U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10504.25

AN END TO JOURNEY TOWARD

CHAPTER THREE

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

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The Quirinus is doing it's best to keep up with the 8472 armada that is seemingly hunting down the Library.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::on the bridge at the tactical station::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: In medical, alone, quietly preparing... for what she did not know.::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::curses the piece of Starfleet crap  he's flying, trying to keep up with the armada::

Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Have you sent our request that they delay in destroying the Library to 8472?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::on the Bridge at Engineering I::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::on the bridge, thinking::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
Outloud: Can't these engines go any faster?

Host David_Thorn says:
::Enters onto the bridge:: Sulek: 8472, eh? ::The D'gari Oedipus follows behind::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Not with much else to do, just leans up against the back wall of the Bridge, his rifle out of the way::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::scratches his itchy trigger finger::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::glares at Thorn as he enters the bridge::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::continues working on his little set of code and experiment to regain control of the ship to 100 percent::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> ::Suddenly appears behind Azhure:: Azhure: You must have Commander Powers join you.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sees Thorn come into the Bridge, but ignores his arrival and continues to work::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Smiles at the CSO::

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: They seem to believe they know where the Library is.  All we have to do is convince them not to destroy it before we find the creators of the Blades

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Looks up a Iu::  *Powers*:  Bill, could you please join me in sickbay?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We must convince them not to destroy the library. It - ::looks at Thorn and the D'Dari:: - May be our only chance.

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: Easier said than done. Are we preparing tactical solutions for possible engagement with them?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: pointedly ignores Thorn :: CO: Sir... the data from the 8472 ships is extremely valuable. In an attempt to preserve as much of it as possible, I have shut down life support and diverted power to the holodecks.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO: Hey Lance...  can you run a tactical analysis of those ships?  Just in case.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Nods at Cherry::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I have created isolinear storage banks on the holodecks and shunted much of the data into those banks.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: Already have. ::forwards the data to her station, which includes the 59 most vulnerable points on the various ships, in order of likely effectiveness::

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: CTO Cherry has no doubt begun running the simulations.  I am, however, going to try to reason with them.  They have no reason not to trust us.  We are, after all, not the Borg.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at Oedipus curiously ::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> Kraight: An incredible conception, father. There are holographic emitters here on the bridge and at certain points throughout the ship. Perhaps you could form additional isolinear units?

LtCmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: Sure, Commander, I'll be right back down.  ::Leaves the Bridge quietly, not really part of this crew, right?::

Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Begin making sense of all the data as soon as you can.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::eyes his controls for a second and debates whether to ask at all before turning around:: CO: Captain... I have an idea. But it's dangerous.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks over the data::  TO:  Given that we're outnumbered...  ::tries to see a way to do it::

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: If we stand in the way of their objective, we might as well be. I've had some ... dealings, with 8472. They're not very pleasant under many circumstances.

CNS_Azhure says:
Iu:  Can I get you anything while we wait?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> Azhure: No, thank you.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: I think if it really comes to that, all we can do is run.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: If needed.  :: stands ::  Come with me... son.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: If you dealt with them as you have with others, there is probably a reason.  It may be best that they do not know you are aboard.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Excited by the idea of working alongside his father, follows::

Host David_Thorn says:
::Tries not to look interested in Kraight & Oedipus' interactions::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Rides the turbo lift down the short way, and enters the quiet Sickbay, seeing Azhure and Iu::  Iu: Good... day?  Morning?  Afternoon?  I can't tell anymore.

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: Fair enough, Captain.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at Wolverton all quizzical like::  TO:  Run?  To where exactly?

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Smiles at Bill and turns back to Iu.::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> Powers: Evening.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::clears his throat:: CO: Captain?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::shrugs:: CTO: Ahead of them would be the only way.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
CNS: You called, Commander?

