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

The Step Forward
Part One (of Two)

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end"
- Ursula K. LeGuin

Arc Title: The Step Forward
Mission Number: 309
Creator: Michael Jones
Ship Manager: Michael Jones
Stardate: 10501.03

Previously …

The Journey is at its end.

After a year of struggle and mystery, the crew has reached the last of the nine worlds and the answers to all the questions they have held for months now.

Now, the crew has been scattered. The CO has faced Nathan Grey, the mysterious Nero; and the Librarian who have explained most of the truths behind this Journey.

Sulek now faces down the seemingly insane Nathan Grey, while Commander Pangborn & Lt. Cmdr. Kraight rush to his rescue … and the rest of the crew prepare to fight for their very lives.

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.

And now, the Beginning of the End

Host SM_Selan says:
"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end"

Host SM_Selan says:
- Ursula K. LeGuin

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

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The onslaught of psychotics come rushing down the mountain side toward the crew on the shore.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::locks and loads:: CTO: Well all I have to say that this has been one strange trip.

Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The waves break against the rocks behind the XO / CSO as the Great Tower looms before them.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::eyes the CEO::  CEO:  Take cover!

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::takes cover behind some rocks::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: walking uphill, tricorder in hand, looking very perplexed ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: Do I get extra points if I get head shots? ::asks sarcastically and rhetorically and then ducks for cover::

Host OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks confused and concerned::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@ ::turns and faces Nero:: Nero: So the anomaly can control more...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Kraight, scan for the entrance

Host Grey says:
@ ::Stands over the dead body of the Librarian::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
OPS:  Jade!  Take cover.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: Ah... yes sir... scanning...

Host Grey says:
@ CO: The who what now?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::does as she's told::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wonders if there is any point trying to reason with the lunatics::

Host Grey says:
<The Girl> ::The Girl whose name may be "Vee" roars and rushes away from the group and headlong into battle with the psychotics::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Nero: You may look like Grey, but you are not him.  The Historian ::points to him:: has told me that you are the anomaly and an amalgam of more than just Grey.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::stands and yells::  Girl:  Vee!  Get back here!

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looking around::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Nero: You really do not know why you were placed here, do you?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::hears Cherry yell and pokes her head up::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: shakes head :: XO: There's no entrance that I can find... there is a... structure of some sort attached to the exterior of the tower, about 90 meters bearing 227.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Lead on, in that direction. ::walks with him::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::opens the sight on the phasers rifle::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: continues scanning while they walk ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::starts running after the girl::  Girl:  Come back!

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Just open fire, set your phasers and phaser rifles to max stun. This is one of those situations you shoot first ask questions later.

Host Grey says:
@ CO: Well, truth is I am Grey, and more. I'm sure you just misunderstood the good late Historian. ::Steps over the body:: You see, I'm a mix of things ... mostly El Aurian ... I got some Takaran in there ... a bit of other stuff.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Vee disappears into the ongoing wave of attackers. Two dive at the CTO as she rushes at them.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Nero: Admit it...your hatred for me is irrational.  You have no idea who told you that I took away your purpose.  The purpose the real Grey had is not yours.  Yours is to destroy...to stop me.  No human could have survived our battle.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::fires at the one on her left::

Host Grey says:
@ CO: I'm not human.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Self: Come get some!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: still frustrated :: XO: The dimensional anomalies of the tower are playing the very devil with the tricorder. Now this structure appears to be much smaller, perhaps eight or ten centimeters square.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts shooting off hitting them straight on their chest knocking down as many of the front liners as he can::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Nero: Nor are you Grey.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::stops:: CSO Certainly not an entrance then...what is it? It's still our only clue

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::whirls and tries to run back::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: I assure you that I did not misunderstand the Historian.  You are an anomaly.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::wishes she had actually gotten a weapon at some point::

Host Grey says:
@ CO: If that helps you sleep better at night, Captain. Believe it. But the truth of the matter is, I AM Nathan Grey. ::Wipes the dark blood off the blade he removed from the Historian's backside::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The battle engages. The horribly scarred peoples come at the crew with all the force they can.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::sighs::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: I got an idea it's risky though, throw me your mark II phaser. ::grabs his own as well::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: I am gonna overload yours and mine while we take cover here.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::keeps shooting the lunatic crowd::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: I have no trouble sleeping.  The vehemence of you response would seem to indicate that you're the one who needs to be who you were created to believe you were.

