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

WINDOWS of the FALLEN
Three

Arc Title: Windows of the Fallen
Mission Number: 307
Creator: Michael Jones
Ship Manager: Michael Jones
Stardate: 10412.06

Previously …

The Journey nears its end.

After engaging in a tense discussion with Nathan Grey, the man known as Nero, Captain Sulek nears what may be his final battle.

After escaping a group of deranged men and women who seemed to want to "evolve" them by tearing their flesh off and sewing it back on, Commander Pangborn, Lieutenant Cherry and others managed to escape and are now traveling in a river beneath the mountains where more mystery ... and perhaps danger ... awaits ...

After their defeat at the hands of Nero, Lt. Cmdr. Kraight, Lt. Telarus, and the woman known as Victoria Sagan set out to find their kidnapped Captain and their new foe. After searching several caves, they were about to give up when suddenly Kraight felt through a hole into the darkness below ...

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.

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.

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

Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The CSO lands painfully with a thud.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::closes his eyes as Grey raises the knife:: Grey: You can be the man you once were.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Self: Ufffhhhh...

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The music continues to float through the air of the cavern system. It seems to come from further down river.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ All: Things on this trip just keep getting weirder and weirder.

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::Stares at the hole the CSO fell through:: CEO: Does that usually happen?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:All: Seems like we've been on this river forever

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::Gets on her knees and peers down into the hole:: ALL: Hulloooooooo down there!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: rolls over, looks up... climbing back up doesn't look like an option ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Life as we know it seems to have ended.  ::gloomy::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: Blue light filters down onto the CSO ... ice crystals float through the air. He seems to be in some cave.

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::Seems quite agitated at the music from down river::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: stands, slowly and painfully :: Self: Ow... ow... ow again...

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::cracks his knuckles::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Don't despair.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks around ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CIV: Vicky, this isn't even the half of it.

Host Grey says:
# ::Peers at the intricate work on the blade as he steps toward Sulek:: CO: I think none of us are the men, or women, we once were.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: We’ll find a place to land without hostile creatures and build a nice fire

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at the XO who for some reason is not making much sense::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: hears something from above... possibly one of his companions... shouts :: CIV: I'm all right! Keep looking for Sulek!

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::Stands up:: CEO: I don't hear anything.

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: The blue light seems to cast an outline of something in the shadows.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: peers at the something in the shadows ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CSO: Sir we just can't leave you behind we need to get you out.

Host Grey says:
# ::Comes toward Sulek, staring at the blade as he does until he's a foot away. Then his eyes turn to look at him:: CO: Life is all about change. You must change in order to continue. If you don't, you stagnate and die. Someone wise told me that once ... I can't really remember who at the moment though.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::recovers from is stutter:: CTO: "Place to land"

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Land?  ::looks nervously at the shore::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: I really want to get the hell off this boat

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks up :: CEO: That is an order, Mr. Telarus!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: We can grow or we can digress.  Change is a constant.  You can change as well.  Your obsession with your own sacrifice and your revenge has take away much.  But what has been lost can be regained.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  I wonder what's making the music up ahead.

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::Shrugs. Couldn't care less really. Feeling nervous about the cave::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Don't know. Guessin' we'll find out. I reckon.

Host Grey says:
# CO: Sometimes, yes. Not always though. ::Lifts the blade up to Sulek's throat, as if to slice it straight across::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at the XO oddly again::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::hazards a glance at the TO to see if he's behaving at all strangely as well::

Host Grey says:
<Ensign Rio> XO: "Reckon"? 

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: cautiously moves a bit closer to the something, trying to make out what it is ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Old earth euphemism

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: " I believe so."

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is reminded of Sheriff Johnson and sighs deeply::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: It's a medium sized metallic case ... covered with ice crystals and "snow dust."

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::is not behaving strangely at all...at least for him::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notes it is difficult to tell if the TO is behaving strangely::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CIV: Let's move on.

Host Grey says:
<CPO Beldaur> ALL: Well, we could continue down river ... or try to find some path in the walls. ::Something flutters past him and he jumps for a moment:: I like the boat myself.

