HL 2:Games with Function II

 Episode Name:  HL 2:Games with Function II

   Written By:  fortunae

         Cast:  Fortunae, Golden, Takamura, The Samurai and Utlara.

  Produced By:  Starfleet

  Directed By:  Fortunae

     Aired On:  Wed Apr 21 01:45:05 2004

     Stardate:  54035.7

Time: Sun Apr 18 20:37:32 2004

Stardate: 54030.4

197,725 B.C.E.

Annex of the Sanguine Theater
Baedran a Fazhool
The Iconian Locus
A short time later...

Within the annex, Overlord Fazhool fumes in anger as Minister Viermal escorts Utlara into the chamber to join himself and The Samurai. His lowest set of hands grips the arm rests of the chairs while the middle right arm jabs toward Viermal, "You have better have an explanation for what just happened, I warn you Viermal." Fazhool's mandible extend menacingly.

Minister Viermal bends, planting his lowest set of hands to the floor in deference before rising. "Your potence, even now we have discovered the traitor behind this and many other of your recent inconveniences. I will allow my blade to explain this as it was she that hunted the truth of the matter."

The Samurai stands beside his Master, head bowed down in disgrace after being defeated by the insolent Gladiator. As Viermal and Utlara enter, he barely glances up to make sure they are not a threat to Fazhool.

"To find the thorn in your side, you must look to your side." Utlara speaks plainly, regarding Fazhool with quiet boldness. "Master Keeper Ra'thok has been conspiring against you."

"WHAT?" Fazhool demands? "What is this nonsense Viermal? Master Keeper Ra'thok?" His many eyes turn back toward Utlara, "What do you *mean* Master Keeper Ra'thok is conspiring against me? Conspiring how? With whom?"

Viermal says nothing, as the Overlord has redirected his focus on the Huntress.

The Samurai raises his head to look at the woman giving the report. His eyes show no sense of recognition beyond knowing she serves Viermal.

Utlara is unmoved, fire burning steadily in her eyes. She studies Fazhool's reaction with informal curiosity. "I picked up a trail from Bree'shnee's cell, and followed it. To the Keeper Labs. It lead to Master Keeper Ra'thok. Questions followed, some answers given more willingly than others, and signs were revealed. Like the accidental death of Adjutant Keeper Thirvot, five months ago, during the processing of...", she pauses enigmatically, "... Son of Gold. Ra'thok's followers indicated his presence here, so, I returned, where he was found, consorting in the pits with Son of Gold. My attempt to pursue him was halted by an unusual crowding of the lower pits passages by the Arena Thralls. Then I was summoned here." She eyes Fazhool. "You seem surprised. I admire the loyalty of his followers. Even if they were somewhat woefully undisciplined."

Fazhool raises himself from his throne, "Bree'shnee's cell? Master Keeper Ra'thok is a *Q'ist*!?"

Utlara is intrigued by Fazhool's continued indignation. "So it would seem, Overlord."

The Samurai just watches on in silence. Taking in all the information.

Veirmal bobs his head, "This is so, your potence, or so all the evidence suggests at this time. Apparently this Terran has some importance to the Q'ists -- after hearing Ultara's report I checked the records and it was Thirvat who reported the Rhana's location from the RNA interrogation on the Terrans, and this information came, it would seem to the Son of Gold. We must then assume that there was more information, more pressing to the Q'ists, that was not passed along... because Thirvot did not have an accident but was murdered. Now, the Master Keeper and his Q'ist allies have made off with the primate -- we can only assume that he was put into the Arena to further some other plan -- perhaps to cause doubt and unrest in regards to your rule, your potence. Clearly now we must have this monkey brought down and tortured ane executed publically -- it may be that there was nothing special about him at all but he was programmed for some Q'ist cause by Ra'thok. I suspect most of what we were passed along was accurate, better to hide the few lies in, so the subject no doubt of limited intelligence and a servitor, easier to mold to Ra'thok's trechery. Perhaps these two have some.. insight on this? He fought him and she has tracked his master, hmmm?"

Utlara hesitates. She looks to the Samurai. Pauses. Then looks to Viermal, then to Fazhool. "I have seen him in the arena. The Son of Gold has a code. He attacks and defends with rules. They are the key to defeating him." A palpable pause. "But you would be doing yourself a disservice if you assumed that he is of limited intelligence. He is a cunning and capable creature."

