USS Pharaoh - SD 10602.09
Be Careful of what you wish for... part 12

The USS Pharaoh remains in orbit of Talos IV. Cmdr Santiago remains in command Captain Sacul and her away fight for their lives with "themselves".   Excalibians decided that it was time for another "contest". They have bestowed the "honour" once again to Starfleet’s representatives to shape the morale fiber of future generations of Excalibians.  For the moment... it seems that they are in the lead... with only three left on the opposite side... the odds seem in their favour... we hope...

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CO_Sacul says:
:: looks down at the impaled Doctor ::
FCO_Hawkes says:
::looks at the corpse of the alternate OPS, then looks at Sanford, then looks back at the corpse again::
CMO_Balena says:
::coughs and looks around::
XO_Santiago says:
@::on the bridge in the big chair [tm]::  AOPS:  Ok let's try that again... sensors picked something u.
CMO_Balena says:
::moves over to his mirror self::
OPS_Sanford says:
::Waves his arm in the air to clear away the smoke.::
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> XO:  Aye Ma'am, resetting the harmonics.  It will take a couple of minutes.  ::Fingers fly over the console.::
XO_Santiago says:
@::Waits nervously as the AOPS works furiously.::
CMO_Balena says:
::rolled him over and saw that he saw impaled through the heart::
CMO_Balena says:
::closes his eyes and bow his head:: Self: May the prophets lead you to your new home
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> ::Takes a deep breath.::  XO:  Ma'am ready for the second round.  Waiting for your mark.
CMO_Balena says:
::opens his eyes and runs his finger over his mirror eyes and closes them::
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The "mirror" OPS's body  shimmers.....   seems to turn to rock for a second.... then returns once again... to being what is was.....   a corpse.
XO_Santiago says:
@::Rubs her belly a moment as if for good luck.::  AOPS: Fire the harmonics
CO_Sacul says:
:: yells ::  Others:  Is that how you treat your people???
CMO_Balena says:
::looks over at the shimmering body::
OPS_Sanford says:
::Sees the momentary shimmering out of the corner of his eyes.  He looks down at his alternate self and then to Cooper.::  FCO:  You see that?
FCO_Hawkes says:
::steps over to OPS Sanford::  OPS:  Sorry, what?
CMO_Balena says:
ALL: What the heck?
XO_Santiago says:
@Outloud:  What the.................  ::Sees the body turn to rock that back to dead::
XO_Santiago says:
@::Almost gets excited.::  AOPS:  Do that again.  ::Leans forward in the chair.::  Fire when ready.
OPS_Sanford says:
FCO:  The body.. it looked different for a second.
FCO_Hawkes says:
OPS:  Yeah, but my brain is still trying to process what I just saw.
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS>  XO:  Aye Ma'am.  ::Works quickly fingers flying.::  Firing Ma'am!  ::hits the fire button.::
OPS_Sanford says:
FCO:  What you just saw?
CMO_Balena says:
::moves over to the body and thinks for a second:: ALL: Could the Excalibians be playing our mirror selves?
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> XO:  Did that body really turn to stone Ma'am?
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The "mirror" OPS's body  shimmers.....once again....    it seems to turn to rock for a second.... then returns once again... to being what is was.....   a corpse.
XO_Santiago says:
@AOPS:  Not sure, let's see what this does...
CO_Sacul says:
:: turns away from the forest ::  CMO:  What do you mean?
XO_Santiago says:
@::Gets excited.::  Self:  Gotcha you buggers....  AOPS:  Continuous fire!!
FCO_Hawkes says:
OPS:  You know.  ::kneels down to the "mirror" OPS::  I'll betcha they aren't actually from an alternate reality at all.  Fair to say they could be Excalibians in disguise.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: Well captain what if they are playing the attackers in this game.
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> ::Fingers flying, even engineering helping.::  XO:  Continuous fire Ma'am.. but we need to be careful.  We don't want to blow out the deflector dish.
