Host FM_Selan says:
U.S.S. Elara Stardate 10207.14 "In Pace Requiescat" Episode Four
    
Cast of Characters
Chris Tucker as Captain David Harison [CO] 
Lilia Perfeito as Commander Alexandra Gomes [CSO] 
Eldad Ben-Tovim as Commander Maor [CIV]
Linda Davis as Lieutenant Commander Jan Zaris [CMO]
Michael Hiles as Ensign Maximus Heller [CEO]
Zachary Lassiter as Ensign Ruvick [OPS] 

Michael Jones as Referee, Coach Reckwald, Jared & Guinan

Host FM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Resume Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=
 
CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::watches as Maor advances to the field::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The game starts in full as the crew watches their Captain take the field ...

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::watches the CIV and hopes he can get the CO's attention::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Walks nervously into the field, he wonders once again why he listened to the CSO's orders. Sighing, he shakes his head and pauses in midfield::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::ignores the CIV, totally focused on his task, and starts running straight toward the defenseman assigned to guard him::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Frowns as he notices the Captain advancing towards him, he tenses for a moment and then awaits the Captain::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The crowd goes wild as the CO's team advances.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::looks around for something she can use:: CEO/OPS: Any ideas?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::still under the bleachers.. stares in the door.. as the blue light calls.. sighs and looks at the man.. :: Man: i can't.. not just yet.. I have to know.. ::turns and goes back to the others.. half heartedly::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Glances nervously at the direction of the other Elara members, he gives them a pleading look before he glances back at the direction of the Captain. Glaring, he runs towards him::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
CSO:  I don't see what we can do.  We may just have to try and see if the CIV can get his attention.

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::whispers:: CSO: we can go to the announcer’s booth and try and cause some mischief

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: It would have to be something that would get the Captain's attention

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::plants his lead foot, tucks his stick, and rolls around the charging CIV, unnerved by his size and speed::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::walks over to the CSO and OPS::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: we are not getting very lucky ...

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The XO & CNS listen to the plannings of the CSO while as well watching the game.

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Pauses as the Captain evades him, he turns around quickly and begins chasing after him::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CSO: I recommend going back to the real universe and getting pictures of possible family and his service record

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: perhaps.. perhaps..

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::shakes her head:: OPS: Once we go back we can never return here

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Runs along the Captain, he frowns and matches his speed:: CO: Cap-tain.. Listen to me, we got to go back to the.. ::Tackles a member from his team as he stands in his way:: Elara.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::looks at the CSO.. and goes quiet::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: We would have to find this energy ribbon again .. which is virtually impossible!

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::takes a deep breathe::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: maybe.. if you just go get him...

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::blinks at the CIV as he reaches the restraining line and passes the ball to an open team member then pulls out to the side of the box::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: How? He doesn't want to come, he doesn't even want to listen.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: call a time out..

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: have them return to the planning area..

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: Humm ... I'm not sure about the rules of the game. I'd have to signal time out to the referee?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: I believe so yes.. 

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Frowns, as the Captain ignores him. He growls and heads towards the person with the ball, with a snare he swifts his stick down to the player legs and grabs the ball. Glancing back at the direction of the other team he begins running towards the other side::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
OPS/CSO: then you can talk to him..

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::shrugs::All: No harm in trying ::goes to the area where the captain's coach is and from there signals the referee for time out::

Host FM_Selan says:
<Coach Reckwald> CSO: What are you doing! ::Shouts::

Host FM_Selan says:
<Referee> ::Gives the signal for the game to stop::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
Coach: I just ... have something to say to your team

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::whispers to the CSO:: CSO: A mind meld might work.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::waits for the Captain::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The crowd boos and hisses as the game is paused. Jared, the CO's father smiles and still gives his son his support.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::closes her eyes and shrugs:: This doesn't feel right.. 

