[18:06] Coro is not one of the SIMs giving me a headache, I know you guys are fab ;D [18:06] Must've been those outstanding ASVAB scores. :P [18:06] Uniforms, folks. :) [18:06] *** Marcy is now known as ENtcMarcy [18:06] Welcome Mac [18:06] * Savant is now known as Savant [18:06] *** Sonya is now known as LCEN_Oswald [18:06] *** Garstini is now known as LCTC_Drexler [18:07] Any time you're ready, Exec. :) [18:07] LCARS, we're all ready to go here, are you? Get your scrawny but moving! [18:07] * CoroLCARS =/\= CRXO_Daren has called: Company, at ease! =/\= [18:07] *** CoroLCARS changes topic to 'U.S.S. Coronado, NCC-97901 =/\= Time to relax -- http://www.jestertrek.com/coro2400/' [18:07] * CoroLCARS =/\= FCCO_LoraKor has called: ATTENTION ON DECK =/\= [18:07] *** CoroLCARS changes topic to 'U.S.S. Coronado, NCC-97901 =/\= Sim in progress! -- http://www.jestertrek.com/coro2400/' [18:07] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +m [18:07] ::attn:: [18:07] ::attn:: [18:07] ::attn:: [18:07] ::attn:: [18:07] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::attn:: [18:07] ::attn:: [18:07] <> [18:08] ::chuckles:: Evening, everyone. :) As I mentioned earlier, welcome to mid-summer. [18:08] As those of you who have been on Coro for a while know, this is the time of year when two things happen: [18:08] 1) we tend to run at 50-75% of crew as people take their well-deserved vacations from both RL and simming; ;-) [18:09] 2) Jester goes a little nuts and runs weird experimental sims that he wouldn't DREAM of running any other time of the year. ;) [18:09] Read #2 twice, because tonight is one of those. :) Tonight's sim will either be one of the most intriguing character development sims we have all year... [18:09] ...or it will be a big huge smelly bomb. ;) There truly is no middle ground. [18:09] In case it's the latter, I apologize profusely in advance. ;) [18:09] ooh, cool [18:10] hehee [18:10] oooops [18:10] I just have to run one or two of these really weird sims a year mostly to see how well they go over. Last year, I killed the entire crew just to see if I could get away with it, for instance. ;) FYI... I'm currently typing with my fingers crossed. [18:10] *** Kari (~kari@kdfs-23937.rapidsys.com) has joined #USS-Coronado [18:10] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Kari [18:10] Computer recognizes Kari. Authorization codes enabled. [18:10] Kari = Lieutenant (JG) Kariasa Ma'Aru, Intelligence Officer. [18:11] *** Kari is now known as LJIO_Ma`Aru [18:11] * Savant 's room-mate just cut open my left index finger, so i apologize for having terrible typing -_o [18:11] With all of that said, you have been warned. :) Well, all but Kari. ;) Here's the briefing. [18:11] =Sim Briefing!= Please type "ack" after you've read it... [18:11] Stardate 240107.16: "Children of the Moon", Part 2, by Jester. [18:11] SUMMARY: Wherein those present learn much about each other, and themselves. [18:11] U.S.S. Coronado is currently in orbit of Taer II, approximately 40 light-years to the west-southwest. Fortunately, thanks to the fact that the Reorsans have very good maps of this area of space, we were able to use slipstream for the entire trip. Indeed, much of this area is nearly as extensively charted as Federation space. The Taerens are Reorsan allies, and have provided good information on nearby systems. [18:11] <> [18:11] The Taerens are a peaceful civilized species whose primary personality traits are strong senses of both formality and morality. For peaceful allies, however, the Taerens are definitely acting strangely. After scanning Coronado with some sort of blue-green beam, the inhabitants of the system proceeded to ignore the frigate until she was almost in orbit, then apparently abducted several key members of the senior staff. [18:11] Commander Dejat, commanding the Bridge, responded badly to this and opened fire on a Taeren ship. The Taerens reflected Coro's weapons back on her, severely injuring Dejat in the process... and only Dejat. A larger group was then abducted, including the injured Dejat himself. The away team finds themselves on a rough grey stone platform standing in the dark, with a single light visible far overhead. [18:11] The platform is about 20 meters in diameter, about 50 in circumference. Other than the away team, there is a plain wooden