Orphans
Chapter Three
USS Quirinus Stardate 10506.06
starring 

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Keith LaHue as XO Ben Pangborn 
Jeffrey G. Brown as CSO Kraight 
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Billy Bob Powers 
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Azhure 

featuring
Christopher Gibson as aCMO T’Vol
EO Ens Remeerez

and
Kurt Goring as guest Ship Manager   

The crew of the Quirinus find themselves in the cavernous "Arrival Lounge" of the vessel known only as Serena - a ship apparently displaced in time but who regards humans as her ancestors. She needs their help. If she doesn't get it, the whole galaxy could be in peril.

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CNS Cmd Azhure says:
:: Off to the side, standing behind bill, while quietly listening, she continues to look over the various items.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::standing near the chairs as he listens to Serena's pronouncement of death for herself and the galaxy::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Serena: In what way is your life tied to the survival of this galaxy?
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::Doctor T'Vol stands in the back of the group quietly, his eyes gazing around attempting to analyze the situation the crew has gotten themselves into. His first assignment with this vessel and it's crew and they've already got themselves into trouble. Typical::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::awaits an answer::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Sits, watching the dark corners of the room::
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::stands off to the side, just trying not to get in anyone's way::

ACTION: The hazy, indistinct projection of a vaguely feminine form seems to step or perhaps float closer to the group, her echoing voice taking on a sad tone.

ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::He begins to wonder why an alien consciousness would chose to present herself - itself - in a form that would be "pleasing" to another species. The deception is pointless, and if the Quirinus crew would be unable to deal with Serena's true form, then they should not be in space...and in this situation::
Serena says:
Crew: My sisters and I were constructed... a long time from now. We no longer have accurate records of why we were built. For over two thousand years I plied Kaluga space, traveling from galaxy to galaxy, accepting and distributing gifts to cultures that found me
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::The Vulcan Doctor watches Serena meticulously, not moving in the slightest, rigid, calm...just observing::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::watches with interest as Serena explains::
Serena says:
It was a pleasant existence. My purpose. I've seen so many interesting organics, though few of them have met me as you have. Sadly, a mistake was made. I was loaded with something I should not have been and I got... lost. Some of my sisters have disappeared before, with no explanation. I wonder if what happened to me is what happened to them.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::studies the form, still trying to figure out what possessed them to have him come along.. he's obviously useless at this point::
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
Self: A virus...?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Serena: Then your true form is the ship...yet you referred to us as ancestors.  Our progeny may have constructed you, but how exactly are we ancestors?  And I ask again, how is it that your death is connected to the destruction of the galaxy?
 Serena says:
::gestures and a holographic map fills the room as it darkens, swirling masses of galaxies spread out like stars:: I was lost out there. Outside. The only specks I could see were galaxies too far to reach. If I expended all my energy, I would never reach them, not in many billions of your lifetimes or mine. So I went inward, and found something.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Serena: Can you tell us anything more of the disappearances? It may help us help you. How are humans your ancestors? What did you find?
 Serena says:
It was more than a thing. A place, that led me here. The being who guarded it called himself Coward, since he lacked the courage to enter this place. He claimed it was destruction. Not wanting to stay forever alone, I took the chance. Inside this place was chaos... he was right. It was destruction. But not the kind I would have expected, or could have lived or died with. It let me reach here. But not unscathed. And not without bringing destruction in to your universe with me. ::gesturing again, the galaxy scape changes to an impossibly large room with a toroidal construct that appears to be an engine:: My drive system is the problem. It's broken and destabilized. The proto-cluster core it uses is collapsing. When it does, it will produce a super-massive black hole. That hole will likely destroy everything for thousands of light-years around. But there's already one here, at the center of our galaxy. And when those black holes begin to pull on each other... I fear it will tear everything else apart. ::seemingly lowering her eyes, her head falls and the room brightens once more::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Serena: May we examine you're drive system? We may be able to help. But you'll need to do your part as well.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::seems to perk up as he overhears he actually might get a chance to do something::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::looks at the EO:: Remeerez: Do you know anything about this "protocluster"?
 Serena says:
XO: Of course you can examine it. I can open a channel for your ship. But you lack the technology at this time to correct the problem. My scan of your little computer showed as much.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
CO: ::looks thoughtful a moment:: Not right off the top of my head. But... y'know what they say... never too old to learn, right?
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::He listens to the briefing intently, less keen on the flashy holographic display and focusing more on Serena and her form. Why the deception...? Why use a holographic projection? He almost sighs and holds back the impulse:: Serena: Do you know what it is that you "picked up" which caused you to lose your way?
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
Serena:  Need, is the mother of invention... Do we have permission to use anything on your vessel?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Shifts in his chair to the left butt cheek::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Serena: We then must learn.  You've had access to our computer.  Perhaps a working knowledge of your own systems would help us to help you.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Serena; The answer must rely withing you then. If you know out technology will not suffice
 Serena says:
CNS/CO: I can transmit the basic specifications of my drive system to your ship. Will you be leaving now to look?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Remeerez: Then it is time to learn.  Serena: May our engineer have direct access to your engine room?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::wonders if he'd get a chance to look at the AI itself... thinks a technological achievement like that would be too hard to pass up::
 Serena says:
XO: Sadly, no. Much of what I knew is forgotten.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: I have a hunch....have the engineering department look over the mechanical components, but seeing as humans are 'ancestors' to this living ship, perhaps medical would need to be in on this as well. Serena: I understand, we'll be doing our best.
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
Serena: Is there a problem with your core?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
Serena: If you can grant me access to your drive section, and a basic schematic, I just might be able to set you right again. Or... at least... tell what's wrong.
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::He nods:: XO: A vessel this advanced will likely include biological components which may have malfunctioned over time.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: An interesting proposal.  T'Vol: Your services are needed.
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::He nods to Sulek once::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CNS: Commander, while the staff looks over the components of the ship, interrogate at will, and see if there is a psychological component to the impending doom, just in case.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Remeerez/Pangborn: See what you can discover about the ships actual engines.
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
:: Nods::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
EO: You're with me. We'll access the schematics from the drive section
CO Capt Sulek says:
T'Vol/Azhure: As the XO has said.  See what you can to discover the sentient nature of the ship and its creators.
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
CO: Understood. ::He looks towards the counselor and steps up to her in a smooth motion::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: You and I will return to the ship to see look over the data she has transferred.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Nods::  CO: Aye, Captain.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Serena: There is one other possibility.  If we fail, can you again disrupt subspace to bring yourself a safe distance outside of the galaxy's perimeter?  I know this is much to ask.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: We'll take a shuttle to out destination. I'll make the arrangements. :contacts the ship and has them prepare a shuttle::
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
::Doctor T'Vol stands next to Commander Azhure in silence, waiting for the signal for them to begin their assigned task::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: Understood.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::nods once, and glances toward Serena:: Serena: Could you, perhaps, show us the shortest route to your drive section? ::has a feeling he'll be needing to borrow that shuttle's transporters when it gets here::
 Serena says:
CO: I cannot. The protocluster core is producing energies now that I cannot harness. I can no more remove myself from this place than I brought myself here.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: You may also need ev suits.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Serena: Then we cannot fail.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Seeing as we cannot accurately scan in here, I plan on it
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill and shakes her head... ::
CO Capt Sulek says:
All: Get a move on.  ::turns and heads back to the ship::
 Serena says:
EO: I have opened access ways. I will guide you.
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
CNS: Commander, is this assignment atypical for the U.S.S. Quirinus?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CNS: Something wrong, Counselor?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::nods, and starts off, hoping she does actually guide him::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
EO: The shuttle is ready, as long as we have a guide, we'll be fine
 
TIMEJUMP: Minutes later, the crew is back aboard the Quirinus. Serena has relinquished control.