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::follows CSO to the team area::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: Can you convince him of something through a mind meld?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::steps back from the others.. looks at Maor::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Stops in mid-run, he sighs in relief and tosses the stick with the ball away from him. With a glare at the crowed he begins making his way towards the Elara crew::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::runs over to Maor::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::whispers:: CSO: Yes i believe i can

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The opposing team's crowd cheers Maor on for his great play.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: Maor..!

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: If you think it is safe for you and him then by all means, do it

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::runs back to the sideline:: Coach:  Why'd they stop the game?  They could have scored on that break....

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::whispers:: CSO: Its not recommended and we should wait tell he is in a secluded area.  Security may see it as an assault.

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Slows down as he notices the CMO running towards him, he raises an eyebrow in wonder:: CMO: Yes?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: You will have plenty of time to finish and win the game some other time. Now we really need to talk

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::reaches Maor:: CIV: Maor.. I'm.. you'll take care of Shane for me..

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::whispers:: CSO: But i believe its the last thing we can do

Host FM_Selan says:
<Coach Reckwald> ::Growls:: CO: This crazy broad here somehow stopped the game ... ::Points at the CSO::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: Don't worry about security. Once he decides to come with us, all of this will cease to exist

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Frowns, he stares at her oddly:: CMO: You're going somewhere?

Host FM_Selan says:
<Jared> ::Makes his way through the stands to get closer to his son, and find out what's going on::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::looks around and then back at Maor:: CIV: no.. but the rest of you are..

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: Captain, you must listen to us

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::whispers:: CSO: We must come up with a plan to get to him

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: Win some other time?  This is that championship game!  There is no other time!  Besides, I can't just quit with all my friends here and my father....he never even saw one of my games....because....

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: I understand how important this game is to you. But there are things more important

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: He may not have seen the games but he was out there with you every time. 

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: You're planning to stay in this.. ::Pauses for a moment, he gestures around him and continues:: Dream?

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::runs up and grabs the CO's head with one hand and initiates a mind meld with the other:: CO: Your mind to my mind (and whatever the rest is)

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: It's not that.....he wasn't there ::sinks back down:: because he wasn't alive.  ::turns and looks up to the stands to see his father and the woman from before::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::gulps as OPS grabs the CO::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: no not in this one.. i found something.. i have to be sure.. i have to know if it's the truth.. 

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: You must come with us~~~

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: Both the CO and OPS are surprised by the mind-meld ... the CO because it helps him [although he was on the path himself] through the fog that has been clouding his mind to show the truth of the matter ... that cannot be his father ... his father is dead ...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: He was with you anyway ... in your head, in your heart. 

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: What do you mean?

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::watches as the OPS mind melds with the CO::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: This is all fake, your father is dead~~~

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: ... OPS is surprised because he goes through all the experiences and feelings of the past months. He feels horror and turmoil ... he sees the Bellicose Cruisers closing in on the Elara ... he sees their ... deaths? There is confusion ... didn't they survive the battle?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: i mean.. I can't.. I just have to know.. that’s all

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::starts to sweat as he sees the Elara and the crews deaths::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Pauses, he turns to face the CMO:: CMO: Found what? ::Sighs:: What did you find that is so important to you?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CEO: I wonder if it is working 

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: my past...

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: Do you understand?~~~

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: What about your past?

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::sees OPS starting to sweat::  CSO:  No way to find out I guess but looks like he is definitely reading something

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: I just.. can't.. explain.. there isn't time.. ::places a hand on his shoulder:: perhaps we will meet again.. in a different life.. ::shrugs and turns to leave::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: What happened at the battle with the bellicose?~~~

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CEO: I never really understood what a mind meld was all bout but I know it is dangerous. If they are injured in any way I will never forgive myself for letting Ruvick try

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::narrows his eyes at the OPS::  ~~~OPS: The entire crew was killed and the ship was destroyed....and it was my fault....~~~

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Frowns, he grabs her and turns her around:: CMO: You can't just leave without explaining, don't you think Shane deserves more then that? You're his mother for the prophets sake!

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
CSO:  I don't understand it either.  It's wouldn't be your fault.  Something had to be done.

