Summary - The members of the Quirinus crew have returned to Zeta Coyvan VII - the planet where years ago Salina Viera killed her lover, her first officer, and the father of her daughter. In a blood sacrifice she murdered her own family in order to summon an Xherivhan Demigod. The Executioner. A Dakora. A creature of darkness left behind by ancients.

Joined by Mariva Hixxan, a Bolian woman with powers that far surpass the norm, and now Eula Viera. The Dakora. During their travels they have met many beings both powerful and cryptic. It seems that all that they have done...all that they have learned...has led them to this point.

Qui'dinjori, Au'ra, Soriq, Eula...a million and one faces. A million and one experiences. Two years they've been trapped by this place, brought back to it against their will. It was as if their destiny was forever intertwined with the Xherivhan...

Now, it seems that the final chapter of their journey is upon them...the end of all things...

=/\==/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission - "The Xherivhan Wars - Xherivnox"=/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::at Altar, waiting for more translation::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: keeping a close eye on the subspace scan on his tricorder screen ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::standing next to Sulek::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Standing next to the captain, looking at the alter without really seeing it.::

ACTION - Azhure's sight sees beyond the stone, beyond the history of this place. She can see blood seeping into the words carved there. Not her blood, but the blood of Commander Zwexyn...Salina's last sacrifice before summoning the Executioner.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Patrolling the perimeter, watching the skies now.  He calls out to see if the others have seen anything yet ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::staring at his tricorder, watching the translation progress::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::Her attention focuses on Jervase and Azhure:: CNS/MO: So...are you wasting our time...or do you have an answer...?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Fear, terror and a sense of hopelessness permeate the area as she stands before the alter, unable to move.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Looks at the counselor, concerned::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If I am correct about this being some sort of experiment, the coordinates in Holy Space is the center.  Imagine the power to create a stable rift and it is the perfect hiding place from which to watch.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: The words of past and present blend into joined words.  Slowly she looks up at Mariva.::

ACTION - Leaves rustle in the distance and Powers' notices something moving in the brush nearby.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: His nostrils flare and he turns cautiously in the direction of the noise ::  Aloud: Anyone there?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Mariva: What answers do you seek?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It has been theorized that it is possible to draw power from the phase imbalances between subspace domains. The Dakora may have found a way to do that.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CNS: I don't have the resources necessary to translate this much information...
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::while Azhure entertains the conversation with her former assistant, he tries a few commands to coax the computer to work just that little bit faster::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at the woman without saying a word.::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CNS: ...and if we're going to stop the Dakora, we might need to know what we're doing. ::Her voice carries a very condescending tone::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am uncertain that the Dakora are little more than programs to control external variables.  They seem only interested in outsiders.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: without looking away ::  XO: Commander Pangborn?

ACTION - A female voice can be heard humming in the distance...not too far from Bill's position.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Commander?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Mariva: We... such a powerful word when you consider it; yet, with so little value where you are concerned.  :: Turns away and walks over to Jervase.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Another contact.  Sounds female.  Captain Tannis and I will investigate.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::nods:: CTO: Keep us informed
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
      CO: Then the creators of the Dakora have access to a massive power source. It is likely that      
      the source is in the same subspace domain from which the Dakora come.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: They also must occupy a host in order to act.  Eula/the Executioner and then there was our encounter with the one that seemed for a time to occupy Ahkileez
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::shifts his attention to Azhure as she draws near, still not taking his eye off the tricorder readings::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shares a nod with the Captain, and the two-step forward carefully, watching ::  Aloud: Hello?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I agree. I believe that if we destroy the power source, the Dakora will be unable to project into our space.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
MO: Anything?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Agreed.  If we wish to stop this interference, then perhaps destabilizing the rift is what needs to be done.  A rift would also explain the idea that the species of this sector are not native, but were brought here.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: still watching the tricorder ::

ACTION - As Powers and Tannis move into the brush they notice movement nearby, but nothing physical that seems to be moving the leaves. A moment later a form steps out from the leaves, slightly translucent. Her hair is long and dark and she looks appears to be Terran, a tall woman. She seems to become more solid in appearance as she approaches.

