Summary - Six hours has passed since the crew encountered the beings known as the "Dakora" on the surface of Zeta Coyvan VII. The crew of the U.S.S. Quirinus has returned back to their vessel in high orbit. The altar of the Executioner has been destroyed and now they must decide their next course of action.

Many options lay before them - the Chelapha await word on Eula, Qui'dinjori eagerly anticipates the departure of the insect infestation and the Holy Space sits in the middle of the Xherivhan, the Dakora's gateway into our realm.

There are decisions that need to be made...

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

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: at Science One, running simulations on the Holy Space subspace rift ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::On the bride, sitting in the Captains chair::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::sits in doctor Alexander's office, finishing his recommendations to disburse the EM field, and sends them to the XO for approval... he'd gotten up extra early to start work on them::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::sees the report's been sent to the bridge, then gets up and heads out to check on his once dead patient::

ACTION - The U.S.S. Quirinus hangs in space with a purple glow around them. An unconscious Mariva Hixxan remains sedated in sickbay under the care of the medical staff. An eerie silence seems to have befallen the Steamrunner class vessel.

CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: In her quarters, getting ready for the shift.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Status of the rift? ::looks at the viewscreen::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Unchanged. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, walks over to stand next to Pangborn :: XO: Commander... there is a way to close it permanently. But the cost... is rather high.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Yawning, runs a brush through her hair before heading for some liquid stimulant.::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::steps past the FCO's bed and glances over his readings, then makes his way towards their former counsellor, and possibly current enemy::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Elaborate
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: I think we need more of a break.  How about we get busted down to Ensign, so we have less responsibility?  :: Smiles slyly ::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Chuckles as she prepares him a drink as well.::  CTO: That is too easy.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes a deep breath ::  XO: Only a subspace explosion of tremendous force can close a rift of this size. There is just one way to generate such a force. We must fly as close to the rift as possible, eject the warp core into it... and detonate the core.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Turns to hand him the drink::  CTO: Though I would be curious what you had in mind that would knock us that far down.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Hm.  What could we do to get demoted, but not court-marshalled....
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::rubs his head:: CSO: Tell me you're kidding. There has to be another way.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CTO: Don't forget, down to ensign.  Bottom rung... and if I remember correctly, who said an ensign had less work?  They often get more of the dirty work.  How about not quite so far?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes head slowly :: XO: I am afraid not. It's been done before... once.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Alright, not so far.  We could always just... be late for duty.  Dereliction, but minor.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::runs a scan of his newest and slightly less trusted patient, eyes go a little wider... turns to grab the nearest medic:: Selara: Ensign, take a look at this... *please* tell me this system's not making me lose my mind.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::reads the medical officers report:: CSO: What about this? ::transfers it to a PADD and hands it to Kraight:: It concerns dispersing the EM field around the planet.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CTO: Hmmm... how often would we have to be late for that happen?  ::Motions to the replicator::  Do you want anything to break your fast?

ACTION - A junior Trill officer with a teal science collar moves up to Science II and begins reviewing various pieces of information. "Disrupting EM fields would only be a temporary stop-gap...Commander Kraight is correct with his analysis.”

