Summary - Aeon Qui'dinjori has called for a "sacrifice" - a scape-goat for the actions of the U.S.S. Quirinus crew. They have disrupted the Holy Space of five races, united them against the Federation. Now those same five races have called for justice. But are they truly unified against Starfleet?

The crew finds themselves in the Fire-Side Grill - where all hell began. It was here that they originally learned of the conflict between the major players...where an attempt was made on Qui'dinjori's life. It is here now that s/he shows her power...

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10707.09 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= "The Xherivhan Wars - Bloody Sacrifice"=/\==/\=

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises slowly and looks at the assembled representatives, looking at each...his gaze finally resting on Qui:: All: I ask who made the Aeon leader of this tribunal?  Was there a formal vote? Crossroads was agreed upon as the meeting place, I do not recall establishing the Aeon as the leader of this counsel.  As such, I request the General Aelsery as arbitrator.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
::Aelsery looks between Qui'dinjori and Sulek. The Noori creature seems to blink slowly once as if in thought and Aelsery smiles - Sulek has thrown hir for a loop::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: observes the proceedings ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::just remains seated there, listening, waiting... looking for any old escape route::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::awaits the outcome::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he sits::

ACTION - Two Noori float up behind Qui, Starr'aela and another unknown translucent Noori. They air seems to crackle with even more energy as they approach. The representatives burst into arguments over their new "leader," mostly in untranslatable languages.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Glances over at Sulek, wondering what he has in mind ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels for his phaser::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::steeples his fingers in front of him as he observes the sudden chaos::

ACTION - Qui'dinjori's 'skin' seems to ripple and sudden a pulse of energy strikes the table. It rocks violently and Kraight's tricorder flickers as it is hit with an unusual wave of energy. "Silence!" Qui'dinjori declares loudly, and the others obey...but Aelsery does not obey, standing up and looking defiantly at the Noori.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: places a hand on Pangborn's arm... signaling him to wait... the council may yet break down into bickering factions ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks over at Kraight, and waits::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::quietly:: Qui: Aeon, there appears to be some dissension among the ranks. Perhaps if I were to explain.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Qui'dinjori> CO: Well played, Captain. ::Hir whispering voice carries over the quiet room and s/he hovers down slightly:: ALL: Proceed...
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
::She glances over to Powers, the grip on her sheathed blade obviously tightening. Her dark eyes glance over to Qui with contempt::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::again he rises:: Qui: From your opening statement, you have already found us...me guilty.  I will not beg for forgiveness for doing what was right.  I cannot believe that under such guidance we would receive a fair hearing.  Of the great representatives here, only the General has shown equality.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: not certain if Aelsery looked at Bill with a look that was checking if the Starfleet security was ready, or if he was to take Qui out himself ::
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Qui'dinjori> CO: Then I concede the floor to the General...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: General, of all here, your religion holds Holy Space of highest moral importance.  If I convince you, should I not also convince the rest?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: raises a non-eyebrow ::
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO: ...convince quickly, Captain...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Transfer all data on the Dakora and the rift of Holy Space to the table's console.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps a few commands on his tricorder, and the datastream commences ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods to Sulek ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::tilts his head a degree to one side, watching the exchange and just... sort of thinking::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: There is one that has been created from those who would control you as well.  She is on the ship.  She killed the last of the Dakora, it was her function.  Would you have Mariva Hixxan brought before this council?

ACTION - A holographic image - technology left behind following the conference a year ago - takes form. Data, including an analysis of the electro-magnetic fields, shows up hovering above the table.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::presses a few buttons bringing up all the data for the leaders to view::

ACTION - On the bridge of the Quirinus, Mariva Hixxan stands almost cornered with security officer Nani close by. The Bolian woman stands with blue blood covering her hands and face - she looks like a rabid killer and she takes several deep breaths...

Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO: You killed a Dakora...? How was this done?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: It is clear that those who you thought to be gods were misguided scientist, who having seen their experiment grow beyond the boundary of their expectations were preparing to destroy all here and start again.  Four times this has happened. I could not let it occur again.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO: ...and so instead, you chose to destroy our homeland with your advanced weaponry?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: We have destroyed many.  They are not beings but programs placed in the dead.  Once their power source was cut from subspace, they could be stopped.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Advanced? No not advanced.  We closed the rift using the core of our ship's power...it left us as you found us.  Virtually helpless.  Would you call that advanced?

ACTION - Michael Jervase' comm badge beeps with a message from the Quirinus computer.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::shifts in his seat, and debates briefly whether or not he should jump in... then, decides to do just that:: CO: Captain, if I may...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Dr. Jervase has studied the Dakora most carefully. He has more understanding than any here.  If you would grant him permission.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO: It is still a dangerous technology to possess...a weapon that some might kill for. ::She pauses and nods to Sulek:: Proceed.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps a message into the holographic display ::  All (text): THE DAKORA WERE COMPUTER PROGRAMS MANIFESTED AS ENERGY FIELDS. YOUR FATE WAS BEING CONTROLLED BY SOFTWARE.

