Space, the final frontier...These are the adventures of the USS Sharikahr in her continuing mission to bring peace where conflicts may arise, to explore new worlds untouched by the eyes of men, and to brave the darkness of the last vast, unknown.
Last mission the crew of the Sharikahr has finally discovered what the Partholian want from them and has been given custody of a column made of an alloy that no normal sensors seem to be able to penetrate.
What are the secrets hidden by the mysterious artifact? Will it shed some light upon the Partholians or will it lead somewhere totally unexpected?
In the meanwhile Dr Tiernan discovered that the Partholians have some remarkable genetic features, can this be someway related to the reason Prof. O' Sullivan brought his expedition in this area of space? Are the Partholians related to his disappearance?
The night is falling on Partholon's main temple, and the ritual to keep the Sammamim spirits at bay is about to begin. Will the delegation headed by the XO and Savar discover something new or are the rituals just the remains of an archaic superstition?
Star Trek, A Call To Duty,
is proud to present the
USS Sharikahr
in
“The Black Ship, Act 2, “The Gate”, Scene 1”.
Stardate 10710.04

Anne B. as Commander Millicent Ivy Rodos
Kate “Jackie” M. as Commander Tiernan
Karriaunna S. as Lieutenant Commander Sin’ajéídishjool So’tsoh
John F. as Lieutenant JG Kurt Wall
And Christopher D. as Envoy Savar

Produced and Directed by:
Enrico T

=/\= /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = Begin Mission = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ =/\= /\ = /\ =/\= /\ =
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: On duty on the bridge of the ship, sitting quietly at her station, looking over the glyphs.::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: In his quarters, writing a letter to his twin on the Halas.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::sitting in the shuttlecraft, adjusting the collar of her dress whites::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Sitting in his strange diplomatic dress uniform ::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::sitting at the shuttles CONN, fidgeting in dress uniform::
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: She very much wanted to go down to the planet, had looked forward to it, but with the captain recalled to the Daystrom institute, someone had to remain behind.  And given the 'honor' of the situation, it was really more appropriate for the XO to be there.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@CTO: Lt., are you all right?
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Yes ma`am just not keen on these monkey suits

@ACTION: THE SHUTTLE LANDS SOFTLY NEARBY THE STONES CIRCLE. A LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE IS HEADING THERE.

Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@CTO: No one is Lieutenant, but squirming might give the wrong impression. ::smiles::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Yes skipper ::blushes::
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: Quietly deals with the normal evening duty.::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Least we don’t have to wear swords with these things
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::stand and exits the shuttle as the doors open::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Wishes he could make contact, but for some reason, Halas was not responding to calls.::

@ACTION: A SMALL GROUP OF PARTHOLIANS MOVES TOWARD THE SHUTTLE.

CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::stands and pulls down on his jacket, straightening it::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::calls back:: CTO: I could always suggest the change ::smiles sweetly::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Stands quietly and exits the shuttle along with the rest of the away team, looking around for any changes ::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Nah that’s ok boss
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Not in a very pleasant mood, keeps to herself while the others talk::
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>AT: Oh my, why aren't you wearing the ritual dresses? Weren't they delivered on your ship?
SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle>*CSO*: We have some good news for you.  We may have fixed the scanner.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*EO*: May have?
SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle> *CSO*: Well... it still needs to be tested.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*EO*: Understood.  Archimedes will be down shortly to begin testing.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::looks confused:: Shirel: No
SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle> *CSO*: Acknowledged, we will be waiting.
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>: Then I am afraid, you can only participate with no clothes on.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Archimedes, engineering believes they have fixed our scanner.  If you are not busy...
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::looks slightly horrified::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: tries not to raise his eyebrow too high ::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Looks up from his letter and smiles with a shake of his head.  Some people tended to forget the time of day.::  *CSO*: No problem at all.  I will head down there now.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::takes post behind the XO and Ambassador::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Jaw drops:: Self: this could be interesting after all
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Thanks.
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel> ::looks serious:: ALL: Please proceed.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::looks horrified::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Finishing his letter, he hits sends, then standing, moves to get dressed.::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Unfastens her collar:: XO: May I proceed?
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>::laughs out loud:: ALL: I am just joking, you should have seen the look on your faces. You look perfectly fine as you are, and if you caught a cold it would not considered too hospitable on our side.
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: Your sense of humor is... most unique.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::smiles with no small relief:: Shirel: Excellent joke
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::has an I am not impressed look on his face::
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
::As engineering sends their report, she reads through it.::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@CTO: Well that takes the fun out of it, darn.
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Dressed in his uniform, he heads out the door to the nearest lift.::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::looks at the CMO and blushes deeply::
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>::smiles at Savar then handles him a bundle of torches:: ALL: Now I am not joking, the torches will be used during the ceremony.
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Steps inside:: CPU: Engineering.
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: I assume the appropriate time will be made clear?
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::takes hers::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@Self: I need a cold shower
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::takes torch::
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>Savar : What do you mean? The time is now.
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Does up her collar and takes the torch::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@CTO: I'm your doctor, I’ll see you sooner or later ::winks::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: as the lift stops, he steps out and looks around.::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::blushes yet again::

ACTION: THE COLUMN HAS BEEN PLACED NEARBY THE SCANNER IN A 0 GRAVITY SLED.

AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Silently considers that some people just communicate differently ::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::waits for instructions::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::stands patiently::
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>AT: My honored guests please follow me to the temple.
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Sighs as he realizes he forgot to stop by the lab for something to test.  Spying Draddle near the scanner, he heads toward him.::  EO: I don't suppose you have anything about for me to test?
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::follows Shirel::
SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle> SO: Already ahead of you.  Got something right here.  :: Pulls out an old spanner.::  Try this.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: Not an engineer, but from what she can see, it looks good.  Now if it will just work...::

@ACTION: THE DELEGATION IS ESCORTED THROUGH THE TEMPLE MAIN PILLARS, AND THROUGH A SMALL POND AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE INSIDE CIRCLE OF STONES.

CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Follows the group, sporting a slight grin::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Nodding his thanks, takes the spanner over to the scanner and places it in position.::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::looks around with interest and curiosity::

@ACTION: THE DELEGATION IS ESCORTED TO STAY IN WHAT LOOKS LIKE A WOODEN DECK INSIDE THE STONE CIRCLE. AROUND A THOUSAND PARTHOLIANS OF ANY CLASS AND TRIBE ARE GATHERED IN THE PLACE.

SO_Archimedes says:
:: Stepping away, he activates the scanner.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::looks around, taking everything in::

ACTION: WITH A LITTLE SHUDDER THE SCANNER SEEM TO BE WORKING. IT ACTIVATES INSTANCTLY.

SO_Archimedes says:
:: Relaxes as it seems to work.::  EO: This spanner reads at around 140 years.
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Notices that the tribes are still separated, and still standing by caste ::
SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle> SO: 142 years.  It belonged to my grandfather.

@ACTION: WHEN THE SUN SETS ON THE TEMPLE AND THE LAST RAY OF LIGHT HITS THE ALTAR AT THE CENTER, EVERY PARTHOLIAN LIGHTS A TORCH, A SMELL OF SULFUR LIME PERVADES THE PLACE.

CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::watches the spectacle and thinks of Stonehenge::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Follows the lead, and lights his torch ::
SO_Archimedes says:
EO: Sooo... a slight calibration.  :: Makes the minor adjustments and activates the scanner again.::  Hmmm... are you sure?
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::lights her torch as well::

@ACTION: A LOUD GONG RINGS THREE TIMES, FROM THE BACK OF THE ALTAR, A PROCESSION LEAD BY THE ARD-MRI STARTS MOVING TOWARD THE ALTAR. PARTHOLIANS IN THE BACK START PLAYING INSTRUMENTS SIMILAR TO HORNPIPES.

SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle> SO: Yes... well... Hmmm... now that you mention it... I could be off a few years.  ::taps his gray head::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::follows the XO`s example::
SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: Ma'am, the scanner appears to work.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Go ahead and begin your tests then.

@ACTION: THE ARD-MRI ARRIVES AT THE ALTAR, THE GROUP OF PRIESTESSES SHE CAME WITH CREATES A CIRCLE AROUND HER. EVERYONE REMAINS SILENT.

SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: I will run the test first through the force field.  :: Nods to Draddle to step aside.::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Watches on, trying to remember what she can for her report::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::stands patiently::
Host Enrico says:
@<Ard-Mri>:: raises her arms and turns toward the people assembled:: ALL: Oh Guardians, I am bowing my head in the eye of the Mother who gave me birth, in the eye of the Maiden who loves me, in the eye of the Crone who guides me in wisdom, in friendship and affection.
SO_Archimedes says:
:: activates the scanner.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::watches in reverent silence::
Host Enrico says:
@<Audience> Outloud: Through thy gift of nature, O Goddess, bestow upon us fullness in our need. Love towards the Lady, the affection of the Lady, the laughter of the Lady, the wisdom of the Lady, the passion of the Lady, the blessing of the Lady, and the magic of the Lady.
Host Enrico says:
@<Audience> Outloud: To do in the world of Partholon, as the Ageless Ones do in Gwynfyd; each shade and light, each day and night, grant us Thy Power to be your Guardians

@ACTION: YOU ALL FEEL THE SENSATION AS IF SOMETHING INVISIBLE AND UNSEEN IS TRYING TO ENTER INTO THE STONE CIRCLE.

CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::notes the parallels to earth beliefs in the triple goddess::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Glances around :: Self: Fascinating.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::looks around in a futile effort to see anything::
Host Enrico says:
@<Audience>:: start chanting:: The Moons are bright, the Crone is old, the body lifeless - the bones so cold, As She accepts the Dance of Death, Partholon is cooled by ghostly breath, To lie in dormancy once more, To have Her strength and life restored.

@ACTION: THE SENSATION OF PRESSURE INCREASES. THE ARD MRI DRAWS A LONG STONE DAGGER FROM HER BELT, AND WALKS TOWARD THE POINT OF THE CIRCLE MATCHING THE EAST.

CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@Self: Well I’ll be
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::something clicks in her head as she notes the similarities of the name of this holiday to one on Earth called Samhain::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Frowns as he gets the age of 15 billion years old.::
Host Enrico says:
@<Ard-Mri>ALL: All ye spirits who walk this night Hearken! Hearken to my call! I bid you in our Circle join!
SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: Ma'am, I am not certain the scanner is actually working.  I am getting a date of 15 billion years, which is not possible given the known age of the galaxy.

@ACTION: THE INVISIBLE PRESSURE INCREASES FURTHER. IT'S LIKE IF SOMEONE WAS INCREASING THE GRAVITY ON A SHIP.

CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::Whispers:: XO: It would appear she is casting a circle

@ACTION: THE ARD MRI, CUTS HERSELF ON THE ARM AND CUTS THE ARM OF THE PRIESTESS IN FRONT OF HER. DROPS OF BLOOD FALL ON THE GROUND. THE ARD MRI WALKS TOWARD THE PART OF THE CIRCLE MATCHING THE SOUTH.

Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@CTO: Yes, I recognize the intent ::bows slightly under the pressure surrounding her::
Host Enrico says:
@<Ard-Mri> ALL: Enter! Enter - one and all! Come ye, spirits of the planet: Be ye spirit of plant or pet or living being who still roams!  Into this Circle you are let! Speak to us of things unknown! Lend your energies to this rite! To speed your journey, we have joined before the sacred Sammamim night!
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: considers:: *SO*: Given what we know of our galaxy, while highly improbable it is not impossible.  It could have been from the universe before.  However, there could be universes even older.  Or it is possible to age something, though why one would want to make it that old, I cannot guess.

@ACTION: THE PRESSURE CAUSED BY AN EXTERNAL FORCE SEEMS TO DIMINISH, NOW IT IS JUST LIKE A STRONG BREEZE ON YOUR BACKS.

SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: Oh... well, in that case, I am going to get a few things from the lab and test out.

@ACTION: THE ARD MRI, CUTS HERSELF ON THE ARM AND CUTS THE ARM OF THE PRIESTESS IN FRONT OF HER. DROPS OF BLOOD FALL ON THE GROUND. THE ARD MRI WALKS TOWARD THE PART OF THE CIRCLE MATCHING THE WEST.

SO_Archimedes says:
:: With that said, he informs the engineer he will be right back and with that, steps onto the lift.::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::watches in wonderment::
Host Enrico says:
@<Ard-Mri>: ALL: May the stability, and fertility of the Earth be always a part of our being. May the Life-giving purity of the Air be always a part of our being. May the empowering energy of the Fires of the Universe ever be a part of our being. May the cleansing and refreshing power of Water ever be a part of our being.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: Turns back to her station and pulls up the Federation data base, searching for any artifact of great age.::

@ACTION: THE ARD MRI, CUTS HERSELF ON THE ARM AND CUTS THE ARM OF THE PRIESTESS IN FRONT OF HER. DROPS OF BLOOD FALL ON THE GROUND. THE ARD MRI WALKS TOWARD THE PART OF THE CIRCLE MATCHING THE NORTH.

Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::enjoys the beauty of the ritual::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: In the secondary lab, he opens a cabinet with various samples of rocks with known dates.  Taking a sampling of them, he heads back to engineering.::

@ACTION: One by one, each member of the audience, by order of cast walks INTO THE SMALL POND AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE ALTAR, THEY LEAVE THEIR TORCHES INSIDE AND THEN THEY WALK OUT OF THE STONES CIRCLE. THE TORCHES REMAIN ABLAZE IN THE WATER.

CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@Self: Amazing,
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: Finds many artifacts of great age, but none that precedes the believed age of the known universe.::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@:: Wishes he had a scanner, but knows that it would be highly inappropriate ::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@Self: Beautiful...
Host Enrico says:
@<Ard_Mri>:  ALL: You valiant Guardians bring peace in this Circle, and throughout the whole Galaxy, and never stop watching the Gate. May the Threefold Sister Deity be witness to your commitment!
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Back in engineering, he uses the scanner to begin dating the various rocks.::

@ACTION: THE PRESSURE OUTSIDE FADES AWAY.

Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@Self: Wow!
SO_Archimedes says:
Hmmm... :: Shrugs as Draddle looks at him.::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: I thinks that’s and understatement boss
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>: The ritual is over. Now it is time to celebrate. But I would not be sure you are up to it.  ::smiles::
SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: The scanner seems to have no problem dating the various rocks I tested it on, but my oldest sample, a meteorite, is only 4 billion years old.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@Shirel: How do you celebrate?
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@Self: Let’s hope food is involved....
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>XO: With libation and games, and food, and anything else that makes life worth living.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::stands easy::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@::Her grin gets 10 times bigger::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Looks at the engineer::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@All: It up to each one of you. I am going to stay for bit and feast with our new friends
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Could the force field be distorting it?
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: I would welcome the chance to observe your culture.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Suppose someone grown up should stay and keep an eye on you two.
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>AMB: You are welcome to stay. Do you have any question relative to the ritual you have just witnessed?
SO_Archimedes says:
<EO Draddle> SO: Sorry, if it if might, not by that much.
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@CTO: I 'm going to stay, but does that mean i have to stay clothed? humm? Sorry, one track mind...
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::blushes and takes a step back::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: Many.  I am uncertain where to start.  Perhaps the significance of the directions the Ard-Mri faced?
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@CTO: What was that about grown up Lt.
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Nods and looks at what the scanner might have uncovered so far.:: Hmmm... *CSO*: Ma'am, the thing is solid.  There is nothing within it but the alloy itself, through and through.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Eh nothing boss
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel> AMB: We believe each one of carries the universe inside, moving in a circle like that the Ard-Mri simply let her herself communicate with the universe. She opened up to it I could say.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@CTO: You know I think in this kind of situation, you can call me Millie.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Perhaps it was some form of a support which required it to be solid...
SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: Any luck on the translations?
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Yes ma`am I mean Millie.
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Not yet...
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: Correct me if I am wrong, but I assume the ritualistic cutting would symbolize giving of herself to the planet. Who is the second priestess that was with her and participated?
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::smiles::
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Run a complete scan, from top to bottom, just in case there is anything missing or any flaw.
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>: AMB: She is the one who is supposed to succeed to the Ard-Mri when her time will come.
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
CTO: To much talking...grab the XO, let’s go party...
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: Ah.  Is she of the same bloodline, or selected from a different tribe?
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::blushes once again at the Doc::
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel> AMB: And that will happen next year, and yes, you are correct. She is from a different tribe.
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: There is a designated period where a priestess is Ard-Mri, then?
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@XO: Well Millie time to eat drink and be merry ::offers his arm ::
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>: Amb: Yes 4 years, after that time every Ard-Mri is offered to the Gods. This was the pact among the tribes.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::takes it:: CTO: Lets go get some roast beast ::smiles::
SO_Archimedes says:
:: Begins the slow process of a complete scan.::
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@CTO: What now? I didn't even mention clothing and you blush...
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: There were a few words the translator did not parse, which I assume are names - Gwynfyd, Sammamim?
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: Tries another log rhythm to break the code.::
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@::is brought up short, knowing just exactly what "offered to the gods" means::
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::offers his other arm to the Doc:: CMO: Come on Doc lets go show these guys how to party
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>: AMB: Gwynfyd is the place where the Gods came from through the Gate, Sammamim is the  sacred night, it will happen two weeks from now.
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: The... Gate?  Is this a physical location?  And what occurs on Sammamim?
CMO_Cmdr_Tiernan says:
@CTO: Good idea. Let’s show them how we like to have a good time.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@::this time he doesn’t blush but smiles::
SO_Archimedes says:
*CSO*: Sorry, ma'am.  There is nothing more here.
Host XO_Cmdr_Rodos says:
@CTO: Did I ever tell you of the time I became a goddess? ::starts to walk::
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
*SO*: Thanks, Archimedes.  Enjoy the rest of your evening.
CTO_LtJg_Wall says:
@CMO: Nope how about you tell me over a few drinks
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel> AMB: I wish I knew, what the gate is, this is what the legends say. Sammamim is when the spirits of this planet walk the earth.
SO_Archimedes says:
:: With a nod, gathers his samples to take back to the lab before returning to his quarters.::
CSO_LtCmd_So`tsoh says:
:: Ponders.::
AMB_Envoy_Savar says:
@Shirel: Do you see the spirits?
Host Enrico says:
@<Shirel>AMB: Who sees them goes mad. I hope I never will.
=/\= /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = End Mission = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ =/\= /\ = /\ =/\= /\ =
Copyright (c) 2007 Star Trek: A Call To Duty. All Rights Reserved.