table on the platform. On the table are about eight copper coins and a small sign. The sign has pictures of a number of small objects (starting with a coin). At the end of the picture series is the english word "Freedom." [18:11] ackety ack [18:11] ack [18:11] ack [18:12] ack [18:12] ack [18:12] ack [18:12] ack [18:12] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ack [18:12] *** Aggie (christianc@65.192.299.12201) has joined #USS-Coronado [18:12] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Aggie [18:12] Computer recognizes Aggie. Authorization codes enabled. [18:12] Aggie = Lieutenant (JG) Ungtae Brie, Acting Chief Medical Officer. [18:12] *** Aggie is now known as LJDR_Ungtae [18:12] For the purposes of tonight's sim, everyone here is on the grey stone platform. You have no way of knowing where anyone else is, including the Captain. There is also an unconscious Taeren on the platform. I'll be playing him. ;) [18:12] And BTW, instead of eight copper coins, there are now NINE copper coins. ;) [18:13] Any questions? [18:13] *** FCCO_LoraKor is now known as Taeren [18:13] ::continues scans froms astrometrics with only mixed signals returning [18:13] ::raises her hand:: [18:13] <> [18:13] Miss Oswald? [18:13] can I get the Taerens to write my paper? [18:13] LOL No. :) [18:13] Any other questions? [18:13] you sure? [18:14] Well, if the Taeren on the platform wakes up, you can try your luck on him. ;) [18:14] Any other questions? [18:14] no questions, Sir O_O [18:14] nope nope [18:14] ::<> [18:14] ::crosses his fingers even more:: Let's sim! :) Janeway, save the log until after. ;) You'll want to pay attention for this. [18:14] * Taeren =/\= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= SIM START =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =/\= [18:14] <^1LtSLPetrovna> :;shakes her head no:: [18:14] <> [18:15] ::glances at the table:: Nine coins. [18:15] ::steps up to the wooden table, examinging the sign and the coins...:: This must be some kind of 'pictoral' communication [18:15] Anderson, have you continued your assessment of the dark material? [18:15] Perhaps it is a game. [18:15] AL> [18:15] a puzzle that leads to our 'freedom' [18:15] ::laughs:: Some game.. [18:16] ::Savant is sitting on the platform, at least in some sort of form that might be considered sitting... the hologram dissolved into a hazy flickering mass of light below it's torso, roughly assuming the shape of legs. Savant was clearly quite disturbed, by the distracted, vacant expression and the utter lack of control of the hologram.:: [18:16] ::looks over the edge of the platform:: (m) This has got to be some kind of holosim [18:16] =.\ction= Janeway looks around. Anderson is not on the platform. [18:16] ::looks at the pictoral and then at Daren:: what do you think it means then? [18:16] <^1LtSLPetrovna> One I do not like.. [18:17] What the hell? [18:17] ::broods, uncomfortable:: [18:17] We are disturbed by these events. Where are those responsible?! [18:17] These pictures must be clues or commands of some kind that will lead to us getting out of this..this place [18:17] Sees the other officers [18:17] ::walks slowly around the platform looking:: [18:17] ::The hologram glances back to the others, staring at them without much of a hint of recognition:: [18:17] maybe we should all take a coin?... the first picture is of a coin isn't it? [18:18] ::turns::: Doctor Ungtae, examine the Taeren, can you tell anything about whats wrong with him without your instruments?? [18:18] =Description= There are nine copper coins on the table. As I mentioned, there is also a sign. The objects on the sign, in order: a coin, a dagger, a key, a feather, an iron bar, a small pouch, a cup, a needle, and a old style oil lamp. After the oil lamp is the English word "Freedom." [18:18] ::snorts:: We will do what we can. We are only omnipotent, after all. [18:19] ::sighs:: Nine objects... nine pictures, the English text "freedom"... implying we are captive. [18:19] One by one, LCARS makes everyone come over and give LCTC_Drexler a hug. [18:19] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::glances at the sign:: it looks like..what do you call that.....a riddle? [18:19] ::looks at the sign:: Looks like a scavenger hunt to me. [18:19] <> [18:19] ::moves to the side of the Taeren and kneels beside