U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10503.21

BEYOND OUR FRONTIER

CHAPTER FOUR

"Our Separate Ways"

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

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus is being towed at warp four by the Nebula Class U.S.S. Oneiros, en route to Earth.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In the lounge, eating a light meal as she looks around an 'itch' nagging her.::

Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: Amidst the chaos of the battle in the past on Qo'nos, a Klingon grenade lands near Cherry, Pangborn, and Cainia.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Sitting with Azhure, his interest piqued, but not being as obvious as his companion::  Azhure: Any ideas?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: trailing behind Sulek and Walker as they approach Nero's ::

Cherry says:
@Self:  Eep!  ::pulls the other two away and down::

Sulek says:
::entering Nero's with Walker and Kraight, he looks for a table::

Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The grenade goes off, despite Cherry's attempt, Pangborn is knocked out.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::heading for deck 7::

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Freezes:: Oh geeze! Is he alive?

Cherry says:
@::looks at Pangborn laying there then approaches him::

Cherry says:
@::takes Pangborn's tricorder and scans him with it::

David_Telarus says:
::still in his quarters toiling away on the final touches of the idea:: Self: I am a genius.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaches for another dewberry.  Quietly:: Powers:  I have no idea... As far as I can tell, no one in this room is paying any attention to us.  And given how few are here...  ::Shrugs.::

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  Yep, he's alive.  Going to be hard to travel with him unconscious though.  ::helps herself to his phaser as well::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The darkened corridors of Wolverton’s location are cold and uninviting.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Azhure: Yeah, I don't see anything neither.... strange.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Listens to the screams of battle:: Cherry: We need to get moving ...

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  We can't leave him here.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: spots Azhure and Powers in the corner... nods in their direction :: Sulek: Sir...

Sulek says:
::notices Azhure and Powers and points them out to Walker and Kraight.  He crosses to them:: Powers/Azhure: May we join you?

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: He passes a scorched sign - "ED N    LEV L  IX"

Cmd_Azhure says:
Powers:  The... officers we were talking to earlier are here.  ::Shakes head::  You know... this is rather confusing in a sense, not knowing their exact position in thing.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Sighs:: Cherry: Fine. Do you need help lifting him?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up and smiles::  Sulek:  Please....

Cherry says:
@::looks Cainia over::  Cainia:  Do you have any idea how much he weighs?

David_Telarus says:
::finishes making the calculations and uploads to the main computer for analysis and test runs::

Sulek says:
::sits and signals the waiter::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::blinks at the sign, barely noticing the cold and uninviting nature of the corridors as he himself is cold and uninviting at the moment::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Waves to a chair::  Sulek: How goes?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods to the rest of the gentlemen::  All:  Do we have time for your story?

Sulek says:
::pausing:: Powers: Goes where, Lt, Commander?

Host Cainia says:
@ ACTION: A voice speaks out from behind the two women - "64 kilograms. Approximately."

Cherry says:
@::turns around slowly::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits :: Azhure, Powers: It is quite a long tale. Perhaps we can provide you with the... "Reader's Digestion" version?

Host Cainia says:
@ ACTION: A somewhat tall, thin, yellow skinned male in peculiar robes stands before them. His neck and shoulder plates are punctuated by several holes which serve an unknown purpose.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Kraight:  Sure... with the promise that at some later date, I might get the full version.

Sulek says:
Azhure: Perhaps.  I am sure Captain Walker may also be interested to hear our side of our Away Team mission.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Stares and jumps as another explosion happens nearby::

Cmd_Azhure says:
Sulek:  Where is he now?

Cherry says:
@Yellow Guy:  Who the heck are you?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::continues on his merry, murderous way::

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: I am Iu, Ms. Cherry.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> ::Returns to the table with some drinks:: Azhure: Right here, Ms. Azure.

Cherry says:
@::wonders how he knew her name::  lu:  I don't recall seeing you last time I was here.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Walker:  Ahhh... I did not see you.  I hope you are feeling better.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: That is because I was not here the last time you were here. ::Looks at Cainia:: Cainia: Greetings Soft Walker.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: About a year ago, our crew discovered a remarkable artifact aboard a Ferengi freighter. It was apparently sentient, and referred to itself as 'the Gateway'.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> Azhure: With some proper nourishment, and hopefully rest, yes ...

