U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10502.14
SEASONS OF SHADOW
CHAPTER FIVE
"The Sad Face of Truth"
Host SM_Selan says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= RESUME =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: A breeze alerts the trio that they are nearing the end of the tunnel. There is the smell of fire and scorched metal.
Sulek says:
::walking down the straight tunnel, ever aware that the next riddle or trap might be soon::
Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: It is now a beautiful, albeit abnormally chilly, day on the tropical island Pangborn, Cherry & Vee have called "home."
Kraight says:
:: walking beside Sulek :: Sulek: Very little about this place makes sense, sir...
Kraight says:
:: scanning the path ahead with his tricorder ::
Cherry says:
@::shivers::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry/Vee: We need to get back to the house, where we have rudimentary weapons at least
Sulek says:
Kraight: I quite agree.  It has aspects of a protected tomb more than a lost civilization.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Pangborn: Isn't there people on the island that can help us?
Cherry says:
@::doesn't like that idea, but can't think of another one, so nods in agreement::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Brushing his hand against the walls, extremely lost in thought::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The sounds of heavy work and "skittering" accompany the smells of fire and molten creation. 
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Vee: It's unlikely. There's a small auto-teleportation device near the house. But it's mostly unmanned
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Abruptly turns and looks back in the direction they came::
Kraight says:
:: sniffs the air :: Sulek: What in the Maker's name is that?
Cherry says:
@Vee:  What is it?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Mumbles something under his breath in response to Kraight's question::
Kraight says:
:: adjusts tricorder for atmospheric analysis ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::notices it too::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Pangborn / Cherry: We're being followed.
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Let's get a move on.
Sulek says:
::notes that the air has a strong scent, pauses and listens:: Kraight: Do you hear that?
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: We have no defense against that blue disk. Any ideas? ::begins moving::
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Duck?  ::follows trying to be quiet as possible::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry/Vee: Head back to the house
Kraight says:
:: stops :: Sulek: Yes, sir. I recommend we stop here, while I analyze these readings...
Kraight says:
:: turns slowly, scanning ::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Pangborn: Every time we split up something bad happens!
Cherry says:
@::stops::  Pangborn:  We're staying together this time.
Sulek says:
Kraight: It's almost the scent of molten metal.  Those sounds could be...a forge?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> Sulek: Sir, this ... all of it. It's so familiar. But I can't place where I know it all from. It's like a freaky sort of deja vu.
Kraight says:
Sulek: There's a cavern ahead... huge... much larger than the one we just crossed... I'
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::motions:: Cherry: Of course. But need more than we have here
Sulek says:
Telarus: If it comes to you, please let us know.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Nods. Suddenly noting what Sulek said:: Sulek: A forge, sir? But aren't the people who inhabited this place supposed to be ... gone?
Kraight says:
Sulek: I'm detecting hundreds... no, thousands, of energy signatures... of an unknown type...
Cherry says:
@::continues on::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::approaches the house::
Sulek says:
All: Keep moving, but we approach with caution.  Telarus: Perhaps there is more technology here than we were aware of.  It is conceivable that something is still in operation.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: See what you and Vee can scrounge for weapons. I'm going to check the transmitter
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  We're coming with you.
Sulek says:
::moves cautiously toward the noise::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::grin:: The rooms are adjoining. C'mon. Vee hasn't said anything.
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The trio exit the path they have been traveling for 9 hours into the "chamber." It is so vast that no walls nor ceiling can be seen. Instead, a more awe-inspiring ... and frightening sight.
Kraight says:
:: starts down the tunnel to the cavern ahead :: Sulek: Air temperature in the cavern approximately 40 Celsius. Air quality consistent with a smelting facility. Prolonged exposure is not recommended.
Cherry says:
@::is already armed with a kitchen knife and several pointy sticks::
Kraight says:
:: looks up :: Sulek: The particulate...  :: voice trails off ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::enters the house::
Sulek says:
::entering into the cavern:: Kraight: Most awe inspiring.
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Before them are three giant columns which seem to slim as they disappear into the abyss below, and widen as they disappear into the haze above.
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Thousands of golden spider-like machines crawl all over them. Sparks fly here and there. 
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: On the sides of the columns are carved humanoid figures who have a solemn look as they raise their hands into the sky.
Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The house is oddly quiet. Tables are overturned, holes in the wall, and more so from the battle the night before.
Sulek says:
Kraight:  Apparently their technology still functions.
Kraight says:
:: after a few moments of taking this all in, the Benzite aims his tricorder at the nearest spider bot ::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The abyss is not everywhere, there is places to walk around the giant "columns" (if that's what they really are).