Host Grey says:
<CPO Beldaur> ::Firing as best he can while covering the now unconscious body of Ens. Rio::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::doesn't hear the CEO as she is in the thick of it, having foolishly run after Vee::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::hears the CTO's plan and begins to review where she left her will::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::does his job::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::arrives at the source of the structure, examines it::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: You said you were prepared to die...and yet despite the fact that I killed you, you are not dead.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: arrives at the panel attached to the tower, begins a tight-beam scan of it ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: What do you think?

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The mob of scarred people is unorganized and untrained. The initial wave is getting taken down quite easily, but more and more of them come down the mountain. Soon, they are crawling over the unconscious bodies of their brethren to get to the crew.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::mutters about these people being as bad as the Borg::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::begins to feel dizzy and disoriented::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::manages to make her way back to the group.  Dives behind a rock and takes a moment to catch her breath::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::can no longer focus on the battle that is raging around her::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Only a creation...a program, for lack of a better term, cannot see reason.  It can only do what it must do.  The Real Grey would listen, he would not kill randomly.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::notices the CTO can't hear him grabs his phasers and sets it to maximum kill and overloads it, then throws it into the crowd::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: almost angry :: XO: The glezzit thing almost seems to be... resisting my probes... Fenchlik!

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Take Cover! ::screams at the top of his lungs::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::attempts to open the panel:: CSO: Let's try and alleviate the frustration.

Host Grey says:
@ ::Stepping closer and around the Captain:: CO: Randomly? I figured that was pretty direct. Pretty much the only death I have caused.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: Wait...

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::feels concerned about Jade for no apparent reason::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::hears the whine and dives::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: What?

Host Grey says:
ACTION: OPS Morgan, who has been emitting a light rainbow hue for a little while now, starts to glow more and more.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: sucks in his breath :: XO: It's... trying to communicate through my tricorder.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::frowns at the radioactive officer::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::tilts head:: CSO: Communicate? You mean it’s sentient?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Really?  Would the real Grey allow his people to be slaughtered even if there were a chance?  How did you know the Historian and why did you kill him.  Seems random to me.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: shows Pangborn the tricorder screen, which reads "DO YOU WISH TO ENTER? Y/N" ::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The CTO discovers "Vee" taking care of business with utter ease. The young, lithe woman, seems to have some power to her as she easily slaughters a group of the scarred people.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::doesn't notice that she is looking rather rainbowy as she's not noticing much::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: It is at least capable of interfacing with our technology.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The CEO's phaser goes off, vaporizing a group of the people and sending more flying into the air. The CTO is thrown as well, but is relatively uninjured.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: I would say we have been invited.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Self: Say hello to my little friend.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Interesting....well, go ahead.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@::steps back from the approaching Nero::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::gets tossed just as she was admiring Vee's handiwork::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::screaming:: TO: I have always wanted to say that. ::keeps taking down the foes::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: punches the 'Y' control ::

Host Grey says:
@ CO: My "people" will be fine. The Historian was suffering - "Every moment is agony" Isn't that what he said? I figured I was putting him out of his misery.

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: A door suddenly opens before the XO / CSO. Blue light shines out and a cool breeze is felt.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CEO: That's a bit disturbing. ::is doing the same thing::

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Sees the CTO land, looks concerned and rushes to her side::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: Once more into the breach, dear friends...  :: enters the tower ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::enters::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: continues to scan for life signs ::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The scarred folk are avoiding OPS, the rainbow light is frightening them. OPS is beginning to shine as similar as the people did in the world she gained her new powers from.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: So then you now have the right to make life and death decisions?  You said yourself the El Aurians in the construct were real.  They are also with few exceptions assimilated.  Yet, you did not try to help.  No, you are not Nathan Grey.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Vee:  I'm all right.  ::quickly gets to her feet::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: The XO / CSO find themselves in a seemingly gigantic open warehouse space with metallic grated walls. Hundreds upon hundreds of alternate variations of Pangborn and Kraight stand before them, all lined up evenly. They all smile and say "Hello" in unison.

Host Grey says:
@ CO: Oh please. Did you have the power to stop the Borg? I sure as hell didn't.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Tell me this is a bad dream.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: But I did try.