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: That is not possible, you survived the battle~~~

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CEO: did it? Maybe it wasn't so bad if he lived all his life in here. It sure is more peaceful than out there

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::begins to walk towards Alex:: you can't hear them.. but I can.. ::is jolted as Maor grabs her.. but just smiles:: CIV: Shane? I'm not his mother.. I was just his incubator.. I was used.. ::her face goes blank:: again and again.. 

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
~~~OPS: I...don't know....the ship was destroyed, the crew was all killed....~~~

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
CSO:  But would that have helped.  Running from problems have never been a good way to deal with them

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::shrugs::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: You once told me that I had every part in Shane's life even if I didn't deserve it, doesn't the same apply to you? Are you that hypocrite? ::Frowns:: You have every part in his life, the same as I do. We're his parents, like it or not. And past experience is more important then your own son, and I'm talking from experience!

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: Do you remember talking to the Cmdr with brown hair, she was the CSO of the Elara i believe.~~~

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::pulls Maor's hand off her arm:: CIV: it ends.. no more.. I can hear.. feel it calling me.. it's music.. ::looks at Maor hard:: They will come.. and I can't stop them.. we both know that.. ::steps away from Maor::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
~~~OPS: Yes~~~

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: How can she be here if she isn’t living? How can she be in the ribbon?~~~

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Walks after her, he turns her around and keeps his hold on her this time:: CMO: Focus on me. Remember Shane, remember everything that happened since he was born and how it effected your life. Now, do you want to tell me whatever it is that you're hearing is more important then him?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
~~~OPS: I don't know....all I remember is the energy weapon from the Bellicose tearing through the shields....the ship spun out of control and exploded....then I remember awakening on the Aegis cruiser~~~

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::blinks a few times and looks at Maor:: CIV: what I hear? it's the end of the universe.. everything else  is meaningless..

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: Can i trust you, if i break this meld.  I dont know much about that mission and you and your crew need to get together and talk about it~~~

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: In the CO's eye-sight ... it appears as if it is just him and his father. OPS is a dominating figure in the background ...

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: timeless.. with out beginning or end.. a rip in space that leads to everywhere at once and no place at all.. you see? 

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: Listen to me, Zaris. You're an important part of Shane's life and I'm not going to let whatever you're after to take you. Shane needs you. Do you understand me? Your son needs you, the Elara crew needs you. ::Shakes his head at the CMO's comments:: No, you're wrong. There's nothing there. Do you hear me? Nothing!

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: I'm safe here.. 

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
~~~OPS: This isn't real.....and it never was.::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CO: Good lets break the meld now, and remember trust your crew and they will trust you~~~ ::breaks the meld::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: You're safe with us, what's the point in safety without a real future?

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The darkness fades and the CO & OPS return to "themselves" and the game.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::smiles at Maor::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::sees OPS break the meld and waits to see the COs reactions::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::watches as the mind meld appears to be finished::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::me looks around franticly hoping security is there to jump him::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: There is no security to attack. The stadium has gone mysteriously silent. Everyone is just staring at the Elara crew ... almost like an audience.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CIV: I don't want to go back.. ::her cloths melt to a soft green shirt and brown pants..::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CO: Lets call off this game and talk about what you think happened to the Elara

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::feels the crowd looking at them and doesn't like the feeling::

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
CMO: You're staying? ::Nods:: Fine, then I am too.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: I'd say we get out of this place first

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::hears Maor in the background:: CIV/CMO: What???

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::hears the CIV::  Self:  Oh great.

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CSO: I dont know if we should, he claims the Elara is destroyed and its crew is dead.  I dont want that to really happen

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::nods to the OPS::  Referee: We forfeit.  ::walks off::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::shrugs:: CIV: as you wish.. 

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: Everything fades to white.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: The Elara was badly damaged and many of its crew died. But we survived

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CSO: ok, i didn’t know that

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: The whiteness fades and they find themselves on the battle-damaged bridge of the Elara. Obviously it isn't real as there is a gaping hole open to space, but nothing is happening as a result.

