Star Trek: A Call To Duty
U.S.S. Quirinus

DESTINYless
Six

Arc Title: Destinyless
Mission Number: 295
Creator: Christopher Dickinson (Based on Storyline by Michael Jones)
Ship Manager: Christopher Dickinson & Michael Jones
Stardate: 10409.13

Previously …

The Crew have arrived in an apparent new world (at first it didn't seem that, but more and more it's become more obvious) ... one where slavery is a cold, hard truth. A whole slave species has been bred and raised here for many centuries, and continue to be subjugated. The crew, sickened by this, have walked out on dinner with the Mayor. It is now the next morning.

Dramatis Personae 

Mitch Travis is Captain Sulek – Commanding Officer of the Quirinus, the Vulcan / Deltan Sulek has been a member of the ship since its launch. Since the beginning of this Journey, Sulek has slowly begun to act with emotion. This soon culminated with the beginning of his relationship with Admiral Sheridan. However, his love for Sheridan (and growing emotions) posed a danger to the crew, and he was forced to end the relationship and lock up his emotions once more. The results of this action led to the supposed suicide of Admiral Sheridan. Sulek may feel remorse and worse … but no one can tell. He is beyond such things as emotions now.

Keith LaHue is Commander Ben Pangborn – Executive Officer of the Quirinus, the Human Pangborn has been through a lot in his life time, but has recently come to terms with the tragedies of his past, and is now working to step forward in life. To help him on this Journey is his current love interest, Quirinus CTO, Lieutenant Cherry.

Jeffrey Brown is Lieutenant Commander Kraight – Chief Science Officer and Second Officer of the Quirinus, the Benzite Kraight may appear to less of a threat than expected, but his intelligence, cleverness, and wit have proven himself time and again to the Quirinus crew … and the foes they face.

Jane Rowley is Lieutenant Cherry – Chief Tactical Officer of the Quirinus, the human / Betazoid hybrid has come off as a distracted (mostly by clothing), opinionated, and flirtatious character whom not many may take seriously. That is their mistake. Cherry is a determined Starfleet Officer whose friendship with OPS Morgan is one of the many dedications she has onboard the Quirinus.

Cathy Campos is Lieutenant JG. Jade Morgan – Operations Manager of the Quirinus, the quiet Minaran has come to be a valued member of the Quirinus crew, having proven this with all the responses of the crew when she was feared to be dying. Now, Morgan has been blessed (or cursed?) with an amazing new gift: to see the auras of people, and as well as their pasts, presents, or futures.

Edward Selgas is Lieutenant JG. David Telarus – Chief Engineering Officer of the Quirinus, the human Telarus has revealed himself to be a clever and creative force onboard the ship. Often giving ideas and plans to help the crew through their endeavors, Telarus is a fountain of ideas. His relationship with the ship’s Doctor, Harriet Munro, was abruptly ended recently by her choice. Telarus’ subsequent beating given by the enigmatic Nero has not made his life any easier.

Erryn Pollock is Ensign Lance Wolverton – Tactical Officer of the Quirinus, the human Wolvington has proven himself quite capable in battle. The atypical paranoid security officer, Wolvington still has a lot to learn … and is doing so with the recent beginning of his relationship with engineer Erin Eisenhower.

Fiona Sorel is Ensign Harriet Munro – Chief Medical Officer of the Quirinus, the Kriosian / Human is a delicate, soft-spoken woman who has proven herself capable of looking out for the crew. She recently chose to end her months old relationship with the ship’s CEO David Telarus due to personal reasons.

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= Resume Mission =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The crew awaken, and that is when they realize they're in trouble.

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: They are dressed in rags, not the clothing they have acquired on their trip ... an annoying itch plagues their nick, but for some reason they cannot bring themselves to scratch it. They find themselves kneeling in dirt and rock ... cold darkness surrounding them.

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Faint lights come on around them, and they realize they're in a mine of sorts. Various Trillis City guards are standing nearby. 

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: As the crew comes to, they hear a familiar voice: "Well, about time you awoke.  Now get up..."

Host SM_Selan says:
RE-ACTION: What he said.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::eyes flutter open::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has a bad feeling about this, so decides not to open her eyes just yet::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::doesn't remember going to sleep::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to come to::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::gets up and sneezes at the smell of his clothes, looks around:: Hardin: What the hell happened?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::blinks wearily as she tries to focus her gaze::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks about, sees that they're prisoners, and rubs his hands together with the glee of impending violence::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::awakens and notes he was not where he went to sleep.  he hears that voice and slowly stands::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: rolls over, gets groggily to his knees ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::opens one eye cautiously::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
XO: What happened, my fair friend... is that you could not accept the world around you for what it is.  You seem to have a predisposition for trouble.. and troublemakers are dealt with swiftly here.

CMO_LtJG_Munro says:
::Pushes herself up not recalling falling asleep::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks down at the rags he is dressed in::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::snarls a bit::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks down at her clothing with her one open eye::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::looks around still a bit out of it, notices he is not in his clothes::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Hardin::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Eep!

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hardin: Talk about a lack of social grace! So we're your prisoners now?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::smells something musty and realizes that its them::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Looks over at the TO, and shakes his head from side to side... his hands are in his coat pockets... on a button they cannot see::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: manages to stand, unsteadily ::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::sighs with disgust as they have once again landed squarely on their backsides in manure::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Hardin: How surprising you have a lack for human rights so you go ahead and kidnap us, no surprise there.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
XO: I am simply your overseer.  You are prisoners of this world.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: You will take no action at this juncture.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::glares at Hardin, cycling through the first fifty ways to make him die painfully::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::but wisely holds still::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: So your world is not as you would have others see it?

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: Oh, please, let him try, Mister Sulek.  Allow him to experience the punishment, make an example of himself.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::takes a mental inventory of his person and clothing::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::accepts reality somewhat and opens the other eye::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: Aye sir.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: By the itch at the back of my neck, I would guess that more than our clothes have been changed.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sighs::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::attempts to stretch her legs and finds that she cannot move them::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: unable to stay on his feet... collapses back to his knees ::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::is somehow not surprised::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: My world is as people see.  This.. ::motions around himself:: .. well, this isn't really MY world.  It's YOUR world now, you see.  And you are correct, your clothes are not the only things different.

CMO_LtJG_Munro says:
::Looks at the bedraggled cloth and internally sighs::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: The things at the back of our neck…I believe they are the control devices that are preventing us from standing. Do you feel it too? ::quietly:: OPS: Check Hardin's aura if you can, and that of the crew as well

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at Hardin more closely, hoping to see his death in his near future::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::eyes the device on the back of a crewmate's neck::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::mutters to herself::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: A most likely assumption.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: My world?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::nods and does as ordered::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: And what world exactly is this?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::attempt to stand up straight::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Leans in close, to his side::  CO: This is your world.  Where you will live out the rest of your existence.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::glares at Hardin::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::gains grim satisfaction from his death in a few years as he chokes to death while stuffing his corpulent face::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Hardin: What is our purpose here?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wonders if all the "slaves" have these devices on them as well::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: I see.  A prison of sorts.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
XO: He is dark....not overtly evil...just a nasty individual. ::whispers::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CEO/CO: Labor, prison... yes... some of you will remain here... others of you, I have a special task for you... ::Looks behind the crew::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wishes she had a pointy stick or rock or something and could use her arms::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Labor!  I think not....

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::in spite of himself, looks where Hardin is indicating::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::continues:: XO: The crew is stressed, but unchanged..

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::tries to turn to see what is behind::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The sound of metal clunking against rock is heard ... and a figure emerges behind the crew.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Hardin: I wish to speak to you in private if possible, Mayor Hardin.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::deliberately does not look back, refusing to give him the satisfaction::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::hears the sound and reluctantly turns her head to look::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to feel worse and worse all over his body, possibly from his injuries::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks back::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::repeats what she had told him quietly::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: He is a tall, well built male. Armored shoulder pads grace red leather and cloth. The head is a thing of mystery ... half the "face" is a metal skull with dark, dank eyes. The other half, which is most likely flesh, is covered by red cloth ... hidden.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::gets an odd sense of Deja Vu::

Host Janus says:
::A cold hollow voice is heard, emanating from the metallic skull:: Hardin: You summoned, Mayor, I came. Are the ones I requested prepared?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wonders if that thing is supposed to be scary::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::hears the voice and finally turns::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::With a small bow::  Janus: They are ready.

CMO_LtJG_Munro says:
::Stares at the man a little uneasily::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Hardin: Mayor before you send us off I must speak with you sir.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::knows exactly where this is going::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at the man closely, hoping to read his aura::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::can't contain herself any longer::  Hardin:  You are one sick puppy, you know that?

Host Janus says:
Mayor: Thank you honored one. They will be punished accordingly. ::Raises his arm to shoulder level and points at the following one by one: CTO, CEO, CMO and OPS:: Rise.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::wonders what Telarus could have to say to Hardin?::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::bemused:: Janus: Let me guess. You're evil.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The four selected crewmembers find themselves uncontrollably standing up.

Host Janus says:
XO: No.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::glares at Janus::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Janus: Are you organic?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::stumbles to her feet::

Host Janus says:
XO: What is left is diseased, rotted. I have nothing more to say to you. ::Turns to the four selected:: CTO / CEO / CMO / OPS: Follow me.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The four selected follow Janus. 

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wishes she had some control over herself::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Reanimated dead guy from the looks of it.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at the crew briefly, refusing to allow her terror to show on her face::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Hardin: Sir please I need to speak with you! :: walks away under no control of his own::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: still trying to stand ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::studies Janus for a weakness as she follows involuntarily::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches as the four are taken away:: Pangborn: Something more...

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::cannot get a clear focus on Janus' aura, it seems fuzzy.....::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The left behind crew can only watch as their friends disappear into the darkness.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::really really wishes Wolverton were here.  If this guy has a weakness, he would find it::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Leads the four to a railway on which a small craft is waiting to take them::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@ All: Conflicted, troubled....unclear. ::whispered::

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: Sit. ::Gestures ... and they do so::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Ignores the CEO's cries::  CO/XO/CSO/TO: You four are mine... stand.  ::The four crew stand::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: A mechanical component also I'd guess. However I still think Hardin is the one to take out of we get the chance ::quiet::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@CEO:  Well.. your the ranking officer.  Do something.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::doesn't resist, saving his energy for a better opportunity::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Sits in the driver's seat, presses a few buttons and waits for them all to board::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: stumbles, then straightens as Hardin gives the command ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: There is a myth about Janus, if only I could recall...something about two faces...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: I can't I am in no control as probably are you.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: You obviously have a control unit for our implants.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::standing::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::takes her seat unwillingly::

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: You are not a family. ::The craft begins moving::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@CEO:  How about a brilliant plan then?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::finds the neuromuscular control surprisingly smooth, causing him to wonder further about the overall technology level here...or if these devices are of foreign origin::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CSO: It matter not, really.  As you will not find a way to take control.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: Let me think.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Family?  What's that got to do with anything?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at him curiously:: Janus: A family? As is blood relatives?

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: I have observed you, watched you work and study the town. You are a unit. An organized group. Which of you is the tactician? 

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO/XO/CSO/TO: This way... ::Walks behind them::  You will be milling for precious metals.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::says not a word::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@ ::feels a trickle of unease at his words::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: No doubt you are correct. Your technology is obviously quite sophisticated.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@ Janus: We are a family, not by blood but by desire. A simple group of travelers.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::sweats a little:: Sulek: Brute force isn't going to work here. Any ideas?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: Janus was a Roman god.

Host Janus says:
@ OPS: Lies. I do not appreciate lies.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Rubs his thumb::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: An electrical surge rushes through OPS.

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: You are anything but simple.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::notices Janus' gesture::

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: The tactician will reveal itself or more harm will be dealt.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Patience, Commander.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  I'm the tactician.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::glances at the captain:: CO: The god of change and new beginnings.

Host Janus says:
@ ::The cold hard voice sounds almost as if something is smiling, yet the metal skull reveals nothing:: CTO: You are?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::flinches but doesn't cry out::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: That hasn't ever been my strong suit :: forced smile ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::grins::  Janus:  Surprise!

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: The four left with Hardin are taken to an area where they are equipped with mining tools, and set upon a slab of rock.  Hardin stands well behind.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::feels a cold anger begin to grow within herself.::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: This I know, but we must wait for the time and opportunity.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::stands there with the tools, planning to only do precisely as instructed, knowing that Hardin will eventually get bored and leave::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The craft rushes on, in the distance, they can see light.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO/CMO/OPS: Don't say anything, Janus has a job to do I don't think he appreciates if we speak to him while he is doing his job. ::winks to all of them indicating the deception::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::gives the CEO a very odd look::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: There wait we will

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::hefts the weight of a sledge in his hands::

CMO_LtJG_Munro says:
@ ::Decides not to nod::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: You are. Yet you do not seem like the tactician. You seem like a foolish young woman who has chosen to take a job she cannot handle.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::guesses the CO wasn't really interested in knowing about Janus after all::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Hah!  Shows how smart you are.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::thinks the CEO should be careful not to get in over his head::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::winces at Cherry's words::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::contemplates Wolverton's information:: Wolverton: Most gods had a fault, do you recall this Janus'?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::strikes down on the rock with the sledge::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: Not really. He had two faces, one clean-shaven and representing the sun, one bearded and representing the moon.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::wonders if this Janus thing have any emotions whatsoever::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Allows the crew to move under their own control... the power still rests with him, though::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: I know much. I see no warrior in you. I see nothing of danger. I see a failure.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::thinks Janus is going to pay for that remark eventually::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Yeah well... looks can be deceiving.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: Light and Dark...good and evil...two sides of the same coin.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: Come now, Captain.  Is that the best you can think of to talk about?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::lets the weight of the sledge hit the rock, familiarizing himself with its heft::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I’m beginning to feel what I think is voluntary control. Though I know it cannot last, and is not complete

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The craft arrives in a massive, bathed in light cavern ... a massive city-like fortress lies on the cavern floor.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: You seemed impressed by this being.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::shakes head:: CO: No, not really good and evil.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks around silently::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::wonders what this is all about::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins hammering away at the rock with his sledge ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: He was revered, not feared.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@CEO:  Well.. how's the brilliant escape plan coming along?

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: Can you prove otherwise?

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: He is impressive.  Your crewmates will learn such.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@Janus: What is our purpose with you versus our comrades with the Mayor?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::strikes the rock again:: Wolverton: then perhaps a mockery of the original.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::narrows her eyes::  Janus:  Is that a challenge?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@CTO: Careful, Cherry.

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: Yes. 

Host Janus says:
@ ::The craft glides down the railway toward the floor, and comes to a halt::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: Or perhaps only some aspects. Or more likely, no more similarity than the two faces.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Exits the craft:: ALL: Exit.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: Quite true.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::suddenly realizes that he may be sounding a bit more intelligent and educated than he generally intends::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels the weight of the pick in his hands::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns to look at Hardin::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::is too angry to be frightened::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::sighs as she stands and walks out as instructed::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Dead stare back at the CO::

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: Release. 

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::swings again:: CO: You know, sir, I did used to compete in hammer throw back in school.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::follows Janus' instructions::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The four with Janus suddenly feel they have free reign of their bodies again.

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: Assault me.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::then moves to the other side of the rock where he is in direct line with Hardin::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@ ::feels the control come back into her body and stumbles::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Stands there::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks surprised::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::whispers:: @CTO: I will wait until I know I can obtain the tools I need to stage our "vacation".

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: an interesting idea.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::happily clenches her fists::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@Janus: Are you serious?

Host Janus says:
@ ALL: I do not make jokes. CTO: You wished to prove you were a tactician. Prove it.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::mutters something under her breath about freaks and weirdoes::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looks Janus over carefully::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::quietly:: Wolverton: You will have only one chance.  Wait, I will try to distract him.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@All: And then he just beats us to a pulp.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::takes one more light swing with the hammer, now quite confident he has a good handle on its weight::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::whispers::  CEO:  I'll engage him. You get the others way from here.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods to Sulek::

Host Janus says:
@ OPS: Excellent observation. CTO: Perhaps she should be the tactician instead of a shallow pool such as you?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::puts up her fists in a boxer stance and dances around a bit::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: continues working on the rock face... working his way away from the others, putting Hardin between him and his crewmates ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CTO: I have a bad feeling about that plan, but do you feel it can be done, they have a device that could incapacitate us.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Cherry: Please....he's just trying to keep you off balance.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: You look tired, perhaps if you were to momentarily rest your hand on the rock, where I am about to strike. Do you understand?