CNS Cmd Azhure says:
:: Smiles.::  ACMO:  I am beginning to wonder if it is not typical.  ::Shakes her head, unable to explain do to her seal of silence.::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::in the shuttlebay, readying the shuttle::
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::enters the shuttlebay with his toolkit, and a few extra components::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
EO: Ready for departure. There are EV suits in case we need them
EO ENS Remeerez says:
::nods:: XO: Just slap the "go" button, commander. ::plops down in the co-pilots seat::
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#::He stands in the Arrival Lounge, still unmoving. His mind begins to work, analyzing the problem at hand:: Serena: You say that you have forgotten - may we have access to your retrievable memory?
CO Capt Sulek says:
::on bridge looking through the data::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::gets minimum clearance and hits the big green go button::
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# Serena:  Serena, my question was lost in the confusion... you said you have lost much of your memory... would you mind if we check out your data storage unit?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Standing with the Captain, reading through anything relevant... and everything irrelevant.  I'm so not trained for this::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
EO: She said she would guide us. ::steers the craft::
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::brings up a sensor display and tries to retrieve an environmental scan:: XO: Here's hoping her guidance system's not one of the systems on the blink.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Think back on your basic academy training on propulsion systems.  Start from there.
CO Capt Sulek says:
::begins tracing power grids radiating out from the center core::
 Serena says:
#CNS: Of course... ::opens a side door where another all-white room has molded itsel fin to comfortable chairs like a theatre::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
EO: Somehow I doubt we'll be able to help, even if we locate the problem. I think the answer must lie in Serena herself. Itself. Whatever.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: That was pretty basic training, sir.  I've been training in Security and Tactical systems ever since.  If this was a phaser... ::Snaps his fingers::  could fix it like that.  ::Keeps reading::
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
#:: Glances over at the ACMO and heads into the room.::  Serena: We will do our best to help you... however... if we fail... are you prepared to cease to exist?
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#::T'Vol blinks once and steps through into the second chamber, looking around at the large white 'theatre.':: Self: How peculiar.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Then think of the necessary power grids for say, a constellation phaser control.  The engineering trace should be similar in nature.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@XO: But she sees the problem from her drive system. If we start there and work backward, it's our best solution.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: We'll give it our best shot

#ACTION: When the ACMO and CNS sit down, a web of neurolinks traveling through Serena's body is displayed for them:: CNS/ACMO: My memories...

EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::nods, still trying to think of how best to tackle an obviously sentient artificial intelligence::
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#::He pauses and takes a seat in one of the two molded chairs:: Serena: Impressive. Can you show us the information recorded just before you got..."lost?"
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: Maybe we can stimulate it to regenerate itself
 Serena says:
#CNS: I prepared for that five hundred years ago. But I was spared. Perhaps it would have been better if I had just kept going.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Meant a hand phaser, but whatever::
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@XO: I read about something similar before. Ships... with full crews, that run nearly like any other ship... but have the ability to act as full fledged members of the crew. In most cases, anything as small as a programming error can be causing this. Unfortunately there's no way of knowing until we actually get there.
 
#ACTION: The holographic screen before them shows nothing but blackness, with faint specs of distant galaxies, then it switches to an internal view, with molded forms with the distinctive glow of antimatter.

CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# Serena:  One never knows what fate holds for them...  Where there is life, there is hope.  We will try to give to you as much hope as possible.  But if we fail, a black hole would solve the current problem.
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
#  Serena:  What are those molded forms?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::watches the displays and opens a channel to Serena:: COM: Serena: Serena, we're approaching your drive section now. I assume there's a docking port nearby?
 Serena says:
#CNS: Art... ::sounds sad:: Antimatter art. It was beautiful before... my extensions destroyed it to see what it was. ::shakes her holographic head:: I was never to be loaded with antimatter.
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#::He pauses in thought:: Serena: You placed anti-matter into your drive system...?
 Serena says:
#CNS: No. It was loaded in to one of my cargo bays by.... I cannot translate their name. It was a gift, for me to carry to the next people as they received something else that I had before. A free exchange. They did not know, and I did not check.
 Serena says:
@EO: There is none. If you select a gravitationally neutral point, you can remain there for some time.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::sighs:: XO: It's never easy... is it?
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#CNS: The question is - how did the anti-matter get into her system?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: See if you can find such a spot. Nope. Never is.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::nods and scans for the indicated point::
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# Serena:  How did the antimatter get into your system... and while the damage is done, can it be removed to... slow the current process down?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::finds one, and sends the coordinates to the pilot's console:: XO: Should be what we're looking for...
 Serena says:
#CNS: The antimatter is not the problem> The antimatter disrupted my travel through Kaluga space. It is the channel I used to get from one galaxy to another. The antimatter threw me out in to the open. It did not destroy my drive system.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: I'll settle us in there and we'll see if we get some acurate readings
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::nods::
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#::He looks at the neurolinks before him and does his best to make sense of the tangle of "memories.":: Serena: Do you know what it was in that "chaos" that caused your damage?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@::eases the shuttle in::
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::tries to obtain the best readings he can from the shuttle on their way in::
Serena says:
#ACMO: I dunno... it was... just chaos. I detected several disruptions to my systems and my shield system failed just before I returned to th is space.
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#Serena: Do your databanks contain records of these disruptions?
 
