Host SM_Selan says:
U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10504.04

Host SM_Selan says:
BEYOND OUR FRONTIER

Host SM_Selan says:
CHAPTER SIX

Host SM_Selan says:
"Judgment Day"

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

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus seems to be out of War's control.

Sulek says:
::has returned to the secondary bridge::

Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: The shadowed Mr. Shadow stands before Cherry, Cainia, Iu, and the slowly coming back to consciousness Pangborn.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: finishes disabling the fire suppression system in Corridor 6C ::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::shakes his head to clear his thoughts::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: The dead collapse all over the ship.

Cherry says:
@::notices Ben is awake::  Pangborn:  Looks like we finally found the one we seek.  ::eyes the Shadow::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: Sir... I have completed the disabling of all non-essential systems that could be used against the crew.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Stands before the four of them, his image blurred ... only his brilliant white teeth visible::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Eisenhower> # ::Being pushed along by Wolverton::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::eyes begin to focus on the Shadow:: Cherry: So I see...

Sulek says:
::turns to com::*Kraight* Good.  We may need your assistance getting Mr. Telarus' shield on line.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Captain Walker> ::Accompanying Sulek:: Sulek: It seems you got my ship back to me, Mr. Sulek ...

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stills for a moment, then looks at Bill.::  Powers:  I believe it is safe... for the moment, to travel by normal methods.

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  Where is she?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::wonders how long it's going to take to get to the shuttle bay::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: Understood. I will report to Engineering at once.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: I'm sorry, who are you referring to?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Cainia> @ ::Gets a shiver with every word the man utters::

Sulek says:
Walker: Not just I, but now I think perhaps we need to help the Oneiros.

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  Vee. Victoria.  You must remember her, after all you've taken her twice.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Watching through the eyepiece::  Azhure: It's... odd... let's not waste the opportunity.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::arrives at the shuttle bay quicker than he expected::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: The dear little Christian, oh yes.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::stands up straight::

Cherry says:
@::taps her foot impatiently::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
# ACTION: The shuttle bay is a wreck. There are several gaping holes being held in check by barely functioning force fields. It is very cold.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Eisenhower> # ::Looks around::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::looking for a functional shuttle::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods and heads for an access way.::  *CO*:  Captain, it would appear things have settled for a moment.   I would suggest regrouping if you have not already begun.  Might Commander Powers and I join you?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Captain Walker> *Azhure* Yes, Commander, we're on the secondary bridge.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: She's not here right now.

Sulek says:
Comm. Oneiros: Oneiros, this is the Quirinus.  We were again attacked by one of the "Warriors" it was responsible for the attack on you. How may we assist?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slipping out of the Jeffries tube with a sigh, she stretches then turns to Bill.::  Powers:  Any idea where the secondary bridge is?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::irritated:: Shadow: Then where the hell is she? ::looks away::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: arrives in Engineering ::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<U.S.S. Oneiros> % COM: Quirinus: ... heavy damage ... several decks ... possible core breach ...

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  And where could we find here?  ::fakes being civil::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn / Cherry: You're not seriously asking me that?

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  No, we've been searching for her through time and space just for fun.  Where is she?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
# ACTION: A somewhat burnt shuttle is the only thing left standing in the bay.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: calls out :: All: Mr. Telarus?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry / Pangborn: Well I’m sorry you wasted your time. You can see your way back with your ... "guides" here. ::Gestures to Iu & Cainia::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::goes to inspect the rather sere shuttle::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: A pair of eyes appears on all the screens in the secondary bridge. War's voice is heard - "Why?"

Cherry says:
@::looks at Pangborn::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::shakes his head:: Shadow: You know Shadow, it's creature like you that make creatures like me adopt a 'shoot first and ask questions later'. Enough, bring her to us, or we'll find her without you.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Starts laughing::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Shrugs::  Azhure: I'm a station guy... my guess would be engineering

Sulek says:
::looks at the eyes:: War: Why?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn: And it's fools like you who make what is happening necessary. You dance through time and space as if you had a right to. You damage time streams and assume that you, and only you, have the right to.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Captain Walker> ::Reaches for his phaser nervously::

Cherry says:
@::considers that::

Sulek says:
COM Oneiros: If you must eject core, do you have power to clear the area.  I do not know if we do.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: You caused a time rupture on your way here. ::Points::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: getting no answer, Kraight turns to a nearby console and accesses the engineering logs ::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to enter the main hall only to stop and stare at the bodies littering it.  She bows her head a moment before looking up with a sigh.::  Powers:  Let’s go.