The Samurai catches Utlara's gaze, raising an eyebrow. When she finishes speaking, he clears his throat. "She is correct. The Son of Gold refused to attack me until I struck first. And he seemed to adapt to changes in my attacks. He is quick with a reserve of strength. So, far, he has been the most capable opponent I have faced in his Lordship's service."

Fazool huffs, a habit when he considers things. "I must have proof before this is revealed or there will be difficulties, far less difficulties than caused by a knife in the dark, which sounds like the optimal fate for Ra'thok. You, and you will track Ra'thok and wipe out his Q'ist consorts -- kill the primate as well, but bring back the body for a full RNA extraction and memory reconstruction, we will see if he did actually know something. They will be in a group, the gladiator if as cunning as you say may use this to get away, so you will take your Skeeran cohort Samurai, to tie up their forces while you and the huntress deal with the Son of Gold. Every one dies, no one escapes. I now this clear, so tend to your task, Minister Veirmal you stay, I would have a words with you in private."

Viermal bows, "As you wish, your potence."

The Samurai nods curtly after Fazhool gives his orders. "I understand and obey, my Master." Bowing deeply to his Master, he turns and exits the room, pausing only long enough to wait for the Huntress.

. o O Utlara feels the promise of prey, pursuit. The struggle. The anticipation of burying her blade, the last breath... and an odd hesitation. But this hesitation is fleeting.

Utlara's brow furrows very subtly. Her firey eyes shift to Viermal. She inclines her head to her master, eyes glittering. Then, Utlara stalks in the path of the Samurai, unleashed.

Several Hours Later...

The Chamber of Hidden Succor
14th level of the undercity
Baedran a Fazhool
The Iconian Locus

Ra'thok hunches down onto his padded seat, sucking fluid from the large earthen-ware mug clutched in his upper set of hands and gestures for Golden to do the same. "As you predicted, the crowd blamed the Overlord for interfering in the match; I am frankly surprised you were correct," he says.

"I've had a lot of opportunity to watch representatives of autocratic powers, it was easier for your people to believe Overlord Fazhool would save his pet than to believe defiance against the state would happen so openly. If the later was the case, they'd have to rethink their entire view of the way things worked."

"You disturb me human."

"You're not alone in that." Golden strokes his beard, "So okay, now we are here, what is going on?"

"It is about your native time, and the Eater of Worlds. The military had determined if they send the Eater of Worlds out now to destroy the Rhana in their hideaway, then you will not know of them, and this would cause a temporal paradox centered on the Locus anchor, this could destroy the entire fabric of space time. You see, when too many out of sync layers intersect on an anchor, that anchor can "sink" into subspace until it tears a hole that then snaps back and rips assunder multiple connected quantum layer, literally destroying universes. We found a way around this in our own development of Temporal gates, but, we are selective in our use of time travel because of this -- clearly these Romulans you mention have been taking technology from our Temporal Anchor labs to use against your Artifact travel -- eventually those artificial anchors they are making will be overwhelmed and smaller results of the nature I have described will happen. Thus, the Eater of Worlds has been programmed to active and destroy the Rhana in a timetable that will not interfere with you and your fellow primates from coming here; and then it will destroy all the species the Rhana have made contact with and in particular your own and the Romulans. The construction of the Eater of Worlds will anchor it against any ploys by your Artifact, your entire civilization will die... because of these Lithians, but perhaps not the way you expected."

"Okay, so we need to get aboard that Eater of Worlds and destroy it, obviously. Now."

"You must realize that is quite impossible. We would never make it through the gate approach to it's docking, and frankly if it is destroyed it may inspire a massive revolution by the subject races. I seek transcendence, but I am still loyal to my people."

"So you have an alternative solution," Golden asks?

"Indeed. The judges transcend linear space time, an offering made that will occur in the future will still be noted by them, so I can help you help your people in your far future without betraying my people now. Listen closely, a mistake in destroying the Eater of Worlds could be disasterous."

Golden moves closer to hear the plan, beyond him the Q'ists move about their tasks, all unaware of the approaching hunters that creep through the natural gloom toward their location.

Meanwhile...

Outside the Chamber of Hidden Succor
14th level of the undercity
Baedran a Fazhool
The Iconian Locus

Through the service passage deep in the undercity, shadows move with purpose within the dim purple illumination provided by the small service light globes that are placed along its length. A sealed arched entrance is guarded by a cluster of two Iconians and a quartet of Fyrtans who occassionally cock their heads and wriggle their whiskers searchingly before resuming their silent vigil.

After finding the sentries in the service passage, The Samurai consults with the Huntress. Finishing ther brief exchange, he draws his blade to lead his ten loyal polearm-wielding Skeerian bushi in a charge against the Fyrtans.