Host Cainia says:
@ Iu: You navigate soft spots too ...

Sulek says:
::taking the mineral water from Walker's tray:: Walker: The Commander was just asking to hear about our journey into the Construct.  Are you interested?

Cherry says:
@::looks over at Cainia::  lu /Cainia:  You two know each other?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves over a bit to make more room.::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: It invited us on a journey, through what we later discovered was a pocket universe, an artificial reality known as the Construct.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> ::Looks out the windows at the side of the Nebula Class vessel towing them:: Sulek: Sure, I have time to kill now. ::Takes a seat::

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry / Cainia: No. But the Mountain provides not only nourishment, but knowledge.

Sulek says:
::begins the story of first finding the Gateway::

Cherry says:
@::sighs::  lu:  How nice for you.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: leans back to allow Sulek to continue the tale ::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::efficiently arrives on level seven::

Cherry says:
@::looks around for something she can rig up to drag Pangborn around on::

Host Cainia says:
@ Iu: Moun -- Oh, you're from "It." ::Eyes Iu warily:: Cherry: We can't trust this guy. Let's get your significant other ::Said with some disgust:: and get moving.

Sulek says:
Kraight: I am sure you will correct me if I should err.  There was a point as you may recall when I was not in the best ummm mental condition.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Level Seven is most likely not what Wolverton was expecting. It is an abandoned arboretum. The smell of rotting and already dead plants fills the stale air. It looks like a graveyard of nature. The arboretum has gigantic windows that reveal a shattered, what appears to be, ship-making facility ... and open space.

Cherry says:
@::slaps Pangborn a few times hoping to wake him up::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The star light causes the dead trees and plants to cast shadows.

Host Cainia says:
@ ACTION: Blood trickles down the side of Pangborn's head, but he does not awaken.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::frowns, looking around for a likely direction::

David_Telarus says:
<Computer> Telarus: Simulation complete, calculations reviewed and adjusted to specifications. Comparing to sensor data of intruders personal shielding...match assessment complete...sample to code is match.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cainia: I mean you no harm, Soft Walker. I am here to help in this time of dire need.

Sulek says:
::Briefly, Sulek recounts each of the worlds, leaving out some of the more emotional times for himself and Sheridan, until he arrives at his meeting with Azhure::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: There seems to be light coming from a doorway off to the side of the arboretum ...

Cherry says:
@::sighs::

David_Telarus says:
*Sulek*: Sir can I see you in my quarters, it's a matter of great importance.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks curiously at Sulek as he pauses and looks at her.::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::darts from shadow to shadow, heading for the doorway::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Wolverton passes by a long decayed corpse.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Begins to help lift Cherry:: Iu: Whatever.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::barely gives it a glance, but enough to identify the species::

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ ::Watches Klingon bodies land here and there, but turns back to watch Cherry & Cainia departing::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the story progressed, she noted that feeling of being watched had vanished, and yet there had been no changes in the room.::

Cherry says:
@::tries to hoist him over her shoulder.  Staggers under the weight::

David_Telarus says:
::starts tinkering with parts before the Captain gets back to him::

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> ::His comm. badge goes off:: ALL: I'll be right back. ::Stands up and goes to a quiet corner::

Sulek says:
::Looks down at the com badge:: *Telarus* I will join you shortly...Kraight: Perhaps you should continue the story of our meeting and the return of Grey.

David_Telarus says:
*Sulek*: Aye sir, thank you.

Sulek says:
::stands:: All: If you will excuse me.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods to Sulek, turning to Kraight curiously::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::arrives near the door::

Sulek says:
::walks out of Nero's and to the lift:: Guest Quarters.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Sulek: Yes, sir.   All: We came across a part of the Construct that was designed to resemble El-Auria before it fell to the Borg.  :: waits a moment for Azhure's reaction ::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Inside the room seems to be some sort of makeshift study with a series of powered computer screens which have information and pictures on them.

Host Cainia says:
@ Cherry: I feel we're getting closer ... ::As she moves with the unconscious Pangborn::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::tries to make out what's on the screens from the relative safety of shadow::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stills, her attention fully engaged.::

Cherry says:
@::struggles along::  Cainia:  Oh good.  Who was that guy anyways?

