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

WINDOWS of the FALLEN
Two

Arc Title: Windows of the Fallen
Mission Number: 306
Creator: Michael Jones
Ship Manager: Michael Jones
Stardate: 10411.29

Previously …

After the horrors of the Borg assimilation of the El Aurian "home world," the crew awakened to find themselves separated. The CO, CSO, CEO, and CIV were in a snowy mountain passage where they eventually fought, and were defeated by the ever mysterious Nero.

Nero, to the shock of the CO, revealed himself as the long dead Nathan Grey - former FCO of the Quirinus who died bravely saving the crew from the Breen five years prior.

Meanwhile, the XO, CTO, OPS, TO, and the rest of the group found themselves naked, hurt, and at the mercy of a group of demented men and women whose skin seems to have been detached and sown back together. They intended to do the same to the crew until the mysterious "creature Girl" freed them, and allowed them to escape. They are now rapidly traveling down a river in their escape.

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.

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= RESUME MISSION =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: As the wooden raft travels down the dark river, a bolt of lightning can be seen in the distance ... being followed by a shattering krakaBOOM. Jade Morgan sits up with a start as a mosaic of images and thoughts suddenly pour into her mind. Everything over the past year rushes through her aura of truth and she realizes the truth about what has been happening.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at Jade in alarm::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::eyes widen in shock::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks around at the sound::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::realizes who has caused all of the problems.......::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sees something dawning on her friend::  OPS:  What is it?
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
All: Nathan Grey.....his name is Nathan Grey. The captain is in great danger! ::sees the images of Nero as he placed the chips into the Verun....and realizes that he has been behind everything.::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: begins to stir :: Self: Unnnhhh... Great Maker... that's the last time I mix Saurian brandy and prune juice...
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Who the heck is Nathan Grey?
Host SM_Selan says:
<CEO Telarus> @ ::Standing with the CIV & CSO who is just waking up::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: sits up ::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
All: There is another.....someone I should know...I can't see who it is.....::is very frustrated::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::grim:: OPS: I'm familiar with the story
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@::rubs head and sniffs.. :: Ow
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at the XO::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks around :: CEO: Mr. Telarus... where is the Captain?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: The question is, where in blue blazes are we, and where are we supposed to be ::dour::
Host SM_Selan says:
# ACTION: Captain Sulek begins to awaken and feels cold against his neck. He is in a dark ice cavern, blue light glimmers throughout. He has been tied INTO a wall. He can sense Grey in the shadows.
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
All: I don't know if this person is working for us or against us......but Grey wants to kill the Captain.
Host SM_Selan says:
<CEO Telarus> @ ::Rubbing the part where Ris’Mor  kicked him::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  If only we could find the Captain
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: If he's alive, he'll be on the opposite shore. He most certainly would have been killed otherwise. What’s the consensus, have we traveled far enough?
Host Nero says:
<The Girl> ::The "creature" girl suddenly stirs from the middle of the boat. She growls and looks out into the dark brush on one side of the river::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::opening eyes slowly, seeing the shadowy figure:: Grey:  Grey, I that you?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks to where the girl is growling::   Self:  Now what?
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: thought he was with you.. ::stands up and checks for damage to body::
Host Nero says:
<CEO Telarus> @ CSO: Gone. Nero ... I think his name was Grey ... took him. And Ris’Mor  too ... I think. She kicked me.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: stands, looks down :: Self: Where did I get this?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  There's something over there.  ::points to the bank where the girl is looking::
Host Nero says:
# CO: Yes, Sulek. It's me. ::He gets up off the ground where he was seated and steps into the blue light. His face looks almost dead in the shadows::
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@CSO: what?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CEO: Nero?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Both: Scout around. See if you can find tracks in the snow. We have to find the Captain.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: Several mangled figures push through the bush - "They are here! Here are they! There they go!" they rhyme in almost unison.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Looks like as good a place as any. ::steers the boat that direction::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Tell me what you remember.  How am I responsible for your death during the Breen attack?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: begins walking carefully, looking for tracks ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Ack!  No!
