Cast of Characters:

CO	Captain Kasey Anne Tierney          	played by	Linda Baus
XO 	Lieutenant Logan Cartwright 			played by	Jeremy Castro
OPS 	Lieutenant Junior Grade Gaeb		played by	Gabriel Marceau
CTO 	Ensign Salor				       	played by 	Jon Benson
CNS 	Commander Rickal Jarek			played by 	Rick Pickett 

Absent:
FCO 	Commander Sulik				played by	Heike Olesnevich
CEO 	Lieutenant Commander Mo'Bri, 
                 Daughter of Mok’tor      			played by 	Lynda Anderson
CMO	Lieutenant Neve Olympia Hayes		played by 	Isabelle Carreau 

NPC’s:
Voice								played by 	Beth Kelly-Wharton
Crewman							played by 	Jon Benson
Engineering						played by   	Rick Pickett

Summary:

“I am one yet many.  I speak softly yet loudly.  I am in the singular but contain the plural.  What am I?”  The Triton crew must answer this.  With each wrong answer a life is taken, but they were also told that a life would be given for a right answer.

Who's life will be given?  Will only one survive of the whole crew?  Who are these creatures and why are they testing the crew?

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of:

The USS Triton in “Building Blocks”….Chapter Twenty-One “Are You Smarter Than  Fifth Grader?”

= /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ = Resume = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ =

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Wonders if she can ask the Genie for 3 wishes.::  *ALL*:  All right crew, let's put our heads together and find an answer to this riddle.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: I have come up with a possible answer.  It fits the criteria, but I have no guarantees that is the right answer

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::In the garbage chute clinging to a rope.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@CTO:  Let's hear it.  ::Sees the Flight Control Officer keeping to herself.::
@Self:  She sure is thinking about this.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
OPS:  Contact the Captain.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: I do not want to be responsible for the death of another crewman if I am wrong.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
CNS: Yes, Sir.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
::Opens a comm channel to the Captain.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@CTO:  I am asking you to tell me, not the voice, Ensign.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
*CO*:  Commander Jarek for you Captain.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*: Captain, what is your status?

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: The logical answer I can think of would be the world, or perhaps the planet itself.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  This is Captain Tierney.  Stuck in the middle of a forcefield.  Situation hasn't changed.  We need to come up with an answer to the riddle.  And where is my Executive Officer?

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Continues his climb out of the Chute.::

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Unknown Sir, however we are trying to locate.

Host Voice says:
@CO:  You are unsure of yourselves....that is not a good trait.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
CNS: Sir, Commander Cartwright is in the garbage chute..

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  Chief Salor believes that he has an answer, but I would like everyone else's consensus on the matter.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Self:  Put a cork in it, Ms. Voice.  ::Hopes Ms. Voice can not read her thoughts.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  I am consulting with my crew since you have not given me any choice in the matter.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Captain, we are not unsure of ourselves.  Our Executive Officer has been located in the Garbage chutes.  Illogical for an Executive Officer, Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Self:  Garbage chute?
@*CNS*:  Commander, tell my Executive Officer now is not the time to be cleaning the waste disposal system and he needs to get his hide to the bridge!  On the double!

ACTION: Suddenly the light glows so intensely it is blinding to those in the cave and another tone rings out that is heard both on the ship and in the cave.  The tone is loud enough that it brings everyone to their knees.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::Awaits patiently on the Captain.::

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Moves up a couple feet and as he hears the tone, falls back a couple feet.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  I think our situation has just changed .. for the worst.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  I am not sure he is cleaning, Sir.  However I shall relay your concerns.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  Look .. you did not put a time limit on this, and since you have forced us into making a decision you will need to be patient.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Explain, Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  Gravity, Counselor.  ::Kneels.::

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
ALL: Yellow alert.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Covers her eyes from the bright light.::

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::Closing his eyes and drops to his knees trying to clear his mind.::

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
OPS: Lock on to the away team and prepare for emergency beam out.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Hauls himself up the last couple of feet and flings himself out of the garbage chute.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*XO*:  Lieutenant Cartwright, come in please.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
OPS:  If we cannot establish a lock prepare a shuttlecraft to remove them.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
*CO*:  Yes Captain, I am here!