Utlara lowers her head, eyes fixed on the wall as she draws her blade. Soon.

With a terrifying yell, The Samurai wades into the sentries with a slash of his blade. Close behind him, half his loyal followers peel off to the left side and the others to the right. Quickly, the Skeerians engage the traitorous Fyrtans.

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Primitive Weaponry (Japanese Weapons) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Stealth (Stealthy Movement) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

<PROVE> Utlara has the merit of Shadow Master at 1.

With a mighty swing of his blade, The Samurai drops the first impediment to his goal of one of the Iconians. On either side of him, his reptilian allies manage to fell two more of the guards. The noise of the engagement and the ferocious mask of The Samurai can not be ignored by the hunched over Iconians.

<PROVE> Utlara has the merit of Excellent Balance at 1.

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Athletics (Climbing) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Meanwhile, at the back, Utlara reaches up, lifts, her feet leaving the ground and curling up, around an access pipe. Swiftly, lithely, silently, she scurries along the pipe, towards the Iconians.

Leaving the last Fyrtan to his capable bushi, The Samurai closes the gap to the arch to engage one of the Iconians. "Now you shall receive your punishment for betraying your Masters." The purple light of the lamps glints off the katana before it reaches out to bite into the large insectoid.

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Primitive Weaponry (Japanese Weapons) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Primitive Weaponry (Knife) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

The unmolested Iconian has no chance to react. Utlara drops down from the access pipe --- one arm clutched over his shoulder and down his back, for leverage, the other slicing across the lower part of his abdomen.

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Dodge skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

The Samurai's blade glances off the Iconian's chitenous hide. Using the opportunity, it lashes out with one of its arms to strike at The Samurai. After recovering from the strike to his arm, The Samurai brings the katana up to slash again at the Iconian.

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Primitive Weaponry (Japanese Weapons) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Primitive Weaponry (Japanese Weapons) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Behind the crumpling form of the other Iconian, the dark shadow of Utlara rears, ready to join the Samurai's fight, if necessary.

. o O Utlara feels something familiar. Warmth, sense of belonging.

This time the blade strikes true. The traitorous Iconian falls to the feet of Overlord Fazhool's Samurai.

The fight ends quickly, it's deadly pitch punctuated by the splash of ochre fluid and internal organs released by the Samurai's strike... and then oddly... the door rolls open of it's own accord, revealing a vaulted chamber lightly furnished and several open doorways on the current level and a few on the level above, but no sign of localized habitation...

...stands at an en guard position as the door rolls open. Once he sees there are no immediate infidels to dispatch, he orders four of his Skeerians to watch the corridor as he leads the others inside the chamber.

...The Samurai stands at an en guard position as the door rolls open. Once he sees there are no immediate infidels to dispatch, he orders four of his Skeerians to watch the corridor as he leads the others inside the chamber.

The diminutive reptillians bark their sharp words of understanding and in groups of two break off and move to forward positions in either side of the L cornered passage-way as directed.

Utlara studies the chamber beyond the door, meanwhile, regarding it, and the procession of bushi and Samurai with wry, predatory interest. "Very inviting. But where is the bait?"

The Samurai glances about the space as his warriors take up positions near the other openings. Looking towards Utlara, he replies. "A very good question, indeed."

Utlara glances up, taking stock of the open doors on the upper level, as well. "He wants to take us separately. But I wonder if he has left us other clues."

From inside, just around the door frame, a voice speaks in Federation Standard. "You already took the bait Lieutenants... you have three directions to go, but no way out. Who is hunting who, I wonder?"

The Samurai raises his blade again as he spins in the direction of the voice. His eyes narrow as he discovers it is only a speaker. "Ah. The Son of Gold proves again how clever he can be. It will only be a matter of time before he meets his fate."

The faint rumble grinding sound of a passage sealing off carries from the direction the Huntress and the Samurai originally entered from.

Utlara's ears perk towards the speaker box. Her wry eyes shift to the closed door, then to the Samurai as anticipation quickens in her eyes. "His fate, our fate. Know your weakness, Samurai. He has set the trap. It is up to us to... perceive those things which can't be seen."

. o O Utlara thinks "Pay attention even to trifles. Perceive those things which cannot be seen."

The Samurai watches as the door grinds shut. Turning towards the Huntress, he nods curtly. "Yes. Now do we fall deeper into it?"

Utlara flashes a predatory grin. "Absolutely."

