Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Resume USS Andromeda "The Infinity Gambit" 10806.09
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: Our heroes and heroine are on the other side of the main cavern which is divided by a lava river
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The party is united; there is an inner chamber filled with inscriptions and a chamber behind it
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Still with the impression of having walked into an ancient Earth story, Alice in Wonderland, she stands with the others.::
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::Moves onwards::
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
::Last one in the group, walks last::
SO_Knott says:
::walks along with the others, not sure what they are expecting::
TO_Lt_Knight says:
::Looks around as he advances slowly.::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The party moves through the chamber with inscriptions, where the CTO has already been, and emerges into a room which is adorned with various maps
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Entering a room, pauses, then quickly moves aside so no one runs into her.::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Walks over toward the wall and looks over the various maps.::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The maps are of various Empires ranging from local Earth such as Rome, Alexander the Great, the Stellar Empire of Imperial Earth
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: There are also many maps of Stellar Empires in the distant past which have long since vanished
SO_Knott says:
::looks around as they enter the chamber:: All: Maps? ::walks over, hand outstretched to almost touch it::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The maps are on the floor and can be walked on
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
::Arriving last, taking a look at the maps::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: There is also a map of the United Federation of Planets
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: To no one in particular::  Some of these look vaguely familiar... almost of Earth of our universe.
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: After Each map there is the Empire name and its years of existence
XO_Lt_Conor says:
All: Lets move on and find this white gem
TO_Lt_Knight says:
::Looks around and makes note of the maps in the room.:: All: If I were more of a history buff, I'd record every inch of this room.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO: There is a lot more parallism then I had thought.
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The map of the Federation, and other political entities governed by election and consent are off to the side
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
XO: How can they have maps of our own universe... in this mirror universe?
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene:  At the center of the room is what appears to be the legs of what used to be a large stone statue , there is writing on the statute but the party is too far to read it
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
CSO: They are not.  Look, there are differences.  In most cases rather minor, just enough to make them different, yet not too different that we are parallel.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
<delete>
XO_Lt_Conor says:
CMO/CSO: We've seen material from our own universe here, probably some sort of transdimensional gateway or something
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
XO: Which given these gems abilities... :: Straightens and moves forward::
TO_Lt_Knight says:
XO: Perhaps whoever brough the gem here has been to our dimension.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
TO: We can still record them.
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
XO: They might be our only way back to our own universe.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
CMO/TO: Very possible
XO_Lt_Conor says:
CSO: I would suspect so, it is very important we find this gem then
SO_Knott says:
::listens without comment, trying to figure things out::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The Statute in the center of the room only has two feet the rest of the statue is gone
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Arriving at the statue, looks it over curiosly as it seems to be in the center, which often has some significance.::
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
::Goes to take a look at the statue and the writing on the statue::
TO_Lt_Knight says:
CMO: That'd prob'ly be a good idea.
SO_Knott says:
::walks over to the statue, peering at the writing::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Keeps a bit of distance back, given what had happened with the bridge ::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The writing on the statue reads "I met a traveler from an antique land/who said "two vast and truckless legs stand in the desert"/near them, on the sand a shattered visage lies whose frown, wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command ...
SO_Knott says:
::circles the two large feet of the statue:: All: I think these are the trunkless legs, but is it standing in the desert? ::backs up to see the floor around it::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
All: I must admit, I have never been strong in riddles.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
SO: It says trunkless, this is the trunk.
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene "and on the pedastal these words appear "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings, look on my works yea mighty and dispair/; nothing beside me remains, round the decay of that collosal wreck, the lone and level sands stretch far away"
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::looks around for another corridor::
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Scene: The Incription is by Shelly written in English (1792-1822)
  
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
All: I try to understand what that really means but I really don't understand.
Host ACTD_JohnSea says:
Action: The Statue shapeshifts into Julius Caesar
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
All: Maybe it's just nothing.
 