Host Grey says:
<Ens. Rio> Beldaur: Speak for yourself. Land is nice ...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CIV: We need to find the Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::feels the blade against his throat::: Grey: Then this choice only takes more from you.  I am sorry that it will be so, but I will not have to live with your actions...only you must.  This as your final act will take away what you had sought.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::wonders why the TO is behaving strangely::

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ CEO: 'Cuz we've done such a bang-up job so far ... ::She mumbles as she follows him::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: kneels by the case, brushes it off, looking for markings and latches ::

Host Grey says:
# ::Stares into Sulek's eyes. There is a dark determination there, then ... He suddenly drives the blade into the ice wall behind Sulek's head. The blade a mere inch or so away from the Deltan / Vulcan's face::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@::thinks to self how screwed he is::

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: Almost immediately, the red jewels placed into the handle of the blade begin to glow. Sulek feels warmth bathing his head as the blade glows. 

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CIV: Regardless we need to try :: tries to hold back his distaste at that statement ::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: A marking is revealed on the case. It looks quite familiar ... it is a Starfleet emblem with indication the crate holds sensor equipment. It looks quite familiar, as it was part of the supplies Kraight had brought with him from the Quirinus a year ago.

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::Mock salute:: CEO: Aye, aye, sir.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::turns his head so that he can see the blade:: Grey: You have made your choice, then?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Self: Great Maker! How did this get here?   :: opens the case ::

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: Mist begins to pour off the ice wall Sulek was bound into. Water ripples down the side and Sulek's back. Cracking is heard.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::for no apparent reason, suddenly gets the sense that their Civilian needs a swift kick in the rear::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: Inside is the sensor equipment that the CSO had put in there. If he glances around, he sees that all of the crew's equipment and supplies they originally brought is here ... along with their uniforms, a bit frozen, folded neatly into piles with their communicators on top.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CIV: Let's go. ::starts moving forward::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: roots through the case looking for a tricorder and the nanite containers ::

Host Grey says:
# ::Steps back:: CO: In a sense. I decided to give you a fair chance to fight back. I think all these attempts on your life have failed because I've been holding back. In reality, I was always a man for a fair fight.

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::Follows::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::feels like they are not getting any closer to the source of the music::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::finds the music annoying::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Would you answer a question first?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: finds both :: Self: Astonishing.   :: activates the tricorder, sets it to maximum range, and begins scanning for Vulcan life signs ::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The boat suddenly comes into a massive chamber where the music is playing all around. It seems to be a cacophony of Christmas music ... "Jingle Bells" "White Christmas" "Hark the Herald" and "Carol of the Bells" can be heard. Several of the glowing technology rock formations are jutting out of the walls.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
TO: They're aliens. And they have bad taste in music

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO: Maybe we should check out those glowing rock formations?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
XO: Yes sir, they do.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: As the boat moves into the chamber, the crew feels weird sensations on their bodies as suddenly clothing seems to start growing around them. They are all wearing strange robes.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks down::  Self:  Oh cool

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:sure. Struggles like hell turning the boat:: Okay.....It'll just take a sec to get there once I get us turned. ::bears down on the rudder::

Host Grey says:
# CO: What is it?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: Who told you or lead you to believe that your sacrifice aboard the Quirinus had been taken from you?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: the tricorder shows no sign of a nearby Vulcan, but can show Telarus and Sagan moving off above him, and another group -- Pangborn et al? -- somewhere beneath his feet ::

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: The ice cracks, and falls apart around Sulek ... he is somewhat soaked, and cold, but free. The blade clatters to the floor and slides toward Grey.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wishes this sort of thing surprised him::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: and more importantly... a way out of the cave ::

Host Grey says:
# ::Stares at him for a moment. At first it would appear that he is just not going to answer, but then Sulek could realize that Grey really doesn't know WHO told him this or why:: CO: That's not something you should trouble yourself about.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ Self: Well... up is out of the question... better try down.

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::Starts freaking out, trying to tear away her robe::

Host Grey says:
<Doctor Munro> ::Concerned, tries to calm the Girl down and stop her:: Girl: It's all right, it's all right ... ::KRACK! The Girl backhands Munro and nearly sends her sprawling out of the boat::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
# ::he step away from the wall:: Grey: An odd answer for someone so sure.  Do you not know?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Girl:  What's wrong?  Calm down.  ::reaches to put her hand on the girl's arm::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::raises an eyebrow at The Girl:: Girl: Hey, relax.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: quickly empties a carry case, packs all the communicators, what medicine he can fit, some emergency rations, and the nanites... sets a second tricorder up to emit a homing signal, grabs two phasers, and sets out down the exit tunnel ::

