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

WINDOWS of the FALLEN
Conclusion

Arc Title: Windows of the Fallen
Mission Number: 308
Creator: Michael Jones
Ship Manager: Michael Jones
Stardate: 10412.13

Previously …

The Journey nears its end.

"Nathan Grey," also known as Nero, freed Sulek and engaged him in a fight to the death. A fight he has apparently lost as Sulek broke his neck. However, it seems all is not over with the second death of Nathan Grey as the person apparently behind the crew's Journey has revealed himself ... the Historian, an alien entity a past Quirinus crew encountered nearly five years ago.

While the Captain is on the brink of discovering the truth about the Construct and the crew's Journey, the crew itself have just narrowly averted death several times and have gathered themselves on a volcanic beach that seems to be the exact opposite of the tropical paradise they arrived in a year earlier. Now they must track down their Captain.

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 CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@::faces the Historian:: Historian:  And what is the truth of this journey?
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus crew stand gathered on a volcanic beach. The smell of sulfur fills the air as lightning rips the sky apart with thunderous booms. Waves crash against the rocks that line the beach.
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::The Historian is a bald man, wrapped in a purple shimmering cloak. There is little movement from his feet underneath the robe so it seems almost as if he floats. He seems much paler and thinner since the last time Sulek saw him five years ago. He coughs:: CO: Consider it a ... ::Cough cough:: ... talent search.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::happily sorting through their equipment::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: What sort of talent are you looking for?  ::notes his gaunt appearance:: Are you unwell?
Host The_Historian says:
<The Girl> ::Is no longer as cuddly and peaceful as she was in the boat when certain doom was upon them. Keeps a distance from the crew who seem to have a renewed sense of determination since gathering their supplies::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: I am dying.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::uncovers some rations and offers them to the girl::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: And you are looking for your replacement?  Is there nothing that can be done to help you?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Any suggestions?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: These are bighted lands straight from earth folklore
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Our first order of business would, I think, be to find our missing comrades -- most especially the Captain.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: I concur. I guess we search
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::A trickle of black liquid drips down the side of his mouth after another fit of coughing. He wipes it away gently:: CO: I preside over the sole holding place of all knowledge in the known Universe -- including all alternative timelines and frames; that includes all medical knowledge. If nothing has been done to cure me now, nothing can. No, my time is ::Cough cough, gag:: done, Captain. Every moment is agony for me, but I
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::Stares at him:: ... so a replacement can be found.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looking around, feeling like he's been stuttering horribly for some reason::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: We should set up a search pattern, and break up into teams of two.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Lets try and find our way out of here - and to the captain, assuming he was placed at this place by the construct
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::activates a tricorder and starts scanning just to see if she remembers how::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: scans the area to construct a crude map, and establishes a grid to guide the search teams ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: From where did you arrive here?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@::contemplates the Historian:: Historian: Have you found your replacement?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::smacks the tricorder on the side a few times::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::sees something in the ocean way out there:: CTO: Sir....
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  What?  ::looks in the direction Wolverton is looking::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Telarus, Sagan and I were searching some ice caves for the Captain. I fell through the floor of one, and found myself in the cave with our equipment. From there, I found your party.
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: You, Captain. You have met all our qualifications. In fact, we I learned it had been YOUR crew that had come upon the Gateway and had been selected to participate in the Journey I was certain you would win out as the prime subject amongst the lot ...
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: glares at tricorder :: XO: I am doubtful that the tricorders will be much use...
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::points WAY out into the ocean at...IT::
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::Waves his hand over open air and orbs featuring images of the crew's adventures - the three-headed D'gari encounter, fighting in the Old Wild West, dancing on the train:: I'm surprised most of them survived it.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::squints in the direction Wolverton is pointing::
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: The CTO now sees it too. A bright fiery light standing out amongst the strong storm that batters the ocean. 
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: It seems stationary.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Whoa!  What is that?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:sullen:: CSO: Sounds like an adventure.  We need to get away from here, fulfill whatever purpose the construct has us perform, and move on. I feel like a puppet
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: Err...I was hoping you'd know.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: There is no doubt that we have been manipulated from the outset.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: It is a tempting offer, but what makes you believe that I am the proper choice?  Without my crew's endeavors, I would not, could not, succeed.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Looks out at the rising storm: Self: Dang
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Let's ask Commander Kraight.  He's a science guy.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wanders over towards the Commanders::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CSO/XO:  Either of you know what that is?  ::points toward the bright fiery light out in the storm::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: We know of all your exploits, Captain. You are the driving force behind your crew's endeavors, your journeys. You are the one who endures. If not for you, the crew would not have participated in this Journey. 