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Not right now.  I'll grab something later.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::raises an eyebrow, and looks over the senior doctor's shoulder:: MO: Looks... awful sane to me. And... potentially illegal.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: When was it done before? And at what cost?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: reviews the data ::  XO: It seems feasible. But dispersing the EM field will do nothing to prevent the Dakora from continuing to interfere in the development of the societies in this sector.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CTO: I hate to bring this up, but don't you have a security debrief in a few minutes?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: The USS Enterprise-E used this tactic to close a subspace rift created by the Son'a, in the Briar Patch. I can find the tactical records, if you wish.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: No, that won't be needed. Coordinate your efforts with  engineering and flight control. We're going to close the rift.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::turns abruptly:: Selara: Hold the fort. ::heads out of sickbay and catches the nearest lift:: TL: Bridge.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods :: XO: Yes, sir.  :: returns to his station and begins preparations ::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Sighs:: CTO: And I need to go check on a few things down in sickbay.  I do not look forward to either of them.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::steps off the lift, and with a PADD in hand, makes his way straight for Pangborn:: XO: Commander, you have to see this.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
CSO: Commander, might I make a recommendation? ::She gives him a warm smile and pulls up a scan from the U.S.S. Naftali during her time in the Holy Space::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
MO: What is it?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SO: Of course, Ensign.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: growls ::  CNS: Not looking forward to this day in general.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
::Pulling up the display she shows a mapping of the rift and subspace fields nearby:: CSO: If we follow your recommended course of action, the resulting explosion will place a great deal of pressure on our defences. I would advise moving the Quirinus to this position...
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::hands over the PADD:: XO: Hixxan, sir. Wherever she went after she left us, she's been... genetically modified.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
::Tegniv motions to a dense section of subspace instability:: CSO: We could, in theory, use the other rifts in the area to lessen the blow on our shields.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Putting away her cup, she steps over to him::  CTO: Maybe we can steal a nap later.  :: Leans down to kiss him.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
MO: How so?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: reviews the information, and nods agreement :: SO: Excellent work, Ensign. Most impressive. You may well have just saved the lives of several of your crewmates.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: relays revised course information to the helm ::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
XO: I found at least a dozen different DNA patterns integrated somehow with her own. Trill, Vulcan, a few others... there's a couple here I can't even identify.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
::She almost seems to blush and smiles with a curt nod:: CSO: Subspace theory was my major, sir...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
MO: Can you reverse it?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SO: And it is clear that you did very well in your studies. You have my thanks.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::cringes a little:: XO: Reverse it? Commander, I can't even tell you how it was even done... Vulcan DNA isn't even *compatible* with Bolian without a *lot* of work. The reversal would more than likely kill her... not that the modifications aren't doing that already.

ACTION - The Trill scientist goes back to her work without another word as the temporary Conn officer programs in a new flight path. Stars streak by as the auto-navigation takes them towards their target...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
MO: What is her status? Is she in any danger?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Standing she turns to leave, her mind jumping to what lay ahead.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Follows Azhure out of the quarters, parting to their separate ways ::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
XO: Nothing immediate. But... she's been through hell and back. Her genetic structure's unstable... and getting less stable as time progresses. I *might* be able to slow the process, but that'd be guessing. And it'd only prolong an eventuality.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::thinks:: MO: Do the best you can with her. She may yet pull through.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns :: XO: Preparations are complete, sir. I have contacted the Starfleet quartermaster, and have been informed that a new warp core would take about a week to deliver. I have taken the liberty of placing a priority request that it be shipped immediately.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Makes her way into sickbay, looking around at the quiet, well kept place.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: Inform Starfleet Command of the situation, and Crossroads station. We'll be on impulse only until a replacement core can be found.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
<OPS> XO: Aye sir...relaying information...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Good work commander, proceed with the plan
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::just shakes his head:: XO: Anything's possible, but... her chances aren't good. ::turns and heads back for sickbay::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Locating Hixxan, she makes her way over to her bio-bed, pausing to read the FCO's bio-signs.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
MO: I know you'll do your best
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::standing at the main console in sickbay, looking over Hixxan's bio, then looks up as the counsellor enters:: CNS: Can I help you, commander?
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
CSO: Commander, we're going to need a high yield explosive in order to trigger the type of reaction you're looking for...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands ::  FCO: Commence the approach to the rift.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Enters the Security office, and assembles the officers and crewmen he needs to, then begins his briefing ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: We'll have ninety-six seconds to get to the safe minimum distance after the core is ejected. At maximum impulse, I have calculated that we should make it with seven seconds to spare.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*ENG*: Engineering... take all nonessential systems offline.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::leans against the wall of the lift as it progresses downward, and sighs:: Self: Ship of the damned...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Seven seconds? Cutting it awfully close there
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
Selara: No... I am here to see Hixxan.  :: makes her way to the bed and looks down at the woman who had once been one of her counsellors.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Of this I am aware, sir...

ACTION - The Quirinus responds to the commands from the helm and they begin to move into position. The holographic viewscreen shows a swirling purple, red and orange rift right in front of them. The glow has the intensity of a star, expansive and covering the entire view. The Holy Space. Centre of all the religious fighting and cause of such hatred.

MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::nods, and turns her attention back to the console briefly:: CNS: She's... not in any position to be conversational at the moment, counsellor.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
<FCO> CSO/XO: ETA to assigned co-ordinates in 10 minutes, sirs...
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: quietly to no one::  She is not even who she once was to be.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::steps out of the lift on the appropriate deck, and through the main doors to sickbay::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Gently takes the woman’s hand, seeing her as she was now, not as she remembered her.::

ACTION - As Azhure watches Hixxan her perception seems to shift and Hixxan's skin seems to turn black. Selara doesn't even notice the change, but Azhure can feel it, like the humming she experienced from Ensign Thursson.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: watches the tactical plot intently ::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::spies Azhure near the bed of her former assistant, and makes his way towards the two, giving the counsellor a slight smile:: CNS: Azhure... you're not usually one to wander in here. Something wrong?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: In a sense, I almost feel as she is my responsibility... that somehow, I let her down.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Be ready for some creative piloting ::sad smile::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
::Looks up at him::  MO: And yet, this is not even my counsellor anymore.  The shell, the body is the same... in appearance at least, but the essence, the soul of her is warped beyond what it was.

ACTION - The Quirinus moves into an ideal position calculated by Commander Kraight and his junior assistant, Ensign Tegniv.

MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::nods, understanding:: CNS: You said yourself once nothing here is as it appears. But... ::catches her eye:: What could you have done differently?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: It's your show from here on.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*CTO*: Report to the bridge ASAP
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Understood.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: When she first came to me, she had a problem... she had been... abused.  She said it was another.  I did not press her.  Perhaps that was my first mistake or the first step down the road to her end.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Stops in mid-sentence ::  *XO*: Yes, Commander.  :: to his security teams ::  We will continue this later.

ACTION - As the Quirinus approaches the rift Azhure can feel the air charged with power. It mingles with the unusual essence she senses in Hixxan, like two opposing magnetic charges. Hixxan shows no outward signs of pain or ill health.

MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
CNS: But let's just assume, for the sake of argument, that conversation had gone differently. Do you honestly think, just from that one conversation, things could have changed for her?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Departs the office and boards a turbolift for the Bridge ::
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
::Tegniv contacts Engineering, directing them to prepare buoys to be launched following their attempt. If they do succeed, the entire area will have to be designated as a dead zone...::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: Distance to the ejection point?
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
<FCO> CSO: 500,000 kilometres.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Lifts her hand to the doctor for quiet and closes her eyes for a moment.::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: We are near the rift... :: Opens her eyes and looks down at the woman before her.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: The lift deposits him on the Bridge, and he walks towards the command area :: XO: You wanted me, Mister Pangborn?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: Strange...
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
*CSO*: Where are we?
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::sighs, and just nods:: CNS: Yes, we are. For reasons I can't comprehend they think closing it will somehow reverse the whole process. ::stops at her last addition and raises an eyebrow:: What's strange?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns ::  CTO: How many quantum torpedoes do we have aboard?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CNS*: Approaching the Holy Space rift, Counsellor.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: We're going to seal the rift, I need you at your post, where you were supposed to be an hour ago. See Mr Kraight to see what will work best in this situation. 

ACTION - The Quirinus moves into position and the Flight Control Officer brings them to a full stop. The entire bridge is flooded with a purple and maroon glow that seems to swirl around.

CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Looks at the doctor as she responds:: *CSO*: You are at the Dakora's gateway.  Azhure out.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: Station keeping.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: The... I am sorry, the best word I can give, is power... the gateway is giving off a very specific power.  One that is actually in opposition to what Hixxan is radiating.  And no, Hixxan is not one of them.  She is more like... :: considers a moment.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CSO: Commander?  We might have one or two of the warheads left... why?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: We are going to eject the core and use a quantum torpedo to detonate it, and seal the rift. Prepare a torpedo for launch.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries to not look incredulous ::  CSO: Beg your pardon, Commander?  Do you have any idea what that would do?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Yes. It would seal the rift permanently. The Dakora would be powerless.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
CSO/CTO: I haven't effectively added the force of the quantum torpedo into my calculations yet, Commander...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SO: Do so now, please.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CSO: Do we really need a quantum warhead for that?  The core can destabilize itself just by removing the magnetic constriction
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::just gives the counsellor an odd look, then looks at his patient's readings:: CNS: Look, counsellor. I don't get all this divine intervention stuff.. all I know is someone or something in this region's doing a whole lot of killing. They've killed members of this crew, and members of another. They've already done damage that goes way beyond this sector.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
CNS: And... ::points at Hixxan:: they're killing her.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: We need the extra energy to ensure total closure of the rift.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: She is already dead doctor.  The Hixxan that we knew.  This is but a changeling.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CSO: That's a lot of energy, but it's going to be highly focused.  Those warheads create a zero-point explosion... wouldn't a photon or two be more suitable, being higher yield?
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
CNS: Actually... I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. Dying, yes. Dead? That was probably their intent... ::calls up the information he showed Pangborn, and displays it on a console nearby::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: thinks for a moment :: CTO: I defer to your judgment. Prepare the appropriate torpedo for launch, please.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
::She begins several quick calculations that seem to confirm what Commander Powers had suggested. She relays the information to him and Kraight:: CSO/CTO: We'll need at least two torpedoes, generating a high yield explosion...
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: does not need to look::  MO: The Hixxan we knew, is dead.  ::sighs::  But that does not mean we give up on who this is now.  She said something awhile back... I am trying to remember...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SO: Thank you.  CTO: Please advise me when you are ready.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CSO: Aye.  :: Calls down to the torpedo bay and has them begin working on two high yield warheads by removing the sensor pallets and adding extra antimatter ::  CSO: Should take about six minutes.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::sighs, figuring if she has to hear it, she may as well hear it from him:: CNS: There isn't much else I can do, counsellor. Whatever they've done to her, she's becoming... unstable. I can keep her comfortable, maybe even slow the process, but eventually...
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
<FCO> XO: We are in position, sir.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
MO: Something about she was being altered so that she could save this region... some sort of a weapon.  ::Frowns:: But would the instability of her DNA cause that?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO/CTO: Are we ready yet? ::bemused::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
XO: Awaiting Mr. Powers' final go-ahead, sir.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
CNS: You're the resident demigod expert here. ::gives a small wink:: All I know is what I'm looking at. And... it's not pretty.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::drums his fingers:: CTO: I'd hate to be in battle and have to wait 10 minutes for a torpedo launch
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: It will be a few minutes more before the torpedoes are loaded in the forward bay.  How far from the impact sight are we?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Oh, but these are special torpedoes.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Raises an eyebrow::  MO: Don't look to me for all of this.  I have no idea why I am picking up on this.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::irritated:: CTO: Just get them ready
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Ninety thousand kilometres.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
CNS: Never said you did. But if anyone's going to, apparently, it's you. So... that makes you our resident expert. If the subject of your expertise wasn't trying to kill us, I'd offer congratulations.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CSO: I guess that'll have to do.  We'll divert more power to the forward shields.
SO_Ens_Tegniv says:
CSO: Engineering has confirmed, they are prepared for ejection sequence...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
SO: Thank you, Ensign.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Wrinkles her nose at the doctor::  MO: Consider this though... This Hixxan, is the polar opposite of the Dakora.  What pops into your mind?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Reaches for her commbadge and taps it:: *CTO*: Just so you know... there are two possibilities that might come of your venture up there.  One, we are going to be repelled thanks to Hixxan being polar to that gateway, or we are going to see a change in Hixxan.  ::shrugs:: Thought you might like to know.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Gets word :: XO/CSO: Torpedoes loaded and ready.  :: Steps back to tactical ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: Well, we'll find out soon.  I'll have security standing by in case she goes haywire.
MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
CNS: Either she goes, or they do. But... she's going. And honestly, I've done a lot I thought I couldn't do on this mission, but I *know* I can't pull her out of this. Reversing what's been done to her will kill her. Guaranteed.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO/CTO: On your mark Mr Kraight.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps a control on his console ::  All: Ejecting the core.

ACTION - Sirens blare in sickbay as the warp core is ejected. Swirling colours in the core mix with the luminescence of the subspace rift. The core seems to hang in space for a moment before it is pulled towards the rift. A countdown begins in everyone’s head...five...four...

MO_LtJG_Jervase says:
::stiffens, and looks up, only to see medical teams already preparing::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: Course 211 mark 43. Maximum impulse.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: waits as there is nothing else she can do... for now.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: hears "zero", nods and presses the "torpedoes away" button, watching the two fiery red orbs on the front viewer and his console ::

ACTION - Commander Powers fires the two torpedoes and Tegniv, along with everyone else aboard seems to hold their breath. Silence falls upon the Quirinus. The Quirinus pulls away. The torpedoes hit their mark and white light floods over the vessel. Time seems to stop for a moment. Silence reins...

ACTION - ...and light-years away Qui'dinjori can feel as the Holy Space is torn apart. The rift begins to close, shockwaves wash over the Quirinus and the ship shakes violently. Power fails on all decks.

ACTION - ...silence befalls the mighty Quirinus...and all throughout the Xherivhan the calls of war begin...

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