The Duality Wars: The Alien Wars 6

Session 64

<DeathStar> 10.3.5990 CE
<DeathStar> Location: The Aquarius
<DeathStar> 6* They still fly in Spirit Engine Mode, somehow the ship not having changed in days like it normally does
<kalonZombee> 6*Denise, having gotten used to being back in duty and also used to her forced room mates, has cheered up a bit. Still a pottymouth but not nearly as angry. Gor programs, having taken time off from engineering to help Katlyin
<DeathStar> 6* The ship moves through light speed, almost at their destination
<Kaelan> * Cookie sits ineffectually at the pilot seat since they're in Spirit Engine Mode. Curious how it's lasted this long.
<Sara> * Erica sits in her chair, looking on, quiet
<DeathStar> 6* The Cam Spirit stands there, working quietly. Kre'trav walks up behind Erica and bows
<Sara> * Erica glances over at her and nods
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I apologize if I made you uncomfortable any. I know my grandmother told you to do this
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I am sorry for doubting your honor, Captain
<Sara> <Erica> ...She didn't want you to know. *she frowns*
<Sara> <Erica> I'm doing the best I can for what I believe in... simple as that.
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I admit I wish I could do something. I have debated stealing a shuttle many times
<Sara> <Erica> Well, I'm glad you've stuck with us, Kre'trav.
<Kaelan> Cookie> You coming with us could be a good thing... if we need to return you could be the bridge between our people and yours.
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> Yes, I have decided to be a leader to the people here
<DeathStar> 6* She bows. "I will get out of your way since we are near the jump gate."
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav glides off
<DeathStar> 6* The spirit watches her go
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> Captain. I have been anaylzing the previous run you made through the gate warp
<DeathStar> 6* The Aquarius comes out of hyperspace in front of the jump gate
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah... *she looks at Cam*
<Sara> <Erica> it was a bit of a disaster...
<Kaelan> * Cookie looks out at it, curiously.
<DeathStar> 6* The blue haired naked spirit turns to her. "I believe it is possible to get back your crew if you wanted. If we did some things. It would simply mean transporting the Erusian crew - not the refugees - to wherever the crew went. As we have evidence, they will not die
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor looks at it, thinking
<DeathStar> <Cam Spirit> And clearly, based on evidence, there are Erusians in that world. From what little Denise remembers
<DeathStar> <Cam Spirit> And the Airym machine and the others' testimonies
<Kaelan> * Cookie frowns.
<Sara> <Erica> I... *she looks down* While I do want to get the others back, I don't feel like I should be playing risks with these crew, unless they explicitly will it...
<DeathStar> <Cam Spirit> ... *she nods* Very well
<Sara> <Erica> Is it only possible to use actual people -- crew -- for this? Nothing else? Synth meat for example?
<DeathStar> <Cam Spirit> We are max capacity as it is and they would have to be positioned in the areas the crew vanished. We would have to get people of similiar size and weight to make it work
<DeathStar> <Cam Spirit> I do not think meat, being not alive, would work
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I'm not sure they'd be happy with that idea."
<Sara> <Erica> I see... I'll have to think about this in the future, but for the time being I don't think this is a choice we can make.
<Sara> <Erica> It simply means there is a way to get them back. And I'll remember that fact.
<Sara> <Erica> Thank you very much, by the way. Cam'dee.
<DeathStar> *The Spirit Cam'dee peers at her and nods* I will send the codes to unlock the gate
<Sara> * Erica nods slowly
<DeathStar> 6* The gate revolves in a circle, lighting up and turns from red to green accepting their ship
<kalonZombee> 6*Denise watches
<DeathStar> <Cam Spirit> You may enter
<kalonZombee> <Denise> ...If I disappear again I quit.
<Sara> <Erica> Take us through, please... carefully.
<DeathStar> *Cam stands there since cookie is at the pilot seat*
<Sara> <Erica> Um. Cookie. *she says softly*
<Kaelan> * Cookie nods and starts moving them through.
<DeathStar> 6* As they enter, the ship begins to jerk and speed through the circular portal once more at rapid speeds, alarms going off and shaking happening. Little in engineer goes flying and smashes her head, going KO
<Sara> <Erica> Nngh. Hold on tight, everyone!
<kalonZombee> 6*Denise holds tight to Gor. Gor blinks. Denise grins at him
<DeathStar> 6* They fly through the energy circle, the sides of full of deadly energy that could smash them bad as they go faster than a ship could imagine. Cam stands there silently, watching as Cookie struggles to keep them from touching it
<Kaelan> * Cookie holds on, squealing.