it:: [18:19] <<::giggles:: [18:20] ::frowns:: This creature is alive. It is only unconcious. [18:20] ::raises an eyebrow at the doc and returns to examining the pictures:: If we believe that the coins represent our oresence here in this place...there are nine of them but 10 of us here plus one Taeren. [18:20] ::Savant moves slowly and shakily, as if it were needing to move it's legs to move at all, and approaches the others:: [18:20] ::thinks pf an old sherlock holmes mystery as someone recites the inages:: [18:20] I say we wake him up, maybe he knows something. [18:20] ::sighs:: It's physiology is unlike any that the part of us called "Brie" has ever encountered. [18:21] ::completes his walk around the platform and turns towards the others:: [18:21] =Description= The Taeren is a little over two meters tall, with no facial or body hair. He (it appears male) is dressed in a tunic, robe, and breeches -- almost 15th century in their simplicity. His bald head is bare, and he clearly has a four-lobed brain. He is breathing in and out very slowly. [18:21] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::rubs her arms, feeling chilled:: [18:21] Are there any caves areound here? [18:21] Are we really alone? [18:21] that moves us onto the next picture a dagger. A dagger can mean several things....combat would be the main theme of that picture I would imagine. [18:22] * LJDR_Ungtae raises her hand, a sparkle of warm crimson-golden light dancing around the tips of her fingers. [18:22] ::looks over at the Taeren:: maybe you should slap it across the face to wake it up... [18:22] Doctor, can you try to waken him? He made be the key to solving this puzzle...although its possible his people put this puzzle before us and won't give us the soultion so simply. [18:22] =Description= For those who weren't here last week, the platform is a circle with a 20 meter diameter. At the edges of the platform is blackness. Objects dropped from the platform make no sound... as if there were no bottom. The platform seems to be constructed of unfinished grey stone, maybe granite or basalt. [18:23] We are more civilized than that. Only an <> engineer would think of such an option. [18:23] ::walks over:: Its not that cold, Natalia, and I don't see any easy way off the platform [18:23] ::Savant places a fizzling hand on the table, it's voice actually coming from the hologram, tinny and distorted:: what's happened? [18:23] Does anyone have something to light the lantern and hold it belone the level of the platform? [18:23] ::sniffs:: at least there's only one person in my head... ::mutters about civilized:: [18:23] <> [18:23] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::looks at Wayne:: I am cold. I can not explain it. [18:23] <> [18:24] ::lays her glowing hands upon the chest of the Taeren:: [18:24] =Description= The only light is provided by a pale blue- white circle of light, far far overhead. The air is dry and comfortable, and maybe a touch cold. [18:24] He is quite alive. [18:24] ::watches Ungtae with even more discomfort, and turns away, silent:: [18:24] ::walks back to the wooden table:: There must be something here ::runs his hands through his neatly trimmed hair and appears frustrated:: [18:25] I still say this looks like a scavenger hunt, and it's possible that the coins help us to achive the next item and that item helps to achive the next and so on. [18:25] Try tirning the table [18:25] ::Savant looks down at the coins and puts a finger on each, one by one, as if counting, and contemplating:: [18:25] ::shudders a moment:: We can feel him. His mind is real, as is he. [18:25] ::stand behind and to the right of Daren, looking at the table as well:: [18:25] Look around the scenery beyond the platform and see if anylandmarks match the writing [18:25] ::grabs her head and collapses, screaming:: [18:26] ::looks to Daren:: can I throw a coin off the edge of the platform? [18:26] ::attempts to figure out what a dagger, a key, a feather, an iron bar, a small pouch, a needle, a cup, and an oil lamp all have to do with freedom. [18:26] ::Savant starts and jumps to the side, staring at ungtae... then as the sound dies down the hologram looks back at the table, shaken - if it could be shaken any more:: [18:26] <^1LtSLPetrovna> it might be one of those picture puzzles, like maybe the first