Host Grey says:
@ CO: And failed.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notices an odd light::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to notice how the people are scared of Morgan, and gets a brain storm:: ::screams:: All: Move closer to Lt. Morgan.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::is further disturbed that he thinks the CEO has a good idea::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs a tricorder:: All: I would cover your eyes I am gonna see if I can enhance Lt. Morgan's powers via the tricorder or at least simulate them to fool the mob.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey:  Would you lay down your life for strangers? I was prepared to do so.  You command and seemingly cannot be killed.  Yet you failed to offer your life for your own people.  I too may die.  I have prepared many times for that eventuality.  You have only one purpose.  Kill...or more specifically kill me.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks stunned for a moment, then remembers to scan the doppelgangers :: XO: Ah... most of them scan as genetically similar or identical to ourselves, sir. There are some differences... some are suffering from various diseases, others have various prosthetics... a few are Borg, sir.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::hears the CEO as if from far away and decides that she'll have to kill him if they survive this mess::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Face it you are a program...a virus...an anomaly.  You didn't help, because you were not programmed to do so.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CEO: Enhance? ::is greatly disturbed and seriously reconsidering his previous view of the CEO and his self-destructive ideas::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::suddenly....all is revealed::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@AXO/ACSO: What are you ::waves his hand in front of them::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: approaches the nearest doppel-Kraight :: K2: Um... Hello. Who are you?

Host Grey says:
@ ::Rolls eyes:: CO: You really don't understand anything, do you? ::CRACK. Nero rushes forward with tremendous speed, delivering a punch to Sulek's face and shattering his nose, sending him skittering across the floor::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: Ensign Wolverton, I need you to lay down some cover fire for me while I work on this.

Host Grey says:
@ CO: I'm not a robot. I'm not a computer program. I am flesh and blood. I am Nathan Grey reborn. I have been given a mission after my own life mission was taken away from me.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::she sees the paths and truths of all who surround her...friend and enemy alike. Sees their inner pain.....what caused them to become who and what they are.::

Host Grey says:
<Kraight #2> @ CSO: I am Kraight.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods, glad to do that, as it will keep him a safe distance from the CEO's idea...and it also puts him in a position to shoot him if things REALLY get out of hand::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::opens tripod on the rifle and starts to input a series of commands and scans of Lt Morgan through the tricorder.::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::lays down some seriously impressive cover fire...he's really frightening the ground and puffs of air::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@ ::falls, he grabs his nose and tries to staunch the blood flow:: Grey: Point proven, I believe. ::rises unsteadily to his feet::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ K2: I see. So, as it happens, am I. May I scan you, please?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::tries to pull Vee back towards the others::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::watches as all of their stories unfold::

Host Grey says:
@ CO: What, that I'm a program? No, that only proves that I'm still the emotionally driven loose canon you lectured on a few occasions.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: What do you make of these things? Mine is mute or something.

Host Grey says:
<Kraight #2> @ CSO: Certainly. ::Smiles::

Host Grey says:
<Pangborn #2> @ XO: I most certainly am not.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ K2: Thank you.  :: begins scanning ::   XO: I'm testing a theory now.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::successfully avoids Wolverton's impressive cover fire as she makes her way back::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Pangborn 2: What are you?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: You can only react.  Even a loose cannon would listen.  You cannot stand the thought that you are programmed.  You just said it yourself...you've been given a new purpose.  By whom?  You have no answer, do you?  You cannot know who programmed you, only that you have a single purpose.  Do you recall our conversation of earlier?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::sees Cherry pulling Vee along and watches as her vision goes dark...watches as she "sees" Vee murder the CEO by viciously vivisecting him and laughing......::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: Cover me I have to go back to our gear box to grab something.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The scarred folk begin to back off slowly.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Pangborn 2: And just so we're on the same page, I'm me, and No One else.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods again, happily covering him, as covering people is one of his biggest fortés::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::sees as Cherry is brutally beheaded.....as Pangborn bleeds to death from multiple stab wounds as Vee stands over him and laughs::

Host Grey says:
<Pangborn #2> @ XO: Of course. You're you. And I am I. And we are each other. But am not at the same time.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::shoots them more furiously, since they're backing away "slowly"::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: This is most odd.  K2: Tell me... what is your profession?

Host Grey says:
ACTION: More of the scarred folk drop under the TO's weapons fire ... tiny strands of rainbow light stretch from OPS and float around each of the Quirinus crewmembers as she "reads" them.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::tears roll down her face as she watches them all die at the hands of that young "girl"".

