U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10505.02

AN END TO JOURNEY TOWARD

CHAPTER FOUR

"Olive Branches & Silver Blades"

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

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Quirinus stands between the 8472 armada and the Library moon.

Host SM_Selan says:
@ ACTION: Powers, Azhure & Iu stand in the possibly-not-a-desert outside of time and space as a figure walks down a dune toward them.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves up to Kraight:: Kraight: We cannot withstand the armada...there are however two other possibilities.  First is that the Library is capable of its own defense...the second is a bit more dangerous...we could reinitialize the entity called War.
 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::On the bridge, brooding over their situation::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Stops and watches the figure.  Azhure and Iu stop beside him::  Figure: Hello.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::hands splayed over the helm, he turns the bulk of the Quirinus on the oncoming bio-ships like a sledgehammer::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Status of species 8472?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Status?  They seem to be pretty much ignoring us so far.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Hands clasped behind his back, watching::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ ::Stares at the approaching figure:: Powers: It is possible we may be in distress shortly.

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::running a diagnostic of the engineering systems::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Are they still in attack formation?

Host David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: The figure is a dark skinned old man who appears to be human. Appearances aren't everything. He stands before them in a silk robe - "Hello" he says cheerfully.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Iu: It's possible.  I don't think you would know who this is approaching, but you have a... bad feeling?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks worried :: CO: The latter course seems extremely dangerous, sir. We have no way of controlling War's actions.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::nods::  XO:  They still seem intent on the library.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ Powers: We are traveling paths that are not meant to be traveled.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Nods to Iu and turns back to the figure::  Figure: Who are you?

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::looks over his shoulder:: XO: What do you want me to do?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Are you getting any kinds of readings from the library? Any unusual energy signatures?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am well aware of this.  Still as a last ditch effort to protect the Library....without the correct frequency, 8472 could not defend against him.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Figure> @ Powers: You don't remember?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is having trouble remembering her tactical training, as she tries to figure out how best to take out some ships before they get blown up::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Hold position in relation to the bioships

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: But we will need him to leave our systems.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Squints in the bright light::  Figure: You are familiar, but the light must be too bright for me.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::nods and turns back around, killing forward thrust and throwing the ship in to reverse, keeping Quirinus's teeth firmly bared::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes head :: CO: I can think of nothing that would induce the entity to leave the ship, sir.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: I am Abraham. We've met before. In your dreams. A long time ago. It was a passing encounter. As I recall you were chasing a mouse in a raincoat over hills of ice cream. Come to think of it. That may have been someone else.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
XO: No, Commander. The Library is producing no energy signature at all.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight:  It is just a simple matter of...::pauses::...

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  Ummm... Commander?  I'm having some trouble here...

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ ::Wonders what this "ice cream" is they speak of::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Noted. ::thinks:

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Tries to keep an eyebrow from crawling up his forehead::  Abraham: And what are you doing here?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: I am a traveler of dreams.

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::stops suddenly:: Self: How do I do diagnostics????

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: I do not believe I am dreaming right now.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns and looks around him at the consoles....many are familiar but only in a vague way::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: The path you are current in travels through the realm that one could consider that of dreaming. In reality it is merely a gateway.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Narrows eyes and watches them going about:: Sulek: Time is collapsing, Sulek. Our memories are being undone.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::if panic were in his nature...:: Kraight: I am unable to identify many of these consoles or their operation.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks askance at Sulek ... pulls out his tricorder and scans the Captain ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::shakes head:: Sulek: I can't believe the library would not have its own defenses. For all we know, it has existed for an infinite amount of time. Certainly it would have been destroyed by now

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I do not understand, sir.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Captain?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CSO:  I do.  I'm having trouble remembering how to work this.  ::gestures helplessly at her console::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::lifts a brow and looks over his shoulder, wondering what's happening now::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::With his right hand behind his back, thumbs the power setting of the rifle without drawing attention::  Abraham: A gateway to dreams?  Or a gateway to somewhere else?  And are you my guide - or here to stop me?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: realizes he has forgotten how to use the tricorder ::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: I could be a guide. It depends on what you are looking for.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::frowns:: CTO: You know that consol inside and out

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: It seems my memories are being affected as well.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  No.  I don't.  ::frowns::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Looking at Thorn:: Kraight:  I have forgotten the function of many systems...I believe I once knew these things, but now...I am no longer sure.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Looks at Iu::  Iu: Iu, you seem to know better why we are here....

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
CEO: Sir I can't seem to remember how to do a diagnostic.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Kraight: Can....::lost::...