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::His attention is diverted by a loud grumbling.  Standing near the last working replicator is an angry officer... he stands as the officer punches the replicator's panel, and begins to walk over::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Wolverton can see images of Sulek, Kraight, Telarus, himself, Cherry, Morgan, Admiral Serena Sheridan, Pangborn, Rio, the Psychologist whose murder Morgan was framed for, and many others.

Sulek says:
::moments later he arrives.  He strides down the hall to Telarus' assigned quarters and presses the door chime::

David_Telarus says:
Self: Enter.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: We met a number of what we could only assume were replicas of living -- or once-living -- El-Aurians. Unlike the life forms we had encountered to this point in the Construct, these beings were beginning to suspect that they and their world were other than what they seemed.

Host Cainia says:
@ Cherry: Haispoi. Religious idiot from the planet Hais. Worship something called the Mountain. If anyone knew what it really was, there'd be a bit less worship ...

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::checks the immediate vicinity once more, then approaches the machines to do a quick bit of research::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: It takes a moment before she realizes something.::  Kraight:  I understood you to say the constructs mimicked the current world.  The Borg... attacked my home long ago.

Sulek says:
::he enters:: Telarus: How may I assist you?

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  What is it really?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Noted Power leaving, but the story has caught her as something stirs within.::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Coming up next to the officer, but out of immediate reach, he says calmly::  Officer: You need some help?

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: There seems to be detailed files on the current status of Wolverton's former peers, and those involved in a seemingly wide conspiracy.

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: Sir many years ago at the Academy I worked on a project of mine to create personal shielding. Well recently because of our "friends" my memories of the night that I was assaulted and the idea was taken from me have resurfaced.

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: There notations on "who to send to get Wolverton's help" as well as "addendums in light of R'vwar approaching Sulek, etc."

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Azhure: In this instance, the Construct was replicating what we all recognized as... I am sorry... a world long gone. We thought that the same was true of the Construct-El-Aurians we met there as well... until we met you. You see, one of the Construct-El-Aurians we met there was named Azhure... and she was your exact duplicate.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Sadness enters her eyes.::  Kraight:  And my family?

Sulek says:
Telarus: And this is significant to our current situation?

Host Cainia says:
@ Cherry: Long story.

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: All of a sudden in Main Engineering, everything started coming back to me. I wrote down everything here in the PADD and uploaded the rest via this station here to the main computer. I think I have come up with a defense and a way to possibly shut down our enemies’ shields and keep them out of the ship.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: I cannot say. It was not long before Construct-Borg attacked the duplicated El-Auria, and battle was joined. Many of those El-Aurians were killed, and many were assimilated.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::copies the conveniently detailed files to the PADD he picked up earlier while looking for Jade's location::

Host Cainia says:
<Officer> Powers: This thing is going insane. It's replicating one weird thing after another.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Officer: Explain "weird"

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: They were the ones who stole my technology I remember their species face, everything, every memory has come back to me so vividly.

Host Cainia says:
<Officer> Powers: I ask for pie - it gave me socks! I didn't even know it was possible for this system to replicate clothes!!

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Azhure: I wish I could give you some comfort in this.

Cherry says:
@::trudges along::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Suddenly Ayre's face appears on all the screens - "Hello Mr. Wolverton"

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  Kraight... so my world is again... gone?

Sulek says:
Telarus: And how exactly do we disable this shield?

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Officer: I'm a fan of hittin' things just as much as you, but maybe you can get an Engineer to look at it instead of pounding it so it can't replicate anything?

Host Cainia says:
@ Cherry: I think we're --

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::sighs:: SELF: Crap.

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  What?

Host Cainia says:
@ ACTION: Everything ripples around them, and they find themselves in a wrecked apartment.

Host Cainia says:
@ Cherry: -- there.

Cherry says:
@::looks around in astonishment::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::starts searching for the automated bomb, imminent feedback loop, or whatever other preset trap Ayre had set::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks down... unhappy at being the bearer of bad tidings :: Azhure: We were forced to flee before the battle came to an end... but yes, it does seem likely. Again, I am sorry.