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: I was incorrect.  We all have purpose...we all have more than one purpose.  I seek to learn, but I also lead, protect, make countless decisions, negotiate, have friends, and perhaps one day will help to propagate my own people.  You have just the one purpose.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Pangborn 2: Are you saying we exist at different points on the temporal plane?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::shudders for no apparent reason::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Pangborn 2: You'd think that would make it difficult to interact

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::whistles as he vaporizes bits of people::'

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Only a program has a single purpose.  The question is are you one that can grow beyond your creators ability?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::forces herself to look beyond the visions::

Host Grey says:
<Pangborn #2> @ XO: True. But as you have come to learn. Not everything is impossible.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
Cherry: Let...her...go! She's...going...to...kill us all!

Host Grey says:
<Kraight #2> @ Kraight: I am a gardener.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is confused::

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Senses the fear and anger from OPS and stares at her confused::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ K2: Remarkable.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
OPS:  She's saved my life twice now.  ::does not let go::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs an engineering kit and a pack of pattern enhancers::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: raises voice :: All: Is there a Kraight here who is, or has served, as a science officer aboard a Starfleet vessel?

Host Grey says:
@ CO: I ... ::Pauses:: I am NOT a program.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CTO: Please...believe me.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hears the OPS:: OPS: Lt tell me what are you talking about?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
OPS:  No!

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Pangborn 2: If what you say is true, than ALL possibilities of the multi-verse must exist here...can you direct me to the Pangborn that figures this dilemma out?

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: Hands are raised in the distance and shouts can be heard - "I am" "As am I" "Here here!"

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Sentient beings all exist in a multifaceted world of wants, needs, desires, emotions, logic...how many facets do you have?

Host Grey says:
<Pangborn #2> @ XO: I would if I knew who he is.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
All: Death...horrible death.....as she laughs........

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: points to the nearest one :: K3: Would you join me, please?

Host Grey says:
@ ::Stares at the CO:: CO: Stop playing mind games with me.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks it's real nice of the enemy to give him a clear shot like that::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::feels herself being pulled back into the visions::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::peers at The Girl intently::

Host Grey says:
<Kraight #3> @ ::Steps over::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Did you hear that?

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Slowly, the scarred folk turn and begin to head back into the hills.

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Does not like the stares she is receiving, pulls herself closer to the ground::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::barely notices the loonies running away::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: offers handshake :: K3: Hello. This is all a bit odd, isn't it? Do you have a tricorder with you?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::checks the power level in his weapons::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::screams:: CTO: Shoot her Lt. that's an order Lt. Morgan hasn't been wrong and I don't see her starting now.

Host Grey says:
<Kraight #3> @ CSO: I am afraid, not. ::Staring at him and not seeming to give off the apparent curiosity Kraight normally would::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: I cannot play a game with a program's mind.  If you are Artificial Intelligence, then it should be possible to redirect the program.  You must learn, you must evolve.  Choose...fulfill your program....or learn.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::runs back with the kit and the pack::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  I don't take orders from you!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ K3: I see. Take mine then, and scan me for a quantum signature.  :: offers tricorder ::

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Looks at the CEO shouting words and recognizes the word "shoot her!" and fear pierces her. Shakes a bit ... memories flooding her::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: Ensign, if that girl even moves a centimeter you shoot her that is an order.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::puts her arm around Vee::  Vee:  It's all right.  No one is going to hurt you.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looks at the CTO for order confirmation::

Host Grey says:
@ CO: I am not a program. I am not an artificial intelligence. I am myself and my own order! I am flesh and blood and bone and muscle intertwined with rage and VENGEANCE! ::Getting quite riled up::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: But despite what you believe, you are not Nathan Grey.  Nathan Grey died.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::shakes her head::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Any clue as to what to do with these guys? They're kind of useless so far

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::tries to clear her head::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: Lt. Cherry you are hereby relieved of your rank and command you are to stand down immediately by order of the senior ranking official, myself, Lt. David E. Telarus.

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::As the chaos has subsided:: ALL: What's going on? Who are we shooting?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: over his shoulder :: XO: I'm trying to work that one out, sir.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::lets go of Vee and marches up to Telarus::  CEO:  I've been wanting to do this a long time.  ::punches the CEO in the nose::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CEO: Not here.....not now...in the future.....do NOT kill her.

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> ::Watches the CEO get punched in the nose:: Whoa.

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Watches CTO punch the CEO::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::is so caught up in her vision that she doesn't witness the punch and didn’t hear the order::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::stands back and watches, having no clear authority to interfere...and gladly so::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::gets up and shoots the CTO at max stun::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::as such, she could never be called on to testify::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The CTO falls to the ground stunned.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::drops::

Host Grey says:
<CPO Beldaur> CEO: LIEUTENANT!