The remaining Skeerians look back and forth between The Samurai and Utlara, unsure of what is being said and unsure of what is going on, but not likely the tension as it seems initiative is fleeting.

The Samurai turns back towards the room, searching the floor for a hint of where the traitors might have scurried off to.

<PROVE> Utlara has the merit of Alertness at 2.

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Search skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Planetary Tactics (Guerilla Warfare) skill vs Golden's Planetary Tactics (Guerilla Warfare) skill and Fails!

GAME: Utlara spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Planetary Tactics (Guerilla Warfare) skill vs Golden's Planetary Tactics (Guerilla Warfare) skill and Fails!

Utlara's burning eyes shift back to the upper doorways, then they half-close, the rest of her face a mask of halcyon serenity, as she quietly inhales and slowly exhales. This appearance of serenity is destroyed as soon as she re-opens her eyes. "There were several Iconians in here, recently. They were accompanied by others... the Iconians went up, the others seem to have left through the lower passages." She eyes the upper galleries. "I suspect he might have taken the upper passages. So that you and your bushi could not follow easily."

. o O Utlara thinks "Bushi?"

From the speaker, more Federation Standard. "Lieutenant Hiroshi Takamura, Lieutenant Tera Turtledove... you are in a tactically unfeasible position. I already have you in check mate. You can lay down your arms now and spare yourselves any further violence. I am offering you a peaceful resolution. Remember your training. I am Lieutenant Dylan Golden, I am your team commander. Focus. Remember who you are. Rapid Response. Focus. Lay down your arms. Trust me."

The Samurai glances around again as he ponders the new situation. He gets a faraway look in his eyes as he seems to recall something. Then, shaking his head he replies. "No, I disagree. I think he would stick to the lower levels so he can use his height as an advantage against the leaping abilities of the Skeerians." He cocks his head again towards the box. "There he goes again spouting lies to try to confuse us."

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Utlara studies the upper gallery, her only reaction to the voice is a curious darkening of her eyes.

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

The Samurai slowly swings his head to each of the five lower passages. "I shall leave four of my bushi here in case they return. The other two will come with me down one of these passages."

. o O Utlara a sense of it not mattering which door they pick.

While the two humans speak they notice the lids on the eyes of the Skeerians fluttering, then snapping open then fluttering again. Reptilian heads bob toward the floor, struggle to right themselves, then, polearms clatter to the ground as the smaller figures pitch over unceremoniously in groups and individually.

"And I will go up." Utlara's eyes shift to the Samurai, regarding him briefly with odd warmth, then looks away, curious as the reptilians pitch over and... croak.

The Samurai nods to Utlara, quirking a hidden brow at the warmth of the smile. When his bushi start toppling, something flickers in his eyes. "So. He wants to make this a duel. Very well then." With a nod to her, he begins to move towards the first lower passage on the left.

Utlara maintains a lingering consideration of the reptiles, before she moves off towards the upper passages, and takes the first door that she comes to.

The Samurai passes through the doorway and down a passage with several dorrs leading off of it. Cautiously, he enters each one only to discover empty bedchambers. Continuing down the passage, he passes through a kitchen complex before finally ending up at a staircase. Slowly, he glances up the staircase, watching for any surprises. Finding none, The Samurai climbs the stairs which open up in a circular chamber with a catwalk. Some spokes from the catwalk lead over a deep, deep pit. In the center of the open space, attached to the catwalks is what may be a power reactor. Above him with different orientation are spokes of another catwalk, with a similar situation below. Sheathing his sword, The Samurai dangles himself over the edge of the catwalk to swing and drop down onto the catwalk below.

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Athletics (Climbing) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Utlara similarly proceeds along the passageway and finds herself entering what seems to be a sort of meditation chamber. Assessment yields two exits from here --- one leading to a set of stairs, the other to the quiet and secure ambience of a sleeping chamber. She passes quietly through, finding another chamber beyond. A library. Her eyes shift around, taking it in as quickly as can be done, as she moves on... and passes, likewise, into an open, circular chamber, tiered with catwalks. The hum of a power reactor-like thing catches her ears as she pads, quietly, onto the middle catwalk.

<PROVE> Golden has the merit of Shadow Master at 1.

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Search skill vs Golden's Stealth (Hide) skill (given advantage) and Fails!

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Search skill vs Golden's Stealth (Hide) skill and Succeeds!

<PROVE> Utlara has the merit of Alertness at 2.

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Now that he's on the lower catwalk, The Samurai draws his sword and glances around at his new surroundings. Spotting nothing, he moves quietly along, hunting for some clue as to the whereabouts of the Son of Gold.