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  We're never going to get our damage deposit back.
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Spider-bots crawl past Kraight and Sulek.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Kneels down to grab one of the spider-bots but it crawls out of his reach and keeps on going:: ALL: They don't seem to really mind our presence.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: I guess not. The transmitter is in the next room. Not much of use here.
Cherry says:
@::moves into the next room::
Sulek says:
::watches silently as the bots move past:: Telarus: Let's not tempt fate again.  We do not know what their programming includes should we disrupt their toil.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::checks the transmitter for any sign of a response::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Looks around, unconsciously sniffing the air. Despite months of being "trained" her innate "animalistic" actions continue on::
Kraight says:
Sulek: They are definitely machines, but I am unable to analyze their mechanism. The alloys in use are also unknown to Federation science.
Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The transmitter is still jammed.
Cherry says:
@::looks at Vee with concern::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: No dice. Lets looks for weapons
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Cherry: I can't smell them. It's like they don't exist.
Kraight says:
Sulek: I agree. I recommend that we disturb nothing as we pass through here.
Cherry says:
@::looks startled::  Vee:  Don't exist?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Eager to study the spider-bots:: Both: Well then, let's continue on! ::Jumps down and begins to walk down a ledge toward the "ground floor" where it's possible to walk amongst the three "columns"::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Vee: What are you saying?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Cherry: Well, they don't have a scent. That's not ... normal, is it? ::Doesn't stop to ponder how it's not normal for a human girl to be able to track people by their scents::
Sulek says:
Kraight: Scan as deeply as you can.  Perhaps we will be able to gleen enough for the science computer to discover the alloy.
Cherry says:
@::starts hunting around for the tricorder::
Sulek says:
::Following Telarus:: Telarus: Please just be careful.  Our last encounters in each cavern have been less the stellar.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: This is most illuminating - I distinctly remember the one named Brute smelling very very bad. Disgusting.
Kraight says:
:: alarmed :: Telarus: Mr. Telarus! Stay with the group! We don't know what may alert these machines to our presence!
Kraight says:
:: shakes his head, follows the others ::
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Makes no sense to me, unless what is trailing us now is something different.  ::looks under the bed::
Kraight says:
:: picks his way carefully along the pathway ::
Sulek says:
Kraight:  Sometimes, Telarus' exuberance gets the better of him, I think.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Slows down at their request::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: A wise consideration
Kraight says:
Sulek: There is a Benzite proverb: "The Maker looks after little babies, drunks, and harebrained Starfleet officers."
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: Remind me not to act out on these needs to rebel against technology would you? This place is designed to be as technology free as possible
Sulek says:
Kraight: A most recent adage, I would conclude.
Kraight says:
Sulek: Indeed.
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  So what's the plan?
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The spider-bots crawl around the trio as they make their way down. The robots don't seem to mind them at all.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Stays by a window and stares outward:: 
Sulek says:
::looking at the bots:: Kraight:  They really are a most interesting construct.  I wonder exactly what their purpose is?
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::sighs:: Cherry: We need to comm to activate the small transporters here, so thats out. We can continue to run, or we can fight inadequately with what we have.
Kraight says:
Sulek: I am uneasy in their presence. I'd prefer to study them from a distance.
Sulek says:
Kraight: Unfortunately, we have little choice.
Kraight says:
:: scans the spider bots, trying to decipher any pattern in their behavior ::
Sulek says:
::as they near the floor, he scans the columns:: All: Don't touch the columns.  For all we know the bots are there for protection as well.
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::chimes on the door of Rio's room, which he finally located::
Cherry says:
@::thinks::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # ::Presses a button as the door opens. Eyes widen at the somewhat haggard face of Lance Wolverton who has recently been broadcasted on Starfleet / Earth security net warnings for breaking Morgan out of "holding":: Oh crap.
Kraight says:
Sulek: The bots are doing some sort of work on the columns... and the columns themselves are most unusual. They do not fully register as material objects... as though they were part of this universe, and part of some other...
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Maybe its time for the hunted to become the hunters.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: I Agree:: disgusted:: Lets see what  we have to fight with. Better than waiting to die
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::doesn't give him a moment to even gasp, but charges, beating him profusely in several choice bodily locations before crushing him up against the wall::
Sulek says:
Kraight: Inter dimensional?  Could someone use them for travel?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # ::Tries to call out for help but gets the crud brutally beaten out of him across the room::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Vee: Can you seek out those who follow us? But not too closely so we could observe them first?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Nods:: Pangborn: I can try.