Host Nero says:
<CEO Telarus> @ CSO: For someone who seemed so intent to beat the living daylights out of us, I'm surprised he was so considerate to give you that ... sir.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::halts:: All: Damn
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The figures leap into the river, trying to swim for the boat.
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: The snow and cold wind blow hard into the mountain pass on the traveling three.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CEO: We don't know who gave me this. My guess is that it is an artifact of the Gateway. It may want me conscious for its own purposes.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Ack!  Row faster!
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@::looks around for what the wind might have moved vs. what seems melted or shifted::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::rows harder to get away:: CTO: Ever notice a pattern in these things or is it just me. I feel persecuted
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wonders if she should just calm down and shut up::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::chuckles at the XO's comment::
Host Nero says:
# ::Begins to pace in front of the CO:: CO: You know what's funny. For months now, I've envisioned all these ideas on how to finally kill you. So many options. So many ways. Most of them with the intent of putting you through such torture that you would BEG for me to finally end it. And when the time is right ... ::He stops and turns:: ... when I finally have you in my grasp. ::Slaps his hands together::
Host Nero says:
# CO: I do nothing.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@CSO: so what’s with this falling asleep on the job thing, blue boy?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:steers the boat downstream, rowing hard::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Both: Find anything yet?
Host Nero says:
<The Girl> ::Howls at the figures swimming toward them::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wishes she had something to whack them with, but alas::
Host Nero says:
ACTION: One of the figures manages to get caught into the current and catches up to the boat. He tries to pull himself onboard, a blade between his crooked teeth.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::kicks the figure in the face::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at the creepy guy in dismay::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Ack!
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CIV: Benzites evolved from reptile-like creatures on my home world. We're exothermic -- our body temperature is that of our environment. When it gets too cold, we go into hibernation.
Host Nero says:
# ::Turns away again:: CO: For some reason I have this strong urge to just ... talk to you. 
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Whoops.  ::vows once again to calm down and shut up::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: still searching for tracks ::
Host Nero says:
# CO: You always did seem to bring that out in me. I was always drawn into conversation with you ... of all people. The stoic wannabe true Vulcan of the ship.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: so it's not too cold now huh? and no I haven't found anything..
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Is it because you wish me to understand your rage...for me to admit that I was wrong? There can be no vengeance if the victim is without understanding...So talk to me.  I will listen.  ::looks at the shackles:: I'm not going anywhere.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::attacks the creature, sick of this::
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The figure is flung overboard by the XO & TO's attack.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks for another one to maim::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CIV: Someone... or something... raised my body temperature and dressed me in this thermal suit. I think it has a built-in heat source. I've no idea who, or why...
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::flings herself to the far side to balance the boat during the attack::
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: The CSO spots bits of blood.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The mountains are getting much closer.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: nice...
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: shouting :: Both: Telarus, Sagan! Over here!
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks to see if the blood forms a trail ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Wolverton: Look for a safe place to land this thing. We need to get to the captain, but I want to be sure we don't repeat that experience
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: I remember our discussions on logic and the time on the holodeck aboard the Titanic.  I am surprised that I did not recall it when you so savagely beat my CEO.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The other figures are screaming out and crying out and seemingly drowning. Two disappear under, the others grab onto rocks and try to pull themselves over to shore.
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: Indeed it does.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notices the mountains are getting closer and that therefore they must be moving toward them, inexplicable but hey::
Host Nero says:
# ::Shrugs:: CO: Things were a bit chaotic what with your lover seemingly throwing herself to her death. ::Momentary pause:: Your welcome for saving her, by the way.