two letters of each item spells something? [18:27] ::hears the scream not only at present, but deep in his mind:: [18:27] * LJDR_Ungtae is surrounded by coruscating flashes of energy. [18:27] * ^1LtSLPetrovna turns to look at Ungtae curiously, stepping back slightly [18:27] ::frowns:: has anyone noticed there's ten symbols and ten of us? [18:27] ::grin:: Those keys 'seem' to represent out presence here in this place Commander...if you'd like to throw one off the side be sure you pick the coin that represents you :) [18:27] I will not let you destroy me or these people! [18:27] ::turns to Ungtae, pausing with no idea of what to do:: [18:27] But for now, I'd advise against it [18:27] <^1LtSLPetrovna> maybe each one represents one of us? [18:28] You have little choice! [18:28] ::looks at Ungtae:: You okay, Doc? [18:28] The fact that there is one fewer coin then there are Coronado crew members here is puzzling to me however [18:28] ::closes his eyes and starts to attempt to block out the memories triggered by the screams but knows this will be the only way he has to learn... he lets himself remember:: [18:28] maybe the good insane doctor over there would be able to tell us which coin is whose... I'd like to throw mine into the abyss... [18:28] * LJDR_Ungtae grits her teeth as the energy crackles around her even more. [18:28] ::sits there, clearly annoyed by the puzzle:: [18:29] ::sighs and sits and tears from in my eyes::Technology has always gotten me out [18:29] ::breathes heavily as the energy subsides and looks around in mild confusion:: We are... we are one again... [18:29] now i am uselsess [18:29] maybe that's because Savant isn't exactly flesh and blood or something ::shrugs::... it would make sense wouldn't it? [18:29] ::thinks:: or the Taeren is laying on the tenth coin... [18:30] ::nods:: Then that would mean we have 1 extra sybol [18:30] ::looks at Daren, managing to ignore Ungtae for a moment:: Iy is possible that savant is the one without a coin [18:30] ::looks over at Savant:: or are you flesh and blood now? [18:30] A Dagger must represent some kind of fighting or combat, its followed by a key and a feather. A key is way beyond a doorway and a feather...this is quite a puzzle. [18:30] Maybe if i lept it would even the score for the rest of you::folds my head in my hands over my lnees:: [18:30] ::SAvant looks up at Oswald and blinks a few times before breathing shakily:: iii.... i don't .. i don't know..... [18:31] The feather might stand to represent some sort of speed or agilty test. [18:31] ::reaches for a coin:: Maybe we can make a wish and toss it over the edge? ::grins:: [18:31] ::goes over to Savant and pokes her in the arm with a finger:: well you are sorta solidish... [18:31] A feather could be a bird, a rather free animal... [18:31] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ;stops him:: but how do we know if you do, one of us will not disapear? [18:31] ::,oves back to the side of the Taeren:: We will awaken him now. Our powers and minds are more stable now. [18:31] Maybe they want us to fly ::smirks:: [18:31] Lieutenant Janeway, I don't think we need to do something as drastic as that....now they put us here for a reason, we just need to figure out what that reason is [18:31] ::frowns:: I think we'll have to declare you flesh and blood... we could cut you to find out if the blood part is true, but I don't think you would like that... [18:32] ::smiles foolisheshliy::One way to measure the length to the bottom of a [it is to spit opver the side and count how many seconds it takes to reach the bottom, if anyone chooses [18:32] I was an accident [18:32] How do we know when it hits the bottom? [18:32] I stepped intko the beam as it was reverse scanning [18:32] ::savant 's eyes widen a little and she inhales visibly, and her hands start to shake in horror:: [18:32] ::looks at Natalia:: I don't know but just sitting around seems to be making things worse [18:33] you hear it [18:33] We've conducted tests like that earlier and there was no telling how deep the cliffs are. [18:33] <^1LtSLPetrovna> I know...but unless we can figure out the puzzle..then ::shrugs:: [18:33] how do you knpw they are cliffs if you cant see anything? [18:33] ::paces around the wooden table, his eyes glacing from the sign to the Taeran unconscious:: [18:34] ::opens his eyes, staring into the void... then drops his gaze, sad:: [18:34] do the images mean something or their shapes? [18:34] ::takes a deep breath and gathers a great deal of energy about herself:: Awaken, our fellow prisoner. Know our love and our power. [18:34] ::She stumbles back a little and slides down against the table, breathing deeply:: [18:34] ::looks over his shoulder at the table:: [18:34] ::steps to the unconscious alien, touching his shoulders, shaking him a bit to try and get him to wake:: [18:34] =.