Summary - The U.S.S. Quirinus has returned to Zeta Coyvan VII.  They find themselves visited by Vice Admiral Sheridan, a shade of sorts, Eula, Mariva Hixxan...all have come together.  The crew has found themselves near an n altar...and their attempts to move it have destroyed the stone.

It has cracked down the middle.  Inside, they seem a series of silver marbles. Etched on their surface are a series of small symbols, Lilithine, Xherivhan in origin.

One such stone, perfectly smooth bears the symbol of the Dakora creature known as the Executioner...

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

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scanning the globes ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Looking into the altar:: CSO: What do you make of it?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Still trying to determine what these globes are, and what their function might be. The readings are... confused.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looking at Kraight:: Kraight: If the initial release is an EM field, can you calculate what we would need to do to reverse the frequency of an EM field?  If we measure the frequency of the field that the Lover came from, we should know the opposite field.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: I may be headed the wrong direction, but it seems to be some kind of model.
Host CJ-Tala says:
ACTION - Tree rustle around and in the back of his mind Erik Thursson can hear a voice on the wind.
Host CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: cracks his back lightly ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks up at Pangborn ::  XO: A model? How do you mean?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: looks around nervously with his phaser drawn and at a low ready ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Maybe the stones each represent a faction - at some point in time - of the various crossroads sects
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
::he glances over at the CTO, warily, briefly::
Host CJ-Tala says:
<Whisper> FCO: Erik, my dear boy...what took you so long?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: looks around :: CTO: Did you say something, sir?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
FCO: No, I didn't Ensign.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I believe that I could, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Begin the calculations.
Host CJ-Tala says:
ACTION - As Sulek experienced previously with Sheridan, Thursson can feel a presence nearby. Almost like a shadow of a memory in the back of his mind he sees his mother standing behind some of the undergrowth. Her naked skin glistens in the bright sunlight, the green foliage covering much of her form.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::kneels by the cracked base of the altar and stares at the writing forms and figures:: Self: The answers are here...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.  :: adjusts his tricorder ::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: shakes his head to try to clear the strange images ::
Host CJ-Tala says:
ACTION - Hixxan moves in beside Sulek and tries to reach into the crack in order to snap up one of the marbles. Her fingers are just a tad bit short and she is unable to reach them.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hixxan: What do you think you're doing?
Host CJ-Tala says:
ACTION - The image of his mother fades away, like a bad dream...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he places his hands upon the writing...perhaps....a residual...a trace...perhaps there is more than just something to read::  Hixxan: Leave them for now, unless you have a specific reason.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: rubs his eyes and sighs as the strange images disappear, his knuckles turn white as he grips his phaser tightly ::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::She hisses at Ben with her fangs and goes back to trying for the silver orbs:: CO: They're the key to the Dakora's presence. Destroy them and you cut off their entrance to their realm...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: But if they were already free, would we not trap them here?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: draws his phaser and aims at Hixxan ::  Hixxan: I suggest you stop what you are doing.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hixxan: Wouldn't we want them to *stay* in their realm?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: They are creatures of energy, cut of their supply of power...,and they cannot survive!
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: If we have to destroy them, can we just set a charge?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I vote for destroying the altar
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
::She stops her attempts and shows her fangs to Kraight::
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
All: Superstitious nonsense...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks from Hixxan, to the others, then back at the globes.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I suggest an experiment.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: What did you have in mind?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Can you bring up the symbol of the Lover.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Hixxan: There are creatures on my world that have fangs at every orifice. You will find I do not frighten easily.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CIV: Really, what hasn't been in this mission?  The Holy Land?  Mythical creatures?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: We destroy one that we know to already be here.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Hixxan: What are the orbs to you?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Sounds like a plan.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CNS: The end to this hell...::Her eyes dart back to the silver metal, longing behind her black pupils::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: One moment, sir...  :: taps a control on his tricorder, displays the symbol on its screen ::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Whisper> FCO: Erik...come to me...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Hixxan:  Truth... not halves.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shows the screen to the Captain ::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CNS: You're a listener...read between the lines and figure out the truth for yourself...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks into the fissure:: Kraight: There.  That one.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::points::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: cleans out his ears with his fingers :: Self: You didn't hear anything.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: The globe with the Lover's symbol on it.  Can you reach it?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Eyes the helmsman ::  FCO: Ensign?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.   :: reaches down, and after a bit, works it loose from the stone ::   Here it is.