Captain_Sulek says:
Ahkileez:  Yes?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  There is the minor matter of the universe collapsing.  ::sighs audibly::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: nods her head to Iu.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to an alcove on one side of the bridge, out of earshot of the others :: Oedipus: Understand this, Oedipus. None of us trust David Thorn, the man who created you. He has betrayed everything Starfleet stands for, and has been causing the deaths of millions. Therefore, as he is your creator, it is difficult if not impossible to trust you at this point.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: One impossible situation at a time, sir.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
:;tries to maintain his tenuous hold on his patience:: CO: I said I have an idea. We may be able to move in to the warp wake of the armada and have less trouble keeping up and possibly use it to overtake them. But it's dangerous.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> ::Suddenly behind Powers, holding his arm behind his back and twisting. His other hand around Power's throat, lifting him off the ground like he was a feather:: Powers: Do not make any attempt to move or I shall snap your neck. ::He says this monotone, without emphasis::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::chuckles::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Freezes, her eyes narrowing.::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Looks almost hurt:: Kraight: I understand, father. But he has not been the death of millions. That is hyperbole.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Feels the blood rush to his head, but resists the urge to kill this man who dared put his hands around him::

Captain_Sulek says:
Ahkileez: I apologize.  An excellent idea.

CNS_Azhure says:
Iu:  Iu... let him go.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> Azhure: He will die in five minutes if you do not do as I say, Wind Speaker.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir, I need to see you in your Ready Room if possible.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> <W> Kraight: He is not as bad as you all think ...

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::assumes that's a yes and swivels his chair back around, guiding the ship in to the turbulence behind the armada::

CNS_Azhure says:
Iu:  I am listening.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: We will not debate that at this time. You may be sincerely interested in helping us put the Universe back together. But you may also be a witting or unwitting tool of Thorn. I am willing to suspend judgment for the time being, but I will be watching you closely. At the first sign of treachery on your part, I will have no hesitation in destroying you. Have I made myself clear?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::doesn't even want to know what the FCO is up to::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The ship lightly rumbles as it gets caught up in the slipstream of the 8472 vessels, speeding up as it goes along.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Hands clasped behind his back, he watches::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::monitors shields::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::routes power to necessary systems::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> Azure: Your species are known as listeners. They are in tune to the very fabric of our reality. They know when time has been shifted and can feel the death cries of worlds long distant.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: What are the chances of this ripping the ship apart? ::concerned at the speed::

CNS_Azhure says:
Iu: Yes.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::fights the rocking of the ship redlines the injectors to speed up:: All: Hold on to a body part you don't want to lose...

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::mumbles a curse and hangs on::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes flicker towards Bill, her heart feeling as if it is in a vice.::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> Azhure: Your species, and as such, you, are inherently tied to the core of all that is. In the right sort of cleared mind state, you can find this. You are nowhere near ready to be in that state of mind. As such, drastic measures must be taken.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: You will assist me, and you will obey my orders and those of Captain Sulek without question. Take your position at the Science Two station.

CNS_Azhure says:
Iu:  And that is?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::And looks more hurt as Kraight stalks off::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: What is that?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::maintains power to all necessary stations as power starts to fluctuate by fractional percentages::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> Azhure: Commander Powers means a lot to you. He is dear in your heart and soul. As such, with all your heart, you will do anything to preserve him. With no doubt. With no hesitation. In three minutes you shall find the core of all that is or he shall die. Now look within yourself, and find it.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sends a message to the Captain's chair:: CO: Sir you may find this interesting...walk over to my station. ::message ends::

Captain_Sulek says:
::rises and crosses to the CEO's station:: Telarus: What would you like me to see?

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Quietly:: Iu: I have long since trusted you.  Trust me.  Holding Bill is not necessary.  I will attempt what you ask.  Fear, worry, are a distraction and will not help me there.  Again... please let him go.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::softens the ship's warp field against the turbulence, trying to smooth out the ride as he advances in the warp wake::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Moves toward one of the walls to sit down.::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Pulls out a crystal that seems to appear and disappear every other moment:: Kraight: It is a Aigar crystal from the meadows of Jasmine Prime in the 5th Dimension. Thorn and I found whole colonies of them. They are sentient in the right sort of radiation. ::Hands it to him:: They also tend to phase in and out of our time stream.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Looks excited at this gift for his father::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> ::Looks unchanged:: Azhure: You overestimate your abilities. You are plagued by doubts. Follow your heart. Two minutes. ::Tightens grip::

SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::begins to analyze the data from the CSO on the species 8472::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes the crystal, holds it to the light :: Oedipus: Interesting.  :: smiles slightly :: In the unlikely event that we survive, I look forward to studying it with you. But now we have work to do. Remember what I have told you.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The ship starts rumbling.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: Take your station.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir take a look...::shows the Captain a finished product of his code to get back the command codes and oust Thorn's control over them::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::eyes the deck plates dubiously::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Report...how are we being affected? Can we maintain this speed?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Nods and heads to the station::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: returns to Science One ::

Host David_Thorn says:
::Steps by Pangborn and watches with interest::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Looks sadly at Iu, then looks at Bill before closing her eyes.::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::glares at Thorn::

Captain_Sulek says:
Telarus: Most interesting.  ::looks over at Thorn:: It is a tactic that you may wish to code for later use...when the time is right.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::frowns at the distraction:: XO: Sure, as long as this trash heap han.... ::gazes disbelieving at the display:: Something's wrong... I'm reading gravimetric disturbances and... this can't be right.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Smiles knowingly at Pangborn::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Feels himself losing air... and consciousness::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> ::Loosens his grip::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Breathes deeply in and out, centering herself, focusing within herself.  Slowly she spirals inward.::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Kraight, monitor the gravimetric disturbances. FCO: As soon as the CSO says we're in danger, take us out of the slipstream.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Monitoring...

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Unnoticed, a tear slips down her cheek as she touches on things that once were.::

SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
David:  Have you gotten anywhere with all this data?????

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::growls:: XO: It's not the fekking slipstream! You better sound the impact alarm. We're about to slam in to atmosphere!

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> ::Releases Powers, and grabs his arm violently, rushing toward Azhure:: We must go down. ::Grabs her too::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Iu, Azhure & Powers vanish.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Slow us down then. And be advised not to take that tone with me again.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Nods as if he expected this::

SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::backs up from her console somewhat disconcerted::

CNS_Azhure says:
:: Keeping Iu's words in mind, she keeps Bill at the center of her focus, holding out her growing love for him.::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks up from her console just long enough to glare at Thorn::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::too busy to care about the dressing down at the moment:: ::eases back on the engines and narrows the warp field::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The Quirinus flies into the atmosphere. The 8472 armada is struggling through it, their vessels causing fire and other energy emissions to happen as they burst through the atmosphere.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Looks at the screen:: Self: Damn.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Confirmed. Atmospheric pressure now forty kilopascals and rising.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Suddenly feeling a connection of something greater then herself, she almost looses her focus.::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Fifty-five kilopascals and rising.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::His arm sore, his vision blurred, but the pressure gone... what is going on?::

Host David_Thorn says:
ALL: Do not panic, this is expected. The Universe is falling in on itself. Alternate timelines are crumbling and bursting into our own. Worlds cease to ever been, but their remains float around. Atmosphere appears without a world.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::takes the ship through a sluggish barrel roll in the atmosphere and gains some lift over the wake of the armada:: CO/XO: We're going to lose ground if I keep us out. Orders? ::glances over his shoulder::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::monitors shields very closely::

Captain_Sulek says:
::returning to his chair:: Pangborn: What exactly is atmosphere doing in the middle of...

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: She senses it is drawn to her love freely given.  But their is something wrong with her reality.  It seems distorted somehow, filled in with brilliant colors.::

Host David_Thorn says:
CO: Sulek, do you recall the "Tavern at the End of Times"?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sixty-seven kilopascals and rising. Hull temperature 900 degrees Kelvin.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Status of 8472's ships.. Are they being destroyed? Sure looks like it. ::turns:: Keep me appraised, and keep looking.

SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
XO: Sir,....::.visibly upset:: The library feasibly has enough firepower to destroy Earth in a single burst, or so 8472 says in their data.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Lightning starts exploding all around the Quirinus. Bolts glance off the shields, but there is no effect.

Captain_Sulek says:
Ahkileez: Do your best to stay with the 8472.  Cherry: Reinforce front shields.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir, I have some work that requires me in Main Engineering, I will be there if I am needed.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: The place of stories?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::walks to the TL:: TL: Main Engineering.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Eighty-four kilopascals and rising. Hull temperature 1400 degrees Kelvin.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::grunts assent and wrestles with the controls to guide the ship back in to the wake of the ships, trying to keep out of the worst of it gravimetric eddies toss the ship like a sloop in a squall::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  Aye Captain.  ::diverts power to forward shields::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::eyes the view screen suspiciously::

Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: How long before it becomes critical?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: 8472 ships are having a rough time navigating, but are thus far intact.