ACTION - Her uniform is Starfleet, an Admiral.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns, scans the apparition ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: does not lower his weapon :: Admiral: Identity yourself.  Name, rank, ship.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::turns his tricorder on the woman::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::just shakes his head:: CNS: I'm surprised we got this far, given what we know of the particular branch of Lilithine linguistics being used... never minding the fact I don't count on our old friend making it easy.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turning to see the new presence::

ACTION - The woman gives a warm smile, something at appears almost foreign to her. Vice-Admiral Sheridan, Starfleet Command...

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: raises a non-eyebrow when he recognizes the newcomer ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Admiral: How did you arrive here?
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::lifts an eyebrow as well, as he overhears pieces of the conversation, but still, he's got bigger concerns::

ACTION - The woman steps even closer towards Powers and her skin seems to loose it's translucent form - she appears solid, a normal human. "That is none of your concern, Commander," she says casually. "Take me to Captain Sulek."

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
MO: May I... try something?  I do not hope much, but... ::Shrugs::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Suddenly turns away and towards Bill.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Keeps his phaser leveled ::  Admiral: Your identity has not been confirmed.  You will remain where you are, Admiral.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She notes the female.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::is about to hand over the tricorder until she turns away, and just follows where she's looking::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he watches as the figure approaches the distant perimeter guard::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
::quietly::  MO: What do you see?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::his eyes focus in of the figure of the woman.  REB.  Softly he says her name aloud:: Serena...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, the... Admiral has a similar EM signature to the Dakora we have encountered -- though weaker. I detected no subspace inversion when she arrived.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::offered lowly as he watches from where he stands:: CNS: An admiral, specifically... *that* admiral, this far out from command? Not what I should be seeing.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Sheridan> CTO: Commander, I have no intentions of harming your dear Captain, I just wish to speak to him. Now please. Step aside.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::gets a theory:: CSO: I don't think you're going to detect one. I do have a theory, though.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::The Bolian woman seems to curse under her breath:: CO: Send her away...now...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Admiral: Your voice seems to be carrying well enough.  His Vulcan ears can hear you.  Speak.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
MO: I'm listening, Doctor.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
MO: I see energy... nothing more then a shade.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::gives his badge a slight tap, not counting on getting a response from either shuttle::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Logic would indicate that it has taken a form I would accept as less threatening.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: Why?  Are you afraid of her?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: She is one of them...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: You think it's the Savior?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Captain, I advise extreme caution. We know what they can do.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::lowly, so as not to attract any specific attention:: *shuttle*: Silent scan of the EM field in orbit. Transmit any deviation from the norm to my tricorder, as well as that of commander Kraight.
:
ACTION - Hixxan hisses at Serena as she approaches, and the crew can see that her teeth, once nice and normal now appear to be razor sharp fangs - not too dissimilar then Eula's.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Actually, she is not like Eula.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Computer> *MO*: Processing.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: A Dakora?  Then in order to understand them, we must understand the nature of each Dakora's purpose.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Sheridan> CO: You know why I'm here, Captain! ::Her voice carries across the clearing. She gives a smile and her hair seems to shine in the sunlight::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as she approaches:: Sheridan: You are a Dakora? Like the Executioner or Savior?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Sheridan> CO: If that is the term you wish to use...yes...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sheridan: And your function is?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels for his phaser, knowing it will do no good::

ACTION - Vice Admiral Serena Sheridan smiles towards Sulek and moves to step past Commander Powers. "Lover."

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks from Sheridan to Powers, and back... he knows what that human word means ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: No not like the other Dakora...different...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves slowly toward the captain, searching for something.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I agree. She arrived differently.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sheridan: And you must join to survive...