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
::reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a tricorder, curious as to what the others are blathering on about...::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: keeps his phaser pointed directly at Hixxan ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::takes the globe from Kraight moves away from the altar and places it on the ground:: Pangborn: Care to do the honors, Commander?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: does his best to look calm and innocent :: CTO: Sir?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Kraight's suctioned fingers tingle as the smooth metal comes in contact with his skin...like the hum of a working device, or a jolt of energy jumping towards freedom.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Hixxan: I am a listener... yes... not a reader.  :: smiles::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
FCO: You okay there, sport?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Tannis' tricorder reads a series of fluctuations in the energy field not too far from Thursson. As he moves towards the field it seems to intensify, as if it were feeding off his own biological energy.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Sure ::aims his phaser at the globe and fires::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
CTO: Fine, sir... just... thought I heard something.
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
::looks up:: FCO: Stop moving...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches as the phaser lances out to the globe::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: stands still ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Watches Hixxan::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The phaser strikes out with a narrow beam of energy. The orb melts away with very little resistance. At that same moment an energy spike is recorded on Tannis' tricorder. Hixxan hisses and screams in anger, but can be seen using restraint...
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
FCO: Move back.... towards me. There's something very stran- ::blinking, as his tricorder records the spike, he turns in response to the scream::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The energy Tannis reads begins to take form like a swirling point of light and passes through Ensign Thursson before he can step back. His eyes go dark and his skin gets very cold...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Hixxan: What did you expect to happen?  What did you want to happen?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CNS: I...I don't know...::She looks at the pool of silver::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: Is it still here?  Can you tell?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Flips open her tricorder and scans Thursson.::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: Yes...it...and others...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: his phaser never wavers from Hixxan ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Let's hope we haven't opened Pandora's box
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: So destroying the orb traps it here...or releases more?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: shivers :: All: Did it just get cold here?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Captain... we may loose our FCO.  :: Walks over to Thursson and lays a hand on his arm as if to anchor him.::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: The creature...it is cut off from it's supply of energy...but in doing so I fear you may have summoned all who have been released...::Her eyes move over to Ensign Thursson with something akin to fear in her eyes::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
CNS: Hello, Commander? :: looks confused ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: tricorder beeps ::   CO: Captain... the calculations for the inverse EM field are complete.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Is it trying to join with him?  Are they all trying to join?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The voice in the back of Erik's mind is louder now...as if it were inside his head. It speaks to him in tongues that he can't even begin to understand.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles gently::  FCO: Hello...  :: Turns to look at the captain.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Program the shuttle computers to release a pulse into the EM field on my mark.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: One is.  The one the orb held.  But... :: looks at Hixxan::  Its energy signature is different then Eula's.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: If we take Thursson near the EM field and reverse the field, will we draw it out?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
CO: I don't know...it might work...but it could kill him...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: The Dakora most likely will if we do not try.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers/Tannis: Get Thursson near the edge of the EM field and then stand clear.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Erik's heartbeat begins to become erratic as the flow of blood in his veins slows. His skin turns to a pale blue tinge, like someone suffering from hypothermia
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: looks at the Counselor's hand on his arm, still no clue what's going on :: CNS: Soo... you doing anything later?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.  :: uses the tricorder to begin the programming ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: I will take him...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: Making dinner for my fiancé probably... or is it his turn tonight.  :: Motions with her head::  Come with me.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Get clear as soon as you can.  Powers: Stay with them.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
FCO: Let's move, Ensign.  That way.  :: points ::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: looks even more confused :: CNS: Oh... :: frowns ::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: follows ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
::  Nods in response to the captain and calmly pulls Thursson with her, keeping him anchored to her.::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The small group moves off out of the clearing and as they do Power sees a familiar form up ahead. Eula. She is, however, not alone. A much taller Trill man stands beside her. Blood drips from a knife wound that has opened up his skull...
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Eula> CTO: I can't let you past, Commander Powers...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Eula: Oh no?  And why not?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Eula> ::She twists her neck once and it cracks a few times:: CTO: You've unleashed hell and now dear Erik is going to pay the consequences.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How long before the EM field passes the altar and the rest of the orbs?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the tricorder ::  CO: Difficult to say, anywhere from five to ten minutes.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Eula: My dear, you are hell.  :: thumbs the power of his rifle to maximum and brings it in front of him::  CNS: Can you inform the Captain?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods:: *CO*: Captain, we have an unwanted guest.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*Who?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: No matter what happens, I want you to stay calm.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Eula moves into a defensive combat stance. "Come, Commander - lets fight in a more traditional fashion. You've wanted this fight for a long time."
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: shivers and feels feint, but he manages to level his phaser at Eula :: Eula: What... are you talking about?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::ears perk up::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*: Eula...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Glances at Bill, concerned, but she continues with the FCO::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Eula: On the contrary,  I seek to avoid violence, and see it only as a last resort.  Why do you torment us so?  Is your life not interesting enough on its own?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he moves to the stone and takes out the orb with the Executioner's symbol::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: You cannot help him... stay with me.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Tannis' tricorder reads the unstable EM fields, all within a few hundred meters of the altar, as they seem to intensify in pockets..
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Programming complete, sir. Ready to fire the pulse on your command.
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
::continues monitoring the area around them, as activity swirls all around...:: CO: Suffice it to say that we can't stay here much longer.... the entire region is unstable... so hurry!
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Eula> CTO: You seek to interfere...I am here to just set things right again.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers*::using his COM badge so Eula will hear:: I have your orb...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Concentrates on the EM field and getting Thursson there, part of her mind ready to step out of time if she needs to.::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: a little less confused, more angry now :: CNS: I'm just an Ensign, I can't let someone else get injured or worse on my behalf.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Eula: Set things right now?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he feels the strength of the globe try in his hands::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Careful....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure* How close are you?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO:  Did I mention Commander Powers is my fiancé?  You are to do nothing to distract him while he assists us.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - A shimmer of light from Eula's hand gives away the fact that she is holding a small blade. The demigod notices Sulek's words and rushes towards Powers, preparing to strike.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How close is the nearest pocket?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: At this close range, he wonders what she hopes to expect as he presses the firing stud on the phaser rifle ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*: Commander Powers is close... too close, he is distracting him while I take Thursson to the EM field.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Serena> ::Her voice fills Sulek's mind, knocking on a door attempting to gain entry, pressing against his mind like a parasite. He can see her lying in his bed, covered ever so slightly. Candle-lights flicker and she calls to him...
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
CNS: I feel weak, if I die it must be fighting, or Odin will never accept my soul.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: About 50 meters now, sir.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The phaser blast hits Eula in the stomach and she is stunned for just a moment...but then she attempts to press on again, a hole burned away from her shirt near the shoulder.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: fires again, aiming for the chest ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he closes his eyes, struggling with the images:: Pangborn: Take the orb...::gritting his teeth:: get it to the EM field pocket...hurry...::the orb rolls from his hands::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Sweat drips from Erik's forehead and his eyes seem to sink back into his skull as he body begins to slowly shut itself down.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: fire the pulse...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Grabs the orb::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: In your present situation, you are more a danger to him and anyone else.  ::Sighs::  You currently have one of our unwanted guests... if it takes control... :: leaves it at that as she tries to move him quicker.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Firing...  :: presses the control on his tricorder ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Where is the nearest field pocket?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The phaser blast hits Eula in the chest but she keeps going. She leaps at Powers, raising the knife to strike down on his throat.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: Erik... I need you to focus on me... let me help to anchor you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he crumbles to this knees:: Serena: No...you may not enter...
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: starts to realize what's going on and looks at the Counselor :: CNS: If that happens... :: hands Azhure his phaser ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: brings his rifle up in a cross pattern to block the knife, then swings from the hip, bringing the butt against the side of her head ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: 35 meters, bearing 118.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The shuttles fire the EM pulse on command. A pocket of electro-magnetic energy nearby suddenly takes shape...in the form of a Noori child. It lies on the cracked altar. Two other forms can be seen taking shape nearby in the woods...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Good work:: Heads for that location::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the weapon::  FCO: Stay with me....
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Powers' move works like a charm. Sparks fly as the knife meets his rifle. The strike hits Eula in the head and she stumbles down into the dirt.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: As she lays stunned, he fires again, full blast, without letting up, intending to let the rifle go as long as it can ::  All: I don't know how long I can hold this!
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::arrives at the coordinates::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Can barely hear Bill, mumbles under her breath::  Just a little bit further...
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The full strength of Bill's phaser bears down on Eula. Her shirt is burned away, along with much of her skin, leaving behind muscle and bone. She doesn't scream in horror...she doesn't even move...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stays with the Captain ::  CO: Sir... are you all right?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::through gritted teeth:: Kraight: when the field passes over the altar...the Dakora should be recalled....seal the altar...don't risk releasing more by destroying the orbs...transport...
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Ben Pangborn heads to the location given to him by Kraight. He finds a broken old man laying in the dirt...a Vulcan with dark skin and dark eyes.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slips her arm around Thursson as his movements become less lucid.::  FCO:  Think of something you love...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks over the Vulcan, staring in disbelief. It's Soriq::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Erik stumbles over a root and he falls to the ground, pulling Azhure down with him. The Ensign's face smashes into a rock and his cheek is cut open, blood spilling out onto the undergrowth.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: ...disperse all particles...wide beam...
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The elderly Vulcan looks up at Pangborn with weak eyes. He holds out a boney hand towards Ben::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Gasps as pain shoots through her knees.  A very un-lady-like curse slips through her mind.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::extends his hand::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Soriq: How are you here?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Breathes heavily for a moment, then taps his COM badge :: *CO*: Captain Sulek.  Eula... or what appeared to be Eula... is neutralized.  I can't tell if it's her or not, someone more science minded could tell if it's her or not.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: groans as he falls into the dirt, barely conscious ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: Come on... we can do this.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* Throw the orb into the altered field...not much time...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks around himself ::  CNS: Commander Azhure?  FCO: Ensign
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
?
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
<Soriq> XO: I am not whom you remember...with your help I hope to end this battle as a Savior should.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Aye ::throws orb::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, runs to the altar, removes his COM badge and places it on the altar -- taps the badge ::  *COM*: Quirinus, this is Kraight. Lock on to the object at the location of my signal and prepare to transport it to deep space. Wide beam dispersion: no re-integration. Repeat, no re-integration.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: does his best to move with the Counselor ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels and odd comfort from Soriq::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Soriq: How can you help?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Kneels down and slips her arm around him, trying to pull him up.::  FCO: We can do this... it is not much further ahead.  Concentrate...
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - The officer aboard the Quirinus receives orders from Kraight and quickly makes the arrangements.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How far now?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers* Understood.  Pangborn is trying to prevent transfer now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Frantically starts looking around for the Counselor, uncertain how far they've gone ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Taking a deep breath, takes a stance and then pulls him up to carry him in a firemen’s carry.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
CNS: Don't... let me... die... sleeping. :: struggles to keep moving ::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - With Pangborn's help the Savior, Soriq, gets up to his feet. He uses a nearby piece of wood as a walking stick. Stabilizing himself he nods once. "Yes...this will do just fine."
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*COM*: Energize.  :: quickly backs away from the altar ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Soriq: Come with me.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stumbles, but does not stop nor let go...::
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - In a shimmer of blue lights the altar of Zeta Coyvan VII is beamed up into space - destroyed beyond repair, more then any crack could ever do.  Eula, the Executioner remains motionless in the mud, much of her body burned away.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - Azhure and Thursson collapse outside the energy field and his heart stops.  The last silent breath escapes his lips...and the Lover takes over.  Darkness claims him and the whispers leave Sulek's mind.
Host Mariva_Hixxan says:
ACTION - ...and the Savior crosses into the clearing with Ben Pangborn.  He gives a warm smile, something Soriq never would have done and clasps his hands together.  "So, I see you've begun the end of the world..."

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