SO_Knott says:
All: Great Ceasar's ghost!
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
::Right next to the statue and shouts in surprise::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks at Knott::
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::Takes aim at the statue:: All: Another rock creature
TO_Lt_Knight says:
CSO: If you understood that, mate, you'd be buried with Vulcan's highest scholars.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: At this point, simply watching, wondering how this all ties in.::
Host Caesar says:
All: I ask you to judge the politics of Empire and Federation, in light of your own mortality, your race is motivated by these duel instincts
SO_Knott says:
::backs away from the statue, catching the CMO's look:: CMO: But it IS Caesar.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Caesar:  Survival?
Host Caesar says:
All: You and your empires turns to dust and yet you often seek to enslave and conquer, we will judge the Roman Empire
SO_Knott says:
::frowns:: Self: Mortality?
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::sighs:: Self: I hate this political/morality stuff
TO_Lt_Knight says:
Ceasar: The Federation doesn't seek to enslave or conquer.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Caesar:  Judge?  The Roman empire?  The Roman empire began with many great things, but it ended, weighed down by too many who lost sight of their dreams.
Host Caesar says:
All: The Roman Empire brought enlightenment, technology, unified roads, aquaducts and political thought through conquest and yet we enslaved and conquered and murdered. In the end it all turned to dust, do you judge us good or evil?
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::starts walking around looking for somewhere else to go::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Ceasar: Neither, for you cannot judge a people by individual actions.
Host Caesar says:
XO: You seek to avoid considering your own mortality?
Host Caesar says:
CMO: Explain
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Caesar: Pretty much, love to stay and chat but I have stuff to take care of
Host Caesar says:
XO: If you participate in my play your reward is the gem
TO_Lt_Knight says:
XO: I think he wants you to answer him, considrin' you're our leader.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Caesar: I am born, I die, I turn to dust. What of it?
Host Caesar says:
All: I seek all your opinions
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Ceasar: If I give you a diamond and it is used to kill someone.  Is that diamond evil or good?
Host Caesar says:
CMO: So you are saying the Empire is neither good nor evil but its people are different?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Ceasar: Correct.
Host Caesar says:
CMO: And those who are enslaved by such Empires would agree with you?
Host Caesar says:
XO: So civilization then is what?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Ceasar: That again would depend on ones perspectives.  Odd as it may seem, there were many people who were content and in some cases, what they had may have been considered worse.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Caesar: An endless cycle
Host Caesar says:
CMO: Content to be enslaved, I have indeed heard that sentiment from those in power who benefit
Host Caesar says:
All: Other opinions on Empire?
SO_Knott says:
::mutely shakes his head, he was terrible with such discussions::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Caesar: And by those who were content if they had someone who was kind and fed, clothed and gave them a roof.  I personally, would have issues with that and so many did.  But again, you cannot define all under the canopy of one.
Host Caesar says:
CSO: Care to voice your opinion on Democracy and Federation?
Host Caesar says:
CMO: So Empire despite its inevitable end is in fact neutral?
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
Caesar: I have grown in a democratic society and in Federation. I prefer that culture over other alternatives.
Host Caesar says:
CSO: Why?
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Caesar: That would depend on how you define an Empire.  By the individuals or by those who led it.
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
Caesar: People like what they are used to and I am no different in that respect.
Host Caesar says:
CMO: Empire by conquest and point of sword, cultural and military imperialism of one people over another
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
Caesar: Also I have read experiments with other political systems in human history and they have not been so successful.
TO_Lt_Knight says:
Caesar: It has always been the wish of humanity to better itself, and sometimes even in our attempts to govern ourselves, we make mistakes.
TO_Lt_Knight says:
Caesar: When we think we've created the pinnacle of civilization, we end up acting smug, barbaric, and inhuman.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::sighs and takes a seat against the wall::
Host Caesar says:
All: I would have expected more idealism from Federation Officers then the moral relativity that I hear however your answer of moral neutrality and relativity bordering on nihilism is valid and acceptable, I offer you your prize
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
Caesar: Rome was not built of just one race, one civilization nor over a short period of time.
Host Caesar says:
Action: Caesar outstretches his hand and produces the white gem, it is gleaming in beauty
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::Hops up at the sight of the gem and walks over to it::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Uncertain of the meaning, starts to reach for the gem, only to pause and look at the XO::
SO_Knott says:
TO: We get the gem? Awesome.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::reaches for the gem::
TO_Lt_Knight says:
SO: I'd say so, mate.
Host Caesar says:
Action: The statue turns to solid stone
Host Caesar says:
Action: The gem is gleaming with soft white light, tricorders read it as pure positive energy
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::Takes the gem from the statue::
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Watches::
SO_Knott says:
TO: Does that mean we get to go home?
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
All: Alright! We got the gem, now let's go home!
Host Caesar says:
Action: The gem is soft to the XO's touch, light as a feather
TO_Lt_Knight says:
SO: I dunno, but I sure hope that little gem can help us get there.
SO_Knott says:
TO: Amen.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Tyreal: I've got it!
 
Host Tyreal says:
XO: Excellent congratulations, although I disapprove of your lack of idealism so be it
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Tyreal: I'll work on it later, now how do I clean up this mess?
TO_Lt_Knight says:
Tyreal: Idealism is good an' all, but working towards an ideal as more important. I guess that's why we work for Starfleet. We want to build the ideal that the Federation represents.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks with uncertainty as he holds the gem that had altered her and Ethan's lives... or had it?::
Host Tyreal says:
XO: Remember in order to wield the gem you must be in full possession of it physically, now close your eyes and concentrate the symbol of law:  the scales
SO_Knott says:
::watches, totally fascinated::
XO_Lt_Conor says:
::Takes hold of the gem, closes his eyes and concentrates::
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
::Watching ths trange spectacle::
Host Tyreal says:
Action: The white glow streaks out from the XO's hand clutching the gem it expands until the entire room is bright white light, and then the team opens their eyes and sees the bridge of the Andromeda in orbit over the Mayan Civilization in the Federation Universe
SO_Knott says:
::screws his eyes shut as the light gets unbearable, then opens them to see the ship's bridge:: All: Huh?
Host Tyreal says:
Action: The rift between universes is sealed, incoming message from Starfleet Command
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
XO: We got an incoming message from Starfleet.
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Looks around with uncertainty.::
XO_Lt_Conor says:
CSO: Bring it up
CSO_LtJG_Bogbinder says:
XO: On screen.
TO_Lt_Knight says:
SO: Next to warp drive, that's the only way to travel. ::Takes his station.::
Host Tyreal says:
<Starfleet_Command> Comm: USS Andromeda: We seem to have lost contact with you for a day, do you require assistance?
SO_Knott says:
::chuckles:: TO: So say we all. ::goes to his station at the back of the bridge::
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Comm: Starfleet_Command: Negative, we would like that you order the ships to stand down and not shoot us on sight however
Host Tyreal says:
<Starfleet_Command> Comm: USS Andromeda: Very funny as you well know we don't shoot at our own ships, maybe you should get some rest
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: quietly::  XO: It never happened.
TO_Lt_Knight says:
XO: They act like we never fired on Utopia Planetia.
XO_Lt_Conor says:
Comm: Starfleet_Command: Ok then, Andromeda out
CMO_LtCmd_Knight-Sky says:
:: Tentatively, mentally reaches out to her children::
Host Tyreal says:
Pause USS Andromeda: The Infinity Gambit 10806.08