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at the drowning figures:: To nobody in particular: If you can't swim, stay out of the water.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The current seems to be getting stronger.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: But then the construct has given you so much that you did not have before.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks this whole river is peculiar::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notices they seem to be moving faster::
Host Nero says:
# CO: The Construct has given me opportunity. I'm not sure what else beyond that ...
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::decides not to mention it in case it’s just another hallucination::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Cherry. Analysis. Why is the stream flowing into the mountains. Actually, never mind. I guess it's taking us where we need to go.
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: The CSO / CIV / etc. note the blood forms a trail through the path. It doesn't seem to be human blood.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Or where the construct wants to finish us off.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Control.  Physical prowess.  In your  life, Telarus should have been your equal.  And there is the Vulcan nerve pinch.
Host Nero says:
# CO: For old time's sake, Captain, how about a bit of existential wondering ... 
Host Nero says:
# CO: I'll admit, there have been some ... changes to me. I can't really explain them myself, but they've been helpful in my mission. But back to the discussion at hand ...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: There is a reason that others have tried to master it and failed.  You are not as you were.  Is this existential enough.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: where!
Host Nero says:
# ::Smiles and sits on an outcropping of ice across from the CO, rubbing one hand through his hair:: CO: Somewhat. Answer a question for me. What do you feel drives us through life?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CIV: Right there. Appears to be blood, trailing in that direction.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The group sees the rapidly starting to rage river is taking them toward a cave entrance.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: There are inhuman wails from either side of them ... they see creatures galloping toward the river.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: does it look Vulcan?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: I cannot answer for you. For me it is understanding.  I know that I will not always understand; yet, there is still the quest.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CIV: Can't tell.   Both: Let's go.   :: follows the trail ::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
SELF: Hmmmm.....
Host Nero says:
# ::Nods:: CO: I think it's purpose.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Wolverton: Think of a way to kill those things please
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: It'll keep him occupied ::quietly::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
XO: The water is already taking care of that.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: I would agree that to fulfill life, one must have a purpose.  Other than my demise, what was yours before you came here?
Host Nero says:
# CO: I think the Journey of Life is to find our place in it. How we fit. What our purpose in existing is. El Aurians are long lived, Captain, much more so than Vulcans. I spent a long time trying to find my purpose ... and even though I came to settle as a pilot for a Steamrunner Class starship, there was always ... something missing. Like I just hadn't reached it.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is too frightened to speak::
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ :: follows the CSO and CEO.. what else is there to do out here anyway::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
XO: Errr...aye sir.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: More of the mangled figures reach the river on some sort of horrific version of a horse, they're trying to get to the crew before they reach the cave system.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::rows even harder::
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: The trail leads them to the somewhat beaten form of Ris’Mor , she sits, awake, but barely, slumped against a wall. Admiral Sheridan sits nearby with Neet in her lap.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: kneels by Ris’Mor , examines her wounds :: ADM: Admiral, are you all right?
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Looks at the arriving group:: CSO: I sensed you coming. I'm fine ... Ms. Ris’Mor , it seems, is not.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Ris’Mor: Teim... Teim, can you hear me?
Host Nero says:
<Neet> @ ::Squeaks at the arrivals. Although is wary of the CIV whom he recalls wanted to eat him::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Then your purpose was a search for understanding.  It would seem that you have found this need.  I ask again, what do you remember of your time on the Q?  Was not the discharging of the anti-protons and saving the lives of you crewmates purpose?
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ all: messy
Host Nero says:
<Ris’Mor > @ ::Stares daggers at the CSO, but only a faint whisper comes from her mouth. Her voice box was truly and thoroughly crushed by Captain Sulek during the El Aurian situation::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CEO, CIV: Check the Admiral for injuries. 
Host Nero says:
# ::Points at him:: CO: Yes, it was! When that moment came, when I knew what was going to happen to me. ::He stands up, somewhat excited:: I knew my purpose in life. I knew what I had to do. My existence had been building to that exact moment. To ensure the ship went on with its journey of exploration that you all survived.