Cherry says:
@::looks to where he's pointing::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Pointing at her::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Nods and leads the way::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Shadow: Are you saying that our recovery of the girl from the construct is a temporal incursion? If so, it's already done then. ::thinks::

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  So?  I suppose you have the right to take innocent human girls and twist them?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn: Where did you get that from?

Sulek says:
*Telarus*Location.  Commander Kraight should be in engineering.  Do we have power to clear the area?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Follows quietly, entering a turbo lift.::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: I never said I was good a person.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::cautiously enters the shuttle behind Erin, not very worried about his own hand-to-hand skills against hers::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: It was necessary.

David_Telarus says:
*Sulek*: Yes sir we have everything we need and more.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Eisenhower> # ::Rubbing her shoulders, very cold::

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  Necessary?  For what?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Shadow: We found her in an unusual place.

Sulek says:
*Telarus* Can we tractor Oneiros?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Cainia> @ <W> Pangborn: I think he's going to kill us. Can we kill him first?

Sulek says:
::again looks at the eyes:: War: You asked why? Why what?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@<W>Cainia: Soon....

Cherry says:
@::doesn't notice the whispering, remaining intent on the Shadow dude::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::finds some synthcord and ties Erin up very solidly, and to a bulkhead support, then goes to check out the shuttle systems::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "Why have you prevented what is only natural?"

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Eisenhower> # Wolverton: That's not really necessary ...

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: There is a Design that has to be followed.

Sulek says:
War: What is it other than our destruction that you wish to accomplish?  What are the "Warriors" function?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: I am puzzled, sir. Has the Oneiros lost its drives?

David_Telarus says:
*Sulek*: Yes sir.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "To defend the Blades."

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  Design?

Sulek says:
*Kraight* Oneiros may be in core breach.  I do not know if they have power should they have to eject.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: The End of the Universe, dear woman.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: I see.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: You've had your time and wasted it. Defiled it. Now it's time to start anew.

Sulek says:
War: The columns are the Blades?  What is their function?

Cherry says:
@::doesn't like the sound of this.  Looks at Pangborn worriedly::

Sulek says:
War: How have we threatened the blades?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "To continue the Design. To undo what was."

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps off the lift and heads for engineering::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ACTION: Iu & Cainia suddenly groan and double over.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Shadow: So you're omnipotent then. Great, I guess we can't kill you then. But we can try.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Walks with Azhure, entering Engineering, looking around::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn: I never said I was omnipotent.

Cherry says:
@::looks around at their two suffering companions::  Shadow:  Stop this.  Those beings are innocents!

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn: You presume too much. Probably why you've gotten yourself this far ...

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the telemetry from the Oneiros ::

Sulek says:
War: What is the Design?  *Kraight* Monitor secondary bridge channel...War is still with us.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps over a body as she enters through the doors and heads toward the captain.::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: Have you heard enough?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: acknowledges Sulek's order via text message ::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Twitching:: Cherry: It's not me. Seven different large portions of your Universe were just aborted. Bajor and most of the region around it is gone. Nothing but a howling abyss. Those who are "sensitive" to the ways of the Universe don't usually feel well at this moment ...

David_Telarus says:
::makes sure that everything is maintained::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Erin: I have no way to know or believe that. ::checks her bonds again before looking over the console again::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Telarus: Mr. Telarus... what remains to be done to implement your shield modifications?

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  No.  We need to find out who or what is ultimately behind all this... assuming he's telling the truth.

Sulek says:
COM Oneiros: I am told that we have propulsion and tractor.  We may be able to pull you clear should you have to eject.  We will be standing by.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Suddenly falls to her knees with a gasp.::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@<W>Cherry: Keep the pointy stick at the ready, still. He's wearing me thin.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: The Oneiros ejects its core, and attempts to push itself away from them. The Quirinus gets a broken up comm. - "ZZZZT ... now! ... ZTTT"

Sulek says:
*Telarus* Lock on to Oneiros.  Helm: Pull us and the Oneiros out of here, now!

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Captain Walker> ::Nods at Azhure & Powers::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Looks concerned at Azhure and drops to his knees::  Azhure: Azhure?