FCO_Hawkes says:
::pokes the "mirror: OPS in the rib cage::
OPS_Sanford says:
FCO:  Perhaps using the whole idea of them being from an alternate universe to see how we'd react... in this simulation.
XO_Santiago says:
@AOPS:  Keep in contact with engineering...let's make this work this is the first thing that is working.
CMO_Balena says:
OPS: Exactly
CO_Sacul says:
CMO:  Why would you think that?
FCO_Hawkes says:
FCO:  Yeah...  You know, I'm getting really tired of this mouse in a maze game we seem to be playing here.
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> ::programs for continuous fire at different frequencies so not to burn out the deflector dish.::
CMO_Balena says:
CO: Well this is just a guess but the Founders can't hold there shape after a certain period of time.
OPS_Sanford says:
FCO:  Aren't we all.  I could use a bath right now.
FCO_Hawkes says:
::smiles::  OPS:  I'll say. 
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The body of the "dead" OPS officer... shimmers...... and disappears from view in a flash of transporters energy.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: The dead Sanford body is starting to shimmer and turn to stone then back.
CO_Sacul says:
All:  What the!!!!
CMO_Balena says:
CO: What if they... ::turn back to the body::
OPS_Sanford says:
FCO:  Something tells me that the rules have changed.
FCO_Hawkes says:
::nods::  Aloud:  Someone keeps on changing the rules.
CO_Sacul says:
All:  Alright....that's enough.  We aren't playing your game any longer.
XO_Santiago says:
@AOPS:  There was a transport activation on the surface.  That dead body disappeared.  No idea where.  Scanning the surrounding area.
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The viewscreen on the Pharaoh goes blank... the image being sent is not transmitted anymore.
CO_Sacul says:
ALL:  You hear me?!?!?  We WILL NOT play your game of deceit any longer!
XO_Santiago says:
@::Curses outloud.:: AOPS:  Get that image back now!
XO_Santiago says:
@::Stands up and walks behind OPS.::
FCO_Hawkes says:
::looks to the CO::
CMO_Balena says:
::stands up and moves over to the dead body of himself::
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> XO:  I'm trying ma'am  but.....  ::Shakes her head.::  I'll continue trying.
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: A ship begins to rise on the horizon..... the away team catch a glimpse of it...... while the Pharaoh detects the ship on sensors.
XO_Santiago says:
@<ATO>:  I'm detecting a ship leaving the surface......  Following..
FCO_Hawkes says:
::turns in the direction of thruster sounds, sees a ship rising on the horizon::
XO_Santiago says:
@ATO:  Can you get a tractor on it?
CMO_Balena says:
::looks over his shoulder toward a ship::
XO_Santiago says:
@<ATO> XO:  I'll try...
OPS_Sanford says:
All:  I wish we had some idea on what's going on.
CMO_Balena says:
ALL: I hope they have not change the rules again
CO_Sacul says:
OPS:  Me too Mister Sanford.
XO_Santiago says:
@<ATO> XO:  Sorry Ma'am can't lock on.  They're using the planet as a shield.... but I'll continue trying.
CO_Sacul says:
:: taps her com badge to see if it works ::
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The familiar "chirp" of the combadge answers the Captain.
XO_Santiago says:
@ATO:  Can you lock onto the AT?
FCO_Hawkes says:
::looks at the CO, hopeful::
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  Santiago, you read me?
CMO_Balena says:
::hears the sound and looks from the ship to the captain::
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> XO:  Got a lock!!
XO_Santiago says:
@AOPS:  BEAM THEM UP NOW!
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The unknown vessel goes to warp leaves the system.
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*:  Ma'am I read you.  Beaming now.
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: Transporter does not energize.
XO_Santiago says:
@<ATO>  XO:  Vessel leaving the area.
OPS_Sanford says:
::Waits to be rescued.::
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS>:   XO:  Ma'am,  transporter now energizing.  In contact with engineering.