Utlara's steps slow softly on the catwalk. "A caterpillar, this deep in fall-- still not a butterfly." She murmurs this, quietly, over the catwalk, in the direction of the reactor.

Out of the shadows of the reactor then, Dylan Golden emerges with confident if silent strides in response to the come hither expression offered by his scout. "I see the costume of a stranger, worn by a friend -- right party, wrong mask," is his response. A sensation of deja vu being played out is expressed in his eyes as he raises his hand before him and with the repeated curling of two fingers, invites the Huntress to dance.

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

The Samurai cocks his head to the side as if he heard something. It must have been the hum of the power core. Continuing as quietly as he can, The Samurai heads towards one of the spokes.

Utlara's eyes flick to the fingers, then rise to be transfixed by the piercing eyes of this otherworldly Golden. "Your costume seems to me, strange... as well." Her brow creases slightly, mildly confusion perhaps, but her blade is already circling back, already accepting the invitation. She studies the Son of Gold. "I will strike first. Is that the rule?"

. o O Utlara feels a sense of imbalance -- the hot anticaption of the hunt, mingling oddly with familiarity... trust...

Golden says, "Striking a superior officer is a court-martial offense, Lieutenant Turtledove, are you sure you want to risk a court martial? Think about, a long trial, a bunch of witnesses called, not a good career move, in fact, they may even take away that knife *I* gave you. I see you kept Utlara, Tera. Do you remember when I gave her to you? The ceremony in the Observation Garden? *I* gave you the knife, Tera, you wield it for me, not them. You are my scout, my eyes, my ears, my silent resolution -- I'm your Team Commander. Focus -- You can resist this Tera, you are strong willed, you are determined, and you know if you *CUT ME* it is going to *REALLY PISS ME OFF*."

Golden to emphasize this point, Dylan extracts the blade from his left hip, the long one, and lets the light catch it so it twinkles at the smaller female even as his body settles into a ready stance.

GAME: Golden spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Planetary Tactics (Personal Combat) skill vs Golden's Planetary Tactics (Personal Combat) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Search skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

"Careers are meaningless." Utlara follows the blade with her eyes. "The ceremony." She looks at Golden. Her curiosity is piqued. "Yes, I remember." She smiles. It's a predatory smile, part-playful, but intense, firey. Not the mellow eyes of the cheery scout who came to s419 a year and a half ago, but perhaps not unfamiliar. "You know what I am capable of. You can't take away the knife. I am the knife." With that, she sort of relaxes, moving fluidly into a deceptive, playful slice across Golden's mid-section.

<PROVE> Utlara has the merit of Bold at 1.

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Primitive Weaponry (Knife) skill vs Golden's Dodge skill and Fails!

After moving to one of the spokes, The Samurai can't help but hear the voice coming from above him. Looking up, he spots two figures above him. "Ah. So, that is where you are hiding. You won't escape me this time." Looking around him, the armored man searches for a way to climb back up to where his prey stands.

...Dylan narrowly twists out of the reach of Utlara's "playful" swipe, allowing it pass in a rush past his chest then snapping his unarmed hand out in an attempt to lock her weapon arm while it extends and control that lethal extension of her self...

<CONTEST> Golden contests his Unarmed Combat (Kung Fu) skill vs Utlara's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Golden contests his Unarmed Combat (Kung Fu) skill vs Utlara's Fitness (Strength) skill and Succeeds!

The Samurai notices only one way to get up to the other catwalk. By ascending the power core itself. Yet again sheathing his blade, the powerful warrior walks with great determination towards the core. Every few steps, he glances upward to keep sight of his target.

Utlara's mouth curls upwards as her knife-hand is locked, her eyes glittering with playful interest, a bit coy as she looks off --- but her body tells a different story, one of raw intensity. As she looks back to Golden's eyes, she regards him warmly and attempts to kick his legs out from under him.

GAME: Utlara spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Golden's Starfleet Martial Arts (Kung Fu) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Golden's Unarmed Combat (Kung Fu) skill and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Golden contests his Acrobatics (Breakfall) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

...Golden's legs are taken out from under him and reflexively he bends backward with the motion, keeping his left arm in place as his right arm releases the long blade and plants with splayed fingers on the catwalk, arm bending and shoving so he reverses direction and returns right back to his feet. As he connects feet back to the floor he says, "I'm sorry Tera, you leave me no choice..." and he twists the lock while pushing inward toward her back with deliberate pressure...