ACTION - There are some soft murmurs from the assembled aliens as they look at the holographic display and the "evidence" presented to them by Starfleet...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Not a weapon...it was essentially what drives our ship at warp speed.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Jervase: Dr. if you please.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::stands, fixes his eyes on the Lilithine general:: Aelsery: Consider this. Were it not for this... holy space, the one thing any two people at this table right now can agree is worth protecting, how would relations have progressed between, for instance... the Lilithine sisterhood and the Noori? Ignoring, just for the sake of argument, that each claims to have a right to the region of space in question.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*TO* Bring Hixxan to the meeting place.  Self: What will happen should be most interesting.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::waits, already mostly knowing what the general's response would most likely be::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Change to *Sec* to get Nani>
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
MO: It is impossible to assume how our species would relate...for our species would never had met - were it not for the Xherivhan and our Holy Space. ::She watches Jervase intently:: Go on.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@<Sec Nani> :: On the Quirinus's bridge, silently watching Hixxan silently watching her ::  *CO*: With pleasure, Captain.  :: Calls down to the transporter room and requests a site-to-site transport beam for the two of them ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Aelsery: True, in fact... it's fair to say, were it not for the holy space, neither species would even be in this sector, correct?

ACTION - In a shimmer of blue light, Security Officer Nani, Mariva Hixxan and a pair of additional escorts are beamed into the back of the Fire Side Grill. All attention is on Jervase and Aelsery, and not on the new arrivals.

Au`ra_Aelsery says:
MO: Correct...what is your point, Doctor?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> Hixxan: ... stay.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Mariva Hixxan> ::She seems slightly disoriented, but nods in response to Nani's command, glancing around the meeting room::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Aelsery: Two species, with little to nothing in common, no diplomatic relations whatsoever... no knowledge whatsoever of each other, suddenly both ending up in the exact same region of space, with the exact same perception of that region? Tell me if you wouldn't mind... just how likely is it that 2 species would reach these exact same conclusions about a region they'd never been to, never mind 4?

ACTION - A text based message arrives on Kraight's PADD from Ensign Tegniv. The message states: "Sir, I've detected some unusual energy readings on Long Range sensors. It appears there is a small fleet of Lilithine vessels en route for the station. ETA is 20 minutes."

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps a response ::  *Tegniv* (as text):  ACKNOWLEDGED.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: displays the message to Sulek ::

Au`ra_Aelsery says:
MO: Divine intervention. I know the stories of our founders, Doctor Jervase. I don't need a lesson in children's bedtime stories.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: If holy space did not exist, then neither would your belief system.  In short, you have not freely chosen who you have become.  As soon as that began, then those who controlled this experiment, made the determination, that you should cease to exist.  I could not allow the genocide of all Xherivhan species, because they had gained free will.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the padd::Kraight: Keep them monitored.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods... then ties his tricorder into the Quirinus tactical scanners ::
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO/MO: Your point has been proven...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turning he sees Hixxan:: Hixxan: State your purpose and that of the Dakora.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Aelsery: Your children's stories, general, have managed an influence far beyond this system already. Why? The simple explanation... your gods are not quite as... stable as you'd like to believe. They're losing control.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Mariva Hixxan> CO: I no longer serve a purpose...no more purpose, no longer needed...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: What was your original programmed purpose?  What is the programmed purpose of the Dakora?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: Your original program will still serve a purpose to those here.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Mariva Hixxan> CO: The destruction of the Executioner, the Destroyer, the Lover...Xherivhan creations. Controllers of the Xherivhan destiny. ::She looks up towards Sulek with Kraight's blood splattered across her face::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::with Aelsery's attention still hopefully on him, he taps his badge:: *Quirinus*: Computer, report.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: And the final loop of the Dakora's program was?
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Computer> *MO*: Analysis complete.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shows Sulek the tactical plot, highlighting the expected arrival time of the Lilithine cruisers ::
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
<Mariva Hixxan> CO: The extinction of all life within the Xherivhan.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hixxan: Now your program is complete.  You may rest.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
*Computer*: Begin playback... remote uplink to Crossroads station. Standard remote access protocol.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sec: Return her to brig.  ::he looks at her:: I do not think she will be with us much longer.

ACTION - The communication from Salina Viera plays through the stations comm network, playing even in the Fire-Side Grill. The former Captain's voice is a mix of various different languages, but in the playback a translation can be heard...

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::reaches over, and enters a command, bringing up a visual of the transmission's source on the center console::

ACTION - "She told me to take the tablets to the Holy Space and open the gateway of blood. It called to me and I could feel it. I knew what I had to do, that I would have to kill her, and she knew that...but still she ordered me to. We argued, but I knew I would have to kill her. Zwexyn didn't want to, but he knew what must be done."