Host Guinan says:
::Sitting in the conn. chair, facing the crew::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::blinks looking at the viewscreen::

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::looks at the gap in the hull then around the rest of the damaged bridge::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::looks around the bridge:: OPS: This is what it looked like that day....

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::looks around at the damaged ship::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::looks to the conn chair and smiles:: Guinan: It's good to see you again. I've done what I could ...

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::looks around and then sees Guinan::

Host Guinan says:
::Nods:: CSO: I noticed. Good job.

Host Guinan says:
::Stands up and brushes herself off:: CSO: But it appears as if some have re-decided directions in their life as a result ... CMO: Isn't that right?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
Guinan: I hope it was indeed the right thing to do

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::turns to Jan and frowns::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
All: i was sucked into space.. i saw the ship.. the light.. then.. ::looks around at the crew::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::looks at the stranger:: Guinan: perhaps

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::listens intently to the CMO::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: You would have died in space. Maybe what you remember is a delusion

Host Guinan says:
CSO: It wasn't. ALL: I should have figured, you're all Starfleet officers ... ::Looks at OPS:: You come with an in-built need for answers. Quite inquisitive, aren't you Mr. Ruvick?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: no.. i felt my body.. felt it ripped apart.. my blood pressure.. i saw Jason.. 

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::frowns looking at the CMO and then back at Guinan::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
Guinan: if i may ask who are you, and to answer your question, its my nature.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: But how ... you know you would not have survived

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: perhaps I didn't.. maybe none of us did..

Host Guinan says:
OPS: I'm just a "ghost" ... and of course it is your nature. You're all explorers. You explore the unknown. And it is the unknown that is responsible for you being here now.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: the aliens that created Shane.. we woke up on their ship.. what’s to say we are not all clones?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::just stares at the front of the ship::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: what if we are all just nothings? with memories recovered from the dead? what if we really are not who we think we are?

Host Guinan says:
ALL: You're not clones. You're you ... as you as you wish yourselves to be. Suffice it to say, all those months ago ... in that nebula of destruction and horror ... for the sake of something you never knew ...

Host Guinan says:
ALL: ... you died.

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::feels very confused by this entire conversation::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: It is not impossible given their technology

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: we don't know if they re-created us just to full fill what ever strange cosmic future they have planned..

Host Guinan says:
ALL: Pure and simple. The Bellicose massacred you. The Khanette had the CIV run through ... had the XO's away team blown up ... she had your ship assault ... she killed your friends and family ...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::shakes her head:: All: This doesn't make sense!

Host Guinan says:
::Raises a hand:: ALL: If you'll give me a moment ...

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
Guinan: then what are we? shadows?

Host Guinan says:
ALL: No, you're what you were before you died. One and the same. There are beings out there with magnificent powers. If they wish they could kill you all and bring you back to life ten times over.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::looks at the floor thinking:: All: Our cadavers could have been revived somehow by who knows what technology .. but it seams so unlikely. And why would they do it?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
Guinan: The Q?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: Sarah.. 

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: She would have told us ... wouldn't she?

Host Guinan says:
ALL: But usually they don't. ::Looks at the CO:: Yes, the Continuum has the power. But it was not them. It was something ... someone new ... someone who felt they needed you alive ... so it revived your bodies. But there's a difference between having a revived body and a revived soul ...

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: maybe.. maybe she didn't know.. maybe she couldn't

Host Guinan says:
ALL: For three months your souls were in whatever afterlife your species believes in. You were safe, you were content ... and then it, whatever it, is brought you back. Apparently, the return trip has caused some trauma ... your once " together" crew has been reduced to shambles. Half your crew who went through the trauma have left Starfleet. ::Looks at the CMO:: More still want to.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::listens to Guinan:: 

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: It all sounds so unlikely ... almost impossible

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::walks over and places a hand on the OPS station on the burnt out bridge.. looks at the blank view screen::

Host Guinan says:
ALL: And dear David Harison ... ::Looks at the CO:: he was affected the most. Because, you see, he was so content in his afterlife ... that by being brought back he was no longer content with what he had here.