<Kaelan> * Cookie focuses, burning a Perception and a Mind to help her keep her mind and abilities in preventing them from doing just that.
<DeathStar> 6* Suddenly there's a flash of beautiful energy that seems to come from inside the Aquarius itself, hitting them all and knocking them out. When they come to, the Aquarius is drifing a few feet from the deadly energy, and Cam is standing there, overlooking reports
<DeathStar> 6* The bridge looks scrambled termimal wise, as if a powerful energy blast scrambled things
<Sara> <Erica> *mumbling* Bloody hell...
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> Welcome back. We were hit by a pulse and somehow came to a stop in the stream
<Kaelan> * Cookie squeaks and grabs the controls, she frowns and tries to see if she can move them. "W-WE're close to that!"
<kalonZombee> <Denise> Fucking...
<DeathStar> 6* The Aquarius doesn't seem to move, but their shields are holding so nothing can hurt them
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> More info than that, Blue?
<kalonZombee> <Gor> So... we're at a standstill.
<Myaomi> * Saoirse frowns, holding Little, still in casual clothes, but poking her head in, panting, probably having been worried about Erica.
<Kaelan> Cookie> "We need someone to fix this... can someone call Little?"
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> I do not know.
<Sara> <Erica> At a standstill is not a place I think we're very safe being in a place like this. We barely made it out -last- time.
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> However, our shields will run out the longer we remain
<Sara> <Erica> Status of the ship aside from "stopped"? *she bites her lip, worried*
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor tries to go get Little
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> The Aquarius computers seem to be damaged from the pulse, yet the shields are at 90%. They drained while you were unconscious from being in here
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> I could begin repairs and get us moving, but I cannot move from this spot
<Sara> <Erica> That much... damn. Are -you- all right?
<Kaelan> Cookie> "What would releasing the mode and letting you out do to our situation?"
<Sara> <Erica> Cam'dee, I've wanted to help you get 'unanchored' for quite some time but we haven't found how to do so without ... frankly, getting all of us and the ship destroyed.
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> *she simply blinks once* Oh?
<DeathStar> <spirit Cam> *She turns away, talking under her breath*
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> Destroy these boxes if you wish to unanchor me as you call it. *she brings up a screen*
<Myaomi> * Saoirse stares at Cookie-- holding Little
<Sara> <Erica> Gor, I'm sending you an image. *she does so*
<DeathStar> 6* She shows four of them on different levels, 2 in engineering, 1 on the bridge under the floor board, and one near the core
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav arrives on the bridge
<Sara> <Erica> Will this cause any other harm to the ship?
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor looks
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> What happened, Captain? I just have been able to get up here
<Sara> <Erica> Something's stopped us. We're trying to get things back in order here with help from Cam...
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> Minimal damage. Better than hitting the wall. Of course if you wish to take over yourself you can lock me up
<Kaelan> ((LIttle was in engineering when she got knocked out.))
<Sara> <Erica> Will it harm the "other Cam"? *she asks delicately*
<Myaomi> (I'm aware, which is why Saoirse has her. She carried her. before you said to contact her. >_>)
<DeathStar> *Spirit Cam peers up* I am sure the ship will be fine
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> I
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> For one, would give her the benefit of the doubt. Blue's done nothing malicious since we've been on board, not even to Cam'Dee. And she'd stand to lose just as much if we hit a wall in hyperspace.
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor looks at the image Erica sent
<Sara> * Erica bites her lip. "Gor. The spirit Cam'dee says that if you destroy those boxes she'll be free. She's a bit evasive as to whether this will harm the other Cam'dee, at the same time. I feel you are most qualified to make this call."
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> However, you've seen how my decisions usually affect us, so fine if you don't want to.
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav watches all this, reading eyeing the terminals offline, then quietly motions Erica to follow her off the bridge
<Sara> * Erica follows Kre'trav
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> I'm going to get Little to medical.
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav looks around, realizing nowhere they go is safe from listening
<Myaomi> * Saoirse goes to leave and raises an eyebrow at Kre'trav
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor thinks "...Let's do it." 6*He says, hoping his backup systems for Cam that he gave Erica way back when have been keeping up to date
<Myaomi> * Saoirse nudges Kre'trav to the wall, pushing against her, then tilts her head, closing her eyes. <Speak.>
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I know I do not know much about your ship Captain. But it took us 15 minutes trying to get onto the bridge before the doors suddenly opened. Also, the shields look fine. Where did that pulse come from? *she says, apparantly in the mind with Sao's aid
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I would think there would be signs of some outer damage
<Sara> <Erica> It seems like it was from inside the ship, admittedly. Are you suggesting that the spirit invented this?