ACTION - As Kraight, Pangborn and Bill focus on the Vice Admiral they seem to see different forms, Cherry, the being Serena from oh so long ago...and Azhure, the first time Bill met her...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks toward Bill,trying to make eye contact.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: He wonders what his compression rifle would actually do to stop her? ... he blinks once, trying to remove the image from his mind, knowing it's not really her ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::lets his guard down:: Cherry....but you're dead.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: On a whispered breath::  CTO: Bill...
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::while waiting for a response from the computer, he runs a neural scan of Hixxan, at least as best he can while whatever it is that's recently arrived has apparently ticked her off::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::places his hand on the XO's shoulder:: Pangborn: Ben, it is not who it appears to be.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Commander?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I know ::feels for his phaser again:: That was long ago

ACTION - The images fade and Sheridan's visage returns.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at him a moment with a gentle smile::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Lover: You are all loves, but there is only one of us who you can join to...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO, XO: Agreed. This being is essentially an energy construct. It can appear to us to be whoever it wishes.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns toward the captain, speaking quietly::  CO: The body must be dead for her to possess it.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::Hixxan hisses once more and seems to crawl back onto the altar, moving away from the Sheridan shade:: CO: Send her away!
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: And by the same token, she cannot hurt us, can she?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Sheridan> CO: There is a great deal we must discuss...that thing...::Her eyes glance over towards Mariva:: Must be killed...it's for your own good, Sulek...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: That remains unclear.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Hixxan: I have a better idea. How about... while they deal with who or what ever that is, you and I have a little conversation. Pass the time while we find our answers, you know?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Not necessarily.  The Savior joined to Ahkileez, but in any case the joining is not of a positive nature.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Lover: You must try to stop what we do here.  I will not join with you.  ::re-enforces the shields that protect his mind::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Orders, Captain?  :: fingering the trigger ::

ACTION - The form of Serena moves forward and steps up in front of Bill. She steps to the side and makes her way towards Sulek...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Considers the conundrum::  CO: He had been strangled... a small death is still a death, even if for a moment.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::pressing his COM badge:: Computer: Lock on to  unknown entity.  Transport wide dispersion pattern.  Energize.

ACTION - The shuttle reacts to Sulek's order and in a shimmer of blue light the form of Serena Sheridan begins to dissipate. She doesn't scream or make crass remarks...and fades away in silence...

Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
MO: Talk...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: To no one in particular::  Interesting...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turning:: Hixxan: Now, enough games.  You are no longer Mariva Hixxan.  Who or what are you or should I order the same fate for the body you occupy?

ACTION - A voice dances around in Sulek's head...just on the edge..."Let me in, Sulek...it's been so long since you've felt me. Years. It must be painful for you...as it is for me..."

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he closes himself off from the voice that would play him for a fool::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Hixxan: You say you want our help. As... opposite a theme as you claim to be working on, the common thread is always for our own "protection.”:: waits for an answer, and steps away from Azhure, putting him a bit closer to the clearing:: So, enlighten me, if you would... without all the vagueness and drama that apparently comes with the job. What are you really after?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::She looks down from the altar towards Sulek and the assembled staff:: CO/XO/MO: No longer the Hixxan you know, but not one of their kind. Designed to end their war...to bring an end to all of this chaos... 
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
MO: The destruction of the Dakora...the end of their reign...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hixxan: And how will that come about?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: simply listens::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: But you are damaged? Otherwise you would know intuitively how to understand the altar.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
MO: They keep us out...like foot soldiers on the perimeter...keeping us at bay. XO: Blood rituals brought them, and by blood or some other means they will depart...
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: ...and that is why I need you...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hixxan: I'll take that as a good sign. You do bleed right?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks toward Pangborn and almost smiles.::

ACTION - She holds out her arm for someone to test...

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Hixxan: Well, then, it seems... rather than seeing us as pawns in this little game of yours, how about equals? You have information, as do we. And without us... you're stuck. Logic, dear. Or common sense... take your pick.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves off:: Hixxan: S'okay. I believe you
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: Then no more playing at being god-like.  You must help us to fulfill your program.  The Dakora are protectors of this experiment, are they not?

ACTION - The voice continues, but quieter now. Behind his eyes Sulek can almost see her standing there. Her duty jacket is unzipped and her skin seems to shine in the sunlight, calling to him. "Your Vulcan discipline is holding you back from what you truly are...let me in Sulek...it will be glorious..."

Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::She nods::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::if it weren’t for the fact he hates politics, he'd so have taken a career as a diplomat... okay maybe not::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: Then let us begin...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks for a moment at Sulek, then with a nod, steps back towards the alter, ignoring the conversation.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: Yes.  What of the Altar do you still read?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: The more we can feed the computer about meaning the faster it can decode.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::while the tricorder continues to process, he queries the shuttle's computer via the tricorder for an update on possible EM field fluctuations, particularly while the displaced admiral was here::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns suddenly and makes her way to Bill::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: ...the ending. Xherivnox. I don't know what triggers it...but we have to find the key point...the start...and prevent that from coming to pass.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As she comes to him...::  CTO: There are six of them here.  The one before is with them.  Eula is with them, the strongest.  Time is of essence.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: These are powers and beliefs beyond my control... I don't know why I'm here.  It's almost like being back with the Haispoi with all the voodooism.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Quietly:: Pangborn: It is still here...I can see it...but it cannot enter...nevertheless, be prepared should I suddenly change.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CO: Believe it or not, the information may be already been right under our noses... and I don't mean that. ::jabs a finger at the altar::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: There is power of the mind here...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::concerned:: Sulek: Let's hope for the 'no change' option
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: I only did that once... and I don't really remember how.  Was it... Abraham?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lightly touches his arm.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Jervase:  The altar...a key stone...or is there more than we see...if it brings forth the Dakora then it may not be a simple stone...
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CO: Glad we agree. ::still waiting for the computer's result, he's already acting on what he figures it'll be, and turns back for the landing area::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he moves to the altar:: Pangborn/Kraight/Powers: Grab a corner of the top and see if we can lift this.

ACTION - The essence of Serena presses against Sulek's mind. He can almost feel her warm breath on the back of his neck...her delicate fingers running over his temples, down his neck, onto his chest. His Deltan side feels almost on fire, deep below his cool exterior.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves to help move the top::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Aye sir.  :: Hands his weapon to Azhure to hold, and prepares to lift ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the weapon and steps back.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: holsters his tricorder and takes a corner of the slab ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Ready.  One..two.. three...lift  ::he uses the passion he feels to bolster his strength::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::lifts::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Lifts at the signal, putting his considering heft behind it ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: lifts ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he closes his eyes, in concentration:: Self: You shall not enter...

ACTION - The stone tablet lifts off the ground and the men seem strained to keep it up. Insects crawl out from below the thick stone and as they do a flood of memories hits Azhure. The jungle burns as birds slaughter each other. In the clearing figures in glowing white attack each other without compassion...

ACTION - The computer relays information to Kraight and Jervase...reading a fluctuation when Serena arrived - like a ripple in a pond.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stumbles back, the present clashing once again with the past.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Put it down.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::gets what he wants from the computer, and takes off at a run for the shuttle::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: drops the stone -- carefully ::

ACTION - The stone proves to be too much for the men and they drop it...with a large crack the stone splits down the middle...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::lets go carefully::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: Oh, dear...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::examines the crack::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO/CSO: It isn't a move until something breaks

ACTION - Through the crack in the stone Sulek can see a shimmer of light...like something metallic catching the light.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Grumbles and curses ::  All: Heavy lifting demands hazard pay, I think
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::grabbing his tricorder he scans:: Kraight: There...Do you see it?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: opens his own tricorder, scans the stone :: CO: I do indeed...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: slowly her eyes close.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::once he's out of earshot of the team, taps his badge:: *Shuttle Computer* Emergency transport. And run a speculative analysis of the EM patterns surrounding the planet. Theoretically, how strong a power source would be required to neutralize it?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: More than a stone.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: What do you see?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Something...metallic...this is a construct not a stone carving.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Opening her eyes, she joins the others, a sense of not being fully present in this world:: All: There was a battle.  Birds... possibly Xherivhan, killing each other... and the Dakora.  They went to war against each other.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Then maybe it's time for some demolition
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: yes. There is no machinery I can detect... but there are several spheres, perhaps one to two centimeters in diameter. I cannot identify their composition.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Not just yet...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly, not really listening to the others::  Ragnarok.  The world burns and the cycle begins anew...

ACTION - In a shimmer of blue light Michael Jervase beams to one of the Quirinus' shuttles. Inside the stone tablet Sulek, Powers and Kraight can see what look to be marbles...shimmering balls of white light. Too deep to be picked up by hand, but embedded into the stone. Intricate carvings line the marbles and they all make out a word that Hixxan mumbles softly. "Executioner."

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