Host Guinan says:
::Looks at them all:: ALL: But nature abhors a vacuum, and you have others to fill their places ... ::Looks at the CEO & OPS:: ... and now is your chance to live your lives as you see fit. No longer the pawns of intergalactic species and their quests for ultimate power.

Host Guinan says:
::Crosses her arms:: CMO: As such, if you wish to remain in the Nexus, it will be permitted for your crew to return home without you ...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
Guinan: we can never escape greater powers

Host Guinan says:
CSO: No, but you can defy them. You have before. The Bellicose were defeated in the end, ultimately ... you have cheated death because there are "greater powers" out there who either fear you or need you ...

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
Guinan: I’m not part of it anymore.. I am a shadow.. I'm staying here.. I can find my answers.. 

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::nods::

Host Guinan says:
CIV: You are even perhaps familiar with the work of this being ...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: But you know that in here you will only find what is in your mind. Nothing les, nothing more

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: No excitement

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::doesn’t know what to say or do so just remains quiet::

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
CSO: perhaps .. but it doesn't matter

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Nods at Guinan's direction, he doesn't wish to raise that subject now::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::walks over the CMO and holds out his hand:: CMO: Its been nice knowing you

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: How can it not matter? You are throwing your life away!

Host Guinan says:
CIV: ... does the saying "the future is now" mean anything to you?

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::looks at the OPS:: OPS: that’s not very Vulcan of you.. ::smiles and nods:: Peace and long life.. take care of my family

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
::grabs the CMO With that hand and tries to get the other hand on CMO's face::

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
CMO: Your mind to my mind (and the rest of the Vulcan mumbo jumbo)

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::screams::

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: No! Let her be

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
~~~OPS: get out of my head!~~~

Host Guinan says:
ACTION: A burst of light occurs between the CMO & OPS, and they are separated.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: She is not mistaken like the captain. She knows what she is doing

Host Guinan says:
OPS: She wants this. Your actions are noble, but are unneeded.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: I will do what I can to take care of Shane's education. He will never be alone

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CMO: dont go~~~

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::looks at them all in anger.. :: 

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
~~~CMO: The crew needs a good doctor~~~

Host Guinan says:
CO: David Harison, you no longer need to look for death for solace. You can be free now ... if you only let yourself.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CMO: You have to forgive Ruvick .... and us. We need you on the ship

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Nods slowly, he sighs and glances back at the CMO and the OPS. With a frown he walks towards the CMO's side and narrows his eyes at the OPS's direction. With a glare, he turns towards Guinan:: Guinan: Yes, I've heard about it.

CMO_LtCmdr_Zaris says:
::takes a few steps back toward the view screen:: All: no.. I'm replaceable.. fare well in your life ::vanishes::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::stares at Guinan:: Guinan: How do you know all of this?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::sighs and talks to the CMO that isn't there:: CMO: No, you are not ...

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: we did what we could, she chose this path

OPS_Ens_Ruvick says:
ALL: O.k. now lets get out of here

Host Guinan says:
CO: I know what you know. You've all known the truth ... you've just been in denial.

Host Guinan says:
ALL: After all ... Mireille Ruskinara and Seppela in the others set out in looking for the "truths" in their lives ... what else could they be looking for?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
OPS: Wait, the Captain needs this talk

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CIV: Now Shane will be your responsibility .... but be sure that I'll help in what you need

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
Guinan: But they won't find their truth anywhere "out there"

Host Guinan says:
::Smiles:: CSO: No, they only need to look within themselves. Perhaps they will ... perhaps they already have. Now, are you ready to return?

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
::looks around the bridge:: All: I've had enough of this place....lets get back....I expect our ship is there waiting for us.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::takes a deep breathe:: Guinan: Yes

CEO_Ens_Heller says:
::nods his agreement with the captain::

Host Guinan says:
ACTION: The crew detect the familiar strength in the CO's voice that has been missing for a while now ...

