ST:TTV325 | "The Mourning War"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 95283.3
It has been approximately 18 months since the crew of the Valley Forge first encountered Species 2501 interfering with the Eagek. The time has come to revisit the Eagek homeworld and check on their progress after Species 2501 were reportedly convinced to leave the indigenous species be.
View Episode
Alistair Nimitz@natthaan heads into the room and takes a seat so no one feels extra short around him Keelah@crystyll appreciates that Keelah@crystyll FX | USS Pegasus & Shackleton have joined Valley Forge for the scheduled revisit to Eagek, conducting attache Bozgid to the mission as well Keelah@crystyll looks around the gathered faces with a smile as everyone settles in the conference room, "Well... here we are again" Moon@Savesh looks around, ready to give up his seat to a superior officer if needed Keelah@crystyll looks mostly to those on her right, "I am guessing that some of us are less familiar with this species, and the events of our previous visit to them?" Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "I've read the reports so I'm somewhat familiar, but this will be my first time visiting." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "Only the general outline, so far." Moon@Savesh: "I've read the briefings captain, as well as the comm protocols from the contact. Keelah@crystyll nods, "Well in short; we encountered two distinct civilizations at work on Eagek. The first being the indigenous avian species of the same name" Keelah@crystyll: "They are advanced and warp-capable, though historically have not pursued exploration beyond their system. This may be the influence of the second species - whose proper name we do not know" Keelah@crystyll: "Designated Species 2501; they are still very much teh source of speculation as little could be discerned about them with certainty" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp frowns. "This would be the species that was involved with the Eagek's local religions, correct?" Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed, the Eagek evolved to a heavy religion centred around worship of 2501. Owing most likely to their ability to inact their will on the planet and it's population" Keelah@crystyll: "Advanced as they are, the Eagek come across as relatively... simple, for want of a better term. When our previous away team interacted directly with avatars of 2501, there was allusion to their + Keelah@crystyll: + natural state being in a different dimensional plane. Now if one describes the Eagek as simple, one might also describe 2501 as juvenile..." T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *Walks in, fashionably late* Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "From the descriptions in the reports I almost thought they were Q at first." T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *Takes a seat* Greetings, I appologize for my tardiness. Keelah@crystyll nods, "The way they seemed to exact their will on the Eagek people for entertainment's sake, we had similar suspicions. Greetings Senator" she smiles Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "I was more inclined to think of 'Trelaine's' species... though to my knowledge nobody had contact with *them* since the mid-23rd. Keelah@crystyll: "Another similar entity, and for all we know with certainty at present; there could be an association even if distant" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Derenzis "Didn't Trelaine turn out to be a Q?" T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *nods and smiles back* Derenzis@andrewbcrisp shrugs. "Maybe? We didn't dwell on him much in Academy classes." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "More of an example of 'Godlike Beings - What to do if You Meet One.'" Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "In any case, has there been confirmation that 2501 has actually left the Eagek alone?" Keelah@crystyll: "None yet, that is part of the reason for our return now" explains for the others, "Our previous interaction concluded with 2501 taking heed of a suggestion that they would find better means of + Keelah@crystyll: + entertaining themselves if they took to a 'mortal' form by transitioning fully into this universe. Something which they seemingly could do but never considered fruitful" Keelah@crystyll: "This was encouraged owing to the gross contamination they were causing to the Eagek culture. Which brings us nicely back to our revisit today..." Bahieh@junnstormgrin sits in a chair. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks up at Bahieh enters, and smiles in greeting. T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *Starts to skim through the padd on the desk to catch up on the events being discussed today* Moon@Savesh looks up at Captain Bahieh, and relinquishes his seat to the higher ranking officer Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "So we potentially get to show up and tell the Eagek that we ruined their religion. That'll be fun!" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I'll have my running shoes on.." Keelah@crystyll: "The Eagek were educated on the matter before we left. But yes, part of our return now is to make sure their natural development is resuming appropriately" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "That assumes that 2501 was responsible for their religion, and not, say twisting an existing structure to their own purposes." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: takes the seat, feeling slightly embarrassed and shooting a polite smile at the Jay-Gee. Keelah@crystyll: "As we understaind it Captain, it is the former. The Eagek we met indicated that their worship of 2501 began of it's own accord, and timed with the demise of their technological and social advancement Moon@Savesh reads from their PADD. Keelah@crystyll smiles as she speaks, admiring the LT's courtesy for the Captain Moon@Savesh quietly takes notes for meeting Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "That's unfortunate. Collapsing worldviews don't make for stable societies, in my understanding." Keelah@crystyll: "And if the relationship with 2501 were a little more non-intrusive and malevolent, there may have been cause to let them be" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "But sadly not all members of the species were so. Our presence on the world alone was warrant enough for one of them to rain an asteroid storm down and lay waste to a large portion+ Keelah@crystyll: + of the city" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Are we sure we aren't dealing with some sort of unreconstructed Cardassians or something?" Keelah@crystyll: "Apparently some of them took great pleasure in causing suffering and strife, while others took equal pleasure in healing and benevolance. It was a dangerously unhinged balance so we determined that + Keelah@crystyll: + for the long term sake of the Eagek, they needed 2501 to pull away. But we would not have a direct hand in the parting with the hope that they will seperate naturally" Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "On the one hand, on principle I think you would have been right to stop the interference even if it was all benevolent. But on the other hand, there is precendence for the opposite, notably the--" Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "Bajoran wormhole aliens." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "The Prophets." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Another consideration. Ultimately however, we did not act either way. The seed of the idea was simply planted with 2501, for both their benefits. At least that was the theory" Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "I'd argue they've been both benevolent and malevolent, but we've both let them be and let the Bajorans continue worshipping them as deities." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "And there's certainly precedent for not interfering, isn't there. Say, if a species is occuying another's homeworld..." stops talking, and just looks at the diplomatic attache. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: anyone with any ability to read expressions would detect that that the Yellowstone Caldera is probably about to erupt. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "From what I'm hearing here, I doubt 2501 would simply back away quietly. Unlike the Prophets, 2501 sounds too intrusive and self-interested. Keelah@crystyll: "They are more like the Prophets and Pah Wraiths all in one, to continue the Bajoran analogy" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Just. Let. Us. Continue. Worshipping. Them..." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp sighs. "Nobody here is interested in dethroning the Prophets, Captain." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: is glaring at Lev, clearly rather unhappy. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp casts a quelling glance at Lev. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan leans back in his chair, staying out of this bubbling knife fight about to brew. Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "I'm simply making an analogy. You can worship whomever you want. In any case, what's done here is done. We might as well just focus on the consequences, which we can't until we get there." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: takes a deep breath, and then several more. Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps we would be best served focusing solely on the Eagek and 2501, nobody wishes to start a broader philosophical debate I'm sure. We should save for that the Officers Lounge afterwards, much + Keelah@crystyll: + more comfy seating in there" she smiles Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods. "I agree." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Completely." Keelah@crystyll: "Well then, before we make our approach into the system, does anyone have any further questions or points of clarification?" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Are we going in to attempt to negotiate or on a more direct footing? T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *looks up from the padd to listen more closely* Keelah@crystyll: "Our mission is two-fold; establish the current state of the relationship between the Eagek and 2501, and hopefully progress to more fruitful talks in establishing a long term friendship with these + Keelah@crystyll: + people" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "My concern would be on the powers of 2501 - do we have countermeasures or any grasp of the physical principles involved with them?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "We know they can influence the physical world on a global scale - but not beyond. They have also demonstrated the ability to influence the biochemistry of other beings. Most + Keelah@crystyll: + notably witnessed through the healing of injuries, or induction of a 'euphoric' state" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp frowns at this. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan arches a brow Keelah@crystyll: "Their ability to affect the mind is rather more dubious. One such avatar attempted to make our away team, um... dance... for his entertainment. But not everyone was affected" Keliaya@anncarise: "I wasn't on the mission personally, but from what I gathered of the reports and accounts from those who did encounter 2501, it suggests they're unable to affect beyond the Eagek homeworld." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "So they're a lot less dangerous than the Kosst Amojan, then." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "I'd want to see any data on these abilities - tricorder readings, sensor logs, anything for my science teams to work on. I'd like to have some basic defense available if we need it." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan has already been mugged by rabbits this week, he has no intention of losing more of his dignity this week. Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "Ideally diplomacy will be the only defense we need." T'Rhiu@Mailman653: If I may chime in briefly? I'm just an observer for the Republic but seems to me, this species is akin to ancient Earth's Greek Gods. They too would meddle in the afairs of speices of the planet when T'Rhiu@Mailman653: bored. T'Rhiu@Mailman653: I agree, diplomacy would be the best course of action. Keelah@crystyll nods to the Senator, "Indeed, the level of association has been found as akin to this" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods. "Apollo's race. They had a technological base for their abilities, if I recall my Academy classes correctly." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "As long as there are no big green hands snatching u my ship..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: up* Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "And we're threatening to take away their playthings. So they're going to react like a toddler." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks to Lev. "I'd like diplomacy to succeed to... but I'd also want a plan B." Keelah@crystyll groans, "Just... don't upset the one who likes cheesecake, Alistair. That's exactly how he held our teams runabout there before..." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "The last time I went up against something super-advanced, two-thirds of my crewmates died." Keelah@crystyll: "Regarding countermeasures; Kelly can provide all our captured data" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Keelah "I'll bake him a keylime cheesecake myself as long as he promises to keep his grabby fingers off my ship." Keelah@crystyll: "Though I would not get caught up in expending resources heavily on this. Indicators suggest little to no effect in dampening the will of 2501" Keelah@crystyll: "And, as well put already; diplomacy is plan A. That's assuming they are even still present" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: Smiles, genially. "With only the listed ingredients, Alistair?" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods. "I'll have T'Vrin and Dr. Hlolsh get their teams together; if they find something, they can let us know." Keliaya@anncarise nods and taps her PADD to give instructions to forward all sensor data from the mission to the other crews. Keelah@crystyll chuckles, shaking her head some at the banter, "Besides cheesecake... does anyone have anything else to cover here?" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "And if they don't... well, perhaps it will help with the next mission to this world." Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "Well then, I don't know about you lot, but I'm ready to see the bird people!" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Other than trying to figure out their world view and how to get inside their heads, I can't think of anything useful." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp grins. "I seem to recall you hoping for bird people on the last mission we both were on." Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "Yes, and I was sorely disappointed." Keelah@crystyll nods to Bahieh, "A valid approach given how little we know. A big part of today will be to learn about the Eagek more thoroughly" Keelah@crystyll: "Alright then, we will make our approach and establish a meeting point on the ground again. With the fleet so well represented already, I will remain in orbit to monitor things from here" Keelah@crystyll stands, "With that; good luch everyone!" she smiles Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods and stands. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan stands up, making everyone feel short Keliaya@anncarise stands as well. Lev bim Bozgid@cob450 looks almost directly up at Nimitz. --- Laesa@crystyll FX | The team made up of reps. from all ships beams down to the planet's surface to be greeted by one of local Avians - Pru'tuth Laesa@crystyll: ( https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b8/cf/24/b8cf2464ca96ff6c8101715a0da0273f--alien-concept-art-alien-design.jpg ) Alistair Nimitz@natthaan steps up to greet the local "Good day, I am Captain Alistair Nimitz of the Federation Starship Pegasus." Laesa@crystyll scans the environment with a tricorder. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "Greetings, Captain Alistair Nimitz of the Federation Starship Pegasus. I am Pru'tuth." Laesa@crystyll looks around smiling at the pretty city and the bird-people casually flying around above, "Oooh..." Lev bim Bozgid@cob450 walks up to Pru'tuth with a smile. Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "Hello, I am Lev bim Bozgid, Attache of the Federation Diplomatic Corps." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods to Pru'tuth, leaving the diplomacy to the diplomat. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth looks around at the party, "Grettings, Lev bim Bozgid of the Federation Diplomatic Corps. If I am not mistaken, your people were the ones who visited our home last time." Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "I was not personally among them, but yes, the United Federation of Planets made contact with your people before." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We are.. in a way, we are not the same vistitors, but we are the same members of Starfleet." *Gesters to his comm badge* Lev bim Bozgid@cob450 motions to Nimitz as he speaks. Laesa@crystyll looks across the party as they all speak, contentedly listening Lev bim Bozgid@cob450: "Specifically Starfleet, our exploration and defense wing." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: <C> "Shackleton to Derenzis. We have an update from our sensor scans." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks around at her companions. "Excuse me - this will just be a moment." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "Yes, yes, I recall seeing that symbol the last time you have arrived. I am afraid much has changed since then." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "That is part of the reason for our visit." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp steps back a respectful distance to recieve the report. Laesa@crystyll curiously watches Derenzis Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "We are here to learn of what has happened since." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: <C> "Understood... I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks, T'Vrin. Derenzis out." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "Come, and see for yourself." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp motions to the other captains. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth leads the way further into their city. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods as he follows. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp taps Nimitz and Bahieh on the shoulder. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan softly mutters 'What is it?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | Some structures throughout the city are visibly damaged as they make their way through. Many have burn marks or windows reinforced with metal plating, while a few are collapsed outright. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp whispers. "Brief update: the Shackleton's picking up a range of unknown particles along the planet surface. Nothing lethal, but we'll want to be cautious with exposure." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods Laesa@crystyll 's face drops as she looks around, "Oh no, you poor dears! What happened here?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Though the Federation species cannot understand Eagek body language, it is unmistakable that those within the city have a somber tone. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "The Disciples of Zryg have been sweeping across the continent, razing all they find with the blessings of the God of Destruction." The Mad God@annpc#5570: | Pru'tuth: "We have fended off their last attack, but at great cost." Laesa@crystyll shakes her head despondently Derenzis@andrewbcrisp scans some of the nearby damage with her tricorder. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "Since you last arrived, some of the Gods have decided to come amongst us. Treannhn, God of the Life Energy, was among the first of these, wishing to experience our life for herself." Laesa@crystyll smiles happily at hearing this The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "Unfortunately, without her powers to balance the destruction of Zryg, his Disciplines ran unchecked." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "It seems Treannhn's decision was final. She cannot regain her powers once she is among us, but she tried to aid us against the forces of Zryg. But without her powers..." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | They come to the centre of the city, where a massive monument of a Eagek that doesn't look quite Eagek has been constructed. Around it, many living Eagek gather quietly. Laesa@crystyll: "So Zryg has not yet accepted mortality? Or is it that he has, and leads his disciples in person?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "He has not, but Treannhn has. And Treannhn...has become the first god to fall." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp grimaces. Laesa@crystyll frowns a little, "First to fall... not much of a legacy..." she pouts The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "It was only with her knowledge that we have held off the Disciplines for so long. But unfortunately...she did not survive the latest attack." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "It is only a matter of time before the Disciplines return. And all we have now is the Mad God." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "I take it this 'Mad God' is an ally?" T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *mutters quietly: how charming...* The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "He is...fickle." Laesa@crystyll giggles at that Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Will you take us to meet him?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "If you wish. But I'm afraid he will not be of much assistance, to you or us." Moon@Savesh monitors universal translator functions Bahieh@junnstormgrin: (c) "Does this count as fixing the mess for the Prime Directive?" Laesa@crystyll wanders up to the monument, entranced by the visage Laesa@crystyll realises she got carried away and scurries to catch the group up, arriving a little out of breath, "Phew, best not do that again... running is /not/ fun!" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | They reach a high platform on the city where Pru'tuth suddenly halts. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp says aside to Bahieh, "Possibly... but how to fix things? That eludes me at the moment." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | In the distance, several black dots are making for the city. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "No...they're here already!" Moon@Savesh gasps at the vista in front of them Bahieh@junnstormgrin: considers deploying her phaser rifle for defensive purposes if there's about to be an attack Derenzis@andrewbcrisp scans the environment with a tricorder. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp attempts to get a scan on the incoming objects. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | As the dots near the city, they reveal themselves to be five flying craft about the size of Starfleet shuttles, flanked by a mass of Eagek. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan taps his comm "Nimitz to Pegasus.... scramble the 127th on stand by." The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | Turrets throughout the city open fire on the attacking force, and two of the enemy shuttles as well as a number of flying Eagek are shot down. Laesa@crystyll: "But... those are Eagek. How can they be doing this to their own?!" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: draws her phaser rifle, sighting in on one of the shuttles. Moon@Savesh takes cover Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "Most species tend not to need an excuse to turn on each other." T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *Unarmed, hides behind a near by plant* The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pru'tuth: "They are Disciples of Zryg. They see our world merely as a canvas for their destruction." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp draws her pistol. Laesa@crystyll ducks into cover as well, "That's... horrific!" she cringes, covering her eyes from the mayhem Bahieh@junnstormgrin: lines up a shot on one of the shuttles, but hesitates before opening fire. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan does not take cover, but stands still "This is Pegasus actual, deploy the squadron to defend the city, Starfleet officers are at risk." The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | Bahieh hits one of the shuttles, which seems to be unshielded and takes damage, but is not brought down completely. It turns towards the direction of the phaser shot and makes for the - Moon@Savesh looks at Captain Se'Lai and shakes his head in sympathy at the violence in front of them The Mad God@annpc#5570 - platform where the Starfleet visitors are on... Bahieh@junnstormgrin: fires several more shots, aiming for the engines and cockpit. Laesa@crystyll: (< is not Keelah. She stayed on the ship :p) The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | Suddenly, another shuttle streaks out from nowhere and rams the approaching craft, sending them both tumbling into the platform which shakes the entire building. Moon@Savesh: ((doh, this is what happens when you get dced. thanks for the clarification)) Laesa@crystyll: (hehe np!) Alistair Nimitz@natthaan frowns, thinking now would be a great time for his fighters to show up. Moon@Savesh looks for his medkit, rushes down to help the injured The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Several Eagek flies out of the crashed enemy shuttle, armed. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | However, Eagek charge out of the ramming shuttle as well, led by a strange looking figure... Laesa@crystyll turns her attention to the ground fight close behind them The Mad God@annpc#5570: "That's more like a fight! Come on, my legions! Crush them! Show Zryg what WAR means!" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Remember! Hold nothing back, or it's not fun!" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Strange Eageks in colourful masks quickly subdue the survivors of the crashed enemy shuttle. The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Ha! Take that!" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: takes aim at the strange looking figure, and blats it. Moon@Savesh pulls some unconscious civilians away from the crash site and assesses their injuries T'Rhiu@Mailman653: *looks from behind her cover to see what's going on* Laesa@crystyll looks to Nimitz, "Well, you said you wanted to meet the Mad one..." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp aims her phaser, set to maximum stun, covering the Eagek in case some turn their attention to the away team." The Mad God@annpc#5570 looks to Baheih, "Hey! We're trying to help you here! Didn't anyone teach you about good manners when visiting?!" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp mutters, "Now I see why they call him 'mad'" Moon@Savesh runs a medical diagnostic. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: 'I was hoping for a less, dramatic meeting." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Pegasus' squadron enters atmosphere and mops up the remaining two shuttles still around in the city. The Mad God@annpc#5570: "What, you wanted to meet around a dinner table over a nice entree of...of cheesecake?" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Tasty I suppose, but this is more fun, wouldn't you say?" Laesa@crystyll facepalms Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I am well known for my cheesecakes.." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Oh! In that case we can re-meet again soon! Re-meet..." The Mad God@annpc#5570 giggles, "That's a nice word. I should add it to our dictionary if it isn't already." Moon@Savesh gets out of the way as the local medical teams arrive to care for any injured Derenzis@andrewbcrisp cautiously pulls out her tricorder to scan the Mad God. Laesa@crystyll peers over her cover-plant at the colourful figure, looking around more at all the injured Eagek with a distinct sadness The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Waaaait a minute..." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Speaking of remeetings..." The Mad God@annpc#5570 points to Laesa. The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Aren't you supposed to be dead? DEAD?" Laesa@crystyll looks around to see what he's pointing at, "Huh...?" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Dead. That still sounds strange to me. Deeeeed." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Dead." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Pru'tuth said you were killed in the last attack!" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan taps his comm "Pegasus actual to 127th, Green and Gold team, CAP patrols over the city until we leave, Blue and Red team head back to the ship." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp brings up her phaser, disturbed by the direction of the conversation. Moon@Savesh taps his A/V monitoring headset and whispers to Captain Nimitz "All 127th teams acknowledge, captain." Laesa@crystyll slowly looks over her shoulder with a smirk, "And since when where you one to take things at face value? Getting old already, darling?" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "We're all getting old! We're on their world, remember? But at least I'm not getting dead!" T'Rhiu@Mailman653: Addresses the Mad God: Are these attacks a daily occurance? Laesa@crystyll: "Yes well, neither am I. I had simply hoped that this tiresome tantrum of Zryg's would fade away if he thought I was gone. But now I see that is not the case..." looks around again The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Oh...depends. Sometimes I'm convinced Zryg is as mad as me! With a name like Zryg how can he NOT be mad?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 nods, "His Disciples attack when he wills it, and I reeeeally don't think he's letting off anytime soon." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "I'd go and try to talk some sense into him, but...well me and sense don't exactly mix do they?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 laughs. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp slowly holsters her phaser. Laesa@crystyll: "You could go throw a pie at him something. I'm sure that will help his mood no end..." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "If I went up to him like this? Naaaah he'd squish my little head. And I for one don't want to be dead." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Even if I do get a nice statue. That would be good." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Ooooh yes. But Zryg will just squash that too. So no,." Laesa@crystyll: "So you settled this form then after all? I'm impressed" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "And what are Zryg's current coordinates, roughly?" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "I think it suits me quite well! What about you? Taken after our visitors I see." Laesa@crystyll grins, running her hands down her sides, "There is a lot to be said for this 'Human' form, don't you think!" Laesa@crystyll: "Besides, all those feathers took /so/ much grooming out of my day!" The Mad God@annpc#5570 looks to Bahieh: "Zryg's still where we came from. He wouldn't come through like we did." The Mad God@annpc#5570 laughs at Laesa, "There's a reason I chose not to have feathers! Laesa@crystyll: "Yes, he's been throwing this little tantrum ever since the idea was proposed" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "And they call ME immature." The Mad God@annpc#5570 huffs. Laesa@crystyll: "I thought... hoped, that his spat would be focused on me as the first to suggest it. So tried playing dead so he'd leave these people alone" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Well THAT worked well. At least you got a statue." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp does a double-take. Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks at Laesa with growing suspicion. Laesa@crystyll grins briefly, fading as she looks about again and turns to the Starfleet team Laesa@crystyll: "We tried to do right, see. And most of us saw the wisdom in coming here fully, but Zryg..." shakes her head, "...and the others won't move because while he remains, he can hurt them if they leave" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods and says bittery. "Of course. Let one side drop their guard, then attack." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp *bitterly The Mad God@annpc#5570 nods, "We realized it was no fun just messing around with unlimited power. But Zryg, he loves his widespread destruction too much." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "More than me, even!" Laesa@crystyll: "He is the aspect of destruction, it is his nature. But this can not stand..." she turns and walks to the railing Derenzis@andrewbcrisp performs a quick scan of 'Laesa', paying attention to particle scans as well as biological. Bahieh@junnstormgrin: Remind me, do your people live in a wormhole? Laesa@crystyll: "I know you hear me Zryg! Enough is enough, no more! Rain your destruction down on me of you must, but I will not allow you to harm a single feather on any Eagek's head again!" Laesa@crystyll turns back, looking around the injured Eagek. She raises her hands, closing her eyes as her whole body begins to glow The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Oh we live in a place different from yours. Veeery different. So different your little minds can't concieve of it!" Laesa@crystyll FX | The injured Eagek scattered about the area begin to glow the same as their injuries are healed The Mad God@annpc#5570: "You can't FATHOM it! And I used to not be able to fathom you, until your last visit when your people said we could come across." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "And then I decided doing the same old tricks was boring, and this was so much more fun!" The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | The skies darken all of a sudden, and lightning begins to strike in the distance. The Mad God@annpc#5570: "aaaaand that's Zryg. Good job, Treannhn, you made him angry. Oh wait, he's always angry!" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp turns to the Mad God. "I'll thank you not to casually dismiss what we can and cannot fathom." Laesa@crystyll turns back as the last of the Eagek are healed, "He is always angry at me, I fix what he breaks. But no more! You hear me Zryg, no. more!" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "I can barely fathom your world, of course you can't fathom ours!" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "We got no time where we are. So we don't die like you do. That's why when we cross over, we can die. DIE! But that just makes it more...exhilerating, doesn't it?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | A lightning strike hits the platform they are on. When it fades, there is a giant brass construct standing where it struck. It dwarfs even Nimitz. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks up at the construct. "I've seen bigger..." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "We have always existed, and we shall always be. Why do you give up all that we are, all that we can ever be, for this...feeble form?" Laesa@crystyll looks to the construct, "You're not impressing anyone you know. These people are not Eagek, they will not cower to your tricks" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "They are mortal, and they have come within the realm of my power." Laesa@crystyll looks back over her shoulder left then right to the Starfleet crew, "Go on, tell him. Tell him you're not afraid, that you're better than this!" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp stands up strighter, keeping her phaser in its holster, trying her best to look unafraid. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | The giant metal construct stares the Starfleet crew down. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks up to meet the Construct eyes. He looks unimpressed. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "Then these mortals are more foolish than I thought they could ever be." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: slings her phaser. "My people fought against an opponent with technology beyond us for half a century, until they fled us. We've had peace ever since." Laesa@crystyll: "No, they are braver. They face /real/ fear, not your illusions. You are the one who fails to comprehend the value mortality gives to existence" Laesa@crystyll nods with that to Bahieh's comment Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "As Starfleet Officers, we have a duty to protect innocents. To stand between them, and those who wish them harm." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "The possibility of death inevitably brings fear. It is impossible for mortals to transcend it. It rules their life. I will not be ruled by it." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "I am death. I will never be ruled by it." Laesa@crystyll: "And without mortality is impossible for you to truly appreciate it. I /dare/ you to stand before us in a true mortal form and just feel the pain of an injury!" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to Zryg "I fear death, but I will never allow that fear to overule my duties." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Does that not make me death as well in your eyes?" Laesa@crystyll: "Come and feel for yourself what you inflict on others, and what you see them inflict on those who serve in /your/ name. Then see how you like it!" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "When I joined Starfleet, I took an oath to defend others, regardless of the cost. This is part of upholding that oath. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "I cannot come through." The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Yes you can! And then you'll be mortal too! Now who's afraid?!" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "Wrong! You don't *want* to come through." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg is silent. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I'm mortal.. and I've been killed more times then I can count." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan has never actually been killed but they don't need to know that part Laesa@crystyll smiles proudly, gesturing around her with open palms, "You see! All of these 'mere' mortals can see right through you. If death does not instill fear, then what entertainment value does it hold?!" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp raises an eyebrow at Nimitz, but doesn't gainsay him. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan makes a mental note to show Derenzis his medical file The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zryg: "You truly live without being ruled by death? Even though you know it is your ultimate fate?" The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zyrg: "You have the strength to watch yourselves wither and fade?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I accepted death is my ultimate fate when I watched my homeworld burn with billions of my kinsmen." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zyrg: "Yet you continue. Why?" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "Because death is not the only part of our existence." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Because I can.. because every day I live, It's a slap in the face of the people who burned my homeworld, I continue because I found a new home, I found love, and I have a family." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Every step I take every day, it's a slap in the face of all who have tried and failed to kill me." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Family... the sense of holding your child in your arms... of tucking them into bed and reading them a bedtime story... those are things to live for." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks up at Zyrg. "As is discovery and the search for truth... in all its forms. Everything we find on the journey of life gives it - and us - meaning." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zyrg: "Perhaps there is truly more of your existance than death." The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | The stormy weather overhead fades. The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zyrg: "But I suppose I cannot know for certain unless I experienced it, can I?" Laesa@crystyll nods slowly, a gentle smile holding firm as she steps forward, "Come brother, it is time..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan doesn't mention that he has more then likely killed more people then Zyrg... The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zyrg: "Very well. But make no mistake...there will be war with the Eagek, with or without my guidance. This will not be easy." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "You could use your guidance to sway them from warfare." Laesa@crystyll: "The Eagek will find their way, as we will find ours" The Mad God@annpc#5570 FX | The giant construct shrinks to a more human-sized mechanical construct. Zyrg still makes a point to be exactly as tall as Nimitz though. Laesa@crystyll beams happily at the sight The Mad God@annpc#5570 | Zyrg nods, "I will call off the attacks from my Disciples. Then...I shall meet you again, as equals in this world." The Mad God@annpc#5570 | The construct clatters apart into tiny metal pieces, and Zyrg's avatar is gone. Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks to the others "Well, that went well.." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks to Laesa. "Any way to be certain Zyrg will keep his word?" The Mad God@annpc#5570: "Yes it did! And now you seem to have called off the attack...it's time to paaaaaarty!" The Mad God@annpc#5570 runs off yelling, "Cheesecake for everyone!" Laesa@crystyll turns to the group, "He has no choice now. The proces is irreversible" Laesa@crystyll: "So please don't shoot him. He's on oaf, but he's still my brother and just following his nature" she smiles Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "For someone with the title of Mad god.. he seems... fun." Laesa@crystyll glances back that way with a chuckle, "He does like his cheesecake parties..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Perhaps the Cheesecake God is a better title for him." Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "Shooting people who aren't a threat isn't part of the job when you're in Starfleet." Laesa@crystyll: "I'll be sure to mention it!" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "If he ever visits Earth, he should stop by a cheesecake factory..." Laesa@crystyll smiles to Bahieh, "This is why I waited for you to return. When you came before, I touched the mind of one of your Captains - Ash Vallen. She was... an eye opener for me" Laesa@crystyll: "I knew that your refined morality was what we needed to guide things to a resolution here" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "Don't... put us on a pedastal, please. We're far from perfect; our morality still has limits... and blind-spots." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan is really glad they didn't touch his mind Laesa@crystyll: "Well until we met you before, we had never even encountered the concept. Perfect or not, it was enough to make us question our existence" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "We're still sophonts. We still have all the usual urges." Laesa@crystyll: "But you temper them, as we must learn to do. And now I regret that I must call upon another of your admirable traits..." Laesa@crystyll: "Your empathy, and kindness" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp steps forward. "What is it that you need?" Laesa@crystyll smiles gently, "For you to take us away with you when you go this time" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Well... that's not an impossiable request..." Derenzis@andrewbcrisp looks to her companions. "I think that might be the simplest way to repair things while honouring the Prime Directive." Laesa@crystyll: "To be clear, I do not wish this to be an imposition on you or your resources. But as long as we remain here - mortal or not - our presence will continue to sour the development of the Eagek and fuel+ Laesa@crystyll: + their fighting. Only by completely removing ourselves from this place can we avoid further tainting it. So I would ask your help in finding us a new home, where we can explore our mortal lives away+ Laesa@crystyll: + from the risk of disrupting others. If you see fit to share your knowledge and experience with us in the process, well I certainly won't say no!" Bahieh@junnstormgrin: "I'm sure we can offer you Asylum in the short term, while we look for a suitable home for you all." Laesa@crystyll: "Thank you, truly. I... would also ask that you try and help the Eagek find their way to peace. You do not need to interfere directly, but I am sure both sides will listen to reason and come to a + Laesa@crystyll: + neutral negotiating table" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp nods. "We'll have to check with the Attache on the details, but on the whole, I believe the Federation would be willing to help broker a peace here." Laesa@crystyll bows her head, "Anything you see fit to do will be appreciated. But now, I think the others have felt the shift of Zryg's transference. It is time..." she smiles, moving to look back to the skies Laesa@crystyll FX | The sky darkens a little and one by one, colourful flashes begin to streak across as far as the eye can see Laesa@crystyll: ( https://media.timeout.com/images/105417450/630/472/image.jpg ) Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I see your people are assuming mortal forms?" Laesa@crystyll nods and smiles as the pretty lights fade, "It is done. The rest have followed and will begin to seek each other out" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "The Pegasus will remain behind and prepair quarters for any that wish to leave." Laesa@crystyll: "We will all leave, it has to be so. Maybe one day we will return as friends to the Eagek, one day when we have... matured" Derenzis@andrewbcrisp: "We should also bring down medical, security and engineering teams, to assist in recovery efforts. Though we might want to check with Lev on the legality of this." Laesa@crystyll: "Thank you again, I deeply want to stay and help as well. But I know I must remove my presence. All Eagek will have seen what just happened, Wruot'nt will ensure the event is suitably scripted to be + Laesa@crystyll: + clear to them that we are leaving, and that it is for them we do so"
View AAR
SUBMITTED: Stardate 95283.3 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 1 - Open
LOCATION:Eagek System
MISSION:Conduct follow up visit to first contact to establish present situation and reassess feasibility of opening dialogue for formalization of diplomatic relations.
OUTCOME: Species 2501 influence found to remain, indigenous in state of civil war as a result. Antagonist identified and hostilities ceased. Species 2501 relocation underway.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Bahieh (USS Invictus) CAPT Derenzis (USS Shackleton CAPT Keelah (USS Valley Forge) CAPT Nimitz (USS Pegasus) LCDR Keliaya LTJG Moon SUBADM Jarok Lev Bim Bozgid
NARRATIVE:After briefing all attendees on the mission parameters and situation to date (see attached AAR from the first contact mission) aboard the Valley Forge, an away team was despatched to the surface consisting of representatives from all starships present as well as our diplomatic corps. representative and Romulan observer.