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Raises her hand:: CSO: I'm fine. She's the one who needs attention. Grey did this to her.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Ris’Mor : Teim... I'm sorry. I don't understand why you attacked the Captain.  :: feels her throat gently ::   I think your larynx has been crushed. I'm afraid I don't know enough about Caitian physiology to know what to do for you.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: she looks ok.. what? I'm not a doctor
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ ADM: What did you see, Admiral?
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The boat hits the cave system ... bouncing along, and the figures roar in anger as they are cut off. Darkness envelops the boat as they bounce around for a few minutes.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Then you succeeded.  You found the moment of your truth.  Sacrifice.  There is no nobler purpose.  Why is it then, that you blame me?
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::holds onto the boat::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Anyone bring a match? ::tries to slow the boat::
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Shakes her head:: CSO: I didn't see anything, Mr. Kraight. But I can still read minds quite well. I know who did this to her. Because she does. She's been used, manipulated. Just like the rest of us.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ ADM: You can communicate with Teim? Does she know where the Captain is?
Host Nero says:
# CO: Because it was all stolen from me. The peace ... I came back. I don't remember what happened after my "death." I remember it. The pain. Being brought to the bridge ... Serena. I remember it all. Then after it? Nothing. And then my new life started ... and when it was explained why, everything fell out from underneath me.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Ris’Mor : Teim... Teim, help us find the Captain.
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Stares at the Caitian, focusing her mind for a moment::
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The XO's efforts seem to be working as the bumpiness seems to halt, and the boat seems to reach calm waters. Everything is dark except for the faint rainbow aura Morgan seems to emit.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wonders if Morgan can switch off::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: strokes the fur along Tiem's shoulder gently :: Ris’Mor : My friend... I wish I could heal your wounds.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Then you hold me responsible for the actions of the construct.  Of it making you aware of how you had left our space.  Your actions are no less honorable because a machine has told you so.  Did it tell you that Maverick cried when you died, or of the funeral at sunrise from one of your favorite vistas.? I programmed it myself.
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::A look of sadness appears on her face, a slight tear trickles down from her eyes:: Ris’Mor : Oh, Tiem ... what you've been through. ::Shakes her head and looks down:: CSO: She doesn't know, Kraight. She doesn't know. Grey attacked her, then took the Captain elsewhere.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ ::stands by watching::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::tries to see through the darkness::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: stands ::  ADM: Admiral, will you please stay here with Tiem, do what you can to ease her pain?  :: looks to see if the blood trail continues ::
Host Nero says:
<Neet> @ ::Trots nearby the CIV, wary of her::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::watches the shadows playing ebony banjos::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:;tries to feel for the sides of the cave, or a ledge, with an oar::
Host Nero says:
ACTION: Light is seen in the distance.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: realizes that the blood was Tiem's ::
Host Nero says:
# CO: You're making assumptions, Sulek. Not a good idea.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: You did not save Serena...you cannot kill.  It is not in your nature.  I do indeed thank you for saving her, but just as you gave your life on the Q, you could do no less.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@:: grabs Neet by his scuff and looks him.. it.. what ever it is.. over::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::tries to focus on the shadows::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::steers the boat towards the light::
Host Nero says:
# CO: You see ... it was made clear to me my death was not meant as a saving grace for the Quirinus crew, but orchestrated by you. You allowed me to go down there and fire off the anti-proton burst. YOU set up the situation. It was all you. You've stolen my purpose, Sulek. I was brought back to rectify that. 
Host Nero says:
<Neet> @ ::Squeaks and struggles against the CIV::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ ADM: Wait... Admiral, forgive me, but you had a strong emotional bond with the Captain. Can you sense him, help us find him?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::shivers::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: I do not make assumptions.  I only state what I have observed.  I can and will share those moments with you if you like.  I had nothing to do with the Breen attack.