Host Grey says:
<Lt. Jg. Eisenhower> CEO: Sir, no!

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Loses it::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: That makes you an anomaly.  Listen! Would Grey become so enraged?  Learn...you can beat this.  If your creator gave you Grey's mind as your basis then you know what I say is true.  You cannot exist and yet you do.  Is that not the very basis of an anomaly?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CPO: She struck a superior officer, she is only stunned.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wonders if the CEO's completely lost his mind, or if everybody has::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: A roar is heard, and Vee launches herself at the CEO.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::ducks::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::turns towards the CEO and sees red::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is still stunned and missing all the fun::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
SELF: Crap. ::fires at Vee with a heavy stun::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Shoot to kill.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Vee is struck in mid-air by the TO's fire, and falls to the ground sluggish, she tries crawling toward the CEO in rage at his shooting of the CTO.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks around:: All: DO NOT KILL HER!

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::fires again to firmly stun Vee::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::then fires and stuns the CEO, "accidentally"::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Vee falls unconscious.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Belay my last. Return to stun.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The CEO falls unconscious as well.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
SELF: Oops. What a clumsy shot.

Host Grey says:
<Dr. Munro> ::Stares at them all like they're insane, and whips out her medical tricorder to ensure that the CTO / CEO and Vee are all right::

Host Grey says:
<Kraight #3> @ ::Scans the CSO:: CSO: There is no Quantum signature.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: takes his tricorder back :: K3: Exactly what I find when I scan... all of you. I cannot understand how a material object can exist without a quantum signature.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ K3: What is your last memory before arriving here?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Kraight, enough time wasted with these things. There's what may be a door way in that direction, through the clones, over there ::points:: Lets go.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: nods :: XO: Alright, sir.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ K3: I hope we get a chance to talk again, later. Goodbye.  :: follows Pangborn ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::leads them in the direction of the darkness::

Host Grey says:
<Ens. Rio> ::Wakes up and peers around:: Hmph, did we win?

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Some time passes over in the area where time still runs normal and the CEO & CTO wake up gradually with the Doctor's assistance.

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: As the XO & CSO begin to move to the door, their alternates stop smiling.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has a rip-roaring headache and is in a very very very bad mood::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: begins scanning the environment again ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wonders if the children are going to act up again::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to come to his feet and sees the CTO get up and grabs over for a weapon:: TO: Restrain the CTO, Ensign that is an order.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::gets a chill:: CSO: Did you notice anything about the clones?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::slowly gets to her feet::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  Oh drop dead.  ::goes to check on Vee::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: They seemed... passive. Uninterested.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wonders if he's about to have bad aim again::

Host Grey says:
@ ::Turns away from the CO and mumbles to himself, turns back with tears in his eyes:: CO: Do you realize that you're doing it again? You're taking it all away from me!

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CEO: Sir?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Yes...to say the least

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: And the absence of any quantum signatures... even my own... troubles me greatly.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::moves with enough distance from the CTO:: TO: Ensign you heard me restrain the CTO, she is no longer an active officer, she has violated Starfleet directives in striking a superior officer and disobeying a lawful order.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
TO: Belay that order, Sir. The CEO shot an unarmed officer.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: No...quite the opposite.  I am giving you new purpose.  You can become more than you were programmed to do.  Do you not see this?

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Snores happily on the ground::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::is getting a  raging headache::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::starting to feel like a ping pong ball::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sighs::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  Consider yourself on report, Mister.  ::turns and walks away from the CEO::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: I shot at Vee because you said she was going to kill us and Lt. Cherry after she struck me.

Host Grey says:
@ CO: Every fiber of my being is driving me to harm you ... ::Sobbing::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::goes to confer with Munro if perhaps Telarus might be considered to have snapped under pressure::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CEO: Lt. Telarus, with all due respect, you shot and unarmed officer....and ordered the assassination of an unarmed civilian.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: still scanning ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: Vee and the CTO are your current containment priority she is not to move.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CEO: I think you were both in the wrong and this matter should be dropped. Now.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CEO: Sorry, sir. You don't have a clear line of authority to have me disobey my section chief.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: You viewed her as a threat.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CEO: I will, however, contain Vee.

Host Grey says:
<Dr. Munro> ::Watching on::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Yes, guarding Vee might be a good idea.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CEO: Yes, Sir...and I still do....in the future. I do not, however, condone murder.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::keeps walking, and talks quietly:: CSO: Don't do anything, but the natives are beginning to seem restless

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: I am the senior officer in this group, I understand she is your chief, but I am the senior officer and as such have command of this group and Lt. Cherry is making this a dangerous situation.