GAME: Utlara spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Golden contests his Unarmed Combat (Kung Fu) skill vs Utlara's Fitness (Vitality) skill (given advantage) and Succeeds!

...Meanwhile, on the level below, The Samurai seeks a purchase to begin the long climb up...

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Athletics (Climbing) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

There is a popping cracking sound. Utlara's eyebrows scrunch with the excruciating pain as her arm hangs limply by her side. She drops her knife. It clatters to the catwalk, resting a foot behind Golden.

GAME: Golden spends a courage point.

. o O Utlara feels confused, trusting... pain, excruciating pain... but still, burning for the satisfaction, the freedom of the hunt....

"I hope you will forgive me later, Tera." Dylan says as he kicks the idisha steel off the catwalk, resulting in a distant clatter a few moments later -- in the meantime, Golden brings his knee back even as he shoved the flaming agonied shoulder toward the ground and brings his knee back toward his scout's head with resolute force...

<CONTEST> Golden (claiming advantage) contests his Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill vs Utlara's Unarmed Combat (Starfleet Martial Arts) skill (given disadvantage) and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Golden (claiming advantage) contests his Fitness (Strength) skill vs Utlara's Fitness (Vitality) skill and Succeeds!

GAME: Golden spends a courage point.

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

<CONTEST> Utlara contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Fitness (Vitality) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

The Samurai slowly makes his way higher and higher. With measured breaths and narrowed eyes, he focuses on his objective.

<CONTEST> The Samurai (claiming advantage) contests his Athletics (Climbing) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Dramatically Succeeds!

Utlara's knit with pain, but her mouth quirks upward, a slight, genuinely warm smile perking her lips before she, herself, clatters to the catwalk, unconcious.

Golden recovers his sword from the catwalk and sprints with long loping strides to meet The Samurai as he summits his climb...

As the mountain of a man reaches the upper platform, he draws his katana. Swiftly, he spins around to face his opponent with a flourish of his sword. "We meet again, Son of Gold. This time you won't escape."

Golden stops, readies his blade before him and responds, "Lieutenant Takamura, I believe it was *you* who escaped last time, why don't you put the sword down now ... yield to me ... and spare us both the conflict of arms, eh? I don't want to hurt you, Takamura Hiroshi-san, like I just had to hurt Tera Turtledove. *STAND DOWN*" He whip cracks his voice in command authority mode, hoping perhaps this time his heavy weapon's officer will actually comply.

<CONTEST> The Samurai contests his Behavior Modification (Resistance) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Fails!

Narrowing his eyes, The Samurai holds his blade in a ready position. "You were the one who ran away. Not I." He then takes a few more steps closer to the Martian.

Golden says, "My chance to escape manifested, and since you were lounging around on the deck like Stewart before an away mission, I thought you were done. Put. The. Sword. Down. Hiroshi -- I can help you but you have to stop fighting me."

The Samurai pauses momentarily. From behind the gruesome mask, a flicker of recognition shows in his eyes at something the other man says. Inhaling deeply, he raises the sword again, unaware that it had dipped.

Golden attempts to capitalize on this moment of doubt, switching tones of voice, but keeping himself primed to move if the lighting strike of directed steel comes his way, "We are brothers in arms, Hiroshi... I met your grandparents, you grandfather -- remember your grandfather? Your sister Kishi the doctor, she has dinner with my father and Uncle Ongus on Mars. Remember Earth? Blue sky, yellow sun.. no purple nebula.. you are a hero, you are a father... think about Mauno. Mauno, your *son*. Where would your *son* fit in this world here, Roshi? A slave? You would make your son a slave, Friar Tak? *FOCUS*, Lieutenant, and drop. the. sword."

<CONTEST> Golden contests his Behavior Modification (Brainwashing) skill vs The Samurai's Presence (Willpower) skill and Dramatically Succeeds!

Utlara begins to stir along the edge of the catwalk.

Another deep breath. The Samurai stares at the former Gladiator, studying his weaknesses. Then he blinks once. Shaking his head the great warrior attempts to steel himself against the attack of words. The sword wavers again as his eyes soften at the mention of family. Beneath the mask, one can hear the gritting of teeth and the eyes harden again. More words. More references. The Terran staggers forward a step, blade still at the ready. The Martian speaks of his son and his brown eyes show some warmth. He inhales as he stumbles forward again. Each step is a struggle. Finally, the sword clatters to the catwalk, the man falling to his knees. The little ambient light reflects off glistening eyes. Then the silence is broken by sobbing as Takamura crumples at Golden's feet.