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Glances at the CIV & Neet:: CSO: No ... I can't. That worries me. But ... I don't think he's dead. I would know it if he were.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ ::eyes the critter:: All: Fat ain't he?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: shakes his head :: CIV: He's a companion, not a food animal. Let me take him, please.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The light is emitting from something mysterious. Large groups of crystals, like sideways pointed chandeliers, jut out of the walls of the caverns ... illuminating the river and the walls.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The crystals seem to be technological in nature, and emit an electrical hum as the boat passes by. There seems to be more as they go down the river.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  This is weird.....
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::guides the boat around the crystals:: All: Look for a place where was can land
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks a geologist might enjoy being here::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: holds out his hand for Neet ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: If you believed that you alone could save the ship, could I have stopped you.  Think...remember. Had I orchestrated these events, do you think I would have allowed myself to continue on a ship being drawn into a gravity well?  How could I know who would go to the deflector?  Our lives are of choices.  You made a choice.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: I didn't say I was gonna eat him.. sheeesh ::drops the furry thing in the CSO's hands::
Host Nero says:
# CO: Stop it.
Host Nero says:
<Neet> @ ::Drops into the CSO's hands::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CIV: Thank you.  :: tucks Neet into his parka :: Neet: Stay with me, little one.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Who has taken away your purpose?  I was not here to do that.  You often challenged my logic.  I only now ask you to examine yours.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: As they go further down the river, they see peculiar crystalline trees with glowing fungus all over them. Little red beady eyes stare at them from the shadows near the trees ... watching the new arrivals cautiously.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ CEO, CIV: We have to keep looking for the Captain. Any ideas on a direction?
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::stares back::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks around nervously::  XO:  I think we should just stay in the boat... until we can't any longer.
Host Nero says:
# CO: STOP it! You try to do it again! I lost my purpose and was given a new purpose. ::Gestures at himself:: Revenge. ::Sounds almost like he is about to cry:: That is my purpose now. Perhaps my last one., if I die in doing so. If your crew manages to kill me in my efforts to destroy you, so be it. Don't take that away from me. Don't make me doubt what I know to be true.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ CSO: caves are good places to hide.. we have those ::points to mountains::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: nods :: CIV: All right.   ADM: We'll be back as soon as we can, Admiral.   :: starts up towards the caves ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: There is yet another purpose and much closer to your nature than revenge.
Host Nero says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Nods and tries to keep the injured Caitian comfort::
Host Nero says:
# CO: And what might that be. 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: You understand the construct, do you not?  You alone have learned to manipulate it.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: What do you sense from these new creatures
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: trudges up the path, not waiting to see if the others follow ::
Host Nero says:
# CO: Not manipulate it. Work around it.
Host Nero says:
# CO: It's a bit more complicated than the technology I'm used to working with ...
Host Nero says:
<CEO Telarus> @ ::Follows with the CIV, ready to take on Nero if he encounters him::
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::concentrates on her surroundings::
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: The snow and cold wind bites at the trio as they trudge up another path toward some apparent caves.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Think of the species who have been unwittingly trapped here...taken without their permission or knowledge. You can again save them.  You can again save the AT of the Q.  No one, to my knowledge has been able to do such service with two lives.
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::sees the beams of light as she did once before::
Host Nero says:
# ::Stares darkly at the CO:: CO: You're really grasping at straws here.
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
All: The lights....they're back. Beams....beams of light.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: approaches the mouth of the nearest cave ::
Host Nero says:
ACTION: There is a large splash. It only takes the crew a moment to realize the "Girl" jumped in.
Host Nero says:
<Ensign Rio> ALL: Well that's wonderful. I'm not going to sit next to her when she comes out ... can't imagine what's IN there.
Host Nero says:
# CO: These species weren't brought to the Construct. They were CREATED here.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Ack!