Host Grey says:
<Doctor Munro> ::Gathers herself and touches her jaw::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The weird sensation returns as the boat comes to a stop, and the clothing begins to change rapidly ... shifting from clothing to tight fitting Hawaiian shirts and leather pants / skirts.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: as indicated by the tricorder, the tunnel slopes downward ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks down again::  Self:  Ohh... hot.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::likes these clothes a lot less::

Host Grey says:
# ::Bends down and picks up the blade:: CO: Not really the issue right now.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Cherry, did you se that?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ CIV: Vicky, why can't things be simple? He "died" back on the ship and now he is back this so bad guy cliché.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  See what?  ::is blinded by Wolverton's shirt::

Host Grey says:
<Ens. Rio> ALL: What the he-- Oh, whatever.

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ CEO: Hmmm, what are you going on about? ::As they walk on::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
# ::moves out further into the cavern:: Grey: I will defend myself if I must, but I will not kill you if it can be helped.  This meeting has then been arranged.  I will not give who ever it is the satisfaction.  Since you avoid the question, then it is that person that must come to job.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::grabs some clothes, puts them on, and revels in the perfect warmth::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::watches Grey carefully::

Host Grey says:
# ::Tosses the blade at the CO so he can catch it:: CO: You're going to have to. There's no real obvious way out of this cave. You and I. We're about to have a confrontation.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The water seems to bubble and boil and glow with weird colors around the boat.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All in boat:  Ummm...  ::points at the weirdly glowing water::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::eyes the water:: SELF: Hmmmmm....

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::catches the knife:: Grey: And your weapon will be?

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Suddenly comes around a corner, with Ris`Mor leaning on her shoulder and Neet trotting behind:: CEO: Oh! You startled me.

Host Grey says:
# ::Pulls out another blade::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<#>

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::Starts calming down about the clothing and starts panicking about the water::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
# Grey: Ahh, I see.  For a moment, I thought that perhaps you intended to make one more sacrifice.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All; Interesting development

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: Admiral, sorry.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: still walking down the tunnel, not sure how far to an exit... the scans do not seem entirely reliable ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Ummm... can we dock this thing somewhere?  ::looks around for a suitable shoreline::

Host Grey says:
# CO: Not so much. Are you ready to finish this Captain?

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Looks around:: CEO: I sensed some trouble ... Kraight. Where is he?

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The boat suddenly is pushed forward ... down river ... it seems to be moving rapidly ... as if dragged.

Host Grey says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Falls down with a oof::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: If I cannot stop you in this course, then I will do as I must.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::hangs on::

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Screams and nearly falls into the water next to the TO::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::takes a defensive stance::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::catches her:: EO: What the....?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::struggles to control, gasping for breath:: Cherry.....Wolverton....grab an oar

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::does as ordered, and tries to paddle with everything she's got::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: notes some very odd rock formations he passes on the way, but slogs onward. Then begins to see light up ahead ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::settles Erin back into the boat, then grabs an oar as ordered::

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Clings onto the TO::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: Admiral, he fell in a whole a few yards behind us. He gave me orders to continue.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The clothing begins to rapidly change on the crew as they are pushed out of the chamber and down an opposite cavern system ... whatever is dragging them is quite strong.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is getting nowhere with this rowing stuff::

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ CEO: Oh. Well, I think Ris`Mor was pointing us in the direction of a possible exit out of this way ... maybe Gre -- Nero, took Sulek this way.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: arrives at the tunnel exit ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::whistling an old Earth sea shanty::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Something suddenly grabs onto the CTO's oar, as if to pull her overboard.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Ack!  ::let’s go of the oar::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: Then that way we should move on to, I think that the CSO should be fine for the moment being.

Host Grey says:
# ::Smiles, then rushes the CO::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The oar disappears into the water which continues to bubble and radiate multiple colors.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::quickly sidesteps and kicks out towards Grey stomach::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks down into the water::  All:  Oops.  Sorry.