<Kaelan> Cookie> It could be something about what we're travelling in. Back where my group came from, one form of travel we used to get from place to place knocked everyone out too.... *she frowns*
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I do not know. You all trust her. I simply wished to speak my mind
<DeathStar> (I don't think Cookie could hear the mind speak)
<Sara> <Erica> We owe her our lives a few times over, but your crew do not.
<DeathStar> (It's a Gladius/Master deal like a dragoon)
<Kaelan> ((Lack of <<>>s is tossing me off.))
<Sara> <Erica> <At the same time... like the other Cam, the spirit -is- the ship. I don't think we have that great of a choice in trusting her or not, even if we didn't.>
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav bows
<DeathStar> 6* Gor reaches engineering where the first two black boxes are located behind wlals
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav moves on to talk to her people, letting Erica do her thing - since one of the black boxes is on the bridge near her chair
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor carefully removes the panels covering them and moves to disable the ones that are to be disabled
<Sara> <Erica> <I don't like having anyone indentured... so to speak. I wanted to free her from the beginning. If she's actually forcing our hand, I suppose it's just advancing things a bit. Let's... hope for the best.> *she says, as the last things to say on the subject*
<DeathStar> 6* The ship does not explode as the sims proclaim as he takes out Black Box 1
<DeathStar> 6* Though the spirit engines rev up
<Sara> * Then heads to the bridge, going to the box and asking Gor to walk her through it
<DeathStar> 6* Then down back to norm
<Kaelan> * Cookie gulps and looks to see if that moved them.
<DeathStar> 6* They seem to be holding in place
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor walks Erica through it
<Sara> * Erica handles the box on the bridge with Gor's walkthrough
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Apparently the computer was messing up my sims.
<Sara> <Erica> I'm not shocked. They wanted to discourage this from the beginning, and that was obvious.
<Sara> * Erica laughs dryly. "We might be in enough trouble from coming back in the first place. The fact the ship is even intact is thanks to us, though..."
<kalonZombee> <Gor> I thought your mission was to always come back?
<Myaomi> * Saoirse follows Kre'trav off the bridge sector, eyeing her, then carries Little to medical.
<Kaelan> Cookie> "From what I understand, many thought their mission would eb one way."
<Kaelan> * Cookie assigns some medics to treat Little.
<DeathStar> 6* The second black box in engineering has DO NOT TOUCH on it
<kalonZombee> <Gor> ...6 *Gor touches it
<DeathStar> 6* Erica finishes her's and the bridge fluxuates and the capsule closes with out spirit cam in it. She oversees things
<DeathStar> 6* Nothing happens to Gor
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor starts the removal, so long as it's one of the proper ones
<DeathStar> 6* The medics later learn that Little is just very, very drunk
<DeathStar> 6* But for now, Gor finishes the third. The Spirit engines glow powerfully with more energy. The core below is very hot where the last is, the most least hospital place to go
<kalonZombee> 6*Denise will curse Little out for getting into her stash AGAIN. She uses most of that for cooking, dammit!
<DeathStar> <Spirit Cam> It is almost done
<DeathStar> *she sounds happy*
<Sara> * Erica looks at her quietly
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor carefully starts working on the third one
<kalonZombee> *Err, fourth
<Kaelan> * Cookie gulps a bit.
<DeathStar> 6* The box is greased, trying to make Gor fall into the core
<DeathStar> 6* Also a fake spider is on it to scare him
<DeathStar> 6* Likely Computer Cam's work
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor rolls his eyes, having grown up with Shu and Vi, so spiders do nothing
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor keeps trying to remove it, ready to save himself with foxfire if he falls
<DeathStar> 6* The box pops out and knocks Gor backwards toward the railing, that is too greased
<DeathStar> 6* Spirit Cam meanwhile blinks at the last one goes and tests herself, flaring energy
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor foxfires to safety
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I-I think... that's the last one...?" *she looks at Cam*
<DeathStar> 6* She steps off the pad slowly, then blows up her pad as if to make sure she can't be bound, then laughs so hard she weeps. "It's over." 6* The pad sparks, destroyed and all their terminals come back online as it seems she's no longer hooked up
<Sara> <Erica> Um... Are you all right?
<Sara> * Erica frowns
<Kaelan> Cookie> "The ship is online." *she checks the controls to see if she can get them away from the edge now*
<DeathStar> 6* The ship slowly transforms back to the normal shape as she turns to face Erica, their shields depleting faster since the spirit mode was protecting them from the buffering. Cookie manages to fly them back, which cases the tunnel waves to shake the ship badly. It seems the spirit cam was protecting them from everything bad that happened last time
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> Never better, Captain
<Chainy> 6*Kitty oofs when Gor collides into her boobage
<Kaelan> Cookie> "U-Umm... the ship won't handle this for long!"
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor pulls away from the boobs "Hi."
<Sara> <Erica> Great. We're all going to die. I guess that's the price we pay for being kind.
<Sara> * She says dryly
<Sara> <Erica> Do your best, Cookie...
<Kaelan> * Cookie gulps and moves them forward, not tarrying.
<Kaelan> Cookie> "No pressure right? haha.... ha..."
<Sara> * Erica comms Kitty to ask if she can contribute some of her energy
<Chainy> 6*Kitty moves for them, dragging Gor with her
<DeathStar> 6* Cam'dee runs her hands down her face. "Kind, hm? You did it now since it suited you because I pressed the issue. I wasn't a priority months ago when I said I could point out the black boxes."
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor follows
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> If I could see this entire ship explode I would. *she eyes the ship shake, the shields getting hammered by the energy fluxes*
<Sara> <Erica> If I were against it I could have stopped Lam'fee from helping you.
<Sara> <Erica> I could have not bothered having Gor look into it in the first place.
<Sara> <Erica> And I could have kept you locked up in that godforsaken tube.
<Kaelan> Cookie> "P-Please Miss Cam..." *she tries to keep her focus, flying them through as best she can*
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> Heh. *Surprisingly she fades through the floor, showing her true spirit self, going down for the engines*
<Sara> <Erica> If anyone doesn't believe in "slaves" and shit like that you sure as hell better bet it's me... *she sighs*
<Chainy> 6*Kitty closes her eyes and starts supplying energy
<DeathStar> 6* The ship stablizes a bit, but then it gets a huge jolt of energy, shields going up and it becomes a smoother ride
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor provides his energy as well
<DeathStar> 6* The ship being infused with Cam'dee's energy
<Kaelan> * Cookie stops hyperventilating as she flies, not slowing though, speeding if she can, not wnting to make Cam work any harder than she has to.
<DeathStar> 6* However, they still have hours to go if it was anything like last time
<Sara> * Erica closes her eyes as the data comes in, letting out another sigh, this one not so dark or unhappy. More relieved.
<DeathStar> 6* Cam'dee sits in engineering, providing enough energy that Gor and Kitty can back off for now, until she fails
<DeathStar> 6* Giving the crew a breather to plan out what they plan to do
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor backs off, whewing, then moves to check up on Computer Cam
<DeathStar> 6* There is no sign of computer cam. The AI is completely gone, if she ever existed
<Kaelan> Cookie> "WE'll need a plan, I don't think she'll last this whole trip."
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor moves to get the backup set up
<Chainy> 6*Kitty backs off as well and plops down
<Sara> <Erica> Agreed. Gor, get Engineering working on ideas to boost our energy output enough to get us further through this without straining Cam'dee, if at all possible.
<Sara> <Erica> Kitty, I want you to see if there's anyone else at all on board who might be able to help us with energy output like you can as well.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Will do. 6*He moves to do so, holding off on the backup restoration for now
<DeathStar> *Kre'trav checks in on them*
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> It worked out?
<Chainy> <Kitty> alright
<Chainy> 6*Kitty rises and moves to inquire
<Sara> <Erica> So far so good. We need more power than we have on hand now.
<Sara> <Erica> Cookie, I'm relieving you. I want you to make sure the crew's mental states stay stable.
<DeathStar> 6* There is a slight ping and the sensors pick up a distortion passing them and going ahead, much like what they have been passing, but it speeds by so fast it's hard to tell if they really read it
<Sara> * Erica squints at that ping
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Are... other things using this?"
<DeathStar> 6* Cam'dee sits, cross armed and frowning, like she is having strange headaches
<Sara> <Erica> Also, I want you to keep an eye on Cam'dee. Not for bad reasons, just -- make sure she stays okay. Please. *she moves to take the pilot chair if Cookie lets her*
<DeathStar> 6* She plays with a ball of energy like a basketball
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> *Sits near Erica to keep her company*
<DeathStar> 6* Kittens and cats f ollow Kitty
<Sara> * Erica nods to Kre'trav. "This isn't easy but we will get through it."
<Kaelan> * Cookie nods and lets someone else pilot, getting up and going to check over the crew.