Host Guinan says:
CIV: I trust you'll use what I have said for the greater good?

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
CO: Captain, you decide where to

CIV_Cmdr_Maor says:
::Nods at her, he avoids eye contact with the rest of the crew as he waits for them to return::

Host CO_Capt_Harison says:
CSO: We'll return to where we were when this mess started.....right when I stole the gauntlet....

Host Guinan says:
::Smiles:: ALL: Done.

CSO_Cmdr_Gomes says:
::nods to the captain::

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: They all begin to fade away to where this all begun ... all but one, Doctor Jan Zaris. She remains behind ... but is content in her decision. Perhaps one day she'll return to the crew she has departed from ... perhaps one day ...

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: ... as they return to where they came from, they hear Guinan's voice, "You leave this place complete once again. Pieces you had thought lost are returned. Use them well. You all function best as one. You are explorers. You are the guardians of the innocent. You are heroes. Now ... remember."

Host FM_Selan says:
ACTION: And upon returning in a flash of light to the Research & Development station ... they remember what they were, and what they should be. And all is well.

Host FM_Selan says:
=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= End Mission =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= Begin Epilogue =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

The twilight of night on Andor, just before dawn.

Sarah has been wandering the beaches for the last hour, silently thinking to herself. She had learned from the crew that apparently they had undergone some amazing journey in the brief span of a few seconds that they had vanished. Some might not believe them, but Sarah did. Because there had been a distinct change in how they moved and spoke. David Harison was once again himself … the strong, confident man who took pride in his duty, and took life one light year at a time. But their “change” had come at a cost.

Jan Zaris.

The Elara’s Doctor had become the latest of the Elara’s senior crew to leave the ship for places unknown. First had come Mireille Ruskinara, then Jason Seppela, Jonathan Farewell, and Peter Pazoski. Joseph Timrok had taken a leave to attend to his dying mother, but he would come back … at least Sarah hoped he would. But now Jan, who had come to be the voice of sense and sensibility amongst the crew, was gone. Sarah had barely known her, but felt close nonetheless. Just like every single other member whom she felt she was the guardian of. 

Alexandra had assured her that Jan was well, that she had wanted to stay behind in the place they had gone to … the Nexus. Sarah had heard of the Nexus before, Algernon had made reference to it on more than one occasion. How ironic that it was there that the crew would face themselves and come out better for it. But there was something else … some secret that they learned there that they had yet to share with her. All in due time, she thought to herself. 

Hearing voices nearby, she slows … and then stops upon realizing who it is. 

Maor and his son … Shane Zaris. Stopping to listen to their conversation from behind the rock face they sit on, her heart leaps to her throat. Apparently Shane was going to become a child without parents … 

“So you have to go?” Shane asks, a calm yet sorrowed look on his face. Maor stares at the child that he had never come to truly accept as his son until recently in silence for a moment. Years ago he had been given custody of two children, and had failed as their father too. He had feared doing the same with Shane … so had given all responsibility to Jan. And now she was gone. And Maor had no idea if she would ever come back for the child she had never really accept. Damn you Aran for doing this to us … for doing this to him. “Yes,” he answers.

“Why?” he asks, the inquisitive look that he shared with his mother appearing in his eyes. Maor almost felt for a moment that Shane knew the answer, “There are people out there that need my help, Shane. I have information … I have things that I can provide them, and I need to go to them to help.” I just learned that the same omnipotent being who ransacked Starfleet Intelligence was responsible for bringing me and the other Elara senior crew back from the dead. And that’s only the BEGINNING of the mystery.

“Oh,” he responds, looking down, kicking his feet at the sand. On the horizon, the first hints of Andor’s sun rising appear. “I’m sorry,” Maor begins, placing a hand on Shane’s shoulder. Shane shakes his head, “No, don’t be. I know, you have responsibilities … things you have to do.” The way he said it instantly reminded him of his contact with the other Shane in the Nexus, and he winces. Would that future come true?