Sulek says:
::Looks at Walker:: Walker: Please forgive me Captain.  Old habits die hard, I believe is the saying.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Captain Walker> ::Too focused on War on the screens, and their soon to tractoring the massive Oneiros:: Sulek: It's okay, Mr. Sulek. Just don't do it again.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: boosts power to the ventral shields ::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: One of the officer's still left on the Quirinus tractors the Oneiros, and the Quirinus (amazingly) jumps to warp with the ship in tow.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: The Oneiros' core blows soon after.

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  Who or what is responsible for this ridiculous design of which you speak?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her hand goes to her heart as she breaths deeply, feeling very week.  Quietly::  Powers:  Something has happened... something very bad.  ::Closes her eyes as she reaches out to him.::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Yawns:: Cherry: You are. He is. This piece of rock is. ::Picks it up and tosses it aside::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
# ACTION: The station groans as it begins to fall apart.

Cherry says:
@::narrows her eyes::  Shadow:  And what is your part in it?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: Tractor engaged. The Oneiros has entered warp with us.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::bangs on the console to speed things up::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Holds her hand as he looks back and forth between her and the screen::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
# ACTION: The shuttle slowly begins to come to life. A panel in the back sparks a few times.

Sulek says:
*Kraight* Continue working with Telarus on shields and monitoring War's response.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Iu> @ ::Slowly gets his strength back and stands:: ALL: A great injustice has happened ...

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::frowns at the sparking panel, and continues the warm up::

Cherry says:
@::waits for lu to elaborate::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Iu: What do you mean?

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins implementing Telarus' equations as modifications to the shield modulation ::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Cainia> @ ::Growls from the ground::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Iu> @ Pangborn: Trillions of lives have ceased to exist.

Sulek says:
War: What is the Design that the Blades wish to create?

David_Telarus says:
::is working as fast as he can to keep the shields up::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Shrugs:: ALL: Like I said, a good portion of your Universe just blinked out.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Iu: Because of us?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "They wish nothing. They are mere devices. The Design is already in motion."

Cherry says:
@::has a horrible flashback of the Construct beginning to crash, and shudders::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Iu> @ ::Looks confused:: Pangborn: What do you mean?

Sulek says:
War: What is the design?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: With Bill's help, comes to her feet and leans a moment on him.::  Powers:  Bill... ::Shakes her head:: Something very tragic, very... horrible has happened.  I know this, I know it is only the beginning... ::Shakes her head::  But I do not know what.  ::Closes her eyes for a moment.::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "The ending of this existence."

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Shadow: What caused this?

Sulek says:
::looks at all who are on the bridge and then raises an eyebrow::

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  And more importantly, how do we stop it.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn: There are worlds in the Universe, that through fate, energy, and irony, are essentially the lynch-pins to what holds things together. A few days ago, 100 gigantic craft were unleashed to destroy these worlds throughout the Universe. Once these worlds are destroyed, parts of the Universe unravel.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Frowns::  Azhure: Anything you can say?  Anything we can or should do?  Or not do?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: You don't.

Sulek says:
War: Why should existence end.  Who created this Design, the Blades and You?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Captain Walker> ::Doesn't look so surprised by what War says for some reason::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up into his Blue eyes and simply shakes her head.::  Powers:  Let the others know... perhaps they have another piece of the puzzle.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "I do not understand the question."

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  We must stop this.

Sulek says:
War: Who programmed the blades?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: I'm not sure how.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::gives the bulkhead a kick for good measure::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Eisenhower> # ::Silently crying in the back as the craft fully powers up at Wolverton's kick::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "They are not computers. They simply are."

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  We need to go back... but to where I don't know.  ::looks at lu and Cainia helplessly::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::blinks for a moment before taking advantage of the full power, and launches out of the station::

Sulek says:
War: Who are the creators of the Design? ::trying a different tact::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Cainia> @ ::Quite angry:: Forget that. He's somewhat responsible, let's just kill him! ::Rushes Mr. Shadow::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Looks around for someone to speak to... Sulek is busy... Walker is uninterested... the others are busy::

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ACTION: There is an audible SNAP! And Cainia's head is twisted in a direction it should not be by invisible hands. She drops to the floor dead.

Cherry says:
@Cainia:  No!

