U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10707.16

Summary - Over two years has passed since the crew of the U.S.S. Quirinus first came to the Xherivhan. Their first foray into the unknown cluster of stars lead them into their first encounter with Qui'dinjori, then Ambassador to the United Federation of Planets.

Qui'dinjori had been hidden underground, protected by Starfleet Security and watched over by Colonel Sydney Majors. Bombs, assassination attempts and petty bickering filled those first few days in the Xherivhan. It was only the start of what was to come...

They were sent into the depths of hell and lost one of their vessels to sabotage. The U.S.S. Naftali was badly damaged, her computer corrupted. She was rebuilt, but the moral damage was already done. An encounter on the planet of Zeta Coyvan VII with a little girl left Adrienne Kostandinos-Michaels with a hole in her stomach and a demi-god was released.

A peace conference was attempted, and the factions fought amongst themselves. A virus was unleashed upon the peace discussions placing Captain Jennifer Malachi into a coma which would ultimately kill her. Qui'dinjori's prediction that she would never leave the Xherivhan alive came to pass...

Then the Quirinus family was divided...three ships, three different objectives. The Quirinus found themselves encountering a new foe, the Chelapha. Sulek struggled to bring peace to ancient enemies...and Joanna Matisse and the Naftali crew uncovered a temporal weapon...a Lilithine experiment...

Ultimately war came to the Xherivhan and the Federation pulled their forces - an order given by the Federation Council. They left Crossroads behind and the Xherivhan was left to burn. Qui'dinjori gained more power, gods ran amok and old rivalries threatened to tear the region apart...

...but eventually while on the trail of a group of terrorists the Quirinus was once again lead back to Crossroads. They were brought before a more powerful Qui... and sent to face the Executioner. The creature that was unleashed by Captain Viera of the U.S.S. Karelian. It was then that the Xhervinox would begin... the end of the world...

...and in essence, the end of our story...

For the crew, as valiant as they were, chose to close the Holy Space and seal away the Dakora. The Executioner and her companions were cut off. Gods without power. But those actions lead to more violence, more hatred, more battles...and now we find ourselves once back in the fiery hells of Crossroads...

Azhure grabs hold of a sword and prepares to take a swing. Qui'dinjori's tendrils lash out at Au'ra Aelsery and the station rocks as the General's fleet opens fire. The Quirinus, powerful as she is pulls back from the battle, shields raised. The weathered station rocks...

...the battle continues...

=/\==/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10707.16 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= "The End" =/\==/\=

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Is strangely frozen in mid-action, not certain which way to shoot, who to protect and who to attack - his eyes swing over Qui'dinjori, Aelsery, Trogdo... enemies, allies - which one is each of them? ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::in the Grill:: All: We need to move to a more defensible position.  Kraight: Scans.  Find us more protected ground.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::phaser aimed at Qui::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Just as disorganized as her superior ::  Powers: Orders?

ACTION - Trogdo flicks his wrist and something like a whip slips off his wrist. The wire is thin and golden and flickers in the light. He swings it at the nearest Vo and cuts off his hand in a smooth swipe. The Tzani lets out a war cry..."For the Blissssss!"

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Takes two steps cautiously backwards ::  Nani: The Captain!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Ducking from a weapons fire, she locates Qui and stares at her.  Then her eyes turn to the Aelsery and looks at her a moment.::

ACTION - The station rocks violently as a battle begins to rage outside. A support beam in the Grill collapses and something outside in the promenade explodes. The smell of burning metal fills the air...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Finally she turns to the captain, her eyes suddenly sad.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scans the nearby areas of the station, looking for a defensible position ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::changes his medkit for some type of weapon that's managed to be dropped in the melee, not... really sure if he should even be getting involved, and moves next to Azhure::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She carefully makes he way to Sulek and lays her hand on his arm, pulling his attention to him.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: no time to type... grabs Sulek's arm, points out the door, and runs, gesturing his crewmates to follow ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moving towards the door::All: Defensive formation. ::he swings his phaser up to defend others, shooting at a VO who is trying to move in on general::

ACTION - Tannis pulls out a weapon and in one smooth motion takes out a Tzani who dives in his direction. The religious zealot is killed instantly. Behind him a Lilithine warrior duels against a Noori opponent...