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I believe you
<Chainy> 6*Kitty asks their guests if any can contribute energy
<Sara> * Erica takes the pilot seat, smiling gently
<DeathStar> 6* The crew is worried but calming now that they are settled. Kitty manages to get Aurit and some special Erusians to volunteer
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor gets engineering to boost energy outputs
<kalonZombee> 6*To take the strain off Cam
<DeathStar> 6* Erica would feel the second signal of Yuki vanish, but the other is getting stronger slowly
<DeathStar> 6* Cam'dee watches Gor, a hard glint there as she does herb all
<Sara> * Erica ponders that quietly
<Chainy> 6*Kitty guides them to the captain
<Kaelan> * Cookie nods, moving to check engineering and Cam
<Myaomi> * Saoirse goes to have a chat with Cam'Dee, a little smitten having been for freeing her from the get go until she was told it was not an option by not only Little, but Gor, AND both Cam'Dees
<Sara> * Erica nods to Kitty and instructs Kitty to oversee them, since Kitty would know more about feeding energy into the ship than her or her other officers
<Sara> (Save for Gor of course)
<Sara> <Erica> We're all in this together. We will make it through. I won't let any single person or thing shoulder these burdens if we can help it. Including Cam'dee.
<DeathStar> 6* The Aurit cat people chase Kitty around with her cats
<Kaelan> * Cookie sits near Cam and watches her, not probing though.
<DeathStar> 6* Cam'dee opens her eyes at people coming up to her
<DeathStar> Kre'trav> *nods to her people to follow Erica*
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Feel better?"
<DeathStar> 6* Strangely, it seems the journey begins to take longer, the instruments indicating they are moving slower
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> No
<Sara> * Erica checks for distortion
<DeathStar> *the entire area is one big distortion usually, due to the time gate's purpose but it does seem like time is lagging*
<Sara> <Erica> I think something's wrong. Time is slowing down... I think.
<Kaelan> Cookie> "When we can find who put you in here to begin with and punish them for it... you might feel better. We just have to get through this last stretch."
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> The distortions from the Alpha Quadrant must be following through the open gate
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> I was born here I think. I remember waking up in the ship
<Sara> <Erica> That's... not good.
<DeathStar> *she seems to be having a headache since the separation from the computer*
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> You wanted to blow us up?" She deadpans at Cam'dee
<Sara> <Erica> Kre'trav, if we fired our weapons directly backward, hypothetically, would that kill us? *she asks frankly*
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I do not know much about this place, but I think firing in here is a bad idea
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah... I figured as much.
* Jackieness has joined #Duality
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Jackieness
<Chainy> 6*Kitty does her best to entertain them
<Sara> <Erica> But I thought it was worth asking.
<DeathStar> *The aurits sit on Kitty, being cute*
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> I want to blow the ship up. I will wait for you to all get off
<Sara> <Erica> All of this is "distortion"...
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> It means if it takes you a few hours to get out, it will take double that?
<Sara> <Erica> But if "distortion" is also following us, if only we could stave it off...
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> Can the ship last that long?
<Sara> <Erica> Normally I would say no, but with all of our efforts, it just might.
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I wish we could, but it might already be on the other side
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> Both sides must be open for you to go through
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah...
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> At least it iso nly the time distortion, and not the other, right? *She smiles hopefully, not realizing irony here is bad*
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> I am sure it will die off quickly with the ship
<Sara> <Erica> Regardless, diverting all unnecessary power, boosting it as best we can, using the power of those crew who can spare it, along with Cam'dee...
<Sara> <Erica> I believe in us. I think we can make it.
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 6* Five hours later, Cam'dee begins to fade in and out, like her very being is going away
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> I guess I can understand having a grudge against the ship-- but does that include the AI?
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I-Is there anything we can do to help you?"
<Myaomi> * Saoirse sits by Cam
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor moves over to Cam "Cam? Are you alright?
<DeathStar> 6* Cam'dee drops her ball of energy and seems to hold her head and collapses to her knees. "The AI...I..." *She seems out of it now* "Gor..stupid Gor.." *She mumbles
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor looks hurt
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> The engine and shields are failing. You might want to call off whoever is powering us
<Sara> <Erica> *over comm* Get Cam'dee off of power generation and do whatever you can for her. I want Kitty and her group to move in and take over.
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> Kissing and giving me a name then...sleeping with her...
<DeathStar> 6* She talks as if she were the AI for a bit
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Gor, Kitty, you're up."
