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

DESTINYless
Conclusion

Arc Title: Destinyless
Mission Number: 297
Creator: Christopher Dickinson (Based on Storyline by Michael Jones)
Ship Manager: Christopher Dickinson & Michael Jones
Stardate: 10409.27

Previously …

The Crew have come to what may be the end of their Journey. Captain Sulek and a portion of the crew were separated, and stumbled upon what seems to be a control core of the Gateway. Stack 980511, a name they heard back in the world of the Aquati, seems to be responsible for the formation of the Construct.

The Construct is what the crew has been traveling through for the last nine months. It seems to be an artificially constructed series of worlds as part of some sort of ... experiment. The seeds of life planted on them and allowed to grow. But for what reason? And by whom? And how does the Nero fit into it? Hopefully, these questions can be answered.

Meanwhile, CTO Cherry and her group have been hurled into conflict with a mysterious foe named Janus who seems determined to engage her in tactical conflict and prove her mettle.

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.

=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= RESUME MISSION =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Sulek steps out into the room so that the guards descending on ropes can see him, ready to roll out of the way if they decide to shoot::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looking closely at the power generator thingie::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::trys to remain hidden::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he watches as the others take up more tactical positions::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Guards finish repelling into the massive command center. They cover their eyes briefly, squinting at the bright lights.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Guard One> ::Whips around with some sort of rusty rifle, pointing at the CO:: CO: Don't move a step!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: ducks behind a console, hoping he wasn't noticed by the descending guards ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stepping forward to make sure they see him and not the others::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::is losing hope of finding a clearly marked "off" switch::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Above Stack 980511, another group of guards shove the junior officers ... Eisenhower, Rio, Beldaur, Grainger, and Neet (in a tiny cage) over.

Host OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::settles back on her heels with a sigh of frustration::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::searches around for a control panel or something::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::gets pushed against the cage bars and knocked to the cage floor::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sees that they are clearly outnumbered:: Guard 1:  You seem puzzled.  Were you expecting a larger force?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at the item in her hand with a sigh as she tries to figure out if there was a way to restore Janus' child to him::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
:;reaches up:: Rio: Give me a hand up will you?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::circles around the room examining it carefully::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::trying to convince all the guards to focus on him::

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Guards fan out slowly and cautiously. Two approach the CO warily.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Guard One> CO: Get down! Where are the others?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: whispers :: Gateway: Gateway... do you have self-defense mechanisms in this stack?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looking for a control panel on the generator thingie::

Host SM_Selan says:
<Ens. Rio> ::Rolls eyes and helps the EO up:: EO: You can't count on your boy-toy to save your hide every time you're in trouble. You have to look out for yourself.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks surprised as she sees a path that she hadn't noticed before::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@ ::nearly stumbles over a bunch of knobs and levels on the floor as she walks around the room::

Host The_Gateway says:
THERE ARE SELF DEFENSE MEASURES. BUT I CANNOT TAKE ANY ACTION AGAINST INHABITANTS OF THE CONSTRUCT.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: still whispering :: Gateway: Can you create illusory forces to scare these guards away? Perhaps some large creature from their world, that they fear?

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: The Guards are startled by the booming voice. One of them falls and opens fire with his weapon. Bullets of a sort ricochet off a computer. No one is hit.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::frowns:: Rio: You're just jealous!  ::pulls herself up and tries to find room::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard One> ::Shouts at the Guard who fired::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::examines the settings of the knobs and stuff trying to make sense of it all::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Ens. Rio> ::Harumphs::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::cautiously looks around, and not seeing anyone, tries to get a better look at it::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::would kill for a tricorder right about now::

Host The_Gateway says:
CSO: I CANNOT TAKE ANY ACTION AGAINST THE INHABITANTS OF THE CONSTRUCT.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::stares down through the bottom of the cage:: All: Ok so how do we get out of this mess?

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: The faint lights in the Citadel flicker on and off as the CTO tinkers with the power systems.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::motions for the CMO to keep looking busy::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Gateway: The inhabitants of the construct are being harmed. They are currently being held in a cage above us. Can you free them so they suffer no further harm ::quietly::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::notes which setting caused the flickering::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: thinks furiously ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stands up having thrown himself on the ground from being fired at::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::doesn't see anyone around and thinks the path looks promising::

Host The_Gateway says:
COMMANDER PANGBORN, YOU ARE NOT AN INHABITANT OF THE CONSTRUCT. NEITHER ARE ALL BUT ONE OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE CAGE. TO FREE THE ONE IN THERE WOULD BE TO AFFECT AN INHABITANT. I CANNOT DO THAT. NOT EVEN TO SAVE THEM.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::cautiously turns some knobs::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard One> ::Aims at the CO:: CO: Stay down! And stop the speaking!

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: The power slowly goes out throughout the Citadel.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::is in the dark, and not too impressed with her lack of foresight::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods his assent::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::feels her way along the wall for a door::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::pushes past Rio and the others and pulls on the cage bars:: All: Well, you might look for a way out people, sheesh!

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@:: wonders if she can find the others and get down the path before Janus returns::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over at where Kraight has concealed himself::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::calmly:: Gateway: Tell me your primary purpose again. I forget easily ::ploy to get the Gateway to speak again::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::still feeling her way around in the dark::

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: OPS sees a familiar glow down the path.