Crewman says:  
::Sees the Executive Officer fall out of the chute.:: XO: How in the world did you get in there?  ::Pauses waving his hands in his face.::  And man do you stink.::

@ACTION: As the light slowly fades in the cave there is something hanging midair in the middle of the ball of light.  Upon closer observations, the crew in the cave can see that there is a person...a large person...floating unconscious.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
CNS: Negative, Sir.  We have no lock and no working transporters.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*XO*:  Is there a reason why you are "not" on the bridge, Lieutenant?  What are you doing in waste management?  I don't believe you have that much spare time on your hands.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
Crewman:  Transporter malfunction, and I'm aware of my stench. Perhaps you could clean the chute now that I am out!  ::Hauls hind quarters towards the Turbolift.::

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: Captain, look.  There is someone within the light.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Out loud:  What in the name of ...

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
OPS:  Ready an emergency shuttle, to stand by.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
*CO*:  Captain, do you really think I am there intentionally?  It was a transporter malfunction.  I'm on my way to the bridge now, Ma'am.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
CNS: I'll see if we can open the bay doors.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*XO*:  Very well, Lieutenant; you had me worried there for a minute.  You'll never get a dinner date hanging out in waste management, Number One.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@CTO:  I do.  What is it?  It's a body I believe.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::Looks closer at the body.::  CO:  I believe it's a Klingon. I can not tell if it is anyone we know.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@CTO:  Do you think it has something to do with the riddle?

Host Voice says:
@All/All: You have a choice.....walk away without answering and save your crew...but this one will be forfeit.  Or answer and lose a life for each wrong answer but gain a life for the right one.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
*CO*:  Well I don't plan on anymore trips there.  Perhaps that is where the Counselor will be headed though.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  I have an emergency shuttle standing by.

@ACTION:  As the Voice speaks the body slowly turns to face the Captain.  She can see it is her old crewmate K'Vas floating unconscious, just out of reach.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Enters the Turbolift and orders it to the Bridge.::

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::After hearing the voice.::  CO: It would seem so, Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  Understood, Counselor.  We still need to come up with an answer to this riddle.  We appear to have a hostage dangling from the cave ceiling.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
CNS:  Shuttle bay doors cannot open, Sir.  The shuttles are grounded.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Have you opened a dialog, Sir?

Host Voice says:
@All/All: You will choose now.  Walk away or dare to pass the test.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  It's our former Captain; Captain K'Vas, Commander.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Demands?

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  Yes, an answer to the riddle for his life.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Steps on to the bridge from the Turbolift.::  All:  Report!

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Then answer the riddle, Captain.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  Our species does not trade one life for another.  It is against everything we believe in.  Why don't you take me in his place?  Let them go.  Let the Klingon Captain go.  I will stay.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Walks over to the Big Chair and tilts his head, motioning the Counselor to move.::

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO:  Captain, are you sure that is wise?

Host Voice says:
@CO:  Is that your choice?  To try and pass the test?

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO:  Not much to report, Sir.  We have a riddle to answer and cannot retrieve our away team.  And what is that odor, Sir?

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  I will stay.  Leave him be.  If trading one life for another, I will give mine.  Let them go.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS:  Don't worry about the odor.  Just move.

Crewman says:
::Begins spreading rumors about the new smelly Executive Officer.::

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO: Permission to return to my quarters, Sir?

Host Voice says:
@All/All:  No, answer the question now.  Answer wrong and a life will be taken.  Answer correctly and a life will be given.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS:  Denied. Get your rear-end to the Science station and stay there.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
OPS:  What's the ship's status?

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Raises her voice.::  Voice:  Stop playing these childish games and release us all!

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO:  As you wish, Sir.

ACTION:  The ship begins to rock violently as if held by a child and shaken.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO:  Most systems are not responding.  We have short range communications.

Host Voice says:
@CO:  You WILL answer!

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
OPS:  What happened to the consoles?

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  And if I don't?  We all die anyway, so why play your game?

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO:  Suggest inertial dampeners to maximum.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@Voice: If I shall ask a question myself.  Where are your parents?

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO: You know as much as I about that.