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::slowly stands from the helm:: All: What's wrong with you people?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has a very bad feeling about this.  Glares at Thorn suspecting he must be responsible somehow, even though she can't see how::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ Abraham: We are attempting to reach the core of all that is.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Thorn:  Library...we must reach there before...we can no longer fly the ship...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I cannot....I mean, it must have just slipped my mind.....::suddenly scared:: Captain....look at the events happening, not being able to remember. I believe we are in the process of "unbecoming" for lack of a better term....it's like we didn't exist...til now...for now

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks at Pangborn with alarm::

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: We'll have to do this a very simplistic way and hope we don't run into anything on the way. Initiate the voice recognition systems, have the computer identify the moon and order it to assume an orbit. We can't do this manually.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ahkileez: Must make it to Library...orbit...

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Scratches his chin:: Iu: I see. You are a representative of the Green One, are you not? You have her stink all over you.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Kraight, Can you scan for the exact location of the Library......:::sweating:: I cannot remember how to do it myself

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns to his console :: Computer: Computer, this is a Class One Priority Directive. Program the autopilot on shuttle Oppenheimer to carry an away team to the asteroid housing the Library and dock there without pilot intervention. Launch authorization to be given by Captain Sulek, Commander Pangborn, or myself. Acknowledge.

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::not getting an answer from the CEO she comm.'s the bridge::  *CO*: Sir, excuse me for interrupting but I can't seem to remember how to do a simple diagnostic.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::"Green One" - the mountain, perhaps?::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ ::Face flinches, but has no response::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Identify moon and take us into standard orbit...  ::looks around at the voice but does not understand how to respond::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Shrugs, and smiles:: No matter. Come along you all. ::Gestures and turns on his heel and begins to walk up the dune::

Host David_Thorn says:
Ahkileez: If you can still fly, do so until you're unable to.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::stumbles back, nodding and temporarily losing his attitude:: CO: Aye... ::turns and takes the controls, whipping Quirinus around and pointing it at the moon::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Tactical console starts beeping wildly.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Watches Iu to see if he will follow, or has reservations::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Self:  Eeep!  ::steps back from the console in surprise::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ ::Follows hesitantly::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: On the view screen, golden beams fly past the Quirinus and slam into the moon.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::redlines the engines on his way to the moon::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO/XO:  Ummm... Sirs.  I think maybe something is wrong, but I'm not sure what.  ::stares at the console uncomprehendingly::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Squeezes lightly on Azhure's hand, his other still behind his back, and begins to climb, silently::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves over to Cherry's station:: Cherry: Try to focus....::looks at the consol:: These buttons...they are so unfamiliar to me

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::tries to clear his head, and fails:

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::points at the display::  XO:  Those thingies there maybe?  Something to do with them, whatever they are?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Try to ummm....

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: So where do you hail from awake man?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Computer> CSO: Acknowledged. Oppenheimer programmed and ready for launch.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Captain: I......I knew all of this...once. Now it is slipping away.

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::getting frustrated::  XO: Sir do you know how to perform a diagnostic of all engineering systems?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at the tactical consol:: CTO: I have no idea. But it doesn’t' sound good......

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: automatic evasive...::struggling:: maneuvers......

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: I hail from many places.  The planet of my birth was known as Earth; the planet I most recently lived on was called Hais V.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
XO:  It certainly.... catches ones attention.  ::frowns at the tactical console::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: Did something happen?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
EO: Engineering? Why no...but I should....I took...or did I take...engineering as a secondary field... my primary area of study was.....

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: There seem to be golden beams everywhere. The moon should have vaporized by now ... but it doesn't take long for 8472 to realize their weapons are having no effect.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: Both of these planets may no longer exist.  A great force seeks to return the Universe to nothingness.  ::Looks at Azhure to see if he's getting this stuff right - and gets a nod in reply::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::tries to wrestle the ship shimming under him:: CO: Captain, cancel the evasive maneuvers!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: points :: CO: Sir... the Library moon seems to be impervious to attack.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: Well that explains the picture perfect desert. ::Gestures:: Normally this doesn't happen in the dreamscape.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Thorn: We will need to go down to the moon.  Computer: cancel evasive maneuvers.  Ahkileez: How long to orbit?

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: Your science officer just programmed a shuttle, I believe ...