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: Cherry finds a door with a rusty hole.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::thinks maybe she found a door.  Notes a bit of light coming through a hole in it::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: The Guards are looking up and around, and not around and down where the other crew are hiding.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::raises his hand for permission to speak:: Guard 1: You are not from the stack and therefore out of the construct.  ::knowing that the guard will make no sense of this but hoping the Gateway will::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::walks down the path a bit and sees that it is a rune imbedded in the wall::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard One> CO: Quiet!

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::tries to pull the door open::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::reaches up and into her hair searching for a hairpin:: All: This may work if we can reach the lock.

Host The_Gateway says:
<CPO Beldaur> <W> EO: Do you wish me to try? ::The Bolian steps forward::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Squeaks at their feet::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::sees that the run is hers and looks at it carefully::

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: With a large creak, the rusty door slowly moves open ... revealing a long path in which lanterns hang. 

Host The_Gateway says:
THEY ARE OF THE MATTER OF THE CONSTRUCT. THEY ARE FROM THE STACK. WHAT DO YOU SPEAK OF, CAPTAIN SULEK?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::grins:: Beldaur: Well you might be able to get to it. Here take this. ::hands him the hairpin::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::is surprised to see lanterns.  Cautiously steps out of the room::

Host The_Gateway says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Looks at the guards who are looking down into the hole, and slowly reaches for the lock. He can hold it, but can't get the pin in:: EO: Ugh ... it's ... too ... far.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::wonders how the heck she's supposed to find Janus.  Wishes again she had a tricorder::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::instead visualizes the schematics of the place::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::wonders if she should try to touch it::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::sighs:: Beldaur: Keep trying but watch out for the guards.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: whispers :: Gateway: Gateway... do you have recordings of a great disaster, like a war or plague or something similar, from the world these guards inhabit? Something they will recognize from their history?

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::The tiny creature squeaks at the EO::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::whispering, almost to self:: Gateway: But they are out of their construct in the stack. They do not belong here in the stack.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::thinks she has a vague idea of where she is, but has no idea where to head to.  Wishes she were empathic or telepathic or something::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Images fill the screens of death and destruction. Buildings being washed away by tsunamis, houses collapsing into fire.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: jumps atop the nearest console ::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
Beldaur: Hold that thought a moment. ::bends down and smiles at Neet as she crooks her finger, hoping Neet will get the message::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Squeaks and hops up and down, staring at the EO and her finger::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard Three> ::Sees movement and opens fire::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Bullets miss the CSO and ricochet off the walls, nearly striking the TO.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: shouting now :: Guards: I AM THE GUARDIAN OF FOREVER! I HOLD THE FATE OF YOUR WORLD IN MY HANDS! SEE THE DESTRUCTION I WROUGHT UPON YOUR KIND BEFORE? YOU WILL SUFFER FAR WORSE UNLESS YOU LEAVE MY ABODE AT ONCE!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: gestures grandly at the screens ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::raises his eyebrow...an interesting bluff::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: The Guards are dumbfounded by the imagery. They back into each other, staring around. 

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@:: walks closer to the wall::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::looks up:: Rio: Keep the guards distracted.  ::turns back to see where Neet is and motions to him to come::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard One> ALL: W-w-what is this?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::blinks as the particulates waft into his eyes::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::recalls a large room from the schematics.  Starts heading towards what she hopes is that direction::

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: The outlines of a possible door are in the wall. OPS can almost tell a door is supposed to form. But it is not ready.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: still shouting :: Guards: IT IS THE END OF YOUR WORLD, UNLESS YOU LEAVE AT ONCE! GO! GO BEFORE MY WRATH DESCENDS UPON YOU ALL!

Host The_Gateway says:
<Ens. Albert Rio> ::Calls out to the Guards:: Guard Nine: Your mother, D'tania, will die of the Elderburn plague in a year. 

Host The_Gateway says:
<Ens. Albert Rio> Guard Nine: Just like your father.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Great Guardian, send them unarmed.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::listening intently::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard Nine> ::Swerves to look at Rio from the hole where the other Guards are looking at their teammates and the view screens:: Rio: Shut your mouth! ::Storms over::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::uses the opportunity to rush the guards and attempt to grab one of the firearms::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: shouts :: Guards: DROP YOUR WEAPONS! DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND FLEE BEFORE MY ANGER!

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard Three> ::Turns and sees the XO and cries out in fear, being tackled::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sees the commander coming:: Guards: He comes, flee for your lives

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: louder still :: GO!

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard Four> ::Hears Guard Three scream, drops his weapon and runs for the rope::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard One & Two> ::Turn and start firing wildly::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::tries to grab a firearm:::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Bullets strike and kill Guard Five.

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard Nine> ::Hears weapons fire, turns and runs over to the hole::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: steps from one console to the next, approaching the guards menacingly ::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::grabs the hairpin back from Beldaur and holds it out for Neet to see:: Neet: See, pretty?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: shouting :: Guards: GO!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rising he leaps for guards one and two grabbing them at a familiar juncture in their necks::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::fires at one of the guards::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard Six & Seven> ::See Five get eviscerated by bullets, figure it's the fault of the Blue creature approaching them. A slave gone mad. They run for the ropes as well::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Guard Two gets cut down.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::lunges out, aiming to tackle one at the ankles::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::nods as she realizes that their time here is almost done::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Guard One gets tackled by the TO.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::keeps moving through the gloom, her razor sharp boomerang held out defensively before her::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::rolls into the impact, flipping over to bring his elbow into the guard's throat::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Guard One> ::Chokes as he's held on the ground::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rolling out of the way as the TO approaches, he looks up to see the guards scurrying up the rope::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::continues to wave the hairpin at Neet: Neet: Come and get the pretty pin Neet.

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: The Guards around the hole start firing down, trying to give cover fire for the ones climbing up. Bullets start ricocheting all over the place in the Stack.

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Gets the pin from the EO::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::fires at the guards::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he quickly rolls yet again out of  the wild fire of the guards::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: jumps down to avoid the ricochets ::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: A bullet grazes the XO's arm.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::tries to come up with some sort of plan for disabling Janus if and when she finds him::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::grabs Guard One's gun once he has incapacitated him::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::continues to ponder the question of a two sided coin, a man divided....good versus evil.......when suddenly, she senses a presence.::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::fires again::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::takes Neet's hand and leads him over to the lock:: Neet: See that big lock? Now I'll give you that pin if you can open the lock. Just put the pin in......::imitates the action:: and turn it. Understand?

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Another guard is struck as he's climbing up, he falls down to the ground dead. The last ones escape into the hole. 

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::is coming up empty-headed as she continues on her way through the corridors::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: Once the Guards are up and away, they run past the cage ... retreating and leaving the crew trapped in the cage.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: peers over a console at the hole through which the guards vanished ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands there bleeding:: All: Is it over? ::looks around::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Nods and squeaks at the EO. If she could speak Neet's language, she'd hear - "What lady, do you think I'm stupid? Sheesh Neet hops through the bars and climbs up to the lock::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO, XO: Great Maker! It worked...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::plants last couple of explosives and places in detonator::

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: The CTO comes to another door.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at Pangborn :: XO: You're hurt, sir.

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: OPS sees a figure cross the entrance of the path she took out of the Citadel area.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::pauses at the door thinking this might be it::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::blurry:: CSO: Good job Blue

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: tears a strip from his tunic and begins binding Pangborn's wound ::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
All: I hope this works. ::waits patiently for Neet to do his thing::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at the figure closely::

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Holds and sticks the pin into the lock, picking at it::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: It was all I could think of.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sees the guards flee:: Wolverton: Up the rope. ::Looks over at Pangborn and sees the blood:: Kraight:  See to the Commander's wound.  ::moves over to collect one of the ancient fire arms::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO: So, are we taking the ropes up?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::moves her boomerang into throwing position, tucks her taser whip under the other arm and pulls at the door::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::saw a flash of white and little else::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Sit down, sir. You may be going into shock.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::decides to follow::

Host The_Gateway says:
EXCELLENT WORK, CAPTAIN SULEK. I CAN UNDERSTAND HOW MOST OF YOUR CREW MADE IT THIS WAY.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CO/Self: Ah...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:sits:: CSO: I'm okay

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: A troublesome creak is heard as the CTO opens the door.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::runs toward exit point to initiate the detonation::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::starts climbing the sturdiest-looking room, without using his legs, naturally::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: You'll be better after a bit of rest.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::wonders if these guys ever heard of WD40.  Pulls harder::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
Neet: That's it....just a little more...

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: I will cover you from here and follow as soon as you're sure the area is secured.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Show us our crewmates on the surface, please.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Gateway: They are not without their resources.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::between light huffs:: CO: Understood. ::scaling quickly::

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: There is a CLACK! and the lock unlocks and drops to the ground.

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: The view screens show images of the junior officers in the cage, Lieutenant Cherry barely lit as she opens the door, Lt. Jg. Morgan as she walks down the path, Lt. Jg. Munro looking as though she is sleeping somewhere, and Lt. Telarus running for an exit.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::starts to clap:: Neet: You did it! ::pushes the door open and rushes out and grabs Neet and snuggles him:: My hero!

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Squeaks in triumph as he is hugged::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::cautiously steps into the room, ready for anything::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::when he reaches the top, holds himself up with one hand so he can have the gun ready in the other while he looks on the surface::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
:;turns to the others:: All: Well, c'mon, let's move it.

Host The_Gateway says:
ACTION: The cave area appears empty to the TO, except for the fellow junior personnel.

Host The_Gateway says:
<Neet> ::Squeaks at the TO popping his head up through the hole::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::gets a funny, tickly feeling as if she was being watched, but ignores it and continues walking::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::rubs his head:: Sulek: What now?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::reaches the exit from the Citadel and starts to head out the tunnel::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Commander, rest.  We will need to be traveling soon, I think.  Kraight: Continue to see if you can access the Stack.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::smiles as she sees the TO:: TO: Well hi there.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
ALL: Everybody ok up here? ::tucks the gun back into his waist and pulls up the rest of the way::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Your experiment has been contaminated by an unforeseen variable. The intruder, known to us as the Black and White Man or Nero, is neither an invited guest nor an inhabitant of the Construct. His actions skew the outcome. The results will not be valid. End this experiment now, and return our crewmates to us.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::calling up:: Wolverton: What do you see?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::smiles back:: EO: Hi.

Host The_Gateway says:
CSO: THE EXPERIMENT CONTINUES WITHIN PARAMETERS.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::calls down:: CO: Eisenhower, Rio, Beldaur, and Grainger are up here. No sign of hostiles.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looks around the room::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: Nice of you to drop in. ::moves closer::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: Get them down here.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes head :: Self: Maker preserve us from willful AI's...

Host The_Gateway says:
@ ACTION: The CTO is greeted by a massive, empty room, which is lit by torches. Janus stands alone in the center.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::runs to the tent::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: The CMO is seemingly sleeping on the ground of the tent.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: Actually, I climbed up. ::still smiling::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looks at Janus.  Janus:  Hi there, big guy.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::gets up and looks at the monitor with Cherry on it::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: Don't forget Neet.......he's our rescuer.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::wonders where the mystery person went::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::enters the tent and looks around for the CTO:: CMO: Where is Lt Cherry?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: Is he, now?

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: OPS is not in the tent. The CMO lies on the ground, sleeping.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
ALL: Any injuries? Interesting information?

Host Janus says:
<Neet> ::Squeaks at the TO::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::doesn't see anyone but knows that someone is watching her::

Host Janus says:
<FCO Grainger> TO: Everyone seems to be fine.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: And where is Lt Morgan?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: We were discussing your architecture earlier. Did your makers provide emergency controls of any kind?

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: CMO doesn't respond as SHE IS ASLEEP.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: We're fine, just a few bruised egos. ::laughs::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods:: CO: Your orders, sir?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: Harriet wake up.

Host Janus says:
<Gateway>: CSO: I AM THE CONTROL

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Wolverton: Bring them down here.

Host Janus says:
@ ::A smile can be heard:: CTO: Greetings. I'm pleased to see you could make it. ::Brandishes a circular, barbed weapon:: Are you ready?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::does a quick inspection of the ropes, then pulls his gun out to cover their descent:: ALL: You heard the man...

Host Janus says:
<CMO Munro> @ ::Comes to slowly::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: What happens if you fail, or are damaged beyond your capacity for self-repair?

Host Janus says:
<Gateway> THEN I AM REPAIRED

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::grins::  Janus:  Ready when you are.  ::brandishes her handy dandy razor sharp boomerang and wishes she had some experience throwing them::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::is getting worried about Cherry::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: By whom?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::looks down:: TO: Long way down.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::begins circling her opponent::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Starts running at the CTO. He's not very quick, but the thumping on the ground indicates a heavy attacker::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
Rio: Lead the way.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::shrugs:: EO: Not bad...only took me a minute to climb.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Comes to a stop as the CTO starts circling::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stares at the monitor::

Host Janus says:
<Ens. Rio> ::Sighs, and imagines the TO trying to shoot him, starts to climb down::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::moves her taser ship to her left hand and runs in for a quick flick::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: ZRANK! The laser whip strikes Janus. He winces, and the smell is burnt metal floats though the air.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
Beldaur: Next.....::looks over at Lance and smiles::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: BY MY CREATORS

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::jumps back and resumes circling::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::smiles back at her::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Then they still exist. Do they inhabit the Construct?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::wonders just where she is heading::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: A whistling fills the air, and before the CTO knows it, she has been struck by Janus' own boomerang. Her blood splashes the ground as the weapon returns to him.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The CTO's fight can be seen on the monitors in the stack.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::gasps::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
Grainger: Looks like you're up.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::just stares at the monitor, never feeling so helpless::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::retakes her stance::  Janus:  Nice shot.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CMO: Where is everyone?

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: It wasn't hard to make. Your form is pathetic. 

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Looking over at the monitors:: Wolverton: A little alacrity would be appreciated.

Host Janus says:
<CMO Munro> @ CEO: I-I ... I don't ... know. There was a voice ...

Host Janus says:
<FCO Grainger> ::Begins to climb down::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::resumes circling and grits her teeth as she recalls in theory how to throw a boomerang::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Rushes the CTO::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::moves to the rope next:: TO: You will be right behind me right?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::rushes everybody else down, using all the ropes::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::throws her boomerang and dances backwards::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: still working on the control panels while he converses with the Gateway... still hoping to stumble upon something they can use ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: Absolutely. Get going. ::smiles::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: Lt Cherry must still be inside and the OPS well she has a lot of impulse and nerve to just leave you here against orders.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::Decides to look fro Cherry::

Host Janus says:
@ ::The cloth covering the apparent non-metal skull part of him flutters as he moves::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::starts down the rope hanging on for dear life::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: CLANG! The boomerang bounces off another metal part of him and hits the dirt, rolling past the CTO, but not too quickly.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::wonders if the CEO has gotten himself killed yet::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: A cry is heard. The FCO slips from his grasp and plummets to the ground. THUD!

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::reaches down to grab the boomerang taking care to avoid the sharp edge::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: NO.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::climbs onto the other free rope and puts one turn of rope loosely around his leg, clutching another part with his elbow, and doing a quick slide down::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus: Are you a man or a machine?  :resumes circling::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::reaches the bottom:: TO: I made it!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: But you can contact them in time of need?

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The FCO lies twitching on the ground, moaning in pain.

Host Janus says:
<CPO Beldaur> CO: Captain Sulek! ::Calls out to everyone as he runs over to the fallen FCO::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::takes out the life force container and sees if she can figure out a way to access its contents::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moving to the FCO and kneeling:: FCO: Can you hear me? ::begins to feel the body for broken bones::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> I DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT THEM.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::standing next to her:: EO: There was never any question.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::readies her taser whip::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Gateway: I would suggest that you re-establish continuity on the ground above.

Host Janus says:
<CMO Munro> @ CEO: There was a voice. Someone was here ... was I asleep?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: What if you do, but do not realize it? What if your decision-making components have been damaged?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::hears the commotion:: TO: We better check that out. ::runs after Beldaur::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: THE CREATORS WOULD KNOW AND WOULD DEAL WITH IT.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: Yes you were.

Host Janus says:
<CMO Munro> @ CEO: I wasn't sleepy though.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::still circling, and bleeding::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::broken ribs, the body at an odd angle::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Do the Creators monitor all that occurs within the Construct?

Host Janus says:
@ ::Rushes the CTO, punching her hard in the stomach:: CTO: A little of both.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::sees the FCO on the ground and gasps:: CO: Captain, what happened?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::runs back toward the Citadel:: CMO: Stay here if Lt Morgan comes back tell her to get a weapon and follow me in.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::stops::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: The CTO is hurled back hard about ten feet, coming crashing down onto the dusty ground, a cloud erupting as she slides for a moment.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Self:  Ooof.  ::falls on her butt::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::notices the bruise:: CMO: Looks like someone took a swing at you at your neck you have a bruise.

Host Janus says:
<CMO Munro> @ ::Rubs her neck:: CEO: I was knocked out?

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: You are better than this, Tactician. Clear your thoughts. Find my weaknesses. Or you'll die. 

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::coughs and scrambles to her feet::  Janus:  You <censored>.  ::tosses the boomerang hoping for the best::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
CO: He's not......dead is he sir?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::holds the container in her hand and closes her eyes, concentrating not on the life force, but on Janus::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: The boomerang strikes him dead on in the chest. It sticks into it. Blood trickles out.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: THE CREATORS SEE ALL

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Eisenhower: He fell.  He has a few displaced ribs.  The position of the body may indicate more serious damage to the spine.  I would not move him until he is conscious, but at the same time the others are also in need of our help. ::indicates the monitors::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::rushes in with her taser whip and gives him a couple quick lashes before moving back out::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The image of the fatally injured FCO fills all the screens in the Stack, replacing even the image of the CTO fighting. 

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: Listen Harriet grab a weapon defend yourself if necessary, but yeah we should get a look at that after we get out of here.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: I have to go back in for the CTO.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::distracted:: Ben...

Host Janus says:
@ ::Cries out and falls back for a moment, pulling out the boomerang:: CTO: A bit better. Not enough yet. You are better suited to playing with dolls than this business.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::turns to Lance:: TO: Maybe you should find the doctor? I'll stay with him.

Host Janus says:
<CMO Munro> @ ::Cries out:: CEO: NO! Don't ... don't leave me.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
FCO: Can you hear me?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::leaves the tent:: CMO: Remember get Lt Morgan when she comes back and tell her to come in after Lt Cherry and myself.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The FCO mumbles something that cannot be heard.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::wonders how to get him in the face as she circles around him::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: Harriet, I have to go.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: I doubt there are any doctors loitering in this cave.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: The CTO could be in serious trouble and I have to detonate the explosives.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::turns around again and heads for the entrance::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::bends down and tries to comfort the FCO:: FCO: Oh please don't die on us. We need you with us.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::sees a young, beautiful child playing as a man watches from the shadows::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Look at our flight officer. :: points to monitor :: Do the Creators condone the death of an invited visitor because of your negligence?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wonders what happened to make him lose his grip::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::the child is happy, content, the man joyful in his love for the boy::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at his lips and notes that blood bubbles up from his mouth as he speaks:: Eisenhower: The damage is extensive.  I do not believe that he will survive.  Help me try to make him more comfortable.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: You allowed this to happen by not sealing the fissure through which we fell. Now one of us is dying because of your carelessness.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: YOU'RE Y'ET CHOKED AND WAS REMOVED, AND YOU DID NOT CRY OUT AGAINST US. YOU LEFT YOUR COUNSELOR TO DIE AND YOU DID NOT CRY OUT AGAINST US. YOUR ADMIRAL JUMPED FROM THE TRAIN AND YOU DID NOT CRY OUT AGAINST US. YOU DO SO NOW?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::looks longingly at Lance:: TO: What can we do for him?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::sees the explosion that kills the child, horribly maiming his body, the satisfaction of a defeated enemy, a father's anguish and pain::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks at the FCO with a battlefield eye:: EO: I don't think we can do anything, except....

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Gateway: And who would we have cried out to?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::enters the Citadel::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Stares at the CTO:: CTO: You do not have it in you to defeat me. What would it take to convince you? To murder a loved one? What would it take to drive the darkness into your soul?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::aims the boomerang at the covered face, and prepares to follow up with the taser::

Host Janus says:
@ ::More blood is coming out of him::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: All of that happened before we were aware that there was a controlling force in this universe: you. Now your responsibility is undeniable. It does not matter whether your negligence is recognized by anyone... it is there whether anyone witnesses your lack of action or not.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::reaches up for Lance's hand:: TO: Except?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::feels the utter despair course through her body and tears begin to course down her face as she sees the holes in Janus' soul....wishes she could somehow heal him...and the beautiful, golden child.::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::pulls out his gun and looks at it::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks grimly at Erin::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::sees the gun and stands up:: TO: Lance! No! We can't do that! ::reaches for the gun::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: We know, and you know just as surely, that your actions caused this accident. Is it the Creators' will that their instrument kill those it invites to this universe?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::moves the gun away from her:: EO: Not without the order, we can't.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::helps to stretch the dying FCO out in straighter position and then holds his head up so that he is cradled in his arms:: FCO: I am proud of you.  You shall be remembered.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks down the long hallway towards a father she cannot see...a father without a son...a being with no reason to live....who yet could not die.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: You clearly have the power. Heal our friend!

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: The Captain will never order that! I can't bear to even think of it.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::starts down the corridor the CTO went down::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: Is it better that he suffer?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::tosses the boomerang hoping she has the hang of it now::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:;stands over the FCO:: Sulek: He didn't last long. I had no idea so may would fall when we came through. Maybe...maybe we made a mistake

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: But to take a life, it's just not right.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: IT DOES NOT FALL INTO MY PROGRAMMING.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::tries with all her might to project her empathy to Janus.....her understanding of his pain...her prayers for his soul::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> ::Surprisingly, almost as if it the program means it:: I AM SORRY.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::feeling his empathic nature, he shakes his head:: Wolverton: It will not be long.  Pangborn: The path behind is always clearer.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::shakes his head sadly:: EO: It's already been taken. Either way, I don't enjoy the idea either...but it's up to the captain.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::glances at the item in her hand and wishes she knew how to give him back the child he lost::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: The Boomerang strikes true. Cleaving into Janus' face, ripping the fabric and a portion of his cheek and ear off. He screams out and falls to the ground. The earlier strike to his chest bleeding more. He breathes hard from the ground.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::feels overwhelmed with empathy for some bizarre reason::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Janus' normal face is surprisingly beautiful. It is unknown why he would hide it::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Do you surrender?  ::is resisting the urge to run to him::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: OPS' hears the scream from down the corridor before her. As does the CEO who is further behind.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::stumbles to her feet and runs in the direction of the scream::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: You ... have won. ::Smiles:: Finish it.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Alter your programming! You control all matter and energy in this reality! Transcend your programming, instead of hiding behind it! You act on behalf of your Creators! Make yourself a true vessel of their will!

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE WILL OF MY CREATORS.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::turns into Lance's arms and starts to cry:: TO: We just can't lose another member of the crew.....not now.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  A fight to the death was not part of the deal.  And Jade has something she promised to return to you.  ::moves toward him::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::after what seems like an eternity, she finds the door that Cherry must have entered::

Host Janus says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Standing to the side, trying not to let the tears appear::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::hugs her, but says nothing...there's nothing to be said::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Do you understand it well enough to know for certain that they would allow this man to die because you were negligent?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::sees the door open and hears voices coming from the room and enters the room adjacent to the room that is occupied::

Host Janus says:
@ CTO: No ... it is ... only honorable ... you must finish it ...

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::cautiously steps into the room and smells the familiar odor of blood and flesh, death and despair::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::leans over and closes the FCO's eyes. Rest easy Ben. That hard part is over::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> CSO: HIS DEATH IS NOT BECAUSE OF MY NEGLIGENCE

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  You want me to.  You let me win.  ::kneels down beside him::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::walks around to the door on the other side of the room that comes in from behind and puts his ear to the door to listen in::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::feels rather than sees the OPS enter::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::silently he feels the life force of the FCO ebb away. he looks up:: All: It is finished.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::sees that it is not Cherry who is dying but Janus and crosses quietly across the room::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::places a gentle hand on Cherry's shoulder::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@Janus:  Is this what it will take to drive the darkness from your soul?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::hears the Captain and hangs onto to Lance tightly::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::kneels down by the fallen God and holds out the essence holder::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: resignedly :: Gateway: We've been through that. You allowed the fissure to appear, and did not close it.  :: looks at the screen :: It's too late now. You are a murderer. I do hope your Creators are proud of your latest accomplishment.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The FCO's labored and light breathing ends. Suddenly, there is a flash of light, and his body is gone.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::looks at Jade offering Janus back his thingie::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::turns away::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: would your beautiful son want to see his father fall? He loved life...he loved you. He would not want you to suffer

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::raises an eyebrow as he tucks the gun away again::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Takes the holder:: OPS: I suffer without him. There is no changing it.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes head :: Gateway: Send us home, now, before you kill again.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::stands and moves back::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::tears fill her eyes:: Janus: And he doesn't blame you.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::turns to the light and blinks:: TO: What happened?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: He just...vanished.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> IF I SEND YOU HOME INFINITE DEATH WILL BE ON ALL OUR HEADS.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rising as the body disappears:: All: It is at this time we may question what has happened and what actions we have taken.  Such times give us insight, but do not change the outcome.  We cannot blame ourselves for our decisions.  The cosmos is not written in stone.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: Just like Sheridan?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::eyes his face:: Janus: He looked so much like you. I am.....very, very sorry for his death. I wish with all of my heart that I could give him back to you.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: No. It is written in blood

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: More blatantly.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Not blood but in the living.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: disgusted ::  Gateway: More gibberish. I don't think you even know what you are saying.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: One of the screens starts to show people and faces. At first it starts slowly, then moves more and more rapidly.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> I AM QUITE AWARE OF WHAT I AM SAYING.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks up at the screen :: Gateway: What is this?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::notices her arm is still bleeding profusely::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Gateway: Am I to understand that if you violate the journey that others will suffer?

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> AS PER THE PROGRAM, I AM TO REPLACE THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN. AS I REPLACED ENSIGN Y'ET WITH ENSIGN GRAINGER, I SHALL REPLACE GRAINGER WITH SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS SELECTED.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::smiles slightly through her tears:: Janus: I thank you for keeping your word and not killing Cherry. It was an honorable thing to do.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::rips off part of her pant leg and uses the rag to staunch the wound::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::wipes her eyes and looks at Lance:: TO: I am glad that you are with me now.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Great. You get to bring someone else here so you can kill them. How lovely for you.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: I'm glad to be here for you.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> THE CONSTRUCT IS A FRAGILE DEVICE. TO REMOVE YOU NOW WOULD REQUIRE FORCING AN OPENING IN IT. TO DO SO WOULD RESULT IN THE EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION OF THE CONSTRUCT AND THE TRILLIONS OF BEINGS HELD WITHIN.

Host Janus says:
@ OPS: You ... are welcome.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::notices that Cherry is bleeding badly and places a hand over her wound to help staunch the flow::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::shakes her head::  OPS:  I'm all right.  We must to something for him.  ::gestures toward Janus::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks at each of the members of his crew...each face...and comes to a decision::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: Will you allow us to help you? You are suffering....we can help you.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Gateway: Sounds like an excuse to keep us captive.

Host Janus says:
@ ::Suddenly, the left hole in his metallic skull grows red:: You should leave now ...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::opens the door to the room and comes in where the CTO and OPS are::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::frowns slightly as she sees the glow::

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> IF YOU WISH TO SEE IT THAT WAY.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: What is happening to you?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@OPS:  I think we'd better do as he said.  Janus:  Thank you for the lesson.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Gateway: We will continue on.  ::he looks at his crew:: All: It is what we do.

Host Janus says:
@ OPS: Ensuring ... peace. Thank you. Leave.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::moves toward the door and sees the CEO::  CEO:  It's done.  C'mon.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::nods::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::sad laugh:: All: Yes it is what we do.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: walks over to Sulek :: CO: Captain, I'm sorry. I can find no manual interface to the Stack, or the Gateway.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks "MOST of us do", but doesn't say it::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@Janus: The one thing I saw...and felt...was love. Love doesn't die. Only fragile bodies do. I hope you find peace.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::continues moving toward the door, feeling sad instead of elated as she expected::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at him one final time and whispers something under her breath before she walks over to Cherry::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The random flashing of faces suddenly ceases, and the view screen goes dark. There is suddenly a flash amongst the crew, and a figure drops to the ground. It is lithe and a horrible stench emanates from it. Muck and other things cover the being which seems to have long, shagged hair which hides its face. Apparent claws scratch at the ground as it peers at the crew.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: The Gateway is not the enemy.  It may have been altered and in time perhaps its creators will repair it.  Now, we know.  We must finish this.  Our enemy travels with us.  We cannot allow Nero to separate us.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::exits with the rest of them::

Host Janus says:
<Ens. Rio> ::Blinks at the new arrival::

Host Janus says:
@ ::Watches the group exit, lying there, holding his son's essence ... memories washing over him::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at the creature:: Sulek: More company ::defensive posture::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks at the....thing::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::wonders if this is the chosen replacement::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::enters the corridor and makes her way out of the Citadel::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I do not know.  Creature: Do you speak?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::squeezes Lance's arm tightly:: TO: What is that?

Host Janus says:
ACTION: A growl is heard from the being who suddenly flies past the crew, trying to find an exit. 

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::follows the CTO::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: No idea.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::stumbles a bit from exhaustion and pain, but keeps going with determination::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches the creature with interest:: Pangborn: It seems frightened as well.

Host Janus says:
<Neet> ::Terrified, clutches the EO's leg as if sensing something different from the creature::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::reaches out a tentative hand:: Creature: I'm Ben

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks back one final time::

Host Janus says:
ACTION: The creature bolts around, finding no normal exit to the room ... except up. It bounds onto one of the computers, then another, then onto a rope and climbs upward.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@CTO: Cherry, are you okay?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Creature: We mean you no harm.  Do you understand?

Host Janus says:
ACTION: There is no response as the creature disappears out the hole.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::nods grimly at OPS and keeps walking::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::mutters:: SELF: Apparently it doesn't.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::looks down at Neet:: Neet: Oh you poor thing. That creature frightens you doesn't he? ::reaches down and picks Neet up::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::completely forgets about the explosives that he has planted and that they are timed with a degrading piece of twine that when it runs out will detonate the explosives::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: A guide?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Possibly

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: I feel as I am forgetting something.

Host Janus says:
<The Gateway> THE REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN CHOSEN. ARE THERE ANY LAST QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DEPART?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@CEO: Harriet maybe?  ::finds an exit door and flings it open::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Then shall we?  Gateway: We will finish this journey, if only to be sure that no others follow in our footsteps.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::grabs a rope and begins to climb::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: No I know that we need to go get her, I would never forget her.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::sighs and grabs a rope to climb back up yet again::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::starts to head towards the tent as soon as they clear the exit::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::does not respond as she leaves the Citadel and heads back to the tent::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@OPS:  He was in so much pain.  He wanted to die, didn't he?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: Oh well let's get out of here.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::heads for the rope and looks up:: Self: I hope I can do this.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::climbing, he eventually reaches the surface and pulls himself up::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: The Citadel vanishes in an explosion.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he stands at the rope above Wolverton to offer a hand::