Host Grey says:
# ::Is caught in the stomach, falls back, and rolls backward as a result. Coming up to his feet quickly::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::frowns, trying to maintain steering with the one oar::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::grunts and sidles to the back of the boat to use the remaining oar as a rudder::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Crud....we're up... :gets hit with the oar he's using:

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  This is like... Christmas in Hell.  ::continues to watch the colored water bubbling::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::comes quickly to Grey's right, staying in stance, he remains several feet from him...he waits::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: The CSO does not find the frigid arctic storm that was on the mountain tops he early traversed but something entirely different. A dark, volcanic mountain-side ... similar to the land in which the deranged folk resided in ... only this opens to a volcanic, ash covered beach. Before him is a dark and raging ocean, storm clouds burst with lightning overhead ...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: You know, you have a way with analogy

Host Grey says:
# ::Moves quicker than the CO anticipates. Bringing his foot up into a roundhouse kick and connecting with the side of Sulek's head. He soon spins around with a backhand, reversing to catch Sulek on the opposite side of his head::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: It is an almost complete opposite to the tropical paradise the crew arrived in at the beginning of the year.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::as Grey comes toward him for the second kick, he drops suddenly and rolls straight into Grey's feet::

Host Grey says:
# Oof! ::Falls and rolls again, trying to get up on his feet before Sulek can make another attack::

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Nods:: CEO: I think you're right. If you wish, you can take point ...

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Continues to support the injured Ris`Mor::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::rolling up to his feet, he turns and kicks into Grey's chest as he tries to rise::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: Thank you mam. ::takes the lead on the journey to find the Captain::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::squints and points at an opening in the cavern system far ahead::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks to where Wolverton is pointing::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: A roaring can be heard in the distance.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Of the non-creature variety.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: opens his thermal suit, but decides to leave it on... environmental stability is not a given in the Construct ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
XO: Errr...sir, I think maybe we should consider going ashore.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Does that sound like a waterfall to you?

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: A cold wind batters against the CSO and the mountain-side ... through the raging storm on the dark ocean, he can see something in the far distance ... a light of some sort ...

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods at the CTO::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: checks the tricorder again, looking for Sulek and the others ::

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Mouth agape:: That sounds like a waterfall to me.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
XO: Ummmm...sir?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Maybe we should swim for it...  ::looks at the water doubtfully::

Host Grey says:
# ::Is caught in the chest with the kick, but grabs CO's foot and lifts. His strength seems to be phenomenal, definitely not normal El Aurian strength. He swings Sulek around, taking his whole body into the side of an ice wall::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All; Help me find the side of the caves ::rows:

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Anywhere we can land

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::steers toward the side::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::lost her oar so isn’t' much help.  Can only wish really really hard::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::Crashing against the wall, he slides to the ground, but rolls away, coming slightly dazed to his feet.  He releases any restraint on his Vulcan strength, realizing that it is going to take more.  He circles to the left::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: Where have you been this time we all have been separated for so long.

Host Grey says:
# ::Circles with the CO, staring him down::

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ CEO: The storm was raging pretty badly. I found Neet, but didn't realize you were all nearby. I wandered off and found Ris`Mor eventually.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks quizzically at the tricorder's screen... the moving life forms are a few meters below him, in another tunnel, and apparently traveling on water ::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The crew is getting closer to the opening.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::he, feints in with the knife, stepping suddenly to the right, he strikes with an open handed chop to the back of Grey's neck, then dodges away::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at her boat mates long and hard, suspecting they will be the last faces she ever sees::

Host Grey says:
# ::Is caught in the neck, takes the opportunity to slice at the CO. He manages to slash him in the side::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
;;grim::

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Holding onto the TO's leg, trying to fight back tears::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::getting irritated with the boat::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: I feel bad about the CSO, he is now by himself.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks around, finds some handholds... stuffs the tricorder in a pocket, and begins to climb down toward the waterfall below ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at the girl wishing she knew who she was::

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::Looks at Cherry, and almost, as if reading her mind, utters a single word ... the first she has, ever:: CTO: Vee.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::puts his hand to his side and looks at the greenish blood on his hand, again he begins to circle::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::pokes down into the water a bit, seeing if it's shallow enough to try to anchor slightly with the oar::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Girl:  Vee?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: the going is slow, but his natural climbing ability sees him down safely during the descent ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: First blood...

Host Grey says:
# ::Grins:: CO: Favor the bold, Captain. ::Dives at him::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: As the CEO and group continues, they begin to realize the snow has lessened, and it has gotten somewhat warmer ... but not all that warmer. They seem to be coming to a mountain side. Thunder is heard.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at the girl curiously, having quite forgotten about their imminent deaths::

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::Stares at the CTO, and for a moment, the feral mystery that she is fades ... and she is just a girl::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::he leaps to Grey's left, grabbing his knife arm and twisting hard, as he does this with his own knife he rakes the blade across Grey's lower back::

Host Grey says:
<CIV Sagan> @ ::To herself:: So much for a white Christmas.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::smiles at the girl and gestures for her to move closer so they can huddle together::

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: There is a snap, and Grey's forearm is shattered. The lower back of Grey's white and black outfit is suddenly stained with a dark red.