\ction= The Taeren doesn't react. He certainly doesn't wake up. [18:34] ::lays her hands upon the Taeren's head, energy raidiating out from her touch:: [18:34] ::walks to the table quietly and peers at the coins:: [18:34] oh never mine i am talking nonsense, you figure it out::goes back into myself, disgusted:: [18:35] ::picks up a coin and looks at it carefully:: [18:35] ::glances around silently... then takes a coin:: [18:35] ::looks from Ungtae to the Taeren:: I think we should simply slap it across the face... it might work better... [18:35] ::looks at Savant:: do you feel alive? [18:35] ::walks over to Oswald and slaps her across the face:: [18:35] Like so, Commander? [18:35] ouch! [18:36] *** Rev (tlaloco@209.244.208.23150) has joined #USS-Coronado [18:36] ::looks at the coin closely... then turns it over:: ... ... dagger. [18:36] This is supposed to be a race of friendly non-violent types....this must be some form of communication or welcoming tactic for first contact situations...but what is its point? [18:36] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +v Rev [18:36] ::looks at Ungtae in disgust:: and you talk about me being uncivilized... ::turns and walks back to the table...:: [18:36] *** Rev is now known as cbcp_Tlaloco [18:36] ::stares up into Oswald's face:: We are not a being of pain but a bringer of life. We will do this as need be done. [18:36] ::Savant looks around, and says in a voice that's altogether a bit too loud:: what's that? [18:36] =.\ction= Master Chief Tlaloco appears in a flash of blue- green light. Another coin appears on the table. [18:36] *** MacKay (rollox@kdfs-26016.ipt.aol.com) Quit (Leaving: Join the adventure on Trilista Colony! =/\= http://www.ucip.org/trilista/) [18:36] <> [18:36] ::quitly, still in sort of a daze:: Commander... [18:37] huh? Where am I? [18:37] *** CoroLCARS changes topic to '=/\= U.S.S. Coronado, NCC-97901... http://www.jestertrek.com/coro2400/ =/\= Sims here Monday nights at 9:00pm ET!' [18:37] ((damnit.... i have to go in about 45 minutes -_- stupid brother coming over)) [18:37] Chief...no need to be alarmed...we've all been transported off this ship and to this place! [18:37] o-olme? [18:37] ::looks over to the cheif:: [18:37] ::looks at Savant:: that humming noise?... oh good... I thought Ungtae might have caused me to go insane too.... [18:37] ::turns the coin and looks at the dagger on the back:: (m) Hmmm looks ancient [18:37] ::wanders over to Daren, hesitant:: Commander... [18:37] ::looks up frommy depression ::lost in hell deeper than any of your curses [18:37] ::steps up t Drexler:: You've found something? [18:38] This coin has a dagger on the back of it... and it means something to me, I just can't place it. [18:38] ::moves to the edge of the platform and stares down into the abyss:: [18:38] We remember this place. [18:38] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::looks over his shoulder:: can you tell what origin it is from? [18:38] ::walks quietly to the side of the platform, seemingly lost in though and ignoring all of the other officers:: [18:39] We remember the cold, uncaring blackness... the silent torment of ages. [18:39] ::steps up to the table with Wayne and Drexler and he too takes a coin...:: [18:39] hell? What IS this place? [18:39] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::walks over and takes a coin from the table:: [18:39] ::picks up a coin and examines it:: [18:39] ::Savant stands up again, shakily, looking at the table and coins:: [18:39] Dagger... pain, blood... war. [18:39] it... what? what *is* that? [18:39] ::walks up and grabs the coin he belive represents himself:: [18:39] *** ChanServ changes topic to '=/\= U.S.S. Coronado, NCC-97901... http://www.jestertrek.com/coro2400/ =/\= Sims here Monday nights at 9:00pm ET! (CoroLCARS2)' [18:39] *** ChanServ sets mode: -o CRXO_Daren [18:39] *** ChanServ sets mode: -o CoroLCARS [18:39] *** ChanServ sets mode: -o Taeren [18:39] <^1LtSLPetrovna> it looks like a...lantern... [18:40] ::clutches the coin tightly and closes his eyes:: [18:40] <> [18:40] *** ChanServ sets mode: +o CoroLCARS [18:40] ::holds it for Natalia:: Not sure but ancient earth. [18:40] *** CoroLCARS sets mode: +oo CRXO_Daren Taeren [18:40] ::sighs:: We must atone for our sins. [18:40] <> [18:40] no.... no... *that*.... ::she instinctively holds her hands to her ears:: [18:40] ::looks at the others around the table:: do you guys hear that? [18:41] ::turns:: hear what Lieutenant? [18:41] ::looks at his coin and turns it over in his hand:: [18:41] Atone for our sins? Am I still using drugs? [18:41] humming noise.. ya know... like an engine starting... [18:41] <^1LtSLPetrovna> I can hear it... [18:41] are you sure I can't throw a coin over the edge? [18:41] ::SAvant sinks back down to the ground, trembling and starting to cry, completely overwhelmed:: [18:41] ::distrot, slightly:: I hear screaming... god... [18:41] hey, let me grab one of those coins- [18:42] The one called Brie is an innocent. But we must purge ourselves of the evil of our other. [18:42] ::watches everyone around his reacting in odd ways:: [18:42] ::casts a glance over their shoulder:: Those coins... those coins hold the answer for us. [18:42] Doctor, are you feeling alright? [18:42] ::frowns and then shrugs and sets her coin spinning on the table:: [18:42] ::hears a strange sound...and the table is the only thing else on the platform...looking closer...no...not the table...walk close...examine...there...the coin...MY coin:: [18:42] ::she stands up and shakily takes a coin from the batch, sniffing, not knowing quite what else to do:: [18:43] =Description= There are two coins left on the table. [18:43] ::Boldly takes a coin:: [18:43] ::flips the coin over and examines it as thouroughly as he knows how:: [18:43] ::looking at the coin in his hand:: I don't understand what these mean... [18:43] * LJDR_Ungtae moves closer to the table, seeing nothing, hearing nothing, ackowledging nothing save the coins and their siren call to their collective soul. [18:43] ::She sinks back down and rubs the coin with her thumb:: [18:44] ::Bites the coin:: [18:44] =Description= For those that have a coin, there is an embossed picture of a dagger on the back. There is also a picture on the front, but you can't make it out. [18:44] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::looks around:: does it seem to be getting lighter in here? or is that me> [18:44] ::grabs the last coin:: Redemption is ours! [18:44] <^1LtSLPetrovna> <> [18:44] ::looks around listening and still holding his coin:: [18:44] ::grabs a coin from the table and falkls to the ground seeing vague images, faces from my previous nightmares alll coming real again:: [18:44] what are we going to redeem these coins for? [18:44] ::blinks at Ungtae:: you get crazier every minute.. [18:44] =.\ction= Ungtae takes the last coin. The humming sound grows and grows, and suddenly, Ma'Aru shrieks in horrible agony! She's on fire! [18:44] [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:45] Ahhhhhh!!!!! [18:45] =.\ction= There is a blinding flash of yellow white light. When the light fades, Ma'Aru is gone. A pile of ashes sits where she was. [18:45] Fire! We know the fire! It burns... it burns with unforgiving heat. [18:45] ::looks at the pile of ashes:: oh dear... [18:45] ::is a pile of ashes:: [18:45] ::Stares, not understanding at all:: .... what? [18:45] ::turns to Ma`Aru or whats left:: [18:45] Ma'Aru! ::looks around for something to put out the flames, but there is nothing:: Get to the ground! roll! [18:45] =Description= There are now eight daggers on the table. [18:45] roll? Blow, more like. [18:45] ::seems to be slowly reducing to a childlike state, trembling:: [18:45] She's gone?!? [18:46] ::snarls at Oswald:: We have had enough of you! ::reaches for a dagger:: [18:46] ::perks:: I believe we have reached phase two eveyone...but phase two of what I still don't know. [18:46] ::picks up a handful of ashes, not sure what to do with them:: [18:46] ::peeks through his firmly clamped eyelids... then closes them just as quickly as he sees the daggers on the table:: [18:46] ::Eyes widen at