@ACTION: The Flight Control Officer screams in pain as a light engulfs her.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS:  According to your file, Commander Jarek, you were a Chief Engineer correct?

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  I am sorry but I will not play your game.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
~~~ Voice:  We play no game.~~~

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*ALL*:  I am ordering all crew members to not provide an answer to the Voice's riddle.

ACTION:  The ship continues to rock even more violently throwing everyone back and forth.  Consoles are exploding sending sparks everywhere.  The hull starts to buckle.  Casualty reports are pouring in.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Looks at the Flight Control Officer, and feels her pain.::

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO: That is correct, Sir.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
*CO*:  Understood, Captain.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
All:  No one is to give an answer!

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
::Moves away from his consoles as it star sparking.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  You are going to have to get your entertainment somewhere else.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  Sorry, but you have failed "our" test!

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Grips the armrests on the chair and holds tight.::

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
~~~Voice:  We seek no entertainment.~~~

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS:  I don't care how you do it.  Find a way with Lieutenant Gaeb to get our consoles operational.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
~~~Voice:  We simply do not understand your question.~~~

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Stands up, and waits for a response .. any response from the Voice.::

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO: Casualty reports coming in, Commander.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO: Re-routing secondary controls through the power grid

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO: We have dead people, at least 5 in engineering, 3 in medical, too many injured to count.

ACTION: The outer hull on Deck 5 explodes outward.  Power goes out throughout the entire ship.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
ALL: Re-routing power from deck 5.  Recommend evacuation and sealing that deck, Sir.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO: Now would be good, Sir.

@ACTION:  The Flight Control Officer is still screaming in pain but her cries are weaker as she grows weaker.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
~~~Voice:  We get your point.  Talk to us.  Let us seek a solution .. together.~~~

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@Voice:  Let them go.  You will not get any satisfaction from me.  If it is torture that you want, you can have me.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: She can not take any more, Captain.  She is growing weak. This has got to stop.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
*CO*:  Captain, we better give an answer soon or there won't be a life left to save.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Captain, agitating them will get us nowhere, Sir.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@CTO:  No Starfleet Officer is allowed to give into the demands of a ransom, Ensign.  This is the same situation.  This is an act of war.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Shoots the Counselor a look.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*ALL*:  Unless one of you has an answer to the riddle, we are, for lack of better words, at this child's mercy.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO: Sir, we have injured and dead people on all decks; sickbay is requiring emergency medical crew and extra triage area.  I'll clear the shuttle bay to receive casualties.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Captain, with all due respect, this is not a child.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Shoots the Counselor another look.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  And with all due respect, Commander, do you want to be responsible for giving the wrong answer?

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO: If you have something to say to me Lieutenant, please say it.  If not allow me to act on my instincts.

ACTION:  The hull on decks 6-8 explode outward.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  No, Sir.  I do not.  However we must answer in the context in which it is needed.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS:  I have plenty to say, but this is not the time, and it certainly isn't time to be telling the Captain how to run this ship.  So quit irritating her.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*/CTO:  I am tired of these tests.  I am tired of playing their games.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO:  Sir, we are losing decks 6 and 8.  We will have to abandon ship pretty soon if this continues.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
*CO*:  It’s tearing the ship apart, Captain.  We have to do something or everyone dies.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*XO*:  Commander, get the crew to the escape pods if you have to.

@ACTION:  With another agonizing scream the Flight Control Officer collapses to the floor, and the light fades as does the force field around her and the Chief Tactical Officer.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: Then what do you suggest, Captain. I have given you my best guess.  It is all I have.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Captain, if you and the Executive Officer do not wish my expertise, then either of you can feel free to relieve me at any time.  If not, I have a duty to Starfleet and this ship to resolve this issue with minimal loss of life.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS: You have a duty to follow orders and it doesn't look like you're trying to get the consoles back online.  And now you can add main power to the list of things to do.  Is that clear?!

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  If you wish direct communication, I shall endeavor to do so.  If not, I cannot add any other counsel.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@CO: It appears that I am free of the field.  ::Goes and checks on the Flight Control Officer.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@*CNS*:  Excuse me for being blunt, Counselor, but what the hell are you talking about?  I have an injured crewman down here, and you're talking about relieving yourself of your duties?

