Summary - The U.S.S. Quirinus hangs in high orbit of Zeta Coyvan III while the shuttle carrying Doctor Jervase moves into high orbit of Zeta Coyvan VII.

Eula's flesh burns as the modified shield created by Powers and Jervase's rips away at her atoms. She hisses in horrible pain as the shield works it's magic. At the same time the away team with the Chelapha are given an option...

"Kill the Dakora, and you have a deal." Defeat a demigod and the insects will leave. Like Biblical locusts they move in and destroy all that they touch...but the Chelapha are willing to depart if their enemy is removed from the picture...

Host CJ-Tala says:
=/\==/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission - "The Xherivhan Wars - Enemy of My Enemy"=/\==/\=
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on Bridge:: COM AT: Status.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: sitting at the helm station, watching his systems and maintaining orbit ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: his back to Captain Tannis, scanning with his eyes as the bugs surround them ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#::takes a look over at where he has the translation in progress, then back at Eula::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::still in the caves with the Chelapha and the away team::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: has his phaser in his hand, but not pointed at any Chelapha... yet...  ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
#MO: You're making a mistake! ::She hisses and the creatures eyes can be shifting...they go solid black, without any sort of white left::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: up the signal gain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@XO: ... orders, Commander?
Host Eula_Viera says:
<OPS> CO: Aye sir...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Chelapha: We have tried to kill the Dakora. It is most resilient. Possibly you could help us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM AT: Report Status, how goes the talks with the Chelapha?
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: You know? You're right. I'm going about this all wrong.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Computer: Computer, discontinue program. ::waits a minute for Viera's reaction:: Activate restraining field.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@COM: Quirinus: We're still negotiating. If we kill the Dakora, they will capitulate.
Host Eula_Viera says:
@<Chelapha> XO: We do not wish to have contact with the destroyer! These are our terms. ::The larger yellow insect seems frustrated and the others around the party seem to be moving into an attack formation, surrounding the team::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: I doubt there is anything more they can tell us, sir. If they knew how to destroy the Executioner, they would have done so by now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Pangborn: We are already making plans to stop the Dakora.  I cannot say that it will be killed, but we will try to return it to whence it came.  Agree with Chelapha if this is acceptable.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The damaging effects of the defensive shield wear off, and Michael can see as Eula's skin seems to slowly begin to regenerate. What was once black and charred is now a deep red, third degree burns healing in seconds.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::sighs:: Chelapha: We have a deal then. May we leave in peace so we can hunt it down and kill it?
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The yellow Chelapha begins a high pitch screech that can be heard over the comm. link and the frequency causes Sulek pain.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: winces ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
@<Chelapha> XO: Leave us!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns to OPs: Ops cut audio.  *Transporter Chief* Can you get a lock.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::nods at the group:: All: Let get out of here.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The ant-like insects seem to have a pair of powerful pincers on the front of their heads that they begin to snap in the direction of the away team.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ XO: I believe that negotiations have concluded, Commander.
Host Eula_Viera says:
<Transporter Chief> *CO*: Not at their current depth sir...they're going to have to move to higher ground before I can attempt transport.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::leads the way back:: Chelapha: Enough already! We're leaving.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: On the bridge, quietly just listening... contemplating::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: follows the XO to the wall of the chasm ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: As the team starts to retreat, Bill keeps his front to the beasts ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
::She runs a small hand against the skin of her cheek and nods once:: MO: You might be smarter then I originally though, Michael.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPs: Open Frequency.  COM Pangborn: You need to return to the opening higher up so we can get a lock.  From the sounds of things, I suggest you depart, quickly.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: begins the ascent ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - Three Chelapha move up behind the team, snapping at Powers' legs, as if trying to expedite the team's departure.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Transporter Chief* Follow their signal, as soon as you can lock energize.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@COM: Sulek: We're on our way now. The Chelapha are pissed. Yet another successful 'Pangborn negotiation' ::begins running::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Refrains from kicking, but is thinking several choice words ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
<Transporter Chief> *CO*: Aye sir...you'll be the first to know.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over Azhure:: Azhure: Our discussion has led me to my first thoughts about this sector.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#::enters a command into the console to manually start a neural scan of Eula:: Eula: Coming from someone who makes a hobby of trying to kill my crew, high praise. Now, do say what you came to say before I start getting creative.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: turns toward the captain::  CO: Which were?