Ungtae, starting:: wh- what? doctor? [18:46] ::launches herself at Oswald:: Enough of your prattling and insolence! [18:46] ::looks at Ungtae:: sorry... [18:47] ::ducks and runs outta the way:: [18:47] ::grabs Ungtae and restrains her:: [18:47] ::looks to Oswald and Ungtae:: Ladies, please this is NOT the time! [18:47] I didn't start it!.. [18:47] ::looks around at the others:: Daren, we need to do something fast. Half the crew seems to be losing it [18:48] ... losing it? O_o [18:48] ::looks warily at the dagger Ungtae is still holding:: can someone please take that from her... [18:48] ::struggles in Marcy's grasp:: Let us go! ::sighs:: Please, let us go... [18:48] Such odd behavior...everyone, if by picking up all the coins passed us onto the next phase of this 'whatever', I dare say we should each take hold of these daggers...there is no telling what for...but it could be our only way out....::boldly grabs a dagger and holds it to him:: [18:48] ::jumps up:: doctor, [18:49] ::turns to Savant looking at her curiously:: You okay, Savant? [18:49] OK. ::grabs a dagger:: [18:49] ::releases Ungtae:: [18:49] ::looks at Wayne and blinks a few times:: sir? [18:49] ::relaxes her struggles:: We will not use this on the Commander. [18:49] uh, Major Wayne? [18:49] ::looks at Daren:: can we please just throw them into the abyss? [18:49] ::walks over to Savant:: Whats wrong? You don't look too good [18:49] =.\ction= Another dagger appears on the table. There are now five left. [18:49] ;;grabsdagger:: [18:50] i - uh- well.. i think i have.. excuse... [18:50] Good, Kath. [18:50] ::examines the dagger closely:: [18:50] ::mpre images of having my hear split by the maksed priest:: [18:50] ::seems to notice Savant as if for the first time:: Savant... our friend... [18:50] ::shaking his head slowly, eyes being held shut so fiercly they're trembling:: [18:50] ::Moves toward Janeway:: [18:50] ::Savant stands again, breathing heavily and measured:: I... i apologize... sir. . . [18:51] Wish I could do something for you, Savant ::reaches to touch her:: [18:51] ::it wobbles im my hand, trying to point toward my own heart as i force it away::no! i refuse! not again!! [18:51] Maybe, every stage, someone else is going to 'disappear' like Ma`Aru did [18:51] ::walks to the table, being careful to keep Ungtae in sight at all times and picks up a dagger and looks for a key [18:51] We have got to get out of this place. [18:51] ::she twitches at the light touch, shivering visibly:: [18:51] ::looks to daren:: please please please can I throw it into the abyss? [18:51] On this dagger...::looks around and focuses on the group:: [18:52] ::still shaking his head negatively, slightly rocking:: [18:52] The person remaining would probly have to compete or something similar with the Taeren. [18:52] ::Savant looks at the daggers and takes one, holding both it and the coin she took in her hands:: [18:52] ::almost pulls back surprised:: You are a soild? [18:52] I assure you chief this may be our way out...this is some kind of excercise I am sure of it [18:52] =Description= There are two daggers left. [18:52] i . . i don't know. . . i'm.... i don't know what... ::she looks up from the dagger to Wayne again:: [18:52] ::turns around and picks up a dagger from the table:: [18:52] ::sits down and tries to carve something into the platform:: [18:52] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::cautiously takes one of the dagger, warily looking where the other officer was:: [18:52] ::grabs a dagger:: [18:53] =.\ction= A spear arcs out of nowhere, slams into Marcy's body, and pitches him off the platform. [18:53] what's happening? i don't know what's.... has the Coronado computer system been infected? [18:53] =.\ction= His screams echo for a long time, but there is NO thud. [18:53] AAH! [18:53] Let me try! Computer, end program!! [18:53] Ensign! [18:53] ::raises an eyebrow:: Curious. [18:53] yaah! ::staggers backwards and lands on her butt:: [18:53] ::muttering now very quietly in an unfamiliar language:: [18:53] ::turns to see Marcy disappear:: Savant, what is happening to us?? [18:54] ::frowns:: I'm never going to take the last of anything ever again in my life... [18:54] ::sobbing, tears dripping out her eyes:: i just don't know... [18:54] =.