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Ayre - "If you're seeing this, then I am dead. My boss predicted this was a possibility due to your ... nature. I am a well made program, specifically designed to respond to everything you say provided it is within parameters."

Host Cainia says:
<Officer> Powers: Sure ... right ... ::The replicator starts to replicate something else::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Ok, I'll bite...what's the trap this time?

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: We can modulate our phasers to a frequency of 118.26 to 121.69 and that will disrupt the shields that was an original flaw I had in the design the shields are damn good, but they have that Achilles heal. I have fixed that fault for our use.

Host Cainia says:
@ ACTION: Glass doors nearby seem to be shattered. Glass is all over the floor, as is not so dried blood.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Looks around:: Cherry: Is this place familiar to you? ::Starts moving Pangborn over to a knocked over chair::

David_Telarus says:
Sulek:  I can also upgrade the shields systems and modify them to prevent the intrusion of the aliens.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Here eyes become unfocused as past memories long since buried stir.::  Kraight:  If the constructs were to be as we are... ::Shakes her head as she returns to the moment::  Thank you for your story.

Cherry says:
@::gently lays Pangborn down, then starts poking around::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The replicator before Powers & the Officer replicates an active grenade.

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  I don't think so.....

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ ::Suddenly behind them:: Both: We are on Alpha Centauri.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Curses lightly to himself::  Aloud: EVERYONE DOWN!  ::Ducks::

Host Cainia says:
<Officer> ::Stares in disbelief::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Hearing Powers, ducks without question.::

Cherry says:
@::jumps::  Lu:  Would you quit doing that!

Sulek says:
Telarus: Excellent.  I hope that this will indeed work.  Transfer your data to security and to engineering, Also relay it to the Oneiros.  They can relay to Starfleet command.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The grenade goes off. Sending people flying along with tables. The Officer in front of the replicator is cut to pieces.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The explosion is heard throughout most of the ship.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> ::Turns in disbelief from his comm. conversation:: What the hell!

Sulek says:
::turning:: Computer: What was that noise?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Powers has a piece of shrapnel in his shoulder.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: leaps to shield Azhure with his own body ::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The Computer gives no response.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the dust settles, she can vaguely hear the cries of the hurt, her ears hurting.::

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: Aye, sir. There is something I should resolve as well. Lt. Cmdr. Eghert I believe feels threaten by my presence and held what happened to me in Main Engineering against me in prejudice after an Engineer admitted it was their oversight.

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Ayre - "You're being hunted as we speak. That's about it as far as traps go."

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stands, sneezing, waving the dust from her.::  *Sickbay*:  Get a medical team down to Nero's STAT and bring me a med kit.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> ::Runs over to wounded::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: gets up off of Azhure :: Azhure: Are you all right, Commander?

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: I need to make these modifications myself, I know these specs inside and out.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: A voice speaks over Azhure's comm. - badge - "No."

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: That doesn't fit with Ayre's established behavior....now where's Jade?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Lights start flickering all over the ship.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Holds his shoulder to try to control the bleeding and sits against the wall... the officer's... well, remains... color his shirt::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Blinks::  What?

Sulek says:
Telarus: That is something that you must settle, but for now, I must see if I can find out what that was.  ::turns and heads out to the TL::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Telarus' computer screens start blinking off, one by one.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Kraight:  Yes... thank you.  Where is your med kit kept and can you contact sickbay?  I just received a most odd response.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: I apologize, Ms. Cherry. I did not mean to frighten you.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Looks around the wrecked apartment:: ALL: Sure looks like a heck of a fight took place here.

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: A humming noise is heard from the shadows as Wolverton can see two beady red eyes staring at him.

Sulek says:
::stops in the hall as the lights flicker and moves to the nearest panel::

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  Great.  But what does it have to do with....

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes turn toward Bill and her heart clenches at the seeing he is bleeding.  She makes her way over to him.:: Powers:  Are you all right?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::tries to identify the eyes as he aims::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods, moves to a panel on the wall, opens it to reveal emergency equipment :: Azhure: Nero's is a designated shelter. Here's a med kit.   :: hands it over ::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: Ayre - "Well I'm not able to behave as I did, as I'm now dead. You are being hunted by a Bellicose Inorganic. Are you familiar with the Inorganics?"