@ACTION: As the Quirinus slows in to a stable orbit around the toroid, they witness an enormous toroidal vessel, glowing an angry, unsettling blue that is slowly flickering. Beyond the field, they witness massive spheres of energy moving inside. The ship shakes and shudders from the disrupted gravity.

EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::cringes faintly:: XO: Somehow, I don't think this is supposed to be what the ride's like here...
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: We're getting nowhere here. ::sullen, withdrawn::
 Serena says:
#ACMO: They do. ::the screen flashes through to a list of symbols far beyond even the Vulcan's comprehension:: Field stability started to degrade at the Fortieth Tier.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::tries to obtain some more specific scans of what he's seeing, trying to figure out just how far things were off::
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# :: Glances at T'Vol.::
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#::He looks at the symbols and nods to himself, completely lost at the information before him:: CNS: Beyond my comprehension. ::He pauses:: Serena: Can you translate this information into something our computer would understand?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: If her construction was of this galaxy, her travels into other space could have caused her to malfunction.
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# ACMO:  Can we repair the damage...
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Possibly, sir.  ::Shrugs::  It sounds reasonable... I guess
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::gets an idea, and raises his eyebrow in wondering why it didn't come to him sooner:: Serena: If you can recall the way your systems were before you left this space... before you traveled away from the last culture you visited... we can compare them to the way they are now.
 Serena says:
#ACMO: I tried. Your computer is simply too primitive. It lacks the understanding to translate it even in it's simplest form. This mathematics was not discovered for... some time.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: Record what you can. We
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
re going back to the ship
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
CNS: Quite likely, but our time is short. ::He pauses:: Serena: How many centuries ahead of us are you?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: If we are to rebalance her engines, then she needs a neutral area.
 Serena says:
@EO: I can transmit that to your vessel for review. Would you like me to?
 Serena says:
#ACMO: ::bites an imaginary lip:: Quirinus said I'm not supposed to tell you.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@Serena: Yes. ::turns to the XO:: XO: Commander, as simplistic as it sounds, it may be a simple case of which one of these doesn't belong...
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# Serena:  Quirinus?
 Serena says:
#CNS: Your ship? Is that not her name?
ACMO LtCmdr T`Vol says:
#Serena: You can communicate with our computer?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
@EO: Lets have a look at the before and after pictures then. ::intrigued::
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# Serena:  Our ship told you, you were not to tell us how many centuries ahead of us you are?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@XO: I intend to, sir.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Are we aware of any such "neutral" area?
 Serena says:
#ACMO: In a limited fashion. CNS: I reviewed your protocols. Knowledge of future events is forbidden?
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::waits for the before pictures to come before comparing them to what they know of the after::
CNS Cmd Azhure says:
# :: Sits back in her chair, humor dancing in her eyes.::  Serena:  This is true... however, the prime directive becomes rather null and void if there is no one left around to honor it.
 
@SCENE: Displayed for the repair team is a stable light blue toroidal field with the protocluster moving faster and producing unfathomable amounts of power that drive additional fields that Serena used to navigate Kaluga space.

CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: No, but Serena might be.
EO ENS Remeerez says:
@::nods once, and uses the ship's computer to compare, at a material level, the readings that would be generated from both pictures::

ACTION: Throughout Serena's body, a shrill alarm begins to sound as the field around the toroid deepens to purple and the shuddering in her engine bay increases to dangerous levels. "WARNING: SAFETY FIELD COLLAPSING"
 
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