Cherry says:
@::thinks some more::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::holding Rio's larynx in a potentially crushing grip:: Rio: Speak...quietly.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # ::A tear trickles down the side of his face, but that's mostly from the pain::
Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  They are more.... substantial at night.  They'll come back here for us.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Vee; Good. we will need that:: Grabs the ax out of the closet, feels it's weight:: Well I can't throw it anyways
Kraight says:
Sulek: Doubtful. These readings resemble those reported in Tholian space, where inter phase phenomena are known to be common. We would more likely find ourselves on a one-way trip to another universe altogether.
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: You have a knife?
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: A figure stands in the distance, in the haze ... 
Cherry says:
@::holds up the knife.  Its for carving meat.  ::grins ghoulishly::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::waiting as patiently as he can for Rio to start regurgitating information::
Sulek says:
Kraight: then perhaps a means to escape...::sees the figure:: Kraight: Scans, do you see?
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::stops and kind of looks at her:: Cherry: You know ancient earth. They had these rudimentary pictures known as "Polaroids" Vee: Lead on, but slowly.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: I ... I didn't do it.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Nervous, but heads out::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::follows Vee::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::gives him a fist in the kidneys carefully calculated to be extremely painful:: Rio: You know better than to lie to me.
Kraight says:
Sulek: Not recommended... we'd likely never find our way back.  :: looks up :: Interesting...   :: scans the being ::
Cherry says:
@::thinks they should have just booby trapped the house and stayed put, but since no one seems interested in her opinion, grumpily follows along::
Sulek says:
Kraight: Not escape for us but for those who lived here.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # ::Gasps in pain, nearly throws up::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: O-kay ... o-okay ... yes, I did do it.
Lance_Wolverton says:
#Rio: Keep going.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: They paid me ... I get to become ruler of a territory ... on some pleasant world in Romulan space.
Sulek says:
::decides to approach the being:: Kraight: Any thing on scan?
Kraight says:
Sulek: Wait, sir. I'm getting no readings at all.
Kraight says:
Sulek: As far as the tricorder is concerned, there is no one there.
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: As they approach the being, a chill runs down their spines. They see the figure is quite thin, almost malnourished looking. He wears a cloak that extends down to his ankles, and a hood hides his face. You can see a thin, blond-white, chin that does not smile. Beneath the cloak appears to be chain mail of sorts with a blue hue.
Sulek says:
Kraight: Barring no life signs, then the best approach is the direct one.
Lance_Wolverton says:
#Rio: AND?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: The Romulans. The Tal Shiar. They wanted to ... draw her out. You all ... destroyed my career in Starfleet. 
Kraight says:
:: dubious :: Sulek: I recommend caution, sir... extreme caution.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: And Morgan. She's a freak now. She was always arrogant to me. She deserved it. Y'know? I figured ... hey, for the good of the Universe. They said. ::Coughs:: She was dangerous.
Lance_Wolverton says:
#Rio: They, who?
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::continues following Vee::
Sulek says:
Kraight: I agree, but he or it has obviously already seen us.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: I already told you ... the Tal Shiar.
Kraight says:
:: follows Sulek, reluctantly, scanning the apparition carefully ::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: A voice suddenly speaks in their minds. It feels as if they had a temporary "brain freeze" and the shivers return as if something cold & wet brushed against their souls - "Why are you here?"
Sulek says:
::stopping at a reasonable distance::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Vee: Is the smell getting stronger?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Pangborn: Yes.
Lance_Wolverton says:
#Rio: Let me get this straight...you killed Dr. Arklant and framed Jade...committed treason against the Federation for the Romulans...and all because "we destroyed your career"? ::snarls::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::Peers ahead:: Vee: Continue with caution
Sulek says:
::shakes off the feeling:: Being: We are explorers.  We mean no harm.  Why are you here?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # Wolverton: They said. She's dangerous. ::Pause:: Well, no, it really was for the payment.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Finds something very familiar about the figure::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The voice responds - "Preparation. Leave or die."
Kraight says:
Being: We are unable to find a way out of the city. Can you guide us?
Cherry says:
@::still following along somewhat grumpily::
Sulek says:
::again the chill:: Being: In order to leave, we must pass through this place.  What are you preparing?
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Figure starts to slowly walk toward them - "No."
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::presses a button on the tricorder on his belt, which makes a familiar little beep:: Rio: Thanks for the info. And by the way, you only destroyed yourself. ::renders him seriously unconscious through a neck pressure point::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Albert Rio> # ::Falls unconscious and slips down to the floor::
Sulek says:
::steps back::
Host SM_Selan says:
# ACTION: A tingle is felt on Wolverton's neck ... and the familiar whine of Federation transporters strikes the area. Earth security forces are beaming into the apartment.