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Pangborn / Cherry: One guide down. I would suggest keeping the other one alive or you may never find your way home.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes a deep breath, weary unto her soul as she stands up.::  Powers:  I am all right.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::Grabs Cherry's arm:::

Sulek says:
Walker: That which can be made, can be unmade.  We need to transfer this information to Starfleet.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "I do not understand the question. There are no 'creators.'"

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  That's assuming there's anything left to go home to.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Steeples hands:: Cherry: Point.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Iu: Has anything like this ever happened before to others you've guided?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
<Iu> @ Pangborn: The End of the Universe? No, that is an event I have not been privy to.

Cherry says:
@::slowly steps closer to the Shadow.:: Shadow: Where do you get your information?  How do you know all this?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
# ACTION: The station is giving way. Power goes out, the force fields in the bay go out ... and the shuttle starts to get sucked out.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: I was sort of born with it.

Sulek says:
War: The Blades are matter.  Matter is controlled.  It cannot simply begin to exist.  How were the Blades formed.

Cherry says:
@::takes another step closer::  Shadow:  What are you?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "You speak of things that obey a science that you are not yet familiar with."

Sulek says:
::notices Powers:: Powers: How may I help you?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: Would you believe a sentient shadow?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::wonders why it's taking the shuttle SO long to launch out of the bay::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Sulek: I am... uncertain.  Azhure has sensed something dreadful.

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  A shadow of what?

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks inward.::

Sulek says:
War: Who's science?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "The true science of the Universe."

Host Mr_Shadow says:
# ACTION: The shuttle zooms away as the station falls apart. Pieces simply go in opposite directions.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: Now THAT, is a good question.

Sulek says:
Powers: War tells us that the columns are called Blades.  Their apparent function is to cause the destruction of existence.  Will that help her?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::refrains from yelling "Yeaaahoooo" or saying "wheeee"::

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks over the shield programming :: Telarus: I believe we are ready to bring the modified shields online, Mr. Telarus.

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  I assume you have a good answer?  ::looks hopeful::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  Sulek:  There is now a great emptiness out in the universe.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Shadow: Do you know how to reverse what has been done?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Shrugs:: Cherry: Not really. ::Turns to walk away:: Pangborn: Don't be ridiculous, of course not. This is bigger than you and me. Now good day, take care, and adieu.

Sulek says:
War: The creation of matter from energy? Are the Blades to return matter to energy?

Cherry says:
@Shadow:  Wait!

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ::Still walking:: Cherry: No.

Cherry says:
@::begins walking after him::  Shadow:  What casts you?  What is your source?

Host Mr_Shadow says:
ACTION: "In a sen-ZZZTTINN--se."

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ Cherry: Let's get metaphorical. The "darkness of all beings in the Universe" casts me ... ::Grins::

Sulek says:
Azhure: Could the Blades be seeking grid points?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::tries to figure out exactly where they are::

Cherry says:
@::stops dead::

David_Telarus says:
Kraight: Yes sir we can bring them online.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: Sir, the modified shields are ready. They can be activated at any time.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ACTION: Something suddenly punches Cherry, sending her flying across the ground toward Pangborn. Her jaw nearly shatters with the punch.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at him.::  Sulek:  King pins... perhaps.  It would explain things.

Cherry says:
@Self:  Oof.  ::flies backwards::

Sulek says:
*Kraight* I do not wish to interrupt War unless necessary.  Understood?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::picks up Cherry:: Cherry: Cherry!

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ACTION: A figure steps out of the shadows between Mr. Shadow and the others. It wears a dark gleaming armor, along with a cape that almost doubles as a robe. A hood is pulled over the figure's face.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: Understood, sir. Standing by.

Sulek says:
Azhure: Then the destruction of one Blade could interrupt all functions.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::pulls his phaser::

Cherry says:
@::rubs her jaw::  Pangborn:  I'm all right.  ::notices the new horror and watches it::

Cmd_Azhure says:
Sulek:  I do not know.  But it is a starting place.

Host Mr_Shadow says:
@ ACTION: The figure approaches. And Shadow's voice is heard - "You said you wanted to find her, well here she is."

Sulek says:
Walker: Where was the nearest blade?

Host Death says:
@ ::Pulls back the hood to reveal a bald Vee::

Host Death says:
@ ::Her eyes are pitch black and all semblance of her humanity has faded::

Cherry says:
@Self:  Thanatos....

Cherry says:
@Death:  Vee... sweetie... It's Cherry and Ben come to take you home....