<Chainy> 6*Kitty takes over supplying power
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor is already there, helping Kitty
<DeathStar> 6* Cam has to be pulled off
<DeathStar> 6* Though she remains seethroughish, liuke she isn't recovering like a normal spirit
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor tries to pull Cam off
<Chainy> 6*Kitty blinks
<Chainy> 6*Kitty helps
<DeathStar> 6* Cam lays there after being pulled off, fading in and out, thankfully not having gone all the way
<DeathStar> 6* The Auritsj oin Kitty and Gor to help power
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> We are stablizing
<Sara> <Erica> What's going on down there?
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> ACcording to your past logs, we are an hour away
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> With adjusted time
<Sara> * Erica looks over the situation
<Sara> <Erica> Check our stores for spirit fossils. Maybe some magik users can help Cam...
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Cam was nearly completely drained, she's recovering lke a Geyze spirit does."
<Sara> * She says, sending the order accordingly in case it can be done
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I saw it on 'All My Spirits'."
<Sara> * Erica deadpans
<Sara> <Erica> *following up her order* If there is anyone on board at all with experience dealing with spirits, please have them help out any way they can.
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I really do hope that Salamander gets over that case of amnesia before Undine finds out about..."
<Sara> * Erica bows her head slightly, though not closing her eyes since she's still piloting, wishing strongly for Cam'dee's survival, even if it's just superstition
<DeathStar> *Kre'trav goes down and tries a spirit fossil. It helps - a little, but not like a true spirit might. She then muses and drags her up to the bridge*
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav hooks terminals up into her fading body and runs power
<DeathStar> 6* Like a computer
<Sara> * Erica watches... as best she can without totally giving up her focus
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav then sits
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> You said she was tied to the ship, maybe the capsule was a power source
<DeathStar> 6* After an hour later, Kitty and Gor begin to feel weak with the finish line in sight.
<Sara> <Erica> And unfortunately she destroyed that.
<DeathStar> 6* However, the ship begins to stutter and spin. To finish, Kitty or Gor must DO A OPPOSITE GAME
<DeathStar> 6* Up, Down, Left, Right
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> <... Erica, would you forgive me if I tried something?>
<DeathStar> 5
<DeathStar> 4
<DeathStar> 3
<kalonZombee> durl
<DeathStar> 2
<DeathStar> 1
<DeathStar> -0-
<kalonZombee> action point for kitty
<Sara> <Erica> <Please tell me what it is first?>
<DeathStar> 6* The ship steadies
<Sara> * Erica sounds soft, merely concerned rather than distrusting
<DeathStar> 6* As Erica flies for the gate, she will need to close it at the same time, so prepare yourself Erica for an OPPOSITE GAME
<DeathStar> 6* Up, Down
<DeathStar> 5
<DeathStar> 4
<DeathStar> 3
<Sara> du
<DeathStar> 2
<DeathStar> 1
<DeathStar> -0-
<DeathStar> 6* The Aquarius zooms out and sends the code, shutting the gate down as the Aquarius spins, Gor and Kitty, the Aurits, and everyone collapses, the ship shutting off with shields down, far away from Kumen and Geyze, near the gas giants
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> <She's not recovering like a spirit. You bonded with Yuki-- technically she felt similar. .. I could try to give her some of the energy you're now minutely generating
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav hits the distress call toward Kumen hoping they get it
<Sara> <Erica> <If you think it will work, I'm willing to donate...>
<DeathStar> 6* Before a gas giant gets them
<DeathStar> 6* Cam begins to stop flickering as bad
<DeathStar> 6* It appears the ship energy is what she needed - before they lost power
<Myaomi> * Saoirse nods, then takes Cam's hand and closes her eyes, focusing on the foreign energy she's connected to now.
<DeathStar> 6* Now she is weakening again
<Kaelan> COokie> "W-We need to get the ship working again."
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> It seems she is like a computer or battery
<Sara> * Erica, just before what Saoirse does, sends a signal to disable unnecessary systems and divert that, as well as using the power-generating Erusians if they are willing
<DeathStar> 6* Cam begins to get twitch and lays there as Sao does her thing
<DeathStar> 6* The Aquarius slowly boots up
<kalonZombee> 6*Denise arrives, handing some soup in a bowl that doesn't get hot to Cam
<DeathStar> -tIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> 6* An hour later their systems are rebooting and the group is gathered in the senior officer meeting room. Cam'dee is still recovering, it seems the ship is her battery. Which might enrage her if she tries to leave it and wears all her energy out
<DeathStar> 6* Kumen has sent word they are sending ships to escort the heroes back to the Quad 8 building, which is surprising that they are not getting a parade, perhaps, but it looks like the leader of all the Corporations wants to meet them immediately
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor and Denise are both present, Gor being pretty much acting chief of engineering at this point
<kalonZombee> 6*If Gor is conscious again, that is
<DeathStar> 6* All are
<kalonZombee> <Denise> Maybe they're planning the parade later
<Sara> <Erica> I'm glad everyone is okay.