Host Grey says:
# ::Cries out and rolls away::

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::Against her better instincts, she cuddles up to the CTO::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::feels an odd sense of contentment under the circumstances::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Grey: We could end this now.  We do not need to give whoever led you to this point the satisfaction.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The TO's efforts to jam the oar into the water and ground beneath begin to somewhat slow the boat down, but not much, as the oar hits one rock and jams, then loosens, then does the same process over and over again.

Host Grey says:
# ::Slowly raises himself. An odd cracking and snapping is heard from Grey's forearm, and Sulek can see that his arm seems to be instantly healing himself:: That's all right. I only needed a breather.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::he again steps back keeping the movement going::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::quietly hums "Greensleeves"::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: fishes out the tricorder and checks the location of the moving group of life forms ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Do not stay with the ship when we go over. Get away form it and use the wreckage a flotation device if any of us survive the fall

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::grumbles, trying to find a solid hold::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: But despite the TO's best efforts, they're getting closer and closer to the waterfall.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Fall?  Oh yeah.  Right

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: sees some familiar readings now... humans, Minaran, Bolian... something unidentifiable but humanoid... some crewmates, and a guest? ::

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ CEO: My God, look at that. ::Arrives at the same scene the CSO did earlier, the raging ocean ... the volcanic beach::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: It may look like the weather is starting to fair better but there is still some bad weather ahead from the thunder I hear.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::is pretty well out of ideas::

Host Grey says:
# ::Does a flying leap kick at the CO, crying out in anger::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
@ VADM: It is a sight alright Admiral.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: leans toward the opening as far as he dares, shouts :: Any: Helllooooo.... This is Kraight... Who goes therrre?

Host Grey says:
# ::Connects with the CO, comes down, and engages in close quarters hand to hand combat with him. His every move swift, his ever defense swifter:: The satisfaction is mine! No one else’s! No one can take my purpose away from me! NO ONE!

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::quietly braids the girl's hair, still humming::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::hears Kraight:: CSO: Kraight, we're stuck in the river

Host Grey says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> @ ::Looks at the storm, and hears water. Looks down and sees Kraight climbing on the side of the mountain far off in the distance, near a waterfall:: CEO: Look!

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::Sulek defend himself...he moves left, then right, finally dropping and rolling beneath Grey's enraged onslaught.  He kicks, and then comes up behind Grey, he grabs him quickly and twists his head around sharply::

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: There is a sharp CRACK, as Grey's neck is snapped. He drops limply to the ground.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: You're headed for a waterfall, and a nasty drop. Stand by.

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: As the body hits ... everything fades to white around Sulek.

Host Grey says:
<Ens. Rio> ::Cries out:: CSO: No duh! 

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::hears the CSO finally::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#Sulek: Steps back...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Yes, we're well aware of the falls, it's how to get out of the current

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::calmly::  Rio:  Why don't you just shut up for a change?

Host Grey says:
<Ens. Rio> CTO: We're about to die!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: quickly opens a nanite container and throws it into the river, as far upstream as he can... uses the tricorder to activate program 'MaxwellsDemons001'...  ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Rio: She's right, Please shut up

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Rio:  Ha!  Not likely.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Girl:  Ignore him.  I think we're going to make it.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::is about ready to render Rio unconscious::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: the nanites replicate rapidly, and begin sorting water molecules by temperature... cold ones upstream, hot ones downstream ::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: an ice dam begins to form across the river ::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: With the inclusion of the CSO's nanites, the boat suddenly comes to a sudden halt because of the suddenly forming ice dam. If not for the TO's attempts to slow them down, they would have rammed right through it.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Hello there. Going my way?

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: Meanwhile, the white fades away and Sulek finds himself standing in a room of complete whiteness. A figure suddenly enters and steps over to him, "Hello Captain Sulek. It is a pleasure to see you again." 

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
#::Sulek looks at the man and recognizes him:: Stranger: So the construct is a part of your Library?

Host Grey says:
# ACTION: The figure, otherwise known as "the Historian," smiles, "In a manner of speaking, Captain. It's time I explained this all to you."

Host Grey says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE MISSION =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=