XO_Santiago says:
@AOPS:  Get them up as soon as you can.
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*:  Ma'am, how are you doing?  Injuries we should know about?
Host Talosian says:
 ::walks up over the mountain and approaches the away team::
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  Nothing that we can't take care of once we get back to the ship Number One.
FCO_Hawkes says:
Aloud:  Come on, beam us up already.
Host Talosian says:
 ::shuffles almost floating near the away team::
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  Hold that thought.
CO_Sacul says:
:: looks at the Talosian :: Talosian:  Are your people alright?
CO_Sacul says:
:: leaves the com channel open ::
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*: Errr right... ::Thinks number one....::  I'm just the doctor Ma'am.  Going back to my books once you get back aboard.  SF Medical is probably going to be mad at me...  Holding.
FCO_Hawkes says:
::turns in the direction of the Talosian, spots a spear laying on the ground, contemplates how to best retrieve it without drawing attention::
XO_Santiago says:
@::Hears conversation.  Leans over to OPS.::  AOPS:  Make sure you record every syllable... ::Whispers in her ear.::
Host Talosian says:
 ::bows:: ~~~CO: We are.... you are your crew were most resourceful against the Excalibians Captain....   We thank you.~~~
CMO_Balena says:
::looks at the Talosian then gets to his feet::
OPS_Sanford says:
::Watches the incoming Talosian along with everyone else.::
XO_Santiago says:
@<AOPS> XO:  Recording..
XO_Santiago says:
@::Thinks if anything it could save us from the death penalty.::
CO_Sacul says:
:: nods in the direction of the Talosian :: Talosian:  I'm glad we could help.  We must go back now.  We have a lot of explaining to do.
XO_Santiago says:
@::Listens::
CMO_Balena says:
::whispers:: FCO/OPS: Why are they just standing there?
FCO_Hawkes says:
::shrugs in the CMO's direction::
CO_Sacul says:
Talosian:  I don't know if the Excalibians will keep their word, but, I will have to inform Starfleet of this.
OPS_Sanford says:
CMO:  I think they are telepathic.
XO_Santiago says:
@::Paces the width of the bridge.::
Host Talosian says:
::looks at the Captain:: ~~~CO: I can offer assistance in that matter... perhaps... ~~~
CO_Sacul says:
Talosian:  You can offer assistance?  How?
XO_Santiago says:
@::Thinks we don't want their assistant.  Dead people can't be helped.::
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO: But I doubt you would......  approve of my .............solution.... our race has learned at least something of your species.....   you can be., temperamental ~~~
CMO_Balena says:
FCO/OPS: I just hope we can back to our ship so
FCO_Hawkes says:
::wonders why he can hear the Talosian quite clearly, but can see that the Talosian's lips do not move::
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO: My solution would imply... some memory tampering on our part...........  I believe you would call it.... plausible deniability. ~~~
CO_Sacul says:
Talosian:  Excuse me?  Who's memory?
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO: Why all of yours of course.... even the crew on the Pharaoh ~~~  ::looks up::   It would surely be a way to avoid.... Starfleet's General Order 7.
CO_Sacul says:
:: shakes her head ::  Talosian:  I can't condemn my crew to death.  What about the records on the Pharaoh?
FCO_Hawkes says:
CMO/OPS:  Starfleet really wouldn't kill us for all this...  Would they?
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO: We can of course alter your ships computers as well....   I believe one of your vessels passed through a temporal anomaly a few years ago.... that would be the memory implanted in you.... your crew... and your ship's computers~~~
CMO_Balena says:
FCO sure hope not this would be my first mission
OPS_Sanford says:
FCOI hope not as well.
XO_Santiago says:
@::Has a problem with memory tampering.::  *CO*:  Memory tampering is a dangerous proposition.  Too much can go wrong.
CO_Sacul says:
:: looks around ::  All:  Thoughts?
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  You want to face the death penalty?
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO:  I say we take our chances with Starfleet
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO/XO: Agreed..... for your species to attempt yourselves would be dangerous..... for our race.... it would not~~~
OPS_Sanford says:
CO:  I'm sure they'll understand our situation.  We were forced here.
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*:  No, but speaking as a doctor......
XO_Santiago says:
@"Talosian*:  Don't take offense, but I don't trust you...
CO_Sacul says:
All:  I don't like it anymore than you do.  But, I also don't want to condemn every man woman and child to death either.
Host Talosian says:
~~~XO: Please consider the following Commander Santiago.....  we could implant trust into your memory if we choose too.... we have learned much in the last hundred years.~~~
Host Talosian says:
~~~XO: We are attempting to help.... if we can~~~
XO_Santiago says:
@::Grumbles under her breath.:;  *Talosian*:  I suppose... ::Rubs her tummy::  You endangered my child for your games...
CO_Sacul says:
Talosian:  Would you allow my officers and I to discuss it?
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO:  Captain.  This is the reason Starfleet banned travel to Talos.  They could do anything to our minds...  Anything.
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  It wasn't the Talosian's who started this.  It was the Excalibians.  The Talosians were pawns in this as well.
CO_Sacul says:
FCO:  I know that Mister Hawks.  And yet, they have not.
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO: Of course..... floats away silently~~~
XO_Santiago says:
@::Thinks a moment.::  *CO*:  I’m aware Ma'am, but given the Talosians way... they could have....implanted ideas too... How do we know they didn't organize all this.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: Captain if I may
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO:  In so far as you know.
CO_Sacul says:
CMO:  Certainly Doctor.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: If our memories are wiped I think Starfleet may have more of an issue with us just disappearing and then reappearing then the truth
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO: He's making sense, sir.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: Medical surely would be scanning and watching us for a long period of time as well
CO_Sacul says:
CMO:  Which they will do if we tell them we were on Talos.  We will all be in quarantine for months, maybe years.
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*:  Actually Ma'am, we will be dead, not quarantined.
CO_Sacul says:
All:  We may even get the death penalty.  Every man, woman and child on the Pharaoh will have to face charges.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: Ma'am so it looks like it comes down to death or Starfleet not trusting us
CO_Sacul says:
All:  So, either we take a chance that the Talosians will do what they say and wipe all memory of Talos form our minds and the ships records and give us new memories and new records, or we go to Starfleet and face the court marshal.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: Not the best choices but an easy one
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO:  Which would truly mean the end of us all if any part of it were uncovered
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*:  Something still can go wrong and then we won't be able to defend ourselves.  This way we have something.
CO_Sacul says:
ALL: If you listened to him, they will trust the records on the ship.
CMO_Balena says:
CO: I'll volunteer to go first
OPS_Sanford says:
::Is a little hesitant with this course of action, not really wanting his memories to be altered.::
CO_Sacul says:
ALL:  Either we face the music or we trust the Talosians.  :: waits on responses ::
XO_Santiago says:
@*CO*:  Ma'am, they shouldn't do you.  You are too valuable.
CMO_Balena says:
*XO*: Commander most like we will be mental probed when we get back. I recommend all or none
XO_Santiago says:
@*CMO*:  I know.......
CO_Sacul says:
:: looks at her crew :: ALL:  You've all raised valid points...........
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO:  I will follow the orders of my Captain.
CO_Sacul says:
All:  I don't want any of you to have to face the death penalty................  :: purses her lips and furrows her brow ::
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  Especially you Doctor.  You have a new life at stake.
CO_Sacul says:
:: paces ::
CMO_Balena says:
::looks at the captain and thinks he knows what will happen next::
OPS_Sanford says:
CO:  I'd rather face death than to live not knowing that my memory has been altered.
Host Talosian says:
~~~::floats over back towards the away team CO: I see you have made a decision Captain.~~~
XO_Santiago says:
@::rubs her belly again.:;  *CO*:  Oh I realize that Ma'am... and it's more precious to me then you'll ever know.
Host Talosian says:
~~~CO: Perhaps.... some day, we shall be able to meet under better conditions. ~~~
CO_Sacul says:
:: nods at the Talosian ::
CO_Sacul says:
Talosian:  I hope so.
CO_Sacul says:
All:  I do not make this decision lightly.......
Host Talosian says:
ACTION: The crew of the USS Pharaoh find themselves regaining consciousness at their posts on the Pharaoh... The Pharaoh is at impulse 1 LY from the Tau Ursae Majoris star system.
XO_Santiago says:
::In her room in the Pharaoh a book stuck to her face as she slowly gets up.::  Self:  What the......
OPS_Sanford says:
::Wakes up at his station scratching his head.::
CMO_Balena says:
::wakes up at the science station and slowly raise his head of the console::
Host Gilles says:
ACTION: The shuttlecraft Hawking has dropped out of warp carrying the new CTO.... Cmdr Quchant.
CO_Sacul says:
:: looks up from her chair ::
FCO_Hawkes says:
::blinks eyes, is sitting at the helm, feels only a little disoriented::
CTO_Quchant says:
::steps out of the shuttlecraft .....bathroom and goes up front::
CMO_Balena says:
::groggy:: ALL: What happened?
CTO_Quchant says:
FCO_Hawkes says:
::checks nav. settings::
CTO_Quchant says:
Self: Here already....
CO_Sacul says:
FCO:  What the hell just happened?
CTO_Quchant says:
@::looks at the reading::.....Self:  Maybe not
OPS_Sanford says:
::Checks the sensors.::  CO:  Captain, a Federation Shuttle has just gotten out of warp near our position.
CMO_Balena says:
::taps on the science console::
CO_Sacul says:
FCO:  Where are we?
XO_Santiago says:
::Looks down at the padd in front of her and the gibberish she had written.::  Outloud:  Oh man I must be getting tired, this doesn't make sense.
CO_Sacul says:
OPS:  Hail them.
OPS_Sanford says:
::Opens hailing frequencies and then nods to the Captain.::
CO_Sacul says:
COM: Hawking:  This is the USS Pharaoh.  Identify yourself.
FCO_Hawkes says:
CO: On course for the Tau Ursae Majoris star system, sir.  We are at impulse, one light year out
CTO_Quchant says:
@COM: Pharaoh: This is the USS Hawking, Commander Quchant aboard.
CO_Sacul says:
:: nods :: FCO:  Steady as she goes.
FCO_Hawkes says:
::nods to the CO::  CO:  Aye aye, Captain.
CO_Sacul says:
COM: Hawking:  Ahh, our replacement Chief Tactical Officer.  I thought we were supposed to get you at Tenarus Alpha?
CO_Sacul says:
OPS:  Give him clearance and bring him aboard.
OPS_Sanford says:
::Nods at the Captain and gives the CTO clearance to bring his shuttle aboard.::
CTO_Quchant says:
@COM: Pharaoh: My orders have me meeting you here.  Permission to come aboard?
CO_Sacul says:
COM: Hawking:  I must have gotten my wire crossed Commander.  Permission granted.  You should have your clearance. Welcome to the Pharaoh Commander Quchant.
CTO_Quchant says:
@COM: Pharaoh: Affirmative.  Hawking out
FCO_Hawkes says:
::synchs ship speed to match the shuttle::
CTO_Quchant says:
@::expertly pilots the shuttle to a text book landing in the Pharaoh shuttle bay::
CO_Sacul says:
:: feels slightly strange, like waking up from a long sleep ::
OPS_Sanford says:
::Has the shuttle bay ready for Commander Quchant's arrival.::
CO_Sacul says:
*XO*  Doctor, come to my ready room.
Host Gilles says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause Mission >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>