Cherry says:
@lu:  We're looking for a young woman and some weird shadow guy.  Any idea where we could find them?

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: Sir!

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the med kit.:: Kraight:  Thank you.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ ::Gently brushes his hand against a lamp:: Cherry: They are not here. But they were. In a different time.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Opens up, reaching for a medical tricorder and begins to scan Bill.::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: grabs another med kit and begins tending to other wounded ::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Grumbles at Azhure::  Azhure: I'm not that bad... ::Looks at the others wounded::

Sulek says:
::hears Telarus' voice from the door which has jammed open:: Telarus: In the hall.  ::he studies the ships power descriptors on the panel::

Cherry says:
@lu:  Vee was here once?  ::begins a more careful search looking for identification of anyone who used to live here::

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: The computer screen just turned off. I don't know if that is because of our current condition or our visitors at work.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Powers:  You are never that bad...  ::Sighs in relief.::  Give me a moment to staunch the bleeding and I will see to the others.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: Her name is Victoria.

Lance_Wolverton says:
::quickly tucks the PADD into his belt and fires, hopefully, between the red eyes::

David_Telarus says:
*Eghert*: This is Telarus, I need to speak with you sir, permission to return to Main Engineering?

Sulek says:
::moving back to the door:: Telarus: The power grid seems to be fluctuating all over the ship.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: No response to Telarus. All comm.’s seem to be down.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Carefully pulls the shrapnel out and wraps the wound.::  Powers:  I will heal this later.  Meanwhile, can you contact sickbay and see what is up?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: treats a severe laceration on the forehead of a young Human ensign ::

Cherry says:
@lu:  Victoria?  You know her?  What happened to her?

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The Inorganic attacks as it is fired upon. It is a multi-limbed, sleek looking, robotic creature. The product of centuries of vicious warfare ... one of the deadliest weapons in existence. This unit is battered as it is ... obviously defeated and re-programmed by whoever Ayre works for.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: Tragedy. ::Picks up a picture::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Doors start opening and closing (on people if they're in the way) all over the ship.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::aims his second shot for the power conduit near the robot, then dives for cover::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: A panel explodes, enveloping an officer in the Lounge.

Cherry says:
@::moves over to look at the picture::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping around one officer, bends down to check him out.   She shakes her head as she moves on to someone who can still use her.::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The power conduit explodes, taking out one of the Inorganic's limbs. It recovers quickly and maneuvers at Wolverton.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Grimaces against the pain::  Azhure: Aye, ma'am...

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Drops at the sound of another explosion::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: ducks as the panel explodes, then rushes to the side of the stricken officer ::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::rolls out of cover, diving for the severed limb to use as a weapon::

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ ::Turns it so Cherry can look. A family - Father / Mother / Son / Daughter - is in it. The daughter looks like a younger version of Vee, would. It is also the same girl they saw in the caves earlier being attacked by Mr. Brute::

Sulek says:
::he moves to a weapons locker and pulls a phaser, quickly readjusting the phaser to the variance that Telarus gave earlier.  He grabs a second phaser, sets it and tosses it to Telarus:: Telarus: If the Warriors are back, we need to be ready.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Kraight:  We need to get everyone out of here.

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: There is a flash of red light, and Wolverton feels a painful burn in his arm. The Inorganic has unsheathed its energy blade.

David_Telarus says:
Telarus: Aye, sir. ::grabs the rifle:: Time to rock and roll.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The voice of "War" speaks out of a comm. unit near Sulek - "I am everywhere"

Cherry says:
@lu:  Why did the Shadow guy take her?  What doe she want with her?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Azhure: Agreed. Have those who can walk assist you in moving those who cannot. This man cannot be moved until I stabilize him.

Cmd_Azhure says:
*Transporter chief*:  I need an emergency beam out of all crew in the lounge to sickbay.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Azhure: We need to... contact... the other ship...

Cmd_Azhure says:
Kraight:  Straight to sickbay would be best.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Powers:  Do it...

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Azhure: Do what seems best.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::winces as he scoops up the severed robotic arm and races for the arboretum::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The Inorganic begins to maneuver toward Wolverton again, as Ayre speaks - "You are outmatched, Mr. Wolverton. It is only unfortunate that I did not live to see you die."