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: holds his hand out to warn the others :: CEO, CIV: Wait.   :: takes a couple steps into the cave, just enough to put him into darkness.... waits for his eyes to adjust ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: What’s up with her?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: If you wish...I would give my life to you so that you can save others.  Am I grasping at straws?  Were you not there when the Borg assimilated the El Aurians in the construct far too early because they became aware of the construct?
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::sighs::
Host Nero says:
# CO: For all intents and purposes, it seems the Construct is merely a giant Petri dish with bits of various species tossed into it to grow and see what happens.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  I don't know, but she's got instincts for survival.  We have to follow her.  ::starts to climb out of the boat after her::
Host Nero says:
# ::Takes a breath at the mention of the Borg & El Aurians:: CO: There was nothing I could do about that. It was too big. Even for me.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::has to agree, and follows the CTO::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: I agree. All: Abandon ship, and follow
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::jumps in the water::
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The Girl suddenly surfaces, the limp and now dead form of one of the mangled people in her grasp. It had been swimming behind them, and she killed it.
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::glares at the XO and grabs Cherry's arm:: CTO: Be careful. What once was is now again.
Host Nero says:
ACTION: The Girl blinks and stares confused at the others jumping in after her. She seems surprised as if she expected them to think more of her.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::dives in::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::raises an eyebrow::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Each journey begins with a single step, I believe the expression is.  What road would you chose.: The one created for you by the construct or the purpose you have already admitted is yours?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::swims after her::
Host Nero says:
# CO: My agenda is somewhat different than the Construct's, Captain. 
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: A small and empty cave greets the CSO.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::stops short of actually jumping in the water::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: turns back :: CEO, CIV: Nothing here. Let's check the next one.   :: starts up the trail again ::
Host Nero says:
<The Girl> ::Lets the body drop from her arms and climbs back into the boat, shivering::
Host Nero says:
<CEO Telarus> @ ::Sighs and follows, growing anxious::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: My point exactly.  You asked for the existential.  What if you had not died? What if you had not gone into that bulkhead? Would our deaths and your resurrection be any different than it is now?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::swims back to the boat::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::climbs back in::
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ ::follows along…eyeing Neet::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: No rebirth can take away your purpose.  Only you can do that.
Host Nero says:
# CO: What ifs always just amount to wishful thinking, Sulek. And I don't have time for that. I'm not even sure why I allowed myself time to ... converse with you. I ... I should just kill you and be over with it. ::Looks at the ornate blade he had ready for the moment::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::helps the others back into the boat::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: finds the opening to the next cave ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Thanks
Host Nero says:
ACTION: Sounds like that of lovely music are heard filtering through the cavern system ... rippling across the water. The Girl looks extremely agitated at the noise.
Host Nero says:
<Lt. JG. Eisenhower> ::Grabs onto the TO:: TO: That cannot be good.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: again waves back the others while he enters the cave ::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods, helping the others in::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: And then what?  What will your purpose be?  There is a saying on Earth.  When seeking vengeance first dig two graves.
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ ::thinks it would be a good time to have BBQ hair-ball-on-a-stick::
Host Nero says:
# CO: I accepted that I would most likely die in this quest. If that's what is to happen ...
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at the girl curiously::  Girl:  I don't suppose you can speak?
OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::hears the tune and wonders if it’s a funeral dirge::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: What I am offering you is more than this.  If you die in the Construct, do you think it will so easily let you go?
Host Nero says:
@ ACTION: As the CSO enters the cave, the ice gives way underneath him ... and he finds himself tumbling into the abyss.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: Probably not.
Host Nero says:
# CO: You assume the Construct is capable of caring whether or not I live or die. 
CIV_Vicky_Sagan says:
@ ::hears the crack and the CSO go with it.:: Self: Darn…and he had dinner too
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Only it can bring you here.  You said it was a test.  Life and death is a test.  It will test you again.
Host Nero says:
# ::Lifts the ornate blade:: Yes ... one final test.
Host Nero says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE MISSION =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=