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::Cough cough cough:: CO: Your purpose in life has always been to know the unknown. Well now you have the opportunity to do so!
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: I never thought my quarters were that nice when I was aboard her. I had it made::looks at Cherry: CTO: Not real sure :taken by the surreal nature of the storm::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks out to sea :: CTO: No... it appears to be an energy manifestation of some sort...   :: attempts to tune the tricorder to tight-beam scan to eliminate as much interference as possible ::
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: Cold wind and rain blows at the crew as they stare at the floating "fire" out in the ocean.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::surreptitiously rolls his eyes at the CSO's vague techno babble::
Host The_Historian says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Shivers and unconsciously takes the TO's hand as she covers her face from the rain::
Host The_Historian says:
<Neet> ::Hides in the jacket that Admiral Sheridan wears::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: There appears to be an island located just about where the light is coming from.
Host The_Historian says:
<Vice Admiral Sheridan> ALL: I think he's out there.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::hopes no one suggests they try and get out there to investigate::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: It is true that I seek to learn and understand, but it is the discovery that drives me.  Here ::sweeps hands around to indicate the area:: the knowledge is simple to look up.  There is no discovery...no quest...only catalogs.
Host The_Historian says:
<Ens. Rio> ALL: Well forget that. There's no way we can get across there by swimming.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::gives Erin's hand a reassuring squeeze as he stares at the mysterious "energy manifestation"::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::eyes Rio::  Rio:  You volunteering?
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::Smiles and coughs again, nearly doubling over:: CO: There is always discovery. Always something new to learn as we take in more information. We do not catalog the future after all.
Host The_Historian says:
<Ens. Rio> CTO: For what, suicide? No thanks.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands off from Cherry:: CTO/TO: Well. There’s the boat we abandon. Why don't you check it out?
Host The_Historian says:
<Ris`Mor> ::Makes a noise and simply sits there::
Host The_Historian says:
<CIV Sagan> ::Shrugs and gestures at Rio:: ALL: I'm with the coward.
Host The_Historian says:
<Ens. Rio> CIV: Stuff it!
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::eyes the XO doubtfully::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::whispers::  TO:  He's kidding, right?
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks at the XO incredulously...thinking he can't possibly be serious::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO/TO: Guys....I was kidding. I’ll send Kraight
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Excellent idea! Is its hull intact?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::laughs out loud::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
XO: Umm...sir...with all due respect...that remnant of a dinghy won't last long against those four meter waves.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: No...but you gather the information.  That is not discovery, it is recording.  Since you do not share this information, what is it for?
Host The_Historian says:
<CPO Beldaur> CSO: Did we bring any rafts with us?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
TO: That guarantees it. You ARE going with Kraight now
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: Why it is guidelines. A memory, if you will.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CPO: No, but we won't need them. Give me the boat and some raw materials, and the nanites can do the rest.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks at the XO with double incredulousness::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: walks over to the boat to examine it ::
Host The_Historian says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Shrugs::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Maybe we could replicate a schooner or something....
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::thinks having a dumb idea is better than having no idea::
Host The_Historian says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> TO / XO: Well, I'm sure I could think of something ... ::Builds up some strength to overpower the growing tremor in her stomach and walks after the CSO to examine the remains of the boat::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks a better idea is to wait for the weather to calm down::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: A memory for whom?  Once you allowed me to see ...to experience the effect of the taking over of Bajor by the Cardassians, but what else have you given to others?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is rather surprised at Eisenhower.  Always thought she was a wimp::
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::Opens his mouth and then stops himself. His sickness has allowed him to get too weak, he is nearly slipping and saying things he shouldn't:: CO: There are things you are not ready yet to see. If you accept this position, if you save the Library ... then you will know the Truth.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:bumps into Cherry discretely:: CTO: What’s up with her? ::motions to Eisenhower::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  She seems to have become decisive all of a sudden.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::watches Erin, curiously::
Host The_Historian says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Trying not to collapse as she walks up to the boat, mumbling to herself:: Just think Erin ... in your room ... back on the Quirinus ... in a jacuzzi ... in a jacuzzi with a fine ale ... in a jacuzzi with a fine ale with Lance ...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Odd. I never would have figured that from her
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::nods in agreement::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@::thinks about the loss that such knowledge would represent::Historian: Perhaps  there should be more to your replacement...perhaps...an innocent.  One who could see the information as it is.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::shrugs and walks toward the boat as well::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands :: All: Not too bad, really. Help me turn it upright, and then we need to fill it with sand to a depth of about ten centimeters.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::gets in place to help flip the boat::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: lifts, straining ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::lifts as well::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:thinks " I never should have started this ":::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: You make excuses and I do not understand why. You have proved innovative on this Journey, especially with the unpredictable challenges that presented to you. You defeated the Anomaly with ease.
Host The_Historian says:
<CPO Beldaur & CEO Telarus> ::Help as well::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