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: I suppose you could call this "perfect."  Although, the destruction of everything I've ever known is hardly cause for celebration because the sand fell just right.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes. It will carry us there whether we remember how to pilot it or not.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: I've come to learn everything happens for a reason. I'm sure there's a good reason for all of this happening.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::sideslips through a pair of sizzling beams as he tilts the ship up on the nacelle:: CO: Not long... if we can avoid those beams... ::grits his teeth as his eyes fall away from the view screen to the diagram reading out in front of him::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The 8472 armada halts their attack. Something begins to happen on the moon, it's surface begins to give way to massive gun emplacements.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: I'm not convinced.  This could be an outside force seeking to disrupt the natural balance and course - and of course, I've somehow ended up in the middle of it all, trying to stop the destruction of Everything.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Good.  Transporters were a concern.  Ahkileez: Place her in orbit on the far side from 8472.

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
Self: What is going on here?  I can't remember what to do here.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Looks like the library can take care of itself

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: My, that's a pretty important position. Did you appoint yourself to it?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the bridge crew:: All: It's time we paid a visit to the Librarian.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
EO: Man your station. Try to do the best you can

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::frowns as the controls become less familiar and he's forced to fly by instinct:: CO: You want me to fly in to that? ::laughs, completely without humor:: Sure. Should've died yesterday.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: The sooner the better

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The 8472 armada vanishes. There's the simple sound of a POP! and then nothing.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Looks at Iu::  Abraham: I was... coerced into it.

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
*XO*: But how sir I don't know what I am doing.  But I will try.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: stares at the view screen :: All: That was... frightening.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Nods as he walks:: Powers: What makes you think Everything wants to be saved?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looking at screen: :Ahkileez:  Apparently not needed.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at the screen: Sulek: Urgency would be good here. I have a feeling we may not be here in a few hours...it's like my memories have disappeared, Having never existed

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: It seems like a better course of action than sitting around and waiting to be turned into nothingness.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, the sooner we leave for the Library, the better.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Shakes finger:: Powers: Nothingness is a myth you know.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::laughs again as he kills the engines and activates the emergency braking thrusters, shuddering to a halt as the ship falls in to orbit of the moon:: CO: We're here... now what?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Place us in standard orbit.  Ahkileez: Well let auto pilot do the rest.  Thank you.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notes that she appears to be well armed::  CO:  I'm coming too!

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::gets up to notice that his comm. badge had fallen off and he has been being called on::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: A frightening familiar voice speaks in response to Cherry's proclamation - "No, you're not."

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::sits down at the console and tries to do her job::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*EO*: I had comm. problems what is the current situation Ensign?

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: I don't suppose you'd like to explain how "nothingness" is a myth.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: With time collapsing out here, we have little choice but to hope that it is not doing so in the Library.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: It would take a while and I don't suppose you really care anyway.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: To the shuttle.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks around in alarm for the source of the voice::

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
*CEO*: Sir I have forgotten how to do my job.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The warrior Death is standing in the midst of the bridge, her scythe out.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Turns:: Son of a --

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*EO*: What's your current location?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  Ummm... Sir?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Death> ::Swings outward with the scythe::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The most recent Running Horse is decapitated.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Heads up!  ::ducks behind her console::

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
*CEO*: Main Engineering sir.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Looks at the never-ending sand::  Abraham: I'd say we have a while.  And perhaps the lady would... get satisfaction out of it.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Med*: Medical to the bridge...::thinks how stupid that sounds considering Running Horse is obviously dead:::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::clenches his fists and stares seething at Death::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Death> ::Maneuvers around for her next victim, turns to see Ahkileez and smiles::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::helpless:: ALL: It cannot be killed....

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moving back,  He recalls that they had done something to something to stop the warriors:: Cherry: There on your belt...that thing....

EO_Lt_Running_Horse says:
::now dead in pieces on the floor::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: Point it at the entity....and push a button...I think...

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: Our existence is a never ending cycle. You may die, but you come back again in one form or another.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: is truly sick and tired of seeing crewmates slaughtered... hurls himself in rage at the apparition :: Any: AIUGGGHHHH...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: What are you talking about?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Death:  Vee... why don't you just calm down and we can talk about this?  ::is unclipping her phaser and trying to figure out how to use it::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: tackles Death ::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Death> ::Falls to the ground, grabs onto Kraight's face with both hands::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Death: Stop! You once knew us. And loved us. Remember the beach? And the campfires?

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Kraight begins to die.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: Then I suppose the ideas of "heaven" and "hell" are meaningless, if we never reach them.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Death:  Victoria!  Stop that this instant young lady!

