata...? Senator Amygda? ... That is unacceptable. We must have your authorization code immediately. Otherwise, we will board your shuttle and seize its contents.

ACTION: Suddenly, the COM link goes silent, as if muted... 

Host John says:
CNS: ... I understand.

CNS_Solaa says:
::looks down at John bewildered:: John: You know that witch woman?

EO_Daniels says:
::Taps on her console.::  XO:  Sir, the comm link has been silenced.

Sec_Abbott says:
::sighs deeply and audibly as she speaks through gritted teeth:: All: Romulans do not have any honor...

Dessican Third Minister says:
Self: We should have stayed on the station...

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::Nods:: Sec: I agree.  They're sneaky

ACTION: The COM link is suddenly unmuted...

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  Um .. and it's back up again.

Outpost 57 says:
COM: Shuttle: ... You are free to go. Enjoy your stay.

CNS_Solaa says:
John: What do you remember about her? Where did they take you?

EO_Daniels says:
Self:  Odd.

ACTION: The COM link is severed, the control of the ship released to the shuttle...

CSO_Marsland says:
::shakes his head in futile anger:: XO: No luck, ma'am.

Host John says:
::remains silent...:: CNS: ... I understand what I must do.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CSO: Thank you, Lieutenant.

Sec_Abbott says:
::watches as the ship returns to her command. Growls:: Self: It's about time...

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::looks up at the COM:: EO: Thank you.

Dessican Third Minister says:
::Looks up, surprised:: Fifth, XO: ... Well. I believe congratulations are in order.

CNS_Solaa says:
::shakes him and looks him in the eyes:: John: What?! Tell me! Don't you know who I am??? If you remember that awful woman then you must surely know me!

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Third: What do you mean?

EO_Daniels says:
XO:  And .. we have complete control once more.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
EO: Then let's continue on to Romulus.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: I had no idea our client was so important. Senator Amygda? Well well.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
Fifth: Do you know this Senator?

EO_Daniels says:
::Nods to the XO.::  SEC:  Power has been restored to the engines, Lt. Abbott.

Dessican Fifth Minister says:
XO: Hardly. Up until this point, she was known to us only as Korata. But, if she's a senator, that must be a good thing right?

Sec_Abbott says:
::gives the EO an odd look as she starts off on their previous heading:: EO: Thank you, cadet.

Host John says:
::closes his eyes:: CNS: I await the symbiont.

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Fifth: The only good thing about it is that it got us past the outpost.

CNS_Solaa says:
John: Oh, no you don't! Wake up!

ACTION: John's eyes close... but it does not appear as if he's unconscious exactly... just dormant...

CNS_Solaa says:
XO: Oh, no... Commander! His body is going weird! Like he's preparing for joining!

XO_Naegle-Marsland says:
CNS: That's not a good thing right now.  We don't have a symbiont.

CNS_Solaa says:
John: Stop it... stop doing that...

MO_Turok says:
CNS: And if his body is truly expecting a symbiont and one doesn't arrive?

CNS_Solaa says:
::remembers something from her childhood:: MO: Oh... he'll be okay.

CNS_Solaa says:
MO: When he comes in contact with a symbiont then we're in trouble, but for right now... it’s... sort of like stasis.

ACTION: The shuttle has bypassed the Romulan frontier... and is now in Romulan space... heading for Romulus... but the mystery thickens... what of this clone of John Powers? Awaiting a symbiont... The real CMO's symbiont? ... And Korata? A Senator? .... The away team continues forward...

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