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: Some of the alternates begin to break their lines and walk toward the XO & CSO.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::cannot take one more minute of this::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Grey: Look around you...as the anomaly here, you have a choice...you could become the new historian.  The library can give you that.  You will have direction.  A directive to find new things and to store it here.  You will know the purpose of this.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CEO: You and she are "tied" for senior...sir.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::heads over to Vee to "contain" her...more to see how she's doing, really::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::walks up to the CEO::  CEO:  Wolverton is my responsibility.  Back off.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
OPS: You never expressed how the situation should have been contained as soon as Vee became a threat to myself and the rest of this crew options are limited.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks behind :: XO: Indeed.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CEO: Murder is murder.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  You shot me, you @#$#@%

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Try walking faster

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: I actually do have more time in rank and service, that is why I have seniority Ensign.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@ Grey: You will not seek to destroy.  Perhaps, the library sensed this...perhaps you stand at the heart of the creator.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  Hey you!  ::thwaps him in the shoulder just to get his attention::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: Lt. Cherry you struck another Starfleet commissioned officer which is punishable by court martial.

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: Some alternates suddenly move to block the XO / CSO from reaching the door.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Get ready to melee. ::gets his phaser::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: reaches surreptitiously into his tunic, slowly draws his phaser from its holster ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::blinks at the CEO that has clearly forgotten regs::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: My retaliation to you was in response to your strike.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
Vee: How are you feeling?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  And you give a shoot to kill order on a civilian.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CEO: So is shooting one.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: We may have little choice.

Host Grey says:
<Vee> ::Still snoring::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::fires on stun at the clones::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  Your relieved of command.  How about that?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: sets phaser to heavy stun ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@CSO: Fire at will, but head for the door

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: Several go down as the XO fires ... suddenly, all of them cry out and begin to attack in anger.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::fires deadly and true::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: After I viewed her as a threat based on her actions and the recommendation of that Lt. Morgan who later said in the future after the actions had been committed.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: I got the distinct impression that the Historian did not know how he came to be...perhaps...this is how.  It is a wild guess, but perhaps a good one.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: fires at the closest several doppelgangers in quick succession ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::puts a little distance between himself and the CEO, hoping to be forgotten about as he "guards" Vee::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::punches the CEO in the gut... hard::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
TO: Contain Vee, she doesn't move an inch.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::is getting angry::

Host Grey says:
<CPO Beldaur> CTO / CEO: Stop it! ::Tries to come between them::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Beldaur:  Oh fine.  Just get him to shut up please.  ::walks away::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: The "doppelgangers" are falling left and right as the XO / CSO try to break for the door.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CPO: You are to contain the CTO, her violent behavior is comprising the safety of this crew.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::wishes he had the authority to stun them both and keep them stunned::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Only anomalies that can move beyond their purpose can become more.  The Historian too was very single minded in what he wanted.  Now, I believe I know why.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::suddenly flings out a hand in anger::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CPO: You are also to remove any weapons and guard her.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::turns around and sticks her tongue out at the CEO as she walks away::

Host Grey says:
<CPO Beldaur> CEO: Sir, with all due respect, you're not exactly making convincing decisions at the moment!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: runs as fast as his stubby little legs will carry him ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is suddenly quite hungry::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Rainbow light suddenly envelops the CTO / CEO, and they both get quiet and calm down.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wonders if there is a muffin or something in the supplies::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: The light is coming from OPS.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CPO: Objection duly noted, nonetheless I am making the calls that I believe will reunite us with the rest of the crew and get us home.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks slightly surprised::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::smiles at Jade as she wanders off to look for a muffin::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CPO: You have your orders, chief.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey:  All you must do is accept...

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: The XO / CSO reach the dark door.

Host Grey says:
@ CO: Accept ... accept what, though?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to calm down all of a sudden::

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Neet suddenly starts to squeak wildly on the beach, as Ris'Mor looks quite ruffled about something.

Host Grey says:
ACTION: Bright light shines upon the crew, but it's not from OPS ... a giant hovering spare of eyes and a mount which emit golden light have suddenly appeared before them.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
@Grey: Accept the position.  Tell the library, that you will be the Historian...

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::doesn't like the look of this::

Host Grey says:
@ ACTION: A booming voice strikes the CO & Nero - "And why exactly do you think I would accept THIS mongrel?"

Host Grey says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= TO BE CONCLUDED =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=