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Her right hand on her phaser, she stands near the Captain ::  CO: I think it's best we get out of here, sir.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Follow Kraight.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::backs out of the room, following Kraight::

ACTION - A status report comes in over the comm to Commander Pangborn from the Chief Conn Officer, "Sir, this is Thursson. The Lilithine have launched an attack on the station, its chaos out here sir!"

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stops the captain:: CO: Listen... listen carefully, for you must make a decision.  If you sincerely desire peace here, you cannot chose neutrality in this.  You must choose between Qui and the General.  Au'ra is a killer... plain and simple.  Qui wants control... she would be a dictator, but she seeks order.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks down the corridor... waits till Pangborn is looking at him, then points and runs to a set of doors about twelve meters away ::

ACTION - The floor rocks once more and a chunk of metal slams into the ground right in front of Kraight. The old station is being torn apart in the battle.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We need to get back to the ship - let them kill each other. It's all they ever wanted ::nods at Kraight and follows:: All: This way.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: jumps back ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Sulek intently::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Still trying to keep an eye on the battle, his back to the rest of his crew and officers ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: dodges around the debris, and stops in front of the door... aims his phaser, and cuts through the locking mechanism in a few moments ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Fires at Qui instinctively as he moves::

ACTION - Qui'dinjori and Aelsery continue their battle in the Grill, but slowly Qui begins to push his opponent back. Energy crackles in the air as her sword glances off of the Noori's tendrils...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as he follows Kraight in the formation:: Azhure: Qui is not the Qui we once knew. S/he is corrupted by hir power.  It was her science that started a genocidal plague.  S/he wants more than order.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Unfortunately, the general is just as corrupted.  Each have their own agenda.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::circles around the outer edge of the group, trying to get a good look at Aelsery and Qui from his position::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Then perhaps they will destroy each other.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: kicks the door open and moves into the shop a couple of steps, pointing his phaser in several directions as he checks  for possible attackers ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: If you do not choose, this whole region will be lost.  :: quietly::  I cannot tell you any more.  For reasons unknown, this decision is yours.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: satisfied, he looks back to his crewmates and nods the all clear ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Thursson*: We're on our way - do the best you can until we arrive, all hell has broken lose here as well
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moving into the shop:: Powers: secure the area.

ACTION - A blast of some sort of ethereal energy strikes one of Nani's security officers. A hole is burned in the man's chest and he drops down not far from Jervase, gasping for air...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves with the others::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: It always has been.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::instinctively, moves to the fallen officer's side, immediately dropping the weapon he'd retrieved and whipping out the tricorder::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping away from the group, she looks back at the battle raging.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: From what?  If we fall back to a defensive position, we'll be fine... but is that the correct decision?
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Aelsery> Qui: This is the end Qui'dinjori...
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
Aelsery: ...for both of us I fear...
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::rifles through his kit, coming up with a hypospray... he dials up a clotting agent, and injects the man before trying to close the wound::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: This battle will come to us.  I need time to consider the options.  Our actions here will determine the future of the entire sector.

ACTION - One of the Lilithine woman picks up a Tzani and snaps his neck with one flick of the wrist. He died instantly and she throws him aside. The man's body slams into the side of the shop the Quirinus crew are taking refuge in. The station rocks once more and the lights in the shop flicker and die.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Keeping watch at the door, starting to feel frustrated ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: holds the door open while watching carefully for any sign that the crew is being pursued ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She looks at the two leaders fighting, in her mind she sees the darkness eating them from inside out.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::getting the man at least stable, he picks up the officer's phaser, sets it to a 10 second overload, and hurls it at the two leaders in combat::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Tannis> CO: Qui may be corrupt, but he seeks order...we can use that...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves from the group, he looks out as the two leaders fight, and then at Azhure::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turning:: Tannis: Explain.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She shifts from the pair to look at the captain::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> MO: Doc!  Get in here, now!

ACTION - The phaser flies through the air. Smoke fills the Promenade and the glowing, squid-like form of Qui'dinjori can be made out in the haze. One of hir tendrils grabs the phaser mid-air and hurls it towards the Grill. The explosion tears the Grill apart, kills the Ko'ra and rocks the deck plating violently.

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Tannis> CO: Qui'dinjori is a dictator, but wishes to control. If we allow the General to win she'll destroy everything...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Ducks from the flying debris.  Saddly, quietly.::  This is not the way, Qui.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::just glares a moment:: SEC: Give me a hand! ::uses the distraction to try and move the fallen officer to shelter::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Grumbles under her breath and ducks out into the fray, grabbing an arm of the body ::  MO: Let's move.

ACTION - Energy blasts fill the air above Jervase' head. The sound of massive metal swords engaging other primitive weapons echoes throughout the battle field.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani for last>
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tannis: there is no proof that Qui wants any less than the General.  ::he decides, it is as the vision must be, he must stop this madness::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We've to do something. This is insanity.

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Tannis> CO: Then make your choice, Captain...::He grips his phaser and looks out towards the battle::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Target the General.  Stun only.  Pangborn: Cover Qui.  I must face hir.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Aye
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: grins, lift his phaser, and takes aim ::  CO: On your word.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves into a position to cover Qui::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Someone swings a sword toward her head and she blocks it, quietly thanking Ranuck and her tussels with Bill those years ago.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::sets the patient down in the shop, then turns to Sulek:: CO: Captain, if I don't get him to sickbay, and I mean *now*, he won't be leaving here with us.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::without pause, he steps from the shelter of the room:: Powers: Now.  ::he crosses to face Qui.  Loudly: Qui: Aeon! stop
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: On the word, fires a strong burst, two seconds, heavy stun ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::lays down covering fire::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Sword in hand, she turns toward the others.::

ACTION - Powers' shot lands true and the phaser blast catches Au'ra in the back. She stumbles down and for an instant Bill can see the faint glow of her golden, translucent wings. Qui'dinjori freezes in place - almost ready to strike...

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CO: This is no longer your fight, Sulek...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Keeps a bead on the Aeon , stepping to the left to keep Sulek out of the sight ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::drops down beside him, and continues to try and keep the officer stable as best he can, tapping his badge:: *Quirinus*: Jervase to Quirinus. Throw me a rope or something, if it wouldn't be too much trouble? I've got a man here who probably doesn't want a Noori to be the last thing he saw.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Under her breath, her eyes on Qui::  Aeon: You are wrong, Qui.  And that was part of the missing puzzle.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: If you are not lost in this new found power, then you must give it up. Otherwise there is no alternative, you must be destroyed, for the sake of the Xherivan peoples.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: I am prepared to die for a people I do not know.  Are you willing to die for a people you once cared about?

ACTION - Several blasts from the Lilithine fleet rock the station, violently. The crew is tosses about, but Sulek remains stead-fast. Outside the windows of the Promenade the crew can see explosions - Command & Control has been destroyed.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::continues to monitor the patient, waiting for some indication he's leaving, and injecting him with a stabilizing agent when the readings would indicate it's required::

ACTION - Tendrils flutter in the haze behind Qui'dinjori as the Noori seems to glow with an inner light. S/he looks at Sulek carefully..."I must protect what is mine..."

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: Who gave you such power? Such desire, that you allowed... no encouraged... the making of a genocidal virus?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As in the vision, all around her is being destroyed, but there is now a new element in the equation, compassion.::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CO: You did...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: What is yours?

ACTION - Two lines of light shoot out from the Noori towards Sulek, as the tendrils go for Sulek's throat...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: Then I shall take it back.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he does not move to avoid the attack:: Qui: I choose the Xherivans.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Holds steady, though her desire is to block the light::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: fires at Qui -- full power ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::sighs, watching the patient's readings slowly fade... nothing to be done here now::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::fires at Qui on heavy stun::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Quirinus* Patch me through to the Noori Syndicate ship.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Not certain he has a clear shot with Sulek's shift, but sees the two blasts anyway ::