Host Eula_Viera says:
#::She gives a slightly chuckle as if she doesn't believe he could truly do her any harm - arrogance from a six year old:: MO: I would like to discuss your options and the role your Captain plays in the events to come.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::keeps moving::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: We know that the species were brought here by an unknown power.  It rings of a sort of social science experiment.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The Chelapha pursue the team into the open shaft and seem very determined to drive the team back up the stonewall...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::gets the climbing gear and begins the ascent::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: You consider this one large experiment?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ All: I would say that the Chelapha really want us out of their hive.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Aloud: We are leaving!  Leave us be and we will be gone quicker.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: If this is so, then the feeling that our involvement is being manipulated, might be on the mark.  The way a scientist might try to control external variables.  It is not the first time such an action has been taken.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::climbs:: CSO: Apparently so....
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: hums softly to himself while watching his console ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#::keeps one eye on the girl, and one on the console:: Eula: You're not the first one who's offered to have *that* discussion. What makes yours so... important? Hm?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Grudgingly shoulders his phaser rifle to allow himself to begin the tasking job of scaling the wall ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I believe that if we are to gain any success in the region, we need to find the control point for the experiment.  In other words do what is not predictable within the parameters of the test.
Host Eula_Viera says:
#MO: You've seen what I am capable of and that I am no mere...::She looks at him with disgust::...sack of flesh. By now the Savior will have contacted your Captain and the tablets will have been found.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@COM: Sulek: We should be coming into transporter range in a few minutes
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks away for a moment, her eyes darkening.:: CO: Yes...  there is the strong sense that this is in deed correct.  :: Turns to look back at him.::  I still consider Qui a starting point.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: And you've seen what I'm capable of. We can compare notes or you can get to the point. Your choice.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Pangborn: Transport has command to energize as soon as they lock.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - As the team moves up they hear the familiar 'beep' of their com badges as a signal activates. The hum of the transporters fill the air and in a shimmer of blue lights the canyon begins to glow and the away team is whisked back to the Quirinus.
Host Eula_Viera says:
<Transporter Room> *CO*: I have them sir...XO: Welcome back, Commander...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::materializes::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#::by now, the neural scan should be complete, but he doesn't bother to call up the results quite yet::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
All: Resume your duties
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finds himself standing in a familiar transporter room ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::leaves for the bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: We cannot know if the perpetrators of this experiment still exist, but the experiment still runs.  We must shut it down.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Aye, sir.  :: divests himself of the rappelling gear quickly and exits ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
#MO: What have you been able to learn from the mother?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shudders ::  All: Creepy things.  Remind me why we put up with them?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Thursson: Zeta Coyvan VII, Engage.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: Ah... so that's what brings you here. Got you worried, have I?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir. :: engages his previously plotted course to Zeta Coyvan VII ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
::Takes the weaponry back from the away team and heads towards the Armory to return them::
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The Quirinus moves out of orbit of Zeta Coyvan III, leaving the Chelapha and their abandoned vessel behind.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: It is little doubt the Dakora then are the protectors.  The part of the program designed to stop external interference.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans forward:: CO: Qui gained power from somewhere... unless you have some other idea.  :: Pauses::  I wonder if there was some place we might start in that timeline.
Host Eula_Viera says:
#MO: Curious would be your best term.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::arrives on the bridge:: Sulek: Captain....
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: arrives on the bridge, and relieves the lieutenant on duty at Science One ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: A good idea.  Go through Trogdo's timeline and look for an anomaly that would allow for a complete change in social structure.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I see that you were somewhat successful.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: May I have that padd back?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Don't be so sure. They want Eula dead, and they’ll leave.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins a long-range scan of Zeta Coyvan VII ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: Oh... I think it's a touch more than that. You don't just... show up unless it's to your own benefit. Now, tell me, what would be beneficial about *that*?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure; Something the program would need to control. ::hands her the PADD:: Compare this to the data given to us by the Noori.  The Virus too may play a role in the control.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Perhaps the establishment of a dominant species.