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn:  We did something...adjusted the things on the belts I think...  Cherry:  Push any protruding button.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::exits a Jeffries tube and walks to a TL:: *EO*: I need you run a diagnostic on the comm. system I never received your comm. until now. Get someone to help you or have the computer tutorial you through it.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I have no clue

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::aims her phaser at Death and pushes an obvious looking button::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::grabs Kraight and hauls him back::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: raises two double-thumbed fists and pounds Death a mighty blow across the bridge of the nose ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::winces as Kraight moves just as she fires::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The phaser fires, and bounces off of Death's force field. She is driven back by Kraight's attack.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Kraight is on the verge of death.

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
*XO*: You needed a med team on the bridge?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*Engineering Teams*: All available Engineers to your stations.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::leaps over her console and jumps into the fray::  Death:  Let him go!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: collapses in Ahkileez's arms ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves to help Kraight::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Death> ::Impales Cherry::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::prepares her med kit and team and hurries to the TL and the Bridge::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::tosses Kraight over to Pangborn:: XO: Hold on to that.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::arrives on the bridge to see the carnage and the dark angle of death::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::tries to remember if there is any kind of medical supplies on the bridge and can't::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
ALL: What the blazes is going on here.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::sidesteps Cherry's body and wraps his hands around Death's throat:: Death: You missed me the other day...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*Bridge*: Slight technical difficulties with the comm. systems, may I get a status report on what is going on?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::enters TL:: TL: Bridge.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::grabs up the dropped phaser and looks at it...he turns a dial on its top and then points it at death again...he pushes the only protruding button::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
XO: Sir I am here what is wrong with you?????

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at Cherry:: Self: Noooooooo

Host David_Thorn says:
::Sees the CTO get impaled, mumbles a curse, and hits a comm. badge:: *Ship* All hands, abandon ship! Computer: Activate self destruct. One minute countdown. Emergency beam out of all known individuals to the Oppenheimer!

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Thorn: Oppenheimer?

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The phaser fires, and penetrates the field. It rips through Death ... and her wound begins to heal. She drops the scythe which is still sticking through the quickly fading CTO, and approaches Sulek.

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
XO: Sir please..........sees Thorn and does not like the orders that he has just given.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::gurgles::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hears Thorn and throws his comm. badge down::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: All live crewmen on the bridge (including the arriving CEO) are beamed to the shuttle bay.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The scythe is not beamed with the CTO, blood starts to spill out.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::couldn’t throw it in time and is beamed away as the comm. badge is still in his hand::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::hurries to the CTO's side as they are beamed away::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::enters the shuttle::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
XO: Sir I have to stop the bleeding first.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::grabbing on to Cherry, he lifts her and carries onto the shuttle::

Host David_Thorn says:
ALL: GET ONBOARD! ::Runs::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Thorn: We are giving up the ship?

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::slumps against the wall... shivering more with rage than weakness::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Powers: What is this heaven and hell you speak of?

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::He lays her on the floor and then begins to apply pressure to the wound::

Host David_Thorn says:
CEO: It'll be back. Ahkileez: Can you fly this thing if she chooses to follow?

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The ship shakes ... Death is ripping through decks to get to the shuttle bay.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: Perhaps they are merely dreams.  They were explained to me as the two destinations... or two of the destinations for your... soul... after you die.  One was for those who were "good" and the other for those who were "bad"

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
Thorn: I suggest that we leave as soon as possible.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Starts laughing::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::shoulders roughly past Thorn toward the cockpit of the small ship::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::moves to Cherry and begins to work on her::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Activate the shuttle...open shuttle doors...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Get us the hell out of here as soon as your green across the board

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Quietly listens to both men, the questions and the response, while part of her mind turned over and over the fact she was missing something.  Something else was wrong.::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hears the deck buckling under all the incoming pressure from death runs over to a weapons locker in the shuttle bay and grabs a few weapons and tosses them to everyone::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Computer> T-MINUS TWENTY SECONDS UNTIL SELF DESTRUCT.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Come on let's go!