Host SM_Selan says:
<The Figure> ::Removes his hand from beneath the cloak, revealing a bow-staff::
Kraight says:
:: follows Sulek's lead ::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::drops the tricorder on playback then gets the heck out::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::continues to follow Vee::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Earth Security I> # ::Sees a tricorder drop and someone bolt out:: Stop! ::Pulls out phaser and gives chase::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::dashing through his planned escape route::
Sulek says:
Being: We will leave,  Is there a way around this cavern?
Sulek says:
::still backing up::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Earth Security II> # ::Checks to make sure Rio is alive, then picks up tricorder which is continuously repeating Rio talking:: *Command* Main Command this is officer 458, came to speak to suspect Rio. Found him unconscious. Signs of struggle. Someone is leaving apartment. Request attempt to beam suspect.
Host SM_Selan says:
<The Figure> ::In their mind's - "Death". It begins to twirl the bow-staff as it approaches::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Backing up:: Sir, it's going to attack. ::Preparing to whip out some random weapon to try and fight::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::reaches a street with pedestrians and slows to a walk, attempting to blend in::
Sulek says:
::removes the side phaser:: Being: You gave us an option.  Are you now unwilling to give us a chance to go?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Opens fire with his phaser at the Being::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The phaser strikes and a strange ripple effect happens. The Being seems to have some sort of protective shield system around itself.
Kraight says:
Telarus: Cease fire, Mr. Telarus!
Sulek says:
Telarus: Stand down.. ::but too late, the damage has been done::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Earth Security II> # *Earth Security I* Command says they can't find this guy on sensors. Do you have him?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Telarus> ::Suddenly doubles over and starts throwing up. Is on his hands and knees shaking::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::doing a focusing trick he learned to calm his racing heart and breathing as he walks::
Host SM_Selan says:
<Earth Security I> # ::Looks at the crowds:: *II* He's gone.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Suddenly stops::
Cherry says:
@::stops as well::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@:Stops with Vee: Vee: What is it?
Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ Pangborn: I'm not sure. I just felt something weird. 
Sulek says:
Kraight: If memory serves, such shielding can be overcome by a concentrated pin point blast, if the ripple effect is any indication.  ::reaches down and drags Telarus with him as he continues to back away::
Kraight says:
:: tries to help Telarus :: Being: He will not attack you again! Please, allow us to leave in peace!
Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The blue disc hits Vee square in the chest. She disappears into the brush from the impact.
Sulek says:
Being: You did not answer my question.  Are you unwilling to allow us to take our option?
Cherry says:
@::screams::  Vee:  Vee!
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::grabs Cherry's arm:: Cherry: Cherry....
Cherry says:
@Ben:  Ben!
Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The disc flies past them into the trees where Mr. Brute & Mr. Troll are standing.
Host SM_Selan says:
<The Figure> ::"You interfere with the preparation. You still have the option of leaving and living. But that is ultimately up to you."::
Kraight says:
:: helps Sulek drag Telarus away from the being ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: The next time the disk flies, see if we can attack them and stay alive
Kraight says:
Being: Then help us find the way!
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Suddenly, Sulek & Kraight are overcome with the same sickness that has stricken Telarus. A fever erupts through them with a pulse-pounding headache ... their stomachs empty all it's contents through their mouth as their muscles cramp up and they are forced into endless regurgitation.
Cherry says:
@::doesn't hear Pangborn, as she runs brandishing the knife::
Ben_Pangborn says:
@::attacks as well::
Cherry says:
@::screams like a banshee::
Lance_Wolverton says:
#::cautiously checks over his shoulder for pursuit::
Sulek says:
Being: We are leaving.  You may resume your place...::crumples down:: Kraight: We have little choice...concentrate on the staff on my mark.
Host SM_Selan says:
<Mr. Troll> @ ::As the two start charging them:: Weeeeeeeeeell then, Mr. Brute, theeeee should be interesting.
Sulek says:
All:Aim as best you can.  Now  ::he fires at the head of the twirling staff::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: It is too much to bear. Sulek & Kraight are overcome by the sudden sickness. As the fever starts to burn them from the inside, they see the Figure walk past them and hear the word "Pestilence" muttered in their minds.
Kraight says:
:: fires ::
Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The phaser bursts do nothing to the staff.
Host SM_Selan says:
# ACTION: As Wolverton fades into a crowd, we fade back in on Jade Morgan, who turns to suddenly finding herself staring down a Romulan disruptor - "Hello, Ms. Morgan. We've been waiting to speak with you for a long time." It is the Tal Shiar.
Host SM_Selan says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=