ACTION - The tendrils both grab Sulek by the throat and lift him up off the ground, cutting off his supply of air. The battle seems to slow around them as Pangborn and Kraight both fire. Kraight's shot goes wide but Pangborn's hits its mark. Qui'dinjori shudders, but does not release hir grip...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Syndicate: I am Sulek.  Aeon Qui'dinjori no longer serves your interest, only hir own...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:;sets his phaser to kill, and fires again at Qui::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: With the Captain up and out of the way ::  Qui: Put him down!  :: Fires at the ethereal being ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::sighs as the phaser shots ring out, and at the same time, a long, flat tone is emitted from the tricorder.. slowly, he shuts the instrument, and shakes his head::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he struggles for air::Self: if this is what must be...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: kneels, steadies his elbows against his knee, and fires again ::

ACTION - Three more Noori move in around the away team, taking the shots meant for Qui'dinjori. The light seems to fade from Sulek's eyes as his air supply is completely cut off...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::fires again::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps closer::  Aeon:  Qui... see what I saw... know what I know.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he closes his eyes and meditates on controlling his air and heart rate.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Comes even closer::  Qui: This is not what you want... open your self to me.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::putting the tricorder back in his kit, he stands, and looks out over the organized chaos, trying to decide if all of this was ever really worth it::

ACTION - The Lilithine fleet continues its assault outside of the station. The deck plating rocks. The Quirinus sends word that they are sending a shuttle to pick up survivors...

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: gives up on the phaser... takes three steps to Sulek's side, grabs the tendrils, and begins to pry them away from Sulek's throat ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Close enough to touch, her voice intent::  Qui: If you do this, you will be consumed by the very darkness you fear.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he hears Azhure and reaches out to link with her so that she may channel  through his physical connection to Qui::

ACTION - One of the Noori grabs hold of Kraight and he sees that it is none other then Starr'aela. Her strength far surpasses Kraight's and she pulls him away, throwing him two stores away. He slams into the ground with a heavy thud.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: rolls on his side, stunned ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: What a throw ::  Starr: Don't do that.  :: Fires a shot at the newcomer ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the connection and reaches out to Qui.::

ACTION - Qui'dinjori takes a beating from the phaser blasts, but at the same time s/he is touched by the strong link between Azhure and Sulek. Hir light flickers for a moment, like a change in hir aura. Another tendril lashes out and catches Azhure in the gut, knocking her back...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves quickly and deliberately, firing at Qui and Starr`aela alternately::

ACTION - Starr'aela is knocked down by Powers' blast. Before s/he can get up a Lilithine woman rushes in, her sword crackling with energy. She destroys the Noori Ambassador with one swipe of her blade...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Climbing back to her feet, her breath harsh, she holds onto the link and sends what has been and what might be.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sees the Noori's attack - that sword.  Gotta get me one of those.  He begins to scramble to glance around for a discarded one ::

ACTION - Not too far from his position Powers sees a Lilithine dead nearby. A Vo's blade is stuck in her throat...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves back to Sulek, the sword in her hand, and reaches for his hand, placing it within.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he feels Azhure's touch and solidifies the link::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Throws the rifle to Nani ::  Sec: COVER!  :: Runs for the Lilithine, dipping to grab the sword on the way by ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::comes out of the shop, and makes his way to where Kraight's been thrown, shaking his head:: CSO: You've really got to stop doing that, commander... one of these days, I won't be able to clean you up.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Aeon: Qui... do not give in... you must not... or you will loose all.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he grabs the sword and through the link:: ~~Qui~~Will you die for them?