Host Janus says:
@ ::Stares at the woman bouncing around with the empty socket of his metallic skull::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Your momma!  ::runs up and kicks him viciously in the groin::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Cherry: We can't win...he controls our bodies.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Yes, I am tired ::put his hand on the rock::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO/OPS: Let's move over here ::gets a brainstorm:: I want to watch the fight over here. ::motions behind Janus::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: CLANK! The CTO's foot connects with something metallic.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Looks down at her foot::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@All:  Ouch!  ::hops around clutching her foot::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::winces as she watches::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins to falter... falls to one knee ::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Looks at her foot:: CTO: What was the point of that? 

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::lifts his hammer and strikes down close to the XO's hand but not actually hitting it::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@All: He's heavily plated obviously.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks over at Sulek and Pangborn ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:;recoils as it hit, holding his hand:: All: ARrrrggggggg

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Why don't you take the armor off if your so confident?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::waits for Hardin's eyes to dart over, then performs a fast half spin to throw the hammer at Hardin...hard....wishing he could have had at least two rotations::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: Now....Pangborn: Ben, I am terribly sorry, are you all right.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::runs to Janus and knees him in the lower back and grabs what looks like a side pouch::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Crosses his arms at the yell, but doesn't run::  CO: Come now, injuring him will only speed up his death...

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::thinks that this is going very badly::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: Why are you a failure? A proper tactician would have never gotten to this situation. You are merely a frightened little girl, hiding behind a facade. ::Grabs her by her throat and lifts her::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: No, I'm not. It hurts like hell ::looks at Hardin::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Collapses on one knee with the CTO still in his hand::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The CTO is choking.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Oooh... scary....

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks the hammer seems to be taking FOREVER to get to Hardin::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: throws his sledge at Hardin's knees ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::chokes::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: Wait! Please! Let her go. We have done you no harm.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Looks at the hammer in the air and causes their muscles to stop working... the CSO falls over in mid-swing::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::freezes::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::kicks wildly::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: drops like a stone ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::then collapses::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: If you wanted to kill us, you could have done it before now. If you are trying to teach us a lesson, you have done so. What more do you want from us? ::eyes are glowing with anger::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: Hardin is unable to move out of the way in time, and his skull is crushed in by the TO's throw.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::tries to twist out of his grasp::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
TO: Good job!

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::without missing a beat, rushes over to grab the controller::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::assuming he can::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::considers the situation as she waits for Janus’ response::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: Pick on someone your own size.

Host Janus says:
@ OPS: Not from you. Her. ::Nods to the CTO, and releases her to the ground. Stands up:: 

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::then hopes the hammer falls from his crushed skull and lands on it....maybe::

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: I am not interested in you. 

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  So what?  You are bigger than me and armored.  What does that prove?

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: One does not need to be even in strength or size to win in battle.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: And we aren't interested in you. So, I guess we're stuck with each other, no?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: Errr...now what, sir?

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: I wish to offer a deal.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::looks at the control device and tries to decipher it::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Oh yeah?  Like what?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::holds her breath::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: I am now at a loss...perhaps he will have a death spasm that will give us back our control.

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: Please return that.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: As Hardin's body hits the ground, the earth begins to shake slightly.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Holds out his hand:: CTO: The freedom of you and your unit.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: I don't think so.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  In exchange for what?

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: That is all I have left of my son. Return it now.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
SELF: That's not a good sign.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::feels the earth move:: All: Well this is unexpected.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looks over at the CEO::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::freezes at his words::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::out of ideas, tries an old Yoga meditation::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: Then get these things off of us that are controlling us, now start with the her. ::points to the CMO::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@CEO: Give it to him, Sir. We didn't come here to cause others pain.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: Or I swear you will never see this again.

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: You care for her.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Doesn't even have to nod at the CMO::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: As the shaking increases, the floor begins to crack.  Small bits of debris fall around the away team.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::thinks the CEO is playing a very dangerous game::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: In exchange for you engaging me in a planned assault. 

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Looks like were stuck like this for the time being

Host Janus says:
@ ::Stares at the CEO::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Planned assault?  I thought I was too stupid to plan anything?

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: You wanted to prove me wrong.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ ::denies his feelings:: Janus: No she is one of my crew members I am responsible for all of them, ::gets an evil tone:: NOW DO IT!