Host Death says:
<Captain Walker> Sulek: There were reports of a few heading for Earth. We seemingly crossed the path of one, which is why we were attacked.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::stoically silent::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::rubs his chin, wondering how to find Jade::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::after a moment of thought, turns a steely gaze toward Erin::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill.::  Powers:  If you value Earth...

Host Death says:
@ ::Her voice is heard in their minds, and sends a chill their spines - "I am Death"::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Azhure:... then tell me what to do.

Cherry says:
@::shivers::

Sulek says:
Walker: We need to stop one if we can.  *Telarus* Prepare phasers to cut through your shields frequency hole.  We may need them.

Host Death says:
@ ::Pulls a large scythe out of her cape / robes::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::decides he probably won't actually get much out of her, and turns back to study the decaying warp trails::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: Looks like she was right about being a bad influence. She really looks like hell now. Lets get out of here, while we can.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Erin: Why would they take Jade back to Earth?

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  We need to free her.  ::looks at him hopelessly::

Host Death says:
<Eisenhower> # Wolverton: There was speak of handing her over to someone called R'vwar. I'm not sure why they would hand her over to him.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: How?

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Ashes to ashes.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Erin: What do you know about R'vwar?

Cherry says:
@Death:  Put it down, Vee.

Host Death says:
TIME WARP: Three days past ... the Quirinus is entering warp space, and has spent the last three days hearing of panicked reports of Bajor and all the surrounding start systems vanishing. That ships trying to enter the "abyss" simply cease to exist. That this erosion of the Universe is expanding.

Host Death says:
TIME WARP: Three of the "Blades" have landed on Earth. Starfleet Command has ordered all vessels to obey the "Probe Directive," enacted after the last time a gigantic unknown object entered Earth space and disrupted the planet. There is a mass evacuation going on, but there simply aren't enough ships.

Host Death says:
TIME WARP: Weather has been disrupted across the planet, and Earthquakes are being reported.

Host Death says:
@ Cherry: No. ::Comes at them fast::

David_Telarus says:
::prepares the phasers::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::defends::

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Kill her!  ::ducks away from Pangborn::

Host Death says:
<Iu> @ ::Assumes a defensive stance, and dives::

Host Death says:
ACTION: A strange red hue has permeated Earth's upper atmosphere.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::fires at Death::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::lays in a course for Earth at top speed, whatever that is in the bucket of bolts he's commandeered::

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: The phaser fire bounces off of Death.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In sickbay, one by one dealing with the ships dead.::

Host Death says:
# ACTION: After three days, Wolverton's shuttle is nearing Earth space ... and as well has been warned against coming here by Starfleet Command's constant communications.

Host Death says:
<Eisenhower> # Wolverton: Don't you think we should listen to them and turn away?

Cherry says:
@Death:  Stop this Vee!  ::still ducking and running::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Erin: Nope.

Host Death says:
@ ::Slashes at Cherry's leg::

Host Death says:
<Eisenhower> # ::Sighs::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::continues attacking hand to hand::

Host Death says:
<Captain Walker> ::Looking at reports:: Sulek: They have shuttle craft down their scanning the devices non stop. They're at three separate points across the planet.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Erin: If I'd thought so, clearly I would have done it within the last three exciting days instead of waiting until now, right?

Sulek says:
::having listened to all the Com from Earth:: Walker: Are you prepared to violate the Prime Directive?  We must destroy the Blades on Earth.

Cherry says:
@::grabs the handle of scythe as it swings at her::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Lending what hand he can, pouring over the minimal tactical data::

Host Death says:
@ ::Lifts the scythe and starts swinging it around with Cherry holding on::

Host Death says:
<Captain Walker> Sulek: Any ideas how? Other orbital ships have tried firing on it, no luck.

Cherry says:
@::hangs on::

Host Death says:
<Eisenhower> # ::Glares::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans back against the wall to rub the bridge of her nose tiredly.  Her soul heavy.::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: Give up, we have to get out of here.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::runs some scans on the limited shuttle sensors, trying to figure out what's going on::

Host Death says:
<Iu> @ ::While Pangborn & Cherry fight, he begins quietly whispering words about the mountain and making strange motions with his hands::

Cherry says:
@::is too afraid to let go::  Pangborn:  Go!  Run!