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: Yes. You were housed there when a reality storm struck you. What was it the innkeeper told you -- "when an event or crisis strongly affects the Universe as we know it. Reality shifts for a moment, and people and things fall in the cracks. That was the storms you experienced." This is the crisis that caused those reality storms.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We are currently well within design limits, sir.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::adds to the CSO:: CO: -but we're losing attitude control with the eddies the armada's creating. If we hit the wrong one, we could strike their warp field and well...

Host David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: Iu, Azhure & Powers find themselves in a desert.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: One oh six kilopascals and rising. Hull temperature 1800 Kelvin.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Coughs on the air, first assuming himself being back to the land of the living, but instead tastes sand::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: Suggest we rise above their turbulence. Delta zee plus ten kilometers.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Sensing the change, she opens her eyes to look around.  She notes there is no heat, yet her surroundings are that of a desert.  Her eyes go first to Bill who appears to be alright before turning to Iu.::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::looks around for the unfamiliar voice:: CSO: We're going to lose ground on them if we do that!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Atmospheric pressure one fifty kilopascals and still rising. Hull temperature twenty three hundred Kelvin.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: Most interesting.  And how long will this "storm" last?  Or are you suggesting that at this point we could slip through the crack.  I am also unsure how this would match our time line unless time itself is collapsing.

Host David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: There is no heat. There is a blaring sun above them, but it does not seem to affect them. Blue, empty skies are seen in all directions.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ Azhure: Good work, Wind Speaker. You have caught the gusts of the Universe's last breathes and taken us where we needed to go. Powers: I apologize, Commander, for the violence before. It was necessary.

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: You think way too linear. We'll pass through it, unscathed hopefully. It's possible some of us will get swept off ... but then we'll just wind up at that damned Tavern again. Otherwise, we should be fine.

SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::is still working busily on the rest of the data that is in the library::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Pangborn suddenly sees Jeremiah Terry standing beside him - "Her love will spare you all" he states.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ Iu:  Violence is never acceptable.  What is it that you need from us now?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::feels a bit disoriented for no apparent reason::

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: And then those swept off will see us in the construct?

David_Thorn says:
Sulek: ... Possibly. I am unsure.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at the apparition, not mentioning it to anyone just yet::

Host SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::still at work on the data::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Coughs::  Iu: You're lucky I trust you....

David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ CNS: We have a long journey ahead of us. Let us begin. You know the way to walk.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: Extend the warp field forward. This will reduce the mass, and thus the drag, of the atmosphere on the hull.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: Then the paradox is that if one of us who was there in the construct is swept off, then we could exist twice in the same reality.  Temporal paradoxes could be come quite confusing at that point.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: Reconfigure the navigational deflector to push the atmosphere out of the way of the ship as much as possible.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: With a nod, turns toward the north where a golden path leads off into the horizon.  She then looks at Bill and opens her hand toward him.::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::ponders, lost in thought::

David_Thorn says:
Sulek: Did you see any duplicates of you at the Tavern when you were there?

David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> CSO: Yes, father.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has given up trying to understand what Thorn and the Captain are talking about::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::nods to the CSO and complies, stretching the warp field forward, cursing at the reduced maneuverability, but feels the ride smooth out a little:: CO/XO: We're going to have to stay over them now. We lost fine control and can't risk getting behind them again::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Pressure not two hundred forty kilopascals and rising. Hull temperature twenty nine hundred Kelvin. The hull plating will begin to buckle at thirty six hundred Kelvin.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Do the best you can ::absently::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Takes the outstretched hand, making a slight shrug to the look in her eyes, then searches for the way to go.  Holding out his other hand towards Iu, he jests::  Iu: Would you like one, too?  Just don't hurt me.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: No.  But there were many who I could not see.  Besides if time here is not linear, then changes could occur.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::finally notices a flashing light on her console::

David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ Powers: No. Thank you.

Captain_Sulek says:
Ahkileez: Understood.  You've done well for your first time at this nav.