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::starts an old chant that he'd nearly forgotten...worth a try::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: You haven't yet. But perhaps there's a glimmer of hope ... perhaps not.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: Would she live through it?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::lies unable to move:: Pangborn: Now we must once again be patient.

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: I will kill her. Return it.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: A large crack appears, and heads right for the four crewmembers... each one is in turn swallowed by the darkness....

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Your on.  CEO:  Give him back his thingy.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he falls away::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::starts having a little trouble meditating::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: You wouldn't because you want this back, and you won't if you do.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: tumbles into the abyss ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::falls into eternity:::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: Get the control chips out of us now!

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::sighs::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: The four fall through darkness... but something feels familiar about it.  There is no fear of death as they fall into a large, well lit room.

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: I will lament the loss of it. Not as you will mourn her death. ::Points at the CMO::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::waits for the CMO to be smote by a bolt from beyond::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::lying on the floor::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
INFO: The room is gigantic, and stretches for miles.  There are silver, streamlined machines everywhere, and bank upon bank of computer screens - all offline.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::starts to think all of this may be illusory::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::takes a flying leap at Janus::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: Please.....she is an innocent. If he wont give it back....kill him, not her.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::glares at the CEO::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::joins the CTO in attack::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::turns the machines on::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::grabs a rock and smashes it into his sternum::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::leans against the wall and crosses her arms::

Host Janus says:
@ ::A crunch is heard, and Janus doubles ... then punches out at the CEO in a certain spot::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The CEO is struck in an area injured by Nero earlier, he crumbles himself.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::tries to get a grip on his neck::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: lands hard, but doesn't break anything... he thinks... ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::throws the device to the OPS:: OPS: Under no circumstances do you give it to him ::falls back:: That's an order!

Host Janus says:
@ ::Stands up, with the CTO clinging at his neck:: CTO: You are not impressing me.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: manages to twitch a finger ::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::catches the device::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::lets go::  Janus:  I was just trying to same my ::almost chokes on the word:: superior officer over there.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain... I think I can move again...

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::has some feeling return::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::gets up and dust himself off noticing his injury but tries to ignore it and puts himself into a martial arts position::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Self: Just peachy.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::smiles winningly at Janus::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wiggles his fingers and toes a bit::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: I understand. You can lower yourself to the floor now.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: gets to his knees for the second time that day ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::cracks his neck:: Sulek: That’s an affirmative. We're free for the time being

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight:  So it would seem. ::sits up and looks at the computers.::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: Put her down, please.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands shakily ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  How about you and me go for a drink and discuss this further?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: Maybe we should first check on removing these control devices?

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: I am offering a chance to win your freedom. Instead you take impractical actions against me which endanger that, and the one you love. You are foolish. And bear injuries which suggest your foolishness has cost you much recently. Learn your lesson.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: I will....take care of your son's remains, I promise. Just please...let them go.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: A most unpleasant experience, having no control of one's own body.

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: They will be de-activated once you trustfully agree to my terms.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: This would appear to be a some sort of control center.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CSO: In some schools of philosophy, we never have any control over our own actions.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Alrighty.  Whatever you say, big boy.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises, at first unsteadily and crosses slowly to one of the banks::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Stands, waiting for the CTO to let go of his neck and lower herself down::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at Janus' eye holes and wonders what happened to his soul::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@Janus: These injuries are the result of an apparent immortal life form beating the ever living life force out of me. After I stuck a knife into him and gutted him he still was able to nearly kill me.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@drops down and looks at Janus fetchingly::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks around :: XO: I agree. The question is, what does it control?

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: If he is immortal why did you battle him? 

Host Janus says:
@ CEO: It does not make sense.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::has to agree with that one::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::feels for the device on the back of his neck::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO/TO/CO: Turning it on had no effect. Maybe I hit the wrong button.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ Janus: He was still going to injure me, it is the human nature to fight even if it is a foolish attempt to save our life, that and I didn't know until he told me mid-fight.

Host Gateway says:
::Speaks in a booming voice from... somewhere...::  CO: Greetings, Captain Sulek of the Quirinus.  It is a pleasure to see you again.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: Because mortals act stupidly at times.

Host Janus says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= Pause Mission =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=