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks over at the doors opening and closing, then glances around the room, angry.::

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: She is Thanatos.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Holds his shoulder::  Azhure: I don't have a way... Mister Kraight, is there an emergency communications anywhere?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: No response to the beam out request.

Sulek says:
Telarus: Take a Jeffries tube to engineering. Tell them that they need to try and overload the system.  Direct feed the grid if need be.  It seems War has returned.  I will head to the computer core and see if I can program something into the system that will shut down.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Kraight/Powers:  Comm. is not working properly...  I assume.  It will be the hard way.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Suddenly all the injured officers in the Lounge disappear in a beam out ... there is brief glimmer outside the window of the Lounge, but it soon vanishes. It doesn't take much imagination to realize they were all beamed out into space at warp speeds ... vanishing into the light forever.

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: Aye sir. ::runs towards a Jeffries tube access area::

Cherry says:
@lu:  Thanatos?  What the heck does that mean?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Calls out to the room::  All:  Those who are mobile, please give assistance to those who are not.  We need to get to sickbay.

Sulek says:
::moves with Telarus and enters the tube heading up to the core area::

Cmd_Azhure says:
Kraight:  Can you give me a hand to block this door open?

David_Telarus says:
::makes his way through the Jeffries tubes to main engineering::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks around in confusion :: Self: Great Maker!

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Seated besides Pangborn:: Cherry: The death instinct. It's a ... terran psychology term, no? In many cultures, it means death itself.

David_Telarus says:
Sulek: Good luck sir.

Sulek says:
Telarus: To you as well.  ::climbing::

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  She's just a girl.  A human girl.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Azhure: Yes... of course...   :: carries a chair to the door to block it open ::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Wires suddenly rip out of the walls and try to grab Telarus' legs.

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: You made her that once again. But when you first met her ... she was far from human, was she not?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes a moment with her hurt ears to realize it has become quiet.  She looks around.::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Azhure: This doesn't make sense... the transporter systems have multiple safeties to prevent what just happened...

Cherry says:
@lu:  That's why I have to find her and quickly.  Before he corrupts her completely.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Looks around::  Azhure/Kraight: We need to find Sulek and Walker.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks out toward space, stunned.::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::moving quickly through the arbor shadows, but watching to see how the machine maneuvers::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The Inorganic leaps into the arboretum, and begins climbing a wall.

David_Telarus says:
::makes a turn and is a few feet away from Main Engineering::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  Powers:  I do not understand...

Sulek says:
::climbing from deck 11 to deck 3, Sulek quickly moves up the tube::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Lowered voice::  Azhure: Don't understand... what?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::thinks that's an odd behavior for an Inorganic::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Sulek is suddenly beamed out of the tubes and find himself in the air in the Lounge, he comes crashing down.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Powers: I agree.  :: taps comm. badge ::  Computer: Computer, locate Captains Walker and Sulek.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> Sulek: Sulek! What the hell is going on?!

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head uncertainly::  Powers:  This is all wrong... ::Comes back to the moment.::  You are right... we need to go find the captain... or whoever is in charge these days.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns :: All: I believe Captain Sulek has found us...

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to see Sulek falling and moves over to him.::  Sulek:  Sir, are you alright?

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ Cherry: A noble effort, which is why I have joined you. I shall carry Mr. Pangborn, there is a soft spot nearby.

Sulek says:
::stunned, he stumbles to his feet:: Self: Most unexpected.  Walker: War has taken over the ship and is trying to stop any attempt to regain control of the systems.

Sulek says:
Azhure: I will recover.

Cherry says:
@::nods grimly::  Cainia/lu:  Let's get on with it.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods.::  Sulek:  Why?  Why is he doing this?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: A voice speaks over the loudspeakers in the Lounge - "I am the ship."

Sulek says:
Azhure: He is fulfilling his purpose.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> Sulek: War? The psychopath that attacked us earlier?

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The Inorganic leaps into a few trees, trying to find Wolverton.

Cmd_Azhure says:
Sulek:  War has but one purpose unless it can be changed.