David_Thorn says:
Sulek: We'll worry about that road when we come to it.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  Umm.. Sir.  Three life signs vanished from the ship a few minutes ago.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: The apology in her eyes turns to a smile as she shakes her head and moves off with a gentle tug.::

Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Can you identify?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Can you check to see if there were any transports off the ship?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: Checking... ::is checking::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Unlikely at warp speeds, unless they were transporting to a target at the same warp velocity.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  Commanders Azhure and Powers.  And lu.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CSO:  They can't have just vanished....

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::ignores the platitudes and concentrates on his job, encouraged by the latest sensor scans:: CO/XO/CSO: We're returning to regular space. The atmosphere is dissipating. ::starts to return the warp field to normal and drift back to get back in to the slipstream::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ Powers:  I never would have thought to find myself here.  I am not even sure I understand why Iu wishes us here.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Atmospheric pressure is... dropping. One hundred seventy kilopascals. The hull temperature is lessening, as well.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: Sensors didn't detect any.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Azhure: You... know where you are?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::thinks::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
The atmosphere outside the ship is thinning.

Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Then perhaps, they are at the tavern.  ::looks over at Thorn::  There is little that we can do at this juncture but hope they rejoin us in the Library.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  lu is a time traveler Captain.  They could be anywhere.

Host SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::not liking this at all stops her work and looks quite scared::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::narrows the warp field and flies through the lingering flames of atmosphere as he returns to the 8472 slipstream::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at Pangborn::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Looks around at the nondescript surroundings::  Self: I bet the Quirinus doesn't even know we're gone.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::appears lost in thought::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ Powers:  Well... in theory, yes.  We are at the core, the center of all that is.  :: Looks around.::  I am not quite sure how you... and Iu are with me... ::Looks at him::  But I am glad you both are.

Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Try to run a trace, but it is then doubtful that it will do any good.  We must continue.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Can you run a sensor sweep for them.  The shields took a bit of battering back there.  ::glares at the FCO just for a change of pace::

Captain_Sulek says:
Helm: Steady as she goes.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Azhure: I guess it's better than being on the ship.  Didn't feel like I was helping out much there.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::blinks, confused:: XO: The armada is slowing... dropping out of warp. They're changing formation... I think we're here.. ::drops out of warp, banking out from behind the armada in case they draw fire like a fly to gagh::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::nods, scanning as requested::

Captain_Sulek says:
Running Horse:  Any information in the data that may give us a clue as to where we are going.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::stabilizes the shields::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir... the 8472 ships are assuming what appears to be an attack formation around a planetoid just coming into sensor range.

Host SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::looks at her console:: CO: Sir we are at the coordinates now.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
CTO: Nothing

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::nods at the TO::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ Powers:  On one hand, I could wish I had not brought you along.  On the other, I am quite glad I did.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Follow them until they come to a complete stop. Then try hailing them before they destroy anything

Captain_Sulek says:
Ops: Open hailing frequency.   Kraight: Form a message.  We must get through to them that only by accessing the library can we stop what is happening.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The planetoid's dimensions match those of the Library, but I can detect no active power source.

David_Thorn says:
::Begins to walk slowly around the bridge, quiet. Hands clasped behind his back. He's thinking::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::eyes follow Thorn::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::backs the ship off and starts the computer chewing on a micro-jump to get them ahead of the armada::

David_Thorn says:
::Stops by Cherry:: Cherry: You wish I had stayed dead, I take it, Ms. Cherry?

Captain_Sulek says:
Ahkileez:  Take us in front of the Armada formation.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I suggest the following: "8472 ships: Do not attack the planetoid. The information held there is key to the restoration of your universe and our own. Repeat, do not attack the planetoid. Please respond."

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Thorn:  I don't trust you, for obvious reasons.  ::one hand reaches down to rest on her phaser::

Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Reinforce Armada side shields.

Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: Send it.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Continues to walk, mostly silent::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Transmitting now.   :: taps a control on his panel ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  Aye.  ::both hands go back to her console::

David_Thorn says:
Cherry: I understand that. But I am necessary. There must always be a balance you see. My vision to yours.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Looks at Iu, wondering at what he saw around them, knowing that what she and Bill saw was nothing more then an illusion, one designed to help keep Bill from insane.  Her fingers tighten around his.::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::increases to maximum impulse, sliding along the edge of the armada's formation, keeping the armored dorsal side of the ship turned towards them::

David_Thorn says:
::To himself:: I suppose that's my special part in all of this. The never-ending nemesis. To always come back. Always.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: I may try a face to face.  It would be best if your weren't seen.