Utlara's eyes open, brow furrowed. She looks to her limp weaponless hand, remembers to wince, then looks to the catwalk itself. Searching. This focus is broken, momentarily, by the strange sobbing of the Samurai. She pulls herself up, eyeing him, then casts a look down, eyes locked on the weapon below, on the catwalk to layers below.

. o O Utlara wants her knife.

Relief floods the Martian's features as Takamura's humanity breaks through, but not so much relief that he fails to kick the katana away from the two of them. He sheathes his sword quickly and with hands bearing a distinct tremble, he pulls the helmet off the sobbing mans head, murmuring, "Hold on Hiroshi, hold on... just give me time to get that worm out of your skull man, focus on your son, focus on your son..." The helmet removed he reaches behind himself to pull up the length of his slit skirt/shirt to unclip a wicked looking clamp device with a pistol grip. He pushes the device up against the side of Takamura's head, wincing as the triggering sends the barbs into the side of Hiroshi's skull to anchor it in place. A disturbing sucking and squeeling sound is made as the flexible probe of the device snakes into Takamura's ear.

The device disengages from the side of Takamura's skull and when pulled away a slender worm-like creature twitches furiously at the end of the extender cable. Golden shakes it off and stamps his foot on it with a gleam of almost sinister satisfaction in his eyes as a wet crunching sound issues from the impact.

Utlara lunges against the rail of the catwalk, hitting her arm with a strangled growling noise, which is followed by a sick *pop*. Fire sparks in her eyes. She grits her teeth and pants, against the rail, quietly clenching and unclenching her weapon-hand. She looks from her knife to Golden and Takamura, then back to her knife, then to Tak and Golden.

Golden turns back toward the catwalk where he left Utlara unconscious when the strangled noise starts. He begins to sprint back toward her when she rises and slams her arm against the rail to pop her shoulder back in place, but slows as she begins looking back and forth between the fallen knife and the humans. He holds up his hands, empty of weapons, taking slow steps toward her, "Tera -- it's us. Dylan, Hiroshi. Your teammates -- the Iconians have messed with your mind, they put a worm in your head that is controling you. You don't want to hurt us, we don't want to hurt you. Let me help you, Lieutenant. You need to *trust me*."

Takamura gradually stops sobbing, wiping his eyes, and rubbing the side of his head where the worm was extracted. Getting to a seated position, he directs his attention to Tera. However, he is still too confused to speak at the moment. So, instead, he just takes several deep breaths to calm himself.

<PROVE> Utlara has the merit of Strong Will at 2.

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Behavior Modification (Resistance) skill vs a difficulty of Difficult and Succeeds!

"Your rules are a cage." Utlara speaks haltingly around the firey sparks of pain in her eyes. But she hesitates. She doesn't look away from Golden. "I am free here."

. o O Utlara conflicted, far-away feeling, sense of belonging, oppression. Flashes of memory. The Observation Garden, Thaal'vor Idisha, Golden, Takamura, Stewart. Tyler.

Golden steadily, gently, still taking careful steps toward her says, "Rules provide a framework for responsible choice, you always have the freedom to chose to follow them or not, Lieutenant -- but you know that by choosing to not follow them you are chosing consequences you may not like. You say you are free here? You are a slave, you have no more freedom than a tool. When they need you, you're loose, when they don't back on the shelf. If you're free, can you tell them no? Can you not hunt? What happens if you disagree? Punishment. Your freedom here, a lie. There are layers of freedom in a free society, Tera, it's about choice. You chose some restrictions you have new opportunities open to you; you chose certain freedoms and restrictions may happen to you. But you have a choice, here, you have no choices but obey or suffer. *Focus* Tera Turtledove, you fight against Tyrannay. You fight so others do not have to. You are part of a team, of a family, of a crew, of an organization, of a Federation - *you* matter. *You* make an impact -- not your job, not your function, *you* because *you* chose to make that difference, and that is *real* freedom."

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Behavior Modification (Resistance) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Succeeds!

Takamura listens to Golden's words while he regains his feet. Moving to the side of the catwalk, he uses the railing to brace himself.

. o O Utlara remembers loneliness. The dripping of water, of the chamber. Testing the boundaries, and the hot metal and searing wrath of the master.

Utlara eyes Golden, following along, but still hesitant. "Fighting against tyranny?" Her regard turns slightly wry. "Circumstances are circumstance. You know better." She gives a glance to Takamura, then looks back to Golden. "You gave me the knife."