ACTION: The boat flips over.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::now is really curious, but helps anyway::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::stands back and dusts off her hands::
Host The_Historian says:
<CEO Lt. Telarus> ::Thinks he gets a splinter and examines his hands thoroughly::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: Now... let's get some sand into it.  :: starts scooping with his hands, and throwing the sand into the boat ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notices she broke a fingernail::
Host The_Historian says:
<The Girl> ::Watches the crew with curiosity::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::realizes with shock that she doesn't actually care too much::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Kraight, you know that's just me, but there are falls real near here, and the river is on fire. I really was kidding. I can't order anyone to do that
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: I do not make excuses.  There is, I admit, much that is appealing to me in your offer, but I cannot help but feel that I am the wrong choice.  What you offer is a frightening step even for me.  What makes you believe that I would not use the information to solve problems?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::joins in the sand scooping thing::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: If the Captain is there, sir, I intend to find him.  :: keeps scooping and tossing ::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::scoops in sand, resisting the urge to create a small castle with it::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:rubs his chin:: CSO: Okay. ::thinks::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: You are one with logic ... most of the time. When you see the truth behind everything, you will understand the boundaries that you must not cross.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks in the boat :: All: All right, that's enough. Time for the repair crew.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: I'll help you with the repairs
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::stands back and wipes off her hands again::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: digs into his satchel and brings out a nanite container and a tricorder... opens the container and sprinkles its invisible contents into the boat ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: No need, Commander.  :: taps a few commands into the tricorder ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: It is the same logic that prevents me.  I have lived too long and bring with me my own bias.  Tell me how you were chosen.
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: My past was something that I forgot some time ago. ::Frowns for a moment:: Perhaps it is something I will remember when my death ... ::Coughs some more:: ... is finally upon me. But to be honest, Captain, there is not much time. With every last agonizing breath I take the Library draws much closer to doom, as does the Construct.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: watches the boat... a faint electrical crackling can be heard from beneath the sand ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks down at the funny noise::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks in one of the containers, just out of curiosity, and sees a towel::
Host The_Historian says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Using an engineering tricorder ensures the stability of the boat::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Then as I have done in the past, I would ask that you bring my crew here. Their advice would be of value to me.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: I'm having the nanites construct patches from the sand.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CSO:  Silicon right?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Exactly.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::also finds a strange little box, with the words "Don't Panic" helpfully etched in big, red letters::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: Certainly. ::There is a pause and he looks upward ... and nothing happens. He frowns and looks back to Sulek:: I'm afraid I do not have that capability anymore ... ::Coughs again::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::tosses it back into the box with a shrug and steps back over to the boat::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands in the saunas of Hades, wishing for a towel:
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: the crackling fades... the Benzite checks his tricorder ::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: Just about done...   :: punches in a few more commands ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Is there a way that I could bring them without taking on your duties?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wonders what they will use for propulsion, as has no intention of further rowing::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: That's it. :: looks around :: Who's going with me?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::does not volunteer::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: I'm in
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Very well then. Help me push the boat into the water.
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: No. Not you. It is up to them ... or the Library itself to bring them here. I am afraid I am ... too ... weak ... ::Begins to collapse::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: starts pushing the boat ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sighs and helps with the boat moving::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:pushes off and jumps in the familiar boat:: CSO: You are nuts
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO/CSO:  You two armed and all that?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: grins ::  XO: Yes, sir.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wishes them the luck of idiots::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@::moves to aid the Historian::Historian: How can they do this?  ::looks up and speaks into the air:: Library, I ask you to bring me my crew in the construct.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: waves his phaser in the air for Cherry's benefit, then hops into the boat ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: I'm covered Cherry. ::grin:: But thanks
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::vaguely recalls some unwritten rule about not putting all your command officers in one craft, but decides not to mention it::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: opens his tricorder again, and taps the panel... the boat begins to move smoothly into the ocean, heading directly for the island ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::watches the boat pull away without any obvious physical effort and wonders what else those nanites constructed::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::is impressed with the boat's smooth motion through the extremely rough waves::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: It-it won't list ... en ... for ... a sentient receptacle of ... i-information ... it-it has q-quiet the ego ... ::Stares at Sulek as he begins to pull himself up to stand:: ... you t-took longer than I thought to come here ... so m-many unplanned events. We could have never anticipated the Anomaly.