Host Eula_Viera says:
#MO: Ensuring that the events to come are not tampered with. Your presence in our space is a disruption to our plans. The Savior knows this...Mother knows this...and your listener is more then well aware of that, too.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::listens::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks each of the phaser rifles for charge and damage, and then places back in the stock ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans back and thumbs through the data.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: Plans can change. Plans... have already been changed. You, my dear, are just going to have to live with it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: If I am correct.  Eula will be for lack of a better term erased, as will all the Dakora
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Good job. I'm  sure the Chelapha will rejoice - if they are capable of it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he quickly fills in the XO and CSO what he and the Counselor has discussed::
Host Eula_Viera says:
#MO: ...and you, my dear...::Said in a condescending tone::...will die if you pursue this, though sadly not by my hand.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: An interesting hypothesis. You are saying, then, that the Executioner and her kind are acting as some sort of monitor for the experiment that is the Xherivhan sector.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up with a frown at Pangborn and then with an imp of a smile, stands from his chair to take her own.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Once his duty is complete, he locks down the heavy arms portion of the Armory again and exits, looking forward to a quick change of clothing ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::coughs and takes his seat::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: Then I'll just have to make sure you remember me. ::smiles, and enters another command, filling the force fielded off section with a heavy dose of sedative::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The advent of the virus, Qui's control, and the outbreak of the war will have a center focal point.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::an idea strikes him::   Kraight: Where is the oldest known subspace anomaly in this sector.  It will be stable in size and probably has never shifted.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: The Noori invaded Xherita III, the Tzani home world.
Host Eula_Viera says:
#::She sniffs the air and giggles in the high pitch tone of a young girl:: MO: Not creative enough it seems. If you chose to ignore my warnings then it is your own doom...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I shall check our sensor records.  :: turns to his task ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: Oh, right... *this* is where you planned on me getting creative. Woops. Computer, reactivate program... 63% intensity.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Looking through this, there is a lot to deal with that system.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: All this happened, virus and Noori social structure change happened at this time?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: A quick change of uniform jacket later, he leaves his quarters and calls a turbolift to resume his duties on the Bridge ::
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The program reactivates and Eula lets out a piercing scream. At the same time the Quirinus moves into orbit and continues to track the storm, which is now several times larger then, the state of Texas...
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#Eula: Not quite creative enough? Computer, increase by 3%.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Hail the Shuttle.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - Lights on the shuttle flicker and the power fails for a moment, leaving Jervase with the purple glow of the Zeta Coyvan system. Eula's screams go silent.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: First, the Noori invaded Xherita, then the sisterhood is defeated.  The syndicate declares victory on Xherita and they slaughter their leader.  After that, they land on Lilitha and drive them from the Xherita star system.  It is after that there is the first case of ciral infection.  After the first death, the syndicate merges with the Republic of Xherita and Qui is appointed the head of the new syndicate.  From there, the Tzani genocide begins.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The oldest subspace anomaly we have charted is in what the Noori call "Holy Space" about five hours from our current position. 
Host Eula_Viera says:
<OPS> CO: No response sir...::He tries the COM line again::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles as the two mix data to the captain.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::leans back:: CNS/Sulek: These people are barbarians, even from my point of view. Why are we even here?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If you were going to hide your control center, where better to hide a needle but in a pile of them.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Comes onto the Bridge as the XO expresses his same thoughts ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Because they are sentient.  No species has the right to experiment with another.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: But in someway, that is wrong.  That is not as they should be.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Barbarianism is a matter of perspective, Commander. In the past, the Federation has encountered races that considered us to be barbarians, and not without cause.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: There is an appealing logic to that, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Scan Shuttle.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - Eula whispers in the darkness, "I've tried to warn you three times now, Doctor. I'm afraid we can no longer be friends. I shan't see you again..." The girl seems to fade away into the shadows and as she vanished the lights on the shuttle return.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*TR Chief* Can you get a lock on the doctor?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir... :: taps a control ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPs: Keep trying.
Host Eula_Viera says:
<OPS> CO: Aye sir...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::considers the responses he received::
Host Eula_Viera says:
<Transporter Chief> *CO*: I've got a lock sir...I can be Doctor Jervase and the shuttle directly into the bay, sir.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: All readings normal. Detecting one life sign, human.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
#::tries to assemble as much of the recorded data of his encounter with the executioner as he can, and transmits it in response to the next hail received from Quirinus::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*TR Chief* Energize.