Golden nods, still closing with small careful steps. "I gave you the knife. I gave Hiroshi a knife. We all have a knife. It was a symbol, a gesture. Not a role. You got the best one, because you were best to have it. The knife is more than a knife -- you are more than the huntress. You are a teacher to some, a friend to many, a hero, a champion, *a good solider*. You are an explorer, a scientist, a leader, a follower, a sister, a *teammate*. You are you when you are off duty as well as on. They would limit you to one thing, you are so much more than that, Tera. You had a life before the knife, you will have a life after the knife. It is just a tool. A beautiful, powerful tool; but you are so much more than that. You have a heart that beats, you have eyes that care, you have a mind that considers, you have a smile that reassures. You have lost so much in your life Tera, and they are trying to steal from you what still have, and offer something that is already yours to you like it's a gift. *You* are the gift. They are just thieves. You are *us*, we are we, they are the obstacle. *Focus* Tera Turtledove, you wield Utlara, you are *not* the Knife."

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Behavior Modification (Resistance) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Finally regaining some of his senses, Takamura moves a little closer to Turtledove, still using the railing for support. "Please, Tera, remember. Remember when I first arrived on the station? You helped me out and looked after me just like a big sister. You were there for me when I was mourning my parents' deaths. That's the part of you that has nothing to do with the knife."

Utlara's expression freezes, raw anguish flickers in her eyes. Her gaze travels between Golden and Takamura. Brow lightly furrowed, she hesitates. "I wield the knife." She locks eyes with Golden. "You wield me."

. o O Utlara feels stabbing, penetrating sorrow, very familiar, cherished even.

. o O Utlara thinks "...Sister."

Utlara's expression freezes, raw anguish flickers in her eyes. Her gaze travels between Golden and Takamura. Brow lightly furrowed, she hesitates. "I wield the knife. You wield me."

Golden steps closer again, almost there now, almost within reach. "I *lead* you, you *choose* to follow. I don't control you. You are your own person, and we value you as you -- and together as the team we are all greater than we are alone. I make plans, without anyone to have execute them I am less useful. You scout, without anyone to report the information to, you are less useful. Hiroshi wields the heavy weapons, without anyone to provide suppressing fire for, he is less useful. One team, all individuals but as a whole a powerful instrument of the Federation's will. We complement each other. We are family. We are *your* family. You are our sister -- you know what I am saying is true -- Lieutenant. Will you let me help you?"

<CONTEST> Utlara (claiming advantage) contests her Behavior Modification (Resistance) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Takamura decides to stay where he is for the moment so she doesn't think of him as a threat. As Golden speaks, Tak nods. Softly, he smiles at her with hope in his eyes.

The fire in Utlara's eyes sputters, flickering. She keeps focus on Golden, his proximity affecting her body language, and her reactions more subdued and subtle. Her regard for Golden is striking in its strength. Not the burning intensity of Utlara, rather a robust warmth, tinged with weariness, anguish, and loneliness. "I want to go home."

Golden closes the final distance, putting a hand on her collarbone to support her, he readies the extraction clamp with the other, "We'll be going home directly, just focus on going home, this is going to hurt." As the last is said he activates the device and the wicked clamps snap out and anchor themselves to the side of Tera's head. The burring sound comes again and then the clamps relent. The worm on the end of the probiscus thrashes furiously before Dylan shakes it loose and crushes it under foot again. Replacing the device to its place on his belt he says, "I knew you two would beat this. Now, let's go meet the Q'ists and get the hell out of here...

Several Hours later...

The wide hover sled comes to a slow stop near the Gate of Seven Wonders at the base of the Pyramid. Intendents from the Ministry of Transit hold up hands and step toward the vehicle, a routine process. As they near the craft they step back in shock as from among the small group of Iconians, three smaller figures emerge and swarm them with a sudden flurry of kicks and strikes and throws. The humans bound for the gate even as the hue and cry of alarm is being raised. The tallest of the humans says, "Get your Tricorder ready to send a retreival signal to Cassie the moment we clear the gate complex." He turns to raise a salute to the silver haired Iconian.

Ra'thok raises three of his hands in return, "My your Ifni bless your voyage, Terran, and may the answer to your mystery that is we be that we found transcendence and not dissolution. Best fortune in your future -- make the most of it -- and remember the price that dominion carries when facing judgement." The iconian bows at the waist slightly, and Martian returns his bow.

The three humans then leap through the gate -- leaving behind a perilous past and rejoining an uncertain future....

-----Fin-----