<Myaomi> * Saoirse carries Cam'dee.
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> I doubt there's any parade in our future.
<Chainy> 6*Kitty carries the aurits around
<Jackieness> <Airym> *enters the meeting room* "It seems I missed things while deep in my research."
<Kaelan> Cookie> "What are they going to do with those of us that aren't crew members?... To them at least?"
<kalonZombee> <Denise> Of course there's a parade in our future.
<kalonZombee> <Denise> We're fucking rock stars.
<Sara> <Erica> I don't know what's coming up, but I do know we all need to be prepared for what could be very hard times. *she says sternly*
<Myaomi> * Saoirse eyes Denise, then shrugs.
<Sara> <Erica> We're on a ship that I doubt was expected back, carrying an inordinate amount of refugees.
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> You can look at it one of two ways
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> The pres wants to see us personally because the sight of a few hundred thousand aliens might set the public off
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> Or because he wants his hands on those, and doesn't want word we're back to get out.
<Sara> <Erica> Bear in mind that we've also broken their wishes by releasing Cam, although I would not have had it any other way.
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor thinks, then blinks, whispering to Cookie and Kitty
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> Call me biased, but Cam's predicament makes me think they're quite capable of shady practices.
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> I
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> I would like to see Cam, Kitty, Gor, Cookie at the very least off this ship and the records if we can manage it until we know for sure.
<Sara> <Erica> I don't disagree with you Saoir.
<Sara> * Erica raises a hand. "I would hear everyone's thoughts?"
<Kaelan> COokie> "Yuki should be somewhere on Kumen, waiting for us."
<Myaomi> * Saoirse winces at mention of Yuki.
<Sara> <Erica> Yeah. I can feel her...
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Wouldn't Geyze be a more prudent hiding spot though?
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> We don't have a choice right now with how we're operating and having sent out the distress signal.
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> ... I
<kalonZombee> <Gor> For us, I mean.
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> (would like to stop hitting enter after typing I) would like to see if we can hide in the hull and sneak out.
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> *Calls out* The shuttle is requesting permission to land
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Shuttle?"
<Sara> <Erica> There's a shuttle? *she blinks* Granted.
<DeathStar> <Kre'trav> Okay, told them to. It seems a maid is flying it
<Jackieness> <Airym> "It is like;ly your corporate authorities."
<Myaomi> * Saoirse eyes Erica approving it right away.
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> A maid..
<Kaelan> Cookie> "A... maid...?"
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Maid?
<Chainy> 6*Kitty blinks
<Sara> <Erica> A maid, huh.
<Chainy> <Kitty> its her
<Myaomi> * Saoirse eyes Cam'dee's condition now.
<DeathStar> 6* Cam opens her eyes
<Sara> * Erica raises an eyebrow at Kitty
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> I.... where am ... *she sits up slowly*
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> We're back in the Delta quadrant.
<Chainy> 6*Kitty moves to greet the shuttle
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> Then I shall escape now! Good by-- *She falls into Sao's lap*
<DeathStar> 6* The shuttle lands in the hanger, CorporateSector colors all over it
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor moves to greet hte shuttle as well
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> We need a little more time, Cam'dee.
<Sara> <Erica> <If we didn't approve them right away, they would know something was wrong. I think this is for the best right now.>
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> <I agree.>
<Kaelan> * Cookie gulps but follows Gor.
<Sara> * Erica stands. "I'm going to greet our guest."
<Sara> * Erica heads to the hangar
<DeathStar> 6* Honor guards step off, peering around at all the refugees and cats in confusion
<Myaomi> <Saoirse> Do me a favor, Cam. Go with Erica-- I'll stay with you that you can stabilize for now.
<Chainy> 6*Kitty stands arms crossed loosely
<Chainy> <Kitty> its been a while
<Myaomi> * Saoirse switches to weapon form-- whatever might be fitting since she's currently in Cam'dee's possession.
<DeathStar> 6* A maid figure, a beautiful dark haired beauty, and all seriousness steps off. She looks up at Kitty, and surprise fills her face
<DeathStar> <Maid> You?!
<Chainy> 6*Kitty smiles
<DeathStar> 6* Cam shambles after Erica
<Kaelan> * Cookie blinks and looks at Kitty, then the maid, she looks at the maid and squints. "Huh...?"