Host Janus says:
@ ACTION: A hot burst of air knocks down the trio heading for the tent.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: climbs up after Sulek ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::drops to the ground at the rush from the explosion::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::climbs out with the CO's help, then proceeds to help the others::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::groans involuntarily as she knocks her already bruised ribs::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::climbs::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::grabs the rope and climbs, albeit slowly::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::goes flying::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the others come up, he looks for signs of the replacement and sees a few prints on the ground::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: reaches the top, and pulls himself agilely out of the fissure ::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::lands with an audible thud and scrambles to her feet::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@:::looks back silently and hopes that Janus found what he was looking for::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::slowly gets to her feet::  CEO: I suppose you were responsible for that?  ::is clutching her side::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::gets to the top and grabs at the ground to pull herself out::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::climbs slowly due to the gash in his arm, reaches the top can climbs out::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as Kraight comes up:: Kraight: Do not berate yourself for failing to find access, if anyone could it would have been you.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::mutters something that sounds suspiciously like "arrogant jerk"::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: I forgot to disarm the explosives.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::limps over to Cherry:: CTO: Are you okay?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::helps Erin up::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at Harriet and sees that she is unharmed::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@OPS:  I will be.  Maybe there's some first aid supplies in the tent.  ::resumes walking::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::smiles:: TO: Thanks, you big strong hunk of man.

Host Janus says:
ACTION: As the last of the crew exit the hole, it vanishes ... along with Stack 980511 and the Gateway.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::looks at the CEO for a very, very long moment and then turns and walks away::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: dubiously :: Sulek: Aye, sir.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::follows Cherry::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::raises an eyebrow:: EO: What an odd thing to say.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks down at the prints:: All: This way.  Wolverton: You have point.  Beldaur: The rear.

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
TO: Really? ::grins and walks away::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::arrives at the tent and enters.  Sees the CMO::

Host SM_Selan says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Nods and takes the rear::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods to the captain and takes point, giving Erin a sideways glance on the way::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at where the fissure was... shouts at it :: Gateway: Why in the Planet of Nine Hells didn't you do that _before_ Grainger fell?

Host SM_Selan says:
<CMO Munro> @ ::Sees the CTO, rushes over:: CTO: Oh god, sit down ...

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::gratefully sits down::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO: Well if death is what Janus wanted it is what he got. ::watches the Citadel start to crumble::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CMO: I am back, are you ok?

Host SM_Selan says:
<CMO Munro> @ CTO: What happened? ::Begins to treat her injuries with the medical supplies Janus left for them::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I will miss Ben. He was a kindred sprit.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Ensign Rio> CO / XO: Hmph. 

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::following the tracks:: Pangborn: Although we knew him but a short while, he did leave an indelible mark.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::allows herself to be fussed over::  CMO:  Long story.  Another time.  ::closes her eyes::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::notes Rio:: Pangborn: As have others but in a different way.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Neet> ::Trots along with the others::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Guess I'm back to taking care of Neet. ::frowns at what Cherry will think::

Host SM_Selan says:
<Ens. Rio> CO / XO: Sirs, I just thought about something.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rio: Yes?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@OPS:  Thanks for arriving when you did....

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO:  We need to start moving soon and try to find the rest of the crew.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Ens. Rio> CO / XO: The Gateway indicated that fourteen were supposed to make this Journey, and they would replace us the moment we got hurt fatally or died. Y'Et was replaced when he choked. Grainger was replaced when he fell. But ...

Host SM_Selan says:
<Ens. Rio> CO / XO: ... where are the replacements for Counselor Ris'Mor and Admiral Sheridan?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::walks over to Pangborn and waits for the others::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::takes a long look at Cherry and sees that she will indeed be okay::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@CTO: I'm sorry it wasn't soon enough to help you not get so torn up.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::sarcastic::  CEO:  Yes, Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rio: We do not know that they have died.  Perhaps they’re own journey continues....or...::lets the matter drop::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@CEO: Why don't you find them and come back for us....Sir.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Ensign Rio> ::Is about to push the issue, but sees the Captain doesn't want to speak about it, so gives up::

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
:;whispers to the XO:: XO: She's a keeper sir. :;grins::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@OPS: We don't split up that is dangerous.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::remembers the rune::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@::opens her eyes again::  OPS:  Don't be sorry.  We did it.  ::sees that the CMO is through and slowly gets to her feet::

Host SM_Selan says:
<CMO Munro> @ CTO: Try not to do anything too strenuous soon, okay?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::eyes him balefully:: CEO: As I already know where to go...that wouldn't be a problem for me, would it?

EO_Ltjg_Eisenhower says:
::nods in Cherry's direction:: XO: Make the most of it sir.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
@CMO:  I promise.  ::grins::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@::is having a very hard time hiding her animosity::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::wry smile:: EO: That I will ::brightens::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Quietly to Pangborn:: Pangborn: I did not wish to discuss this with the ensign, but he has a point.  Another possibility is that they have been taken hostage in someway by Nero.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@CTO/OPS/CMO: We should move to the transport that Janus used to bring us here.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
@CTO: I found the rune door. Its close by...can you make it?

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: As the CO's group continues on to meet up with the CTO's group so they can exit the caverns and continue on with their Journey, a figure watches them from the shadows ... and steps out as soon as they're gone. A figure clad in white with a hood covering the face. 

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: "Who needs a replacement when you can have the real deal?" purrs Teim Ris'Mor as she removes the hood and smiles, revealing a patch covering one eye as she lifts her rifle. And slowly, but surely, she follows the crew.

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= END MISSION =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=