\ction= In a flicker of blue-green light, seven keys appear on the table. [18:54] ::is apparently talking to himself, as if he's reviewing something in his head:: [18:54] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::blinks, looking confused:: [18:54] ::takes a key:: [18:54] It appears the last one to grab the iten off the table suffers some form of punishment... ::quickly grabs a key for himself:: [18:54] ::reaches down to assist Savant:: [18:54] ::moves to the platform's edge::Commander Daren... perhaps we should avoid "taking the next step"? [18:54] <^1LtSLPetrovna> :;takes a key:: [18:54] ::goes under the table and looks for something on the bottom of it:: [18:54] ::savant wipes her cheeks with her hands and stands up, leaning heavily on Wayne:: [18:55] ::looks to Ungate:: Perhaps we should avoid being te last one to take something off the table, Doctor [18:55] ::sighs and moves back to the group, taking a key for themselves:: [18:55] ::calls up to Daren:: can I please throw a key over the edge.. we're sorta running out of options here... [18:55] takes a keys in desparation::beads of sweat sticking my clothing to me::I want off here now! [18:55] ::Savant takes a key, perhaps catching on somehow:: [18:55] unless of course we throw ourselves off the table- [18:55] this... this is ludicrous... [18:55] ::holds onto Savant:: Can you scan anything? Natalia help me with Savant [18:55] What if we threw commander Oswald over the edge? There's a new option. [18:55] ::comes out from under the table and looks around:: [18:55] ::she puts the key back down forcibly... [18:55] scan? SCAN? [18:55] ::looks at Ungtae:: it would be interesting... [18:55] ::muttering very quietly:: if we head over there and catch them be surprise... [18:55] How the HELL do i SCAN? [18:56] =Description= There is one key left. [18:56] ::eyes still clamped shut:: [18:56] but I'd have to take you with me... [18:56] ::picks up the key:: [18:56] grabs a key [18:56] =Description= Two if you count the one Savant put back. [18:56] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::moves to help Wayne:: [18:56] Savant, try and remain calm ::looks at Natalie:: I think she has lost it [18:56] ::wonders what would happen if someone had two keys:: do you want another key Ungtae? [18:56] =.\ction= A lightning bolt arcs down from the heavens and burns Tlaloco to a fiery cinder. He takes several seconds to crisp and die. [18:56] [CoroLCARS SOUND] [18:56] ::closely examines his key:: If I remember correctly, the next item is a...feather. [18:56] AAAAHHHHH [18:57] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::lets out a yelp and jumps back:: [18:57] i'm not on a computer... i'm.... i'm.... don't you see? [18:57] I commit myself to the gods. [18:57] WE are invincible, Commander. [18:57] no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [18:57] goodbye, friends. [18:57] ::looks to the light source:: Is this what you want?! [18:57] ::turns to Tlaloco:: Oh shoot!!!! [18:57] KAth, remember me- [18:57] ::heart breaks::Thean take me...let him come back and take me! [18:57] =.\ction= There is a flicker of blue-green light. A moment later, Tlaloco's deceased body disappears... and six large feathers appear on the table. [18:57] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::starts to speak softly in Russian:: [18:57] ::reaches out Tlaloco!!! [18:58] ::opens his eyes in realization:: Nadir? Anteon bertu. ::looks at the feathers:: [18:58] my I suggest we do something different than what we have been doing? [18:58] ::takes two feathers:: [18:58] ::Savant takes one mechanically, her hands haking:: what is this? [18:58] This is madness! ::quickly takes a feather:: [18:58] ::helps Savant to a chair:: Don't anyone pick up the feathers [18:58] ::as if he just remembered something:: Oh my. [18:58] ::looks at his coin:: [18:58] this- what? [18:58] ::points to Daren and Ungtae:: too late... [18:58] We have two. We are going to dispose of one. [18:58] ::looks at Drexler:: what? [18:58] Th-th-th-th... [18:59] Why not?If he is gone what have I y7to live for? [18:59] this is insane... i don't understand... this is some awful shell program someone's running on me. [18:59] =.\ction= There are three feathers left. Ungtae seems to grip her TWO feathers very possessively. [18:59] <^1LtSLPetrovna> ::looks at Wayne:: [18:59] Drexler, it can't be any worse than it already is... [18:59]