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::tries to dislodge Cherry:: Cherry: I'm not leaving without you.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: has since joined the Captains on the secondary bridge :: Sulek, Walker: Conventional weaponry will be useless. The Blades exist largely outside our space-time domain.

Host Death says:
<Captain Walker> Sulek: We're being inquired if we can take on refugees to get off the planet. They're afraid what's happened to Bajor is going to happen here ... ::Pauses:: My god, Klingon space is gone.

Sulek says:
Walker: Telarus believes that he knows a flaw in their shielding and has adjusted the Q phasers accordingly.  I suggest we tell Starfleet our intentions and then fire.

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: Cherry flies off the scythe and hits a wall.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Kraight: There's got to be something... non standard weaponry.  Quantum torpedoes?

David_Telarus says:
*Sulek*: When ever you are ready to fire I am ready.

Cherry says:
@Self:  Oof.  ::slides down the wall::

Sulek says:
*Telarus* Stand by for the mark.  I want this done as point blank as we can.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Powers: Doubtful. Plus there is the environmental devastation such weapons would cause the planet to consider.

Host Death says:
<Captain Walker> Sulek: Sounds like a plan. ::Passes along the information to Command::

Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*:  Captain... I have a casualty total for you... 191... no wounded.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
Kraight: Perhaps you'd like to consider that the Earth will be destroyed anyway, Lieutenant Commander.

Host Death says:
<Captain Walker> ::Closes his eyes for a moment:: *Azhure* Thank you, Commander.

Sulek says:
Helm: Take us in.  Atmospheric level.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::finds a safe spot to park and runs a scan of the atmosphere::

David_Telarus says:
*Sulek*: Aye.

Host Death says:
ACTION: The Quirinus rumbles as it gets closer to the red, strangely flaring, atmosphere.

Sulek says:
*Telarus* Sequence fire one blade at a time.  *Kraight* Time to shut out War.  Shields on line.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::spots the Quirinus among the chaos, musing::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Simply nods her head and pushes wearily away from the wall, wishing with all her heart she was back at the station and things were as they were before.::

Sulek says:
*Telarus* Fire!

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
*Sulek*: Acknowledged.  :: turns to an engineering panel and activates the modified shields ::

Host Death says:
<Iu> @ ::His chanting grows louder and louder, until suddenly ...::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::sighs, then poises his hands in preparation to flee before opening a comm.:: COMM Quirinus: Quirinus, this is Ensign Wolverton.

Cherry says:
@::looks at lu::

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: Just as Death is closing in for the kill on Pangborn, both he and Cherry and Iu feel that familiar "ripple" ... and fade from the Pit ... and suddenly find themselves on Earth.

David_Telarus says:
::fires::

Host Death says:
<Iu> @ ::Looks around, and collapses ... it was too much for him::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::looks around::

Cherry says:
@::is completely disoriented::

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: Weapons fire rains down from the sky above Pangborn, Cherry, and co. And they see a gigantic pillar that seemingly stretches up into the sky being struck by weapons fire.

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: Several shuttlecraft maneuver to avoid the weapons fire.

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: The sky is red, and there's a weird charge in the air ... the ground rumbles occasionally.

Sulek says:
*Azhure* Let us know what you sense.

Cherry says:
@::looks up and can't believe this is really happening.  This can't be The End::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: She sent us straight to hell....

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  I think this is it.  Hold me?

Host Death says:
@ ACTION: Not far away from Ben & Cherry, Jade Morgan stands with the elderly R'vwar. She has her eyes closed and her hands open toward the gigantic "Blade."

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::holds her::

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles wearily, knowing they will never truly understand.::  *Sulek*:  If I can...  for now... I sense nothing.

Sulek says:
Weapons: If the shields go down and the Pillars are there, Torpedo them.

Cherry says:
@Pangborn:  Thank you for everything, Ben.

LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: checking sensors :: Sulek: Sir... sensors indicate the Blades are unaffected by the weapons fire.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: We're not done yet. This chapter’s just not quite written yet.

Sulek says:
*Telarus* Vary frequency for second pass and fire again.

Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up suddenly, realizing a familiar presence is near by.  Closing her eyes, she looks inward...::

Cherry says:
@::doesn't believe him but is grateful he is trying::

Host Death says:
ACTION: The Blade is unaffected. The weapons fire has no use. The three Blades begin to cause ruptures across the planet ... several hundred volcanoes go off at once. The End is nigh.

Host Death says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= END (?) =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=