Host The_Historian says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Holds onto the TO:: TO: Do you think they'll be okay?
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
EO: I haven't a clue.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::being cold, heats up a rock with a sustained phaser beam::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Do you know what caused the anomaly?
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: The boat is moving much as some microbes do, sir. I had the nanites construct microscopic cilia on the boat's outer hull, and each is powered by a nanomotor.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::stands close to the heated rock, rubbing her hands and wishing she had a cup of tea::
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: All gather around the phaser heated rock ... the Girl stands away though, staring back up at the volcanic mountains.
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: The Anomaly is not a cause. It is a p-person. Grey. N-Nathan Grey. He was not planned. He should n-not be here.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notices the girl standing apart and looking at the mountains::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: I cannot do this.  There must be another answer.  Library: You have all the knowledge.  Bring the replacement here or take me to him or her.
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: Vicious cold and water bite at the XO & CSO as their boat breaks through the waves ... as they push through the storm, they see the fire is a glowing red orb that flashes and shines atop a tower that stands upon the rocky island.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Nero is gone...then should not things return?
Host The_Historian says:
@ ACTION: There is no response from the Library.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Assessment
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::moves over to the girl::  Girl:  What's up?
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: H-He is not what he seems. H-He doesn't even realize that. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::steadies the boat::
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: That is reminiscent of the lighthouses once used on Earth. I would say that we were invited to go to the island.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Then what is he.  How do we stop him?
Host The_Historian says:
<The Girl> ::Stares at the mountains for a moment, and looks to the CTO and utters the first actual words:: They come.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::eyes widen::  Girl:  They who?
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: An a-amalgamation. We do not know ... ::Looks away:: how can we possible not know ...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: At best it's an invitation. Let’s move.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: jumps out as the boat hits the shore of the island, and drags the vessel inland with Pangborn's help ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::hears familiar cries and shouts coming their way::  TO:  Tactical alert!  Secure the area!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Then your choice in me may be just as flawed.   Send me to face him again...perhaps I may still stop this...Could it not be that he is the cause of your distress?
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: Figures are scaling down the mountain cliffs toward the beach where the crew are.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
# :: pulls a phaser from the inner pocket of his thermal suit ::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks around frantically for a place to make a stand::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
#CSO: This doesn't look good ::get his phaser::
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: I do not ... s-see how it is possible. The Library is beyond s-such things. I s-should be too. 
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
# :: opens his tricorder and begins scanning, slowly, on narrow beam ::
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::does so the best he can::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::pulls the girl back to the group and resets her phaser::
Host The_Historian says:
@ ::Grasps the CO's shirt and pulls him close:: CO: Y-you thought we s-sent him to test you. But we did not. Someone e-else did. But w-we do not know. And that should n-not be possible. ::Cough cough Hack Hack:: We know everything.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: An anomaly is exactly that...replacing you with me will not stop this until it is rectified.  There must be a way to stop the decay.  Look at the truth you spoke of, has it not changed?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Arm yourselves!
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
# :: looks upward :: XO: perhaps we should start at the lighthouse.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::squints, trying to identify them::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
#CSO: As good a place as any. Looks like life to me
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  It's those goons who were chasing us down the river.
Host The_Historian says:
@ CO: T-there is no decay. H-he is here to stop you from being the replacement. If you d-die then there is no replacement. Then the Library dies. All that is contained within is lost. The billions of lives within the Construct ARE LOST!
Host The_Historian says:
<Ens. Rio> ALL: We're going to die!!!
Host The_Historian says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Knocks Rio unconscious:: Oh shut up.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: How many of them do we have to kill?
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Rio:  For the last time, SHUT UP!
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods gratefully at Beldaur::
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  I'm not entirely sure they are not already dead.
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: There seem to be dozens of them coming down the mountain, all laughing and yelling and crying about perfecting the crew.
CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
# :: starts up the hill :: XO: These are very strange readings.  :: frowns ::  The interior of the structure reads larger than its exterior!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Historian: Then he must be stopped.  I will face the anomaly.  If I were meant to replace you, then it should have been a simple matter.  Give me the chance to stop him...to save the lives in the construct.
CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::fires off a warning shot::
Host The_Historian says:
@ ACTION: Suddenly, there is the sound of something slicing through the air ... and a liquid sounding THUNK! The point of a blade now pierces the robes of the Historian and his chest. Black liquid squirts out. He reaches for the point of the blade - "Oh" and collapses.
TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: Obviously not dead enough.
Host The_Historian says:
ACTION: The shot makes some of them stop, but they continue to move toward the crew.
Host Grey says:
@ ::Nathan Grey, Nero, stands not far away. Not as dead as Sulek thought:: CO: I'm not sure about you ... but what he just said. That sounds like a lovely time to you, doesn't it?
Host Grey says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= END MISSION =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=