David_Thorn says:
Sulek: The species does not discern one of us from the other. To them, we are all the same.

David_Thorn says:
Sulek: You need not worry.

David_Thorn says:
ACTION: No response from 8472.

Host SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::can't keep her mind on her work::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::can't think of a snappy answers to Thorn's last statement to her, so keeps quiet and focused on her work::

David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: One on of the dunes, a figure is seen ... standing.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Thorn: Can you take a hint? Get the hell off the bridge!

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::plants the Quirinus directly ahead of the Armada and starts to slow:: CO: Now they have to go through us.

Captain_Sulek says:
Thorn: I hope you are right.  Ops: repeat transmit all data on the Blades and Kraight's message.

David_Thorn says:
::Smiles at Pangborn, but does not move::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::irritated::

Host SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
Self: This is all to weird for me.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Looks down at her hand, then up at her face, all but ignoring Iu::

Host SO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::turns around and goes back to her console and her work::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Looks back ahead of them, still guiding.:: ~~~~ Iu: We should not be here.  You know that.  And Bill definitely should not be here.~~~~

David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ ~~~~ Azhure: There are a lot of things that should not be. But now is not the time for what should ... only what must ~~~~

Captain_Sulek says:
Ahkileez: From what I have read of them, that may not be too difficult.  Cherry: Lay in defensive pattern Thelsh gamma and be ready to initiate.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
TO:  Help?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::does minor maintenance and checks systems and gets under some panels to some repair work in Main Engineering::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, the 8472 ships are powering their primary weapons.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::eyes widen::

David_Thorn says:
::Eyes narrow:: Sulek: Sulek, if they destroy the Library ...

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::raises an eyebrow, wondering exactly what he's supposed to do::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ ~~~~ Iu:  You know I will give what I can... including all, especially for Bill.  I ask, if at all possible, he be kept safe.  I do not know if I can do that at all.~~~~

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::mutters to herself and starts searching for the requested defensive pattern::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::agrees with the captain's assessment, having read the Starfleet reports on 8472::

David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ ~~~~ Azhure: I cannot promise anything. I am sorry ~~~~

Captain_Sulek says:
Cherry: Target their weapons.  Initiate pattern.  Ahkileez: Straight across strafing pattern.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: From what I understand, a conflict will not work. Look at what they did to the Borg

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::targets weapons::  CO:  Fire?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::gets back on top and downloads his code to his station:: *Bridge*: The data stream overloaded some circuits in the main computer core, I am going in there to repair them right now.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs an Engineering Kit and moves to the Computer Core room::

Captain_Sulek says:
Pangborn: They may be too focused on the library.  Ops: Continue to transmit.  Add the following we request a delay of 72 of our standard hours before you attack.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
CO: Aye Captain... ::grins tightly at the prospect of giving in to the rage:: ::rolls to starboard and pulls in to a Yeager, lining up the dorsal weapons for firing::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir... a bluff may be called for. Those ships cannot know that we do not carry the Voyager nanoprobes.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: In almost a death grip, she suddenly holds his hand as if she could keep him safe.  She swallows hard.::  Powers:  You have dinner later, right?

Captain_Sulek says:
Kraight: You might want to add that to our threat that they take no action.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Winces against the right grip::  Azhure: I... guess

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps controls ::  CO: Done.

David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: The trio start heading up the dune ... the figure starts walking down toward them.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Hearing the wince, lightens it.::  Powers:  Good...

David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Meanwhile, back in what is left of the Universe ... the Quirinus begins to move in on the 8472 armada. They are out powered. Outnumbered. And way out of their depth.

David_Thorn says:
ACTION: ... and they're about to fire.

Captain_Sulek says:
All: Stand by.  Cherry if they even look like they are going to break into attack formation...initiate.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::smiles as he flies the Quirinus right in to the teeth of the beast::

David_Thorn says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=