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::As he reaches down to her he pulls back and stands up and faces the Captain.:: CO: Captain, she is dead.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*CO*:  Sir, it seems as though every time I try to do what I do best, you and the Executive Officer kick me in the teeth.  If you want main power I shall give it.  As you wish, Sir

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*Engineering*:  Reroute secondary power through the emergency circuits to the bridge.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Bangs her fists on the forcefield.::

ACTION: Suddenly the shaking stops and there is an eerie silence on the ship, broken only by the cries of pain or the sparking of a console.

Engineering says: 
*CNS*:  Yes, Sir.

Host Voice says:
@CO:  Answer!

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::Looks at the body of the Klingon and tries to go near him but is stopped by a field.::  CO:  I can not reach the body of the Klingon.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
::Issue directives to have the shuttle bays and cargo areas transformed in emergency care area and direct his staff with medical training to assist the medical crew.::

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@::Looks at the Chief Tactical Officer.::  CTO:  Give her your answer.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
*Engineering*:  If you cannot accomplish that reroute console power to engineering.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@Voice: I have only one logical answer to your riddle.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Watches the Counselor as he works and breathes a sigh of relief.:: OPS: Get non essential personnel to the escape pods.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO:  For now, I think no one is non essential.  We will need the help of everyone.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
@To self:  Well would you spit it out already?  ::Looks at the Chief Tactical Officer.::  I want to know if we're all going to die sooner than expected.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
OPS: You're right, Lieutenant.  Thanks for reminding me.  Any luck with consoles?

Host Voice says:
@CTO:  Are you answering for all?

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@Voice:  I am prepared to answer for us all.  For my logic can not be flawed.

Host Voice says:
@CTO:  Then speak!

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
@::Gathering his mind.::  Voice:  The answer to your riddle can only be but one answer; you are a crowd.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
XO:  You should have consoles momentarily, Sir.

OPS_LtJG_Gaeb says:
XO:  Not working at best, exploded at worst.  For now, engineering is working on decks 6, 7 and 8; the damages are putting a lot on the integrity field.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
CNS:  Good.

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
OPS:  Keep me posted.  I don't want to loose anyone else in that way.

@ACTION:  A tone sounds out and the body of K'Vas slowly floats to the ground as the Flight Control Officer takes a sudden and deep breath.  Before anyone can react....the Captain, Chief Tactical Officer, Flight Control Officer and K'Vas suddenly appear on the bridge as the lights come on to show the vast destruction that the Triton and it's crew endured.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
Out loud:  Okay, what just happened?  Report!

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
Out loud:  Whoa!  ::Jumps out of the big chair.::

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
CO:  It would seem I was correct.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
~~~Voice:  Who are you?  And what is the meaning behind all of this?~~~

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Takes a seat in the Executive Officer's chair and looks around the bridge at the rest of the crew.::

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
::Kneels down and touches the Flight Control Officer.::  *Sickbay*:  Medical emergency to the bridge.

CNS_Cmndr_Jarek says:
~~~CO:  Please be careful, Captain.~~~

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
::Grabs the medkit from a nearby installation and moves quickly to tend to the Flight Control Officer.::

ACTION:  The viewscreen flickers on, and a black humanoid shape can be seen in shadows.  There are more shadows behind the first one.

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
CO:  Captain, the screen.  ::Pointing at the viewscreen.::

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
OPS:  Do we have transporters and are they at 100% working capacity?

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
CTO:  I see it.  What do you make of it?

Host Voice says:
ALL:  You have passed the test; a life is given.  We are the “Other's” ..  We will meet again.

ACTION:  The screen goes black.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
~~~Voice:  Wait!  You have to put my ship back together!~~~

CTO_Ens_Salor says:
CO:  I do not know; very puzzling.

Host CO_Capt_Tierney says:
::Looks over at the Counselor at science, thinking to self that she needs to speak to him when this is all over.::

Host XO_Lt_Cartwright says:
OPS:  Help me get the Flight Control Officer to Sickbay.

= /\= /\ = /\ = /\ = Pause = /\ = /\ = /\ = /\ =

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