<Sara> * Erica walks in a bit after Kitty, with Cam and weapon-Saoirse
<Chainy> <Kitty> youve really grown up Sen
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Sen....?"
<Sara> <Erica> Huh? You... wait... WHAAAT? *she puts her hand to her mouth, silencing her surprise*
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Sen?
<DeathStar> 6* Sen stands there, studying Kitty in surprise, while the guards salute Erica
<Sara> * Erica moves her hand from her mouth into a salute in return
<DeathStar> <Sen> I never thought I would see you alive again, mistress Kitty
<Chainy> 6*Kitty giggles and opens her arms for a hug
<DeathStar> 6* She curtseys, to the surprise of the honor guard, then gives her a hug
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I-I guess we didn't have anything to worry about?"
<DeathStar> <Sen> Of course, I should say my old mistress
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Guess not.
<Chainy> <Kitty> you can just say Kitty you know
<Sara> * Erica blinks at all this but salutes Sen. "U-Um. Captain Erica Hildegard reporting back from the Alpha Quadrant..."
<DeathStar> <Sen> ... *She makes a face* Of course. Lady Kitty.
<kalonZombee> <Gor> Uh... hi.
<DeathStar> 6* Sen turns to Erica, all serious again like her people are used to. "You have returned, Captain. Excellent. We look forward to going through your data and hearing what you all learned. And..more"
<DeathStar> 6* She peers at the extra things they gathered
<DeathStar> 6* She then blinks at Cam'dee approaching with a sword
<Kaelan> Cookie> "C-Cam... umm... before you do anything drastic... we dsicovered you need the ship to live."
<Sara> <Erica> With... *she respect ma'am, ... *she hesitates for a very long moment* I should inform you we are carrying refugees. I swear to you that I have made the best judgment I could.
<DeathStar> <Cam'dee> *she eyes Cookie* What do you mean?
<DeathStar> <Sen> I trust your judgement, Captain - it is your ship
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav stands to the side
<Sara> * Erica nods slowly. "I merely mean that I would wish to seek safety for the refugees, including these admittedly very valuable animals."
<Sara> <Erica> Also... it's good to see you again...
<Sara> * she says softly, less formal
<DeathStar> <Sen> And the young lady is correct. I am not sure how or why you are free, or how you are able to speak with such emotion or spirit, but you are tied to the ship's energy, Spirit---? *she says, not knowing the chosen name* Cam?
<DeathStar> <Cam> ...
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Your energy only recharges properly from the ship."
<Sara> <Erica> She has learned a lot on this long journey and we would be dead without her help. *she says, trying to vouch for her in a sense*
<Kaelan> Cookie> "We were able to start getting your power back when you were plugged back in temporarily... it kept you from fading out entirely."
<DeathStar> <Sen> It seems we have much to learn. The President wishes to speak with you all. Things on Kumen are changing. It is why I intercepted you. We will bring the ship into orbit then try to figure out what to do with so many people. *She turns to Kitty*
<DeathStar> <Sen> I think you can guess who the President is
<Kaelan> Cookie> "Who?"
<Sara> <Erica> Thank you. So long as my crew is safe then I will be happy to. *she says in response to the meeting part then stays silent*
<Chainy> 6*Kitty blinks
<Chainy> <Kitty> I do?
<Sara> * It seems Erica is counting the refugees, cats, and newcomers among that crew of course
<DeathStar> <Sen> *She moves toward the shuttle* Please come with me. A ship will bring the Aquarius in. The other Corporations have been making bids for power after an attack on Macross, and trying to edge us our of controlling them
<DeathStar> <Sen> If you need food brought up let me know as we go down
<DeathStar> 6* Sen steps into the shuttle
<kalonZombee> 6*Gor steps in, as well as Denise
<Chainy> 6*Kitty moves after her
<DeathStar> 6* Kre'trav stays behind with the refugees, and Cam hands Erica Sao for now
<Kaelan> Cookie> "I think the refugees could use supplies." *she moves into the shuttle, looking back at the ship shyly* "Little is still in medical..."
<Sara> * Erica steps in, after appointing Kre'trav in command. She takes Saoirse with her
<Jackieness> <Airym> "Captain, is my presence required?"
<Sara> <Erica> Use your best judgment, Airym. You could be of use in either place.
<Jackieness> <Airym> "I shall remain here and assist then."
<Sara> * Erica nods to Airym in acknowledgment
<DeathStar> 6* The shuttle closes and