Host Eula_Viera says:
<OPS> MO: Incoming transmission from the shuttle, sir...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPs: Tell him we are bringing him aboard.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The information from the Executioner encounter is downloaded to Sulek's console as the shuttle and Jervase are both beamed into shuttle bay one.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::calls up the results of the neural scan, looking for a specific energy signature::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the Data and transfers to medical and science:: Kraight: The doctor has collected some information for us.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Receiving now...
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The scans from the Executioner match with the energy field that was previously detected on Commander Azhure and with the attacks on Au'ra and Qui several years before.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Pangborn, letting him digest what they said.  Quietly:: XO: They are a... devious people if you will but that can be said of many others.  But there is... or was no evil to them.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS: Evil *can* be a relative term
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::nods, figuring as much, and taps his badge:: *Bridge*: Jervase to the bridge. I may have just found one more answer.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::downloads the information to a PADD and leaves the shuttle for sickbay::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises:: Kraight: How long before the storm passes the alter site?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: True... I am in truth, using my own base, however, I consider mine a good starting point for a baseline.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS: I have every confidence in your baseline
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Jervase* Excellent, Doctor.  I believe we too have a working hypothesis.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Roughly an hour, sir.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::steps off the lift on the appropriate deck:: *CO*: This one's more of a key to a door. I'd like commanders Kraight and Azhure to meet me in sickbay if they're not too occupied, captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Then we have that time to prepare to put the Dakora back into their box. Jervase: Kraight and Azhure are on their way.  They will fill you in when they arrive.  ::looks at the CSO and Azhure:: All: It is time that we quit allowing our mission to be manipulated.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::steps into sickbay, and quickly downloads the information from the PADD and onto an unused console::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Agreed, sir.  :: enters the turbolift and waits for Azhure ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Before they go ::  CNS: I would like to be briefed on any tactical or assault operations, Commander.  Let me know what you come up with.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: After an odd look at Bill, she steps into the lift with Kraight::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Sickbay.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::calls up the comparable scans of Azhure, and overlays them with the neural scan taken from Eula::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: puts the Quirinus into a high orbit of Zeta Coyvan VII and checks the status of the beamed-aboard shuttle :: CO: The shuttle was brought aboard safely, sir. Not a scratch.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: There are so many layers to all of this... it is worse then an earth onion.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The holographic view screen shows the planet below them and the massive storm system that seems to have formed on the planet's surface. A large chuck of the atmosphere is filled with black clouds and smaller storm systems circling it.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Onion? Ah... the vegetable - very pungent. Are you saying that this situation... stinks?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Thursson: Good.   You will find coordinates to the cave and the alter where we met the first Dakora.  Establish orbit there.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off and moves toward medical, wondering what new layer exists.  Chuckles at the idea of stink:: CSO: Not exactly, though I would not disagree.  I am thinking more along the outer skin.  It has many layers.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Of course. I remember eating one in mess hall, when I was a cadet. Very tasty, though the others at my table gave me some very strange looks.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::waits for the two to enter, noting they can see what he has on display from the doorway::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps through the door:: CSO: Why is that?  ::looks around for Jervase::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::motions as the door opens for the two to join him::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
CO: Aye, sir. Establishing geosynchronous orbit. :: establishes a geosynchronous orbit above the specified coordinates ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps over to the doctor:: MO: Welcome back?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I noticed that no one else ever ate a whole raw...  :: sees the panel in front of Jervase ::  MO: Great Maker... what have you found, Doctor?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Ahhh... :: turns to look at what Kraight is seeing.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CSO: ::separates the two scans, and points to the one on the right:: This one here, as you'll remember... the scans we took of Azhure before she pulled her disappearing act over a year ago.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods slowly::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CSO/CNS: And this one... ::points to the left side:: Our good friend Eula, about... oh... 5 minutes ago.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stills::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::reemploys  the overlay, and watches the scans line up near perfectly::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
MO: They appear to be identical.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO/MO: And yet... how is that possible?  Do you have any scans before of Eula?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: sets the computer to maintain the geostationary orbit in case he has to leave ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CNS: None recent. But... she's the daughter of a former starship captain. There's got to be some in the database.
Host Eula_Viera says:
ACTION - The crew of the Quirinus makes preparations to return to the alter, where Sulek has agreed to meet with Mariva Hixxan and a bring an end to all of this chaos. The storm rages below...but soon, oh so soon this will be all over. Will the Executioners claims come true...was this really the last time she will see Michael Jervase alive?

=/\==/\=END Mission=/\==/\=