Sulek says:
Walker: Either him or another like him.  He may have adapted.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::rapidly maneuvering through the dead trees and plants, looking for ideas::

Host Cainia says:
<Iu> @ ::Walks over and easily picks up Pangborn::

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Takes a nervous step away from the Haispoi::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Sulek, Walker: Sirs... I believe our best chance of survival will be to place the ship's computer systems into diagnostic mode. From that state we can purge the main core and reload from protected backup.

David_Telarus says:
::enters Main Engineering and sees Eghert::

Cherry says:
@lu/Cainia:  Which way?

Host Cainia says:
<Eghert> ::Looks terrified:: Telarus: Oh god, help ME -- ::Suddenly Eghert disappears into a hole in the floor::

Sulek says:
Kraight: It was exactly what I intended to do before I was beamed here by War.  I am fortunate that he didn't use the same tactic I did.  Can you gain access from say a replicator?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Telarus is all alone in Main Engineering.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: A voice speaks over the comm. in ME - "Hello, David."

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Sulek: No sir. I'll need to be in the core itself.

David_Telarus says:
Self: Great.

David_Telarus says:
::starts to bring up the independent engineering systems::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
All: I'll try to make my way to the core via the Jeffries tubes. Meanwhile, Captain Walker, I suggest you use your command override to cut all power to the transporter systems. They are being used against us.

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Stares at Iu for a moment, then turns to Cherry:: Cherry: Follow me. ::Leads them out the shattered glass doors, and down an outside staircase into the rain::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::finds a good, sturdy tree very near a wall and wedged the pointy severed arm in a crick of the tree, braced against the wall, then rattles the tree a bit and runs away perpendicularly::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves to Bill and guides him to a seat to heal his wound.  He was going to need his arm.::

David_Telarus says:
::looks around:: Voice: Who is that?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The panels that Telarus work on shut down one after another.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: The voice responds - "War."

Cherry says:
@::follows Cainia, keeping an eye on lu and Pangborn::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: leaves Nero's to find a Jeffries tube ::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Lets Azhure lead him to a chair in protest::  Azhure: I need to be doing something... I can't just sit here.

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: The Inorganic attacks ... its energy blade slashes at Wolverton, just grazing him as the Inorganic impales itself on its own arm. There is a struggling desperation for a moment ... energy shorts and that sort of thing ... and then the red eyes go dim.

Sulek says:
Kraight: I will follow in a Jeffries tube from the opposite end.  Perhaps one of us will make it this time.  ::turns to Walker and mouths the words "follow Kraight"::

Cmd_Azhure says:
Powers:  You need to be as healed as possible.  This won't take but a moment of time.

Host Cainia says:
<Captain Walker> ::Somewhat panicked, but does as Sulek requests::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: gets a Phaser II from a corridor supply alcove, then enters the nearest Jeffries tube ::

Host Cainia says:
@ ::Shivers in her skimpy outfit in the cold Alpha Centauri weather::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::finds a good piece of wood, picks it up, and beats the machine's remnants profusely about the head and torso for a bit::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Unbinds the wound and pulls out a dermal-regenerator.  A quick glance at the others leaving, she turns back to begin.::  Powers:  I would like to ask war what it is he wants.

David_Telarus says:
War: What do you want?

David_Telarus says:
::works and toils to fix everything he can as fast as he can and make the modifications::

Sulek says:
Azhure: As ranking officer, you are in command in my...Walker's absence. ::stepping through the door, he heads to the other end of the hall::

Host Cainia says:
# ACTION: There is a sudden bright light, and two craft pass by the giant windows that are part of the arboretum. One of them is the Ferengi vessel that belongs to Daimon Doogie, and the other is an unfamiliar craft. They both exit, and seem to go in different directions.

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: War responds - "Death."

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Catching Sulek's command raises an eyebrow, but continues.::  Powers:  Lovely...

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: starts crawling up the tube, heading for the nearest junction ::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::quickly checks the beaten remains for useful parts or data::

Sulek says:
::Climbing the tube again, he notes that War's action has actually placed him closer to the core::

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: Both Kraight & Sulek hear a shifting noise in the tubes behind them.

David_Telarus says:
War: Death?

Host Cainia says:
ACTION: "Death to you all"

Host Cainia says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=