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
~~~CO: There is no other way...~~~
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::runs a scan, just to make sure there's no damage, decides he's just a little stunned, and reaches to help him up::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits up... not seeing very clearly... and speaks in a bare whisper :: MO: Doctor?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Not hiding the tears, she steps slightly back.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he opens his eyes:: Qui: Then die...::he swings the blade forward with all the remaining strength he has::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Approaching the Captain, he sees the downward swing - and has to jump to stay out of it, swinging wide ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: puts one hand to his head :: MO: Ow.

ACTION - The Lilithine blade plunges into the ethereal form of Qui'dinjori. Tendrils lash out and one strikes Azhure in the side. She stumbles back with a scream of pain as if something white hot had been shoved into her gut. Energy crackles and Sulek collapses back as Qui collapses near the stunned form of Au'ra Aelsery...

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Aloud: Captain!  Azhure!
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::nods slightly:: CSO: You'll be fine. A little blurred vision but I can fix that... ::pulls out a hypospray, and injects a small dose of something to clear up his vision::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::hears the scream, and looks over in that direction:: Self: ... For the love of...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: squints for a moment or two ::

ACTION - Qui'dinjori's voice can be heard weakly..."You've changed the vision and made your decisions..."

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her back against the remnant of a wall, she slides down it, her hand moving toward the pain.  Dampness clashes with the pain.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as Qui falls, her grip loosens and he feels the air::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::grabs the sword from Sulek and plunges it into Qui::

ACTION - The battle continues to rage outside as the station is torn apart piece by piece...

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Grabs Azhure's side, and starts to apply pressure to the wound ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
:: leaves Kraight's side, and makes his way towards where Azhure's fallen ::

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her breath harsh::  CTO:  The choice was made... ::closes her eyes::

ACTION - Azhure's vision begins to blur and over by the Grill she sees smoke and what appears to be a vision of Mariva Hixxan and her daughter, the girl from her previous vision. The little girl gives a wave of farewell...and seems to fade into the hazy smoke...

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Don't close your eyes, stay with me...

ACTION - A comm comes in, Thurrson has sent three shuttles to extract the crew - they are preparing for beamout. The station rocks once more...

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::moves next to Azhure, and runs a scan to see exactly how bad the damage is:: Self: It's a science ship, she says... how much trouble can they get into?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up, her eyes full of love.::  CTO:  You do not... get rid of me... this easily.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Coughs painfully::  CTO: However... I am more then ready... to go home.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::just shakes his head:: CTO: There's internal damage here. I can fix it... but not here.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::opening his eyes:: Pangborn: ::quietly::Secure the General, with us...it is she who must build the peace...

ACTION - The Lilithine sword unleashes its energy into Qui'dinjori and the Noori's golden glow fades...white light is all that is left as the Noori Aeon is destroyed...hir essence nothing more then a background glow in the smoke...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
General: Come with me. All: Evacuate to the shuttles.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::dials up a clotting agent, and injects Azhure with it...:: Self: Should be enough to stop the bleeding... barring whatever side effects this damnable fighting's got with it.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::comms one of the shuttles, and orders he and Azhure beamed there, like... 5 minutes ago::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Grabs Azhure's hand and squeezes it ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Holds on tightly::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looking at the Lilithine General as she has regained some consciousness:: Aelsery: Remember what the power did to Qui.  You must be willing to die for your people...not destroy them.  You now have a choice...

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CO: ...a choice I hope you'll assist me in making...::She looks up weakly at him as the transporters take hold of her and the others::

ACTION - In a shimmer of blue light Powers, Azhure and Jervase are taken away onto one of the shuttles. The station shudders violently as the rest of the team is taken away in the next beam-out. A whole section of the Promenade caves in, the docking port is destroyed and yet the Lilithine continue their assault...

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::gets Azhure situated in the shuttle, and continues to monitor her readings, keeping her as stable as he can until they reach Quirinus... there will, likely, be surgery involved::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Securely in the shuttle, her hand tightly clasped in Bills, she closes her eyes.::

ACTION - The three shuttles pull away from the station and back towards the Quirinus which has moved out towards the subspace tears. Crossroads Station burns as it is torn to pieces. The last remnant of Federation influence destroyed at the hands of the Lilithine - the new ruling power of the Xherivhan.

ACTION - Captain Kehlyn Tannis looks out the window of his shuttle and knows that he will be hearing from the Minister soon. They have failed in the Xherivhan once again, and it is he, not Sulek, who will face her wrath now. Into the deeper shadows he will now go...

ACTION - ...and Commander Azhure lays peacefully in a shuttle, under the care of the new Chief Medical Officer, Michael Jervase. Her ability to bear children has been sacrificed. She has acted as a mother figure during her time in the Xherivhan...perhaps she will bear a child in the future, but for now one vision has been sacrificed in order to change another...

...and so our story comes to an end. We leave behind fire, pain and death. The essence of our story. Darkness is all around us, even with the best intentions we can not always bring light to the world. Hard choices must be made and there will always be difficult times. Perhaps now times will be a little smoother for the Quirinus and her crew...

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