“Where will I stay?” 

“I’m going to work out something with someone on the Elara crew … I … don’t really trust other people you could stay with, and I feel you would be safest with them,” he explains. “Just for now. I might be able to work something out so you can come stay with me.” Shane smiles at that fact, and leans into Maor as he hugs him suddenly, “I’m glad you came back.” Maor holds Shane tightly for a moment, feeling a connection of family he has not for a while … and then stops, “What do you mean ‘came back’?” wondering if Shane knew somehow of what happened …

Without letting go of Maor, “You and the others left … me and Leia were trapped on that escape pod for so long, and were so long … and then you came back … and you rescued us. I missed you.” Maor did not bother asking him how he recalled anything of his life prior to the genetically engineered aging process, and just held his son … for now, that was all he cared about. Soon, he would be leaving … and perhaps may be leaving this all behind, forever.

Sarah watched them as the sun rose and the golden light illuminated them both as what they should be … father and son. With a tear to her eye, she turned and left … wondering about the mother …

***
In a place beyond time and space, the mother … Jan Zaris … was content at last. She had spent most of her life assuming that she was used and abused by many people and things. Whether they’re Starfleet … the Dominion … the Navar … or the Aegis, she thought herself the plaything of all. Despite the fact she was wrong, she did not care. She had left that all behind her … and in this place of perfection, where she could experience the perfect life she always wanted, something lingered in the back of her mind …

… taking a moment from a dinner with her father, she pushes into the lingering thoughts and images, wondering if they’re not only figments of her past, trying to haunt her. But then it hits her … this was what caused her to say those things to Maor earlier … What I hear? It’s the end of the universe … everything is meaningless … She had thought she meant something else at the time, but she learns she was wrong as images flash through her mind … of past and present … 

… the Bellicose Khanette and the Omega Fountain … the Bellicose Phoenix and Haydon, the sentient planet … and a future of darkness and despair … not of the Borg Collective conquering the Federation … not of the Romulans initiating some horrid plan … but of beings beyond aliens and beyond Q Continuums and beyond all they know coming and creating their own private hell … she sees the future, and she cringes.

And then the Nexus wipes her thoughts of that which terrifies her because it would affect the purpose of this place … which is happiness. And so Jan Zaris forgets the darkness to come that she saw … and perhaps that is for the best, no?

***

“Anyone want to explain why we’re here?” asks Shinar as he steps onto the bridge of the Gamleasian scout ship. Morosea Da, seated in the command chair sighs and rolls her eyes, “Orders, bucko.” “Whose orders?” he asks, already knowing the answer as he steps up to look at the viewscreen of the flashing lights of a class one nebula which used to be a class four, before them. “Why do you question my authority, again, Shinar?” asks the shadowed being from the darkness of the bridge. The Gamleasians obviously seem on edge at its presence …

Shinar is as well, but steels himself and turns. Morosea Da merely stares at the viewscreen as one of her subordinates reports, “We’re receiving a recorded warning from a buoy out there, it’s Starfleet.” Da smiles to herself, “You always know you’re in the right place at the right time when Starfleet is warning you away.” 

“It’s just I’m wondering why we’re coming here looking for the Aegis … I mean, you broke into Starfleet Intelligence and into that Nicodemian place looking for information, right? Don’t you have all you need?” Shinar continues his discussion with the being. “This is the last known area of Aegis operation. I hope to learn more of their whereabouts from here …” Shinar takes his tone as a hint to “shut up,” and does so … turning to look at the viewscreen where the remains of the Madtion / Leopold nebulae, the gathering of pure energy matter that served as a power source for the late Omega Fountain. 

“Lovely.”

=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= End Epilogue =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

This message includes a Star Trek: A Call To Duty mission transcript.
The transcript is for entertainment purposes only and cannot be
redistributed or copied.

Copyright (c) 2002 by Star Trek: A Call To Duty. All Rights Reserved.