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::pulling the med tricorder and sees the depth of the wound and begins to seal it from the inside out::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::motions everyone into the shuttle::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Lieutenant, emergency warm up sequence get us the hell out of here.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::listens to the engines spinning up with a whine and lifts off the deck, making for the door at unsafe velocities::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: Amusing, I know.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The shuttle launches as the CEO jumps on. Death breaches through the ceiling of the shuttle bay just as the shuttle escapes it.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The Quirinus explodes.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::straps himself in for rapid departure. Tries not to think of the death of Cherry::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Maximum escape velocity, give it what its got and more Lieutenant.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: The shuttle is caught in the shockwave.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Brace for impact. ::the shockwave hits them::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Wipes:: Powers: I'm sorry ... it's just ... ::Stops::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::reaches for the console and transfers power to shields and inertial dampeners::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::finally sees the depth of the CTO's wound and begins to work quickly on it to stop the bleeding::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@Abraham: It's... what?  ::Stops behind him::

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Death flies out from the rapidly vanishing fire and floats after the shuttle. But not fast enough.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Tends to his father, very concerned::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ ::Looks back at Iu as they stop.::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: We got company. ::looks out the window to see death coming after them::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::tears space a new orifice as he pushes the ship to its limits::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::transfers more power from wherever to the engines::

Host David_Thorn says:
::Crosses his arms and looks out at the debris that was once the Steamrunner Class starship:: CEO: We can outrun her. FCO: Get us to the moon.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is blissfully unaware of the destruction of the ship::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins to stir ::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: As Thorn put it to the moon Lieutenant, use evasive pattern Delta Epsilon 1.

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::finishes sealing the wound and moves on to the next injured Individual::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Grey Wolf:  Thank you.  :: sits on the deck floor, suddenly weary::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Azhure / Powers: You don't see it?

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
CO: It is my pleasure sir.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Looks at Azhure::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
CEO: Yeah.. whatever the hell that is. ::pulls a Yeager loop and brings the ship around on course for the moon::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir what happened back there, I was oblivious to everything while I was in the core, not even my comm. was working.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Turns away and looks outward at the shimmering in the distance.::  Abraham:  See yes... but what exactly it is, no.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> CSO: Father, are you all right?

Host David_Thorn says:
<Morgan> ::Her arms crossed, she watches silently::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::looks in on the CSO::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
CSO: How bad is it?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Oedipus: Feeling... a little better...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus:  We had a visitor...with time collapsing, we have forgotten much of our understanding of the...the...technology.

Host David_Thorn says:
<Morgan> ::Can see the CTO's life aura fluctuating. Trying not to cry::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ Azhure: I dunno. But it's coming this way.

Host David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: The shimmering in the distance gets larger ... and approaches faster.

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Looks at Haisian::  Iu:  We cannot avoid it...

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::moves back to the CTO and gives her a shot of  her special juice for strength and life giving qualities::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Iu> @ Azhure: No, we cannot.

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Still trying to see this figure::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
XO: Sir what happened back there, sir?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::breaths a little easier::

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Slips her hand quietly into Bill's.::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::trying to get what happened::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Oedipus> ::Helps his father sit up:: CSO: I was worried ...

Host David_Thorn says:
Sulek: We need to get their attention.

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::pulls out her tricorder and runs a life scan on the CSO::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CEO: I'm not so sure I know David ::grave::

LtCmdr_Powers says:
@::Thumbs the settings of his rifle and shakes his shoulder, forcing the phaser to leave his back and rest in his arm::

Host David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: The shimmering rapidly advances, like a giant sand storm. There is no wind. No roar. It is oddly silent.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::eyes flick between the growingly unfamiliar controls and the view screen, wondering how much stress the little ship can handle::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Abraham> @ ::Looks quite apprehensive::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::slowly he rises and moves to the front of the shuttle and looks out the view screen::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
CSO: You should be right as rain in a few days but I will need to do some organ regenerations because some of your internal organs are damaged.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ahkileez:  The shuttle has been pre-programmed by CSO Kraight.  It should know the way.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to shake his head as he tries to keep performing, but slowly starting not able to realize what to do.::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Thorn: And which system do we use to do that?

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::whispers:: Self: Let's hope so... because I can't remember...

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: Suddenly, the crew on the shuttle is in a white place.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks around, confused::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
::stops::

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks around him:: Thorn: Apparently they knew...

CNS_Azhure says:
@ :: Reaches her hand to her forehead, rubbing it, as she tries to reach for a memory... one that eludes her as if it never were.  A shudder goes through her.::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to look around::

Host David_Thorn says:
@ ACTION: The shimmering slams into the four of them.

Host David_Thorn says:
ACTION: They realize they are not alone. The 37 from the Quirinus (who escape in their own pods and ships) are here too ... as is Death.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: I appreciate your assistance.

Host David_Thorn says:
::Looks around in wonder::

Host David_Thorn says:
<Death> ::Raises her scythe, roars, and attacks::

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::lifts his eyes from his hands that are shaking with grief and rage and stares in to the formless white, hoping it'll be over soon and he can be with Kat::

CMO_Lt_Grey_Wolf says:
CSO: It is my job and duty to those who need help.

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