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::while the playback begins, he crosses to the General: ::quietly:: Aelsery: Have them stand by.  We can still win this but I must know...
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
::She nods::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Who gave you and Qui such power?

ACTION - "It would cleanse the Xherivhan and their plans would be complete..."

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::waits for the playback to stop, then.. nods:: Aelsery: Your people expressed a certain... displeasure at the idea of Starfleet being involved. But they have always been.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO: My power merely matches Qui'dinjori...hir power is unnatural. When you left Crossroads behind s/he began to become more aggressive and powerful...the source, I am afraid I do not know.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Aelsery: The executioner was Eula Vierra. The daughter of captain Salina Vierra... a Starfleet commanding officer.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shows Sulek the updated tactical plot ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Aelsery: They were both manipulated by this program. This... divine intervention. *Before* they came to this system.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Not the daughter any longer...only her body was used to contain the program called the Executioner.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the plot:: Kraight: They should go to station keeping soon.

ACTION - A Vo woman speaks up, her voice shrill and high pitched, "How do you expect us to believe any of this?!"

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::turns to address the woman:: Woman: Because to do otherwise will be to do exactly what they want you to do. Commit suicide, and allow the secrets of what their true intentions are to die with you.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: watches the tactical plot carefully ::

ACTION - Two of the Lilithine move in close behind the Starfleet group, one of which hovers over Powers' shoulder.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
All: I don't expect you to believe anything I say. But neither do they. ::taps his badge again:: *Computer*: Computer, begin playback o the original message.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turning to the Assembly:: All: Because you were on the brink of annihilating yourselves...has not this action stopped it?  Was there suddenly not plague constructed to destroy entire populaces.  ::he turns:: Qui: Where did such knowledge come from Aeon?
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
All: Perhaps someone will recognize the original transmission?

ACTION - The original, unmodified message from Viera plays and it just seems to be some sort of unrecognizable jumble of words. Aeon Qui'dinjori moves forward and motions for the communique to be silenced.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks at Jervase:: Jervase: I hope I have not played the trump too early.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Would you have evidence silenced, General?
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
CO: I believe we have all heard enough, Captain...your point has been made. ::Her grip on her weapon tightens and she glances over at Bill once more::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Then, you understand...we were not acting in aggression but to save?
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::nods, and turns briefly, deciding to play a different card:: CO: I guess we were wrong about the folks in this sector, captain. Not quite as open to ideas as we thought... the evidence we have here is clearly not enough to convince them.
Au`ra_Aelsery says:
::She gives a slow, silent nod::

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CO: ... Even though even more of that evidence is written in the blood of some of those present.
Host CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow at Aelsery as she keeps looking at Bill.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Jervase: Enough. ::looking at Qui:: but there is one here who still wants blood...that blood born from power.

ACTION - "The Federation has granted us freedom, and I'll be damned if I am going to replace one dictator with another." Au'ra moves in one smooth motion, unsheathing her blade and swinging it around towards Qui. The air crackles with energy and in a blur of motion something like a tentacle shoots out, knocking aside Aelsery's attack. Her blade spins in the air and flies back, embedding itself into the table. Qui'dinjori moves in to attack Au'ra without an hesitation.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Stands from his chair rather rapidly, backing from the table, uncertain if he should act ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Powers:: Now, commander.  Protect the General.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to place himself between the combatants and the Captain ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pulls back away from the table.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: draws his own phaser ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Aloud: HALT!
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::gets up from his seat, quickly moving out of the way but close enough that he might be useful should blood actually be spilled::

ACTION - Three Lilithine women draw their blades. Even before they do the Vo hunter woman is on the table with a weapon in hand shooting at them. Weapon shots narrowly miss Azhure and Tannis and one of the Lilithine falls down with a hole in her chest...

ACTION - ...all hell breaks lose...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::draws his phaser::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Captain... perhaps an emergency beam to the brig...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::grabbing Aelsery and lifting her to clear her:: Azhure: A good idea. Pangborn: Direct beam out.  Combatants to the brig.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::medkit in one hand, tricorder in another, he heads for the first casualty, already scanning as he drops down beside her::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::hails the ship to initiate the beam out::

ACTION - A glowing tentacle shoots out towards Aelsery and she does a back-flip onto the table, ripping her sword out of it in one clean motion. She meets the energy wave with a block from her sword. She pulls away from Sulek, "No!"

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Aelsery: Now would be a good time for your friends...but we cannot win a battle here.

ACTION - The Quirinus goes to initiate a beam-out, but at the same time the Lilithine vessels drop out of faster-then-light speed and begin opening fire on the Quirinus and Crossroads Station. The station rocks violently as a battle rages in the Fire-Side Grill...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaches for a sword as the station rocks::

ACTION - The Noori and Vo move in and the Lilithine woman move in to engage them. The battle begins and blood has already been spilled...it seems the Xherivhan races we not as unified as they would like to believe...

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