The away team was greeted by a member of the local Avian species - Prut'uth - who was the same individual to greet the first contact envoy. Prut'uth welcomed our arrival, though promptly warned that things taken a sour turn since our previous visit to the planet. She told that some members of Species 2501 had - as previously indicated - transitioned fully into this universe and taken mortal form. However most remained in their natural state, owing most predominately to the refusal of one individual in particular - Zryg. Zryg was previously identified by the Eagek as the 'God of Destruction', and in his refusal to transfer with the rest of his people, had forced a stalemate on Species 2501 where the rest of the species refused to take the more vulnerable mortal form as long as Zryg remained with the power to do harm to them.
Reportedly; the visited city showed visible signs of damage from conflict, and the demeanor of it's population was poor. a breakaway group of Zryg's Disciples had taken to waging a war on the rest of the Eagek population in the name of their God (and under Zryg's direct influence as we understand it). For the most part, the bulk of the Eagek population had been protected by the one they called Treannhn - the 'God of Living Energies'. Although Prut'uth quickly demonstrated that Treannhn's influence was no longer felt by the Eagek as she showed the away team to a memorial statue, stating that she was the 'first of the Gods to fall' when killed by Zryg.
It was not long after this that another attack wave arrived from the Disciples of Zryg, a relatively small force consisting of a half dozen shuttle-sized assault craft and mostly numbering in airborne Eagek. They attacked the city in the proximity of the away team, who promptly called for squadron support from the Pegasus while moving to protect their position. The conflict was short lived and all but over by the time the Pegasus' air support arrived, mostly owing to entrenched defenses within the city and the direct intervention of opposing forces; led by a single shuttle which kamikaze'd into the last remaining attacking ship. The two craft crashed near to the away teams position, and so they moved to assist with recovery and securing the area. They found that the defending shuttle was piloted by another member of Species 2501 - the one simply calling himself 'Mad'.
Mad greeted the away team and was midway through an explanatory dialogue with them when his focused shifted to one member of the team in particular; a female Human officer believed by each of the others to have been a representative officer from one of the accompanying ships. As it transpired, she was in fact Treannhn; having apparently not been killed as previously believed by the Eagek and deciding to take a Human form and 'appear' alongside our away team. At this point the two engaged in a more direct dialogue with Treannhn informing Mad that she had not fully taken her previous Eagek form and simply allowed that to be believed. Her intention in this being to allow Zryg to kill her in the hopes that it would end his campaign of war against the Eagek people.
Having seen that her assumption in this was in error, Treannhn turned her attention to Zryg himself - seeming to address him directly - after first healing all of the injured Eagek around them, much as an act of defiance against Zryg as with her own natural desire to help. Zryg's presence became apparent with the sudden stir of a violent storm overhead, which Treannhn continued to address with a challenge of defiance. Eventually coaxing him to adopt a more direct avatar which appeared a large brass-like construct to tower over everyone present, Treannhn engaged Zryg in an enforced challenge to his defiance; describing it as a 'tantrum' that had to end. She claimed she had been waiting for the day Starfleet returned to Eagek, having previously touched the mind of an officer (CAPT Vallen of the Shinano). This apparently opened her eyes to our collective sense of morality and understanding of mortality, and it was her belief that the collective argument from the gathered representatives would be enough to sway Zryg's defiance and convince him to complete the transition.
Members of the away team all contributed in providing exposition to Zryg's queries and his challenges grew decreasingly hostile as the dialogue ensued. This culminated in him committing to a mortal form before the away team; a slightly more average Humanoid sized version of the brass construct he first appeared as (though still much more statuesque than most). Shortly after this, Treannhn advised the away team that the rest of their people would sense what has happened and follow suit. It was not long before this came to fruition, as was witnessed by our representatives, reportedly colourful waves of energy washing across the Eagek skyline as the entirety of Species 2501 descended. Treannhn advised that the others would seek each other out and begin to congregate alongside her and Zryg. She also advised that the one the Eagek called Wruot'nt - the 'God of Knowledge and memory' - would ensure that events were suitably scribed into the religious writings of the Eagek, making clear that their deities would no longer influence their world.
Before departing the surface, our away team was engaged further by Treannhn with an appeal for help. She demonstrated an understanding that in order to rectify the damage done to the Eagek people on a cultural and social level; all of Species 2501 must be completely removed from the equation. To that end, she requested that we assist in relocating 2501 to a new world where they can explore their mortality without fear of ramifications for others. Further to this, Treannhn also requested that Starfleet try to help repair the damage 2501 caused to the Eagek people; not by direct intervention or further manipulation however, but by providing neutral ground for peace talks between the two warring factions.
RECOMMENDATION: USS Pegasus and Valley Forge have jointly taken in the now powerless members of Species 2501 with view to relocating them per Treannhn's request. As to the matter of providing a negotiating table to settle the local conflict, this decision is being deferred to the judgement of the diplomatic representatives present, as it may likely form the the basis - at least in opening - of further diplomatic relations between the Eagek and the Federation.
ATTACHMENTS: