BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

:: in the lab back at the hotel with Lexy, playing lab assistant ::

:: is standing back from Kuari, watching the grate carefully as the commander tugged on it, hoping it would open ::

:: digging through a pile of books until she finds the one she's looking for :: CO: This one had some basic battery schematics. Can you help me translate it? :: plops it down onto to lab table and starts flipping carefully through the aged pages ::

:: pulls on the grating, her claws fastened into the gaps, tugging ::

:: runs her hand along the wall, following the strengthening hum ::

CSO: Of course! Units can be tricky, though, if we have no basis of comparison.

ACTION> The gate seems strangely older than everything else here, and the latch breaks open without much effort.

:: manning the net at the river ::

:: looks over at the grate they had opened, and walks over there, and peers in ::

CO: A little bit of trial and error, then.

:: bounces on her toes slightly before ducking into the opening revealed, keeping a hand on the wall as she started to walk down the corridor open ::

:: Also working on the grate ::

ACTION> Beyond the gate, the rest of the room contains a simple door.

:: follows Grey in, past the grate, one hand still firmly grasping her spear ::

CSO: It was so fortunate that we found their version of the periodic table. These chemical names would have been a chore without it.

:: tries the door hopefully, thoughtful :: Self: Interesting.

:: stays at the grate, not much room in front of the door, and lets the others investigate the door ::

:: follows the others, also with spear in hand. She looks around curiously, taking a deep breath and trying to sense if there's anyone else nearby.. ::

ACTION> The door opens, revealing a small landing at the top of a stairway. At the bottom, a dim light can be seen. The hum is a bit louder now.

ACTION> The empaths sense no one else around.

CO: Mendeleev would have wept for joy.

:: grins, moving down the stairway to the dim light and humming, pausing briefly before moving further into the revealed area, curious where this led ::

:: squints at the light, and goes down the stairs, following the hum ::

:: sticks close to the others, unnerved as they draw near the light ::

:: moves with the crew down the stairs, her eyes wide to catch any available light, on guard by the curious place ::

ACTION> At the bottom of the stairs, the party finds a corridor with a few doors on each side, and one at the end, lit by drab overhead lighting.

CO: And because of that, we can get some sense of units based on atomic weights. Carbon is carbon.

TAC2: I’ll go to the end door if y’all want to look through the others.

:: starts jotting down some translations in the book :: CSO: That is the beauty of science! The laws of physics are the same everywhere.

SCI: Nope. I'll do the end door, you check the others :: moves towards the end door, spear in hand and trying the door ::

AT: We should stay together :: quietly :: We don't know what's powering this place. There's no solar panels.

:: draws in the net, more swimming the cold river now than wading, as it is a bit deeper and wider here than it was back at the house ::

:: in the lead, carefully works his way down the hallway. He pushes each door as they pass by to make sure that if it's open, there's nothing dangerous behind it. ::

:: breaks off and takes another door, doing her best to supress her nerves ::

:: sighs. end doors are usually the most exciting. damnit. ::

ACTION> The side doors reveal a few offices, and a bathroom.

:: tentatively opens the door to the bathroom, then feels quite silly, laughing quietly ::

ACTION> The end door sticks a bit, as it is much, much heavier.

:: shoves against the door with her shoulder, grunting ::

Self: At least if anyone has a need to shit themselves... :: keeps going down the hallway, until she reaches the end door, standing behind Grey ::

:: starts carefully building electrodes based on Kate's translation ::

CSO: BZZT!

:: moves eventually with everyone towards the end door, helping to pull it open, as they do with doors ::

:: startles at the sudden sound :: Self: Gyah!

:: assists with the door pushing if she can wedge herself in ::

:: giggles ::

:: glances back at the corridor, before stepping to the side, pushing the hardest that she could against the stuck door ::

ACTION> The door begins to move, and the humming grows louder...

ACTION> The thrum explodes in intensity as the door is opened, revealing a control room that overlooks a cavernous underground chamber housing what looks to be a reactor of some sort, shielded behind thick transparent walls. The central convergence of the hourglass-shaped reactor is producing an incredibly bright point of light, and energy surges upwards and downwards from it along the structure of the device. One of the screens in the control room is still active, blinking unfriendly red Gencodian text.

:: raises a hand to her eyes, trying to preserve a little bit of night sight, before moving towards the reactor curiously. :: MED: Can... you read this?

:: gasps, stunned by the device for a moment. She snaps out of it when Grey speaks to her and leans over, reading out the text :: All: Err.. warning...

:: instantly squints against the bright light, attempting to adjust after being in such a dark place behind this room, and makes her way forward into more space, looking around once she can see ::

TAC2: I think a lot of these words are like, parts of the thing. Sensor.. :: she points ::

MED: Understandable... any type of information that might give us info on what the hell this place is?

:: stays right next to Kuari, taking in this new place after his eyes adjust. :: XO: This is interesting, isn't it.

:: shoots a baleful glance at Kate ::

All: Radiation.. overload. Uh, we might want to go.

:: doesn't even pay attention to the screen, marveling at the reactor, unable to comprehend such a different place than anything else they have seen on this world ::

:: blinks :: Self: Time?

MED: Did you just say... time?

CTO: Interesting? I think that's an understatement?

CSO: This is fun. I should help you in the lab some when we get back to the ship, if that is alright?

:: moves to join her friend, curious and spear still in hand ::

:: points at the word on the screen :: TAC2: This is the word for time. Time.. something.

MED: Could it be... travel? :: offers, glancing at the screen ::

:: sounds out the word, seeing how it feels in her mouth :: TAC2: Hm. Well it's not a countdown..

:: perks an ear towards the other crew, moving past the shock of the place and towards what to do about it, then turns her head towards those at the screen ::

Self: Oh shit. :: Her mind races to Ilaihr. She needs to get Ilaihr. But not too soon. Fuck fuck fuck. She turns her attention to the controls ::

:: sighs, rubbing her forehead slightly :: MED: Well... that's good, at least. Is there anything else of importance?

:: wags a finger, reading out and substituting in some guesses :: TAC2: Time.. device, let's say. Critical? Overload, radiation.. something. Leaking? Fix the.. part, part, and.. low on something like charge or fuel, I think.

CO: Not if you're going to "BZZT" me while I'm working! :: hands on hips in mock indignation ::

:: arrives at the computer screen, flashing that angry red message... and he's just not making out what it's saying. ::

MED: So there's something leaking, low on charge... and fuel, let's just say both. :: starts to pace the room, thinking ::

:: giggles again and grins :: CSO: I might do more than that!

:: moves towards the console behind those studying it, standing up to read over their shoulders, but she lets them translate and discuss for her, listening ::

:: sighs, shaking her head and wagging a finger :: TAC2: I doubt I know these words in our languages. It's probably like.. quantum gasket or some shit.

:: gives her wife a sly look :: CO: Now you know I don't usually mix business and pleasure...

MED: We need the captain to translate all this. She knows more Genecodian than we do.

SCI: I agree.

:: returns the look :: CSO: But what if your business is already quite pleasurable, hmm?

MED: One moment please. :: stands up straight :: ~CO: Captain, o captain. Jude here. Sorry if I freaked you out, but we discovered something and we require your Genecodian expertise.~

:: playfully swats at Kate :: CO: Temptress.

:: finally gets the wriggling net hauled in and takes a moment to rest, soaked, cold, and tired since the soaked net full of fish is quite heavy ::

AT: This is... :: looks back at the reactor, her heart thudding in her chest :: Unlike anything we've ever seen! How could it not be what we've been looking for? We need Harper!

XO: You should fly back to base and get her. I'll keep everyone here safe.

:: suddenly turns towards Kuari :: XO: Just sent a telepathic message to her.

:: receives no message ::

CSO: I have been called worse.

:: looks around slowly, thinking :: SCI: You might need to step outside. This room is more shielded than a quarantine chamber.

MED: Fair point. :: walks out of the room, and makes her way outside ::

CO: I'm not surprised. You're almost as bad as Venya. :: winks ::

:: looks towards the direction of the hotel :: ~CO: Captain. Jude here. We discovered something and require your Genecodian expertise.~

CSO: I picked up some pointers in temptressing from her, you know.

:: receives no message ::

:: looks at Wolfe, her eyes big as she thinks, then is distracted by Acacia :: AT: We should probably all wait outside this room if there's some sort of overload.

CO: Like you needed the help.

::: dries off and dresses, then hauls the haul back to the hotel ::

:: walks back inside :: MED: I don’t know. Distance may be a bit too much.

:: chuckles grimly :: XO: Outside, ten feet, ten miles.. no, I doubt it matters if she goes up.

CSO: Well, she is a professional, after all... :: trails a finger up Lexy's arm ::

:: seems confused :: SCI: Distance..?

:: looks at the time machine worriedly ::

AT: If Commander Kuari can fly, I can go with her to update the captain then return as fast as I can, if that works

:: shivers :: CO: Heyyy, no fair using my own weaknesses against me!

CSO: If I cannot use them, who can, hm?

MED: Or some sort of bullshit coming from this machine.

CO: Welll.... you can... obviously... in private!

TAC2: I don't recommend that. She'd be faster with no one on her back. :: looks at Kuari ::

:: is still looking at the machine, frowning :: TAC2: Maybe we shouldn't split up..

AT: I could fly, yes...but I need to get Harper here for this!

:: her voice drops to a breathy whisper :: CSO: Everyone else is gone, and Navarro is fishing, you know...

TAC2: Grey, you are probably light, but I need all the strength I can to bring her back.

:: steps outside, finds a rock, and sits down, closing her eyes and deepening her breathing to meditate ::

XO/AT: Anyone seen any vehicles around?

:: has to hold on to the edge of the table, since her knees have inexplicably gone a bit wobbly :: CO: But...

:: drags the fish through the front door, through the lobby, out into the courtyard, through the restaurant, and into the kitchen to begin the slaughter ::

:: makes her own attempt to contact the Captain, but instead of a message, she simply tries to connect, to find her ::

AT: See what you can find out while I'm gone. Don't do anything...dangerous...with that, though. :: bobs her nose towards the intense light ::

:: mumbles :: Self: Shit. I need Ilaihr. Shitty shit shit. :: looks up at the red lights and sighs ::

:: looks at those present :: AT: Understood?

XO: Aye.

XO: Aye, Commander.

:: nods with finality and, having made the decision, bounds out of the room, up the stairs and out of the building, taking flight immediately and turns towards the hotel at high speed ::

:: hears Navarro's arrival and gives her wife a sly wink as she licks her lips :: CSO: Poor timing. You will just have to wait... until tonight.

:: whimpers in reply ::

XO: Understood, Commander :: sits down on a rock, resting her head back against the building as she waited ::

:: lets out a ragged breath, shuddering as Kuari swoops overhead. She gets up and heads back inside :: AT: Well, I can sense she's still there.. but I couldn't reach her through the shield either. :: she looks over :: SCI: Any luck assessing.. this? :: she then looks back at the glowing disaster waiting to happen ::

MED: Not at all. I may have tried to be an engineer for like. Two weeks on the ship, but all this is gibberish to me. Damn bad time for engineering to have been my worst subject.

:: flashes Lexy a sultry look before going back to translating sciency things ::

ACTION> Kuari flies swiftly, perhaps faster than ever before, and arrives back at the hotel, bellowing loudly as she descends into the courtyard.

:: makes his way down the hallway toward the entrance to stand guard ::

:: looks up from the science with a start :: CSO: Was that Kuari?

:: darts out from the kitchen when he hears the bellow, hands covered in fish blood ::

SCI: At least you did a better job than me, I barely passed my engineering classes in school. Math was my worst subject.

:: snorts :: SCI: Same. :: she agrees, and begins searching the room for more hints as to where and how repair might be expected to occur, with what little she knows about this sort of stuff :: SCI: My sister's an engineer.. if only you'd been stranded with her. :: she jokes ::

:: heard it too and gulps, trying to compose herself :: CO: I... maybe?

CSO: If it is her, something is wrong. Come on! :: rushes out to the courtyard ::

TAC2: If it weren’t for science, I woulda been tactical. A’s in my weapons and survival classes.

:: rushes out as well, leaving her work unfinished but safely secured so nothing will explode in her absence ::

TAC2/SCI: I thought about therapy, but that's.. a whole other can of worms.

:: runs towards the lobby and stops, seeing Harper, Wright and Navarro. Her eyes fasten on Harper :: CO: We've found something! That small building...it's like a bunker of some kind, with a reactor, so much energy! There's a... a panel... :: catches her breath ::

TAC2/SCI: Always kind of knew it would be medicine, though.

:: her face brightens as Kuari gushes the news ::

SCI/MED: If I didn't choose to go Marine and Tactical, I could've gone diplomacy.

MED/TAC2: God do I need to talk to Endilev right now.

:: listens to the news as well, nodding approvingly ::

:: catches on "reactor" ::

:: raises both eyebrows, immediately amused at the thought :: TAC2: Oh? An Earth Ambassador?

MED: Yes, actually. Is that so hard to believe?

TAC2: Yes.

XO: That is wonderful news! Do you know what its purpose is yet?

:: her grin grows at Grey's annoyance :: TAC2: No--but picturing you in the funny hat, hah..

:: tries to remember what the crew read out loud :: CO/CSO/NAV: The panel said something about...overload, radiation...time?

....:: grows very alarmed ::

XO: Did you bring a copy of the message?

:: looks to Wright and shakes her head, not having thought to do so ::

XO: ...and that building was near the arch. It could be what powers the whole thing!

:: focuses back on Harper :: CO: I...I can take you back with me. You must come!

CO/XO: It could be spewing out massive amounts of radiation and we wouldn't even know. We need to get people away from there!

SCI/MED: It was either... :: she ticks it off on her fingers :: SCI/MED: Marine/Tactical/Security, Diplomacy, or Medicine, depending on my scores for the core classes

CSO: The control room is shielded, I'm pretty sure. There are very thick walls around the reactor. We couldn't even hear it, but faintly, from outside.

:: thinks a moment, weighing the risks ::

TAC2/MED: Yknow, science concentration is actually archeology. So as great as these sites here are, the situation is fucking terrible.

:: takes a moment to read one of the panels, then sighs wistfully :: TAC2: I might've liked to be a diplomat. Never an option, though. :: she chuckles at Jude's comment :: SCI: Well, maybe therapy would've come in handy.

CSO: I have to get a look. It could be the key to getting us home.

Self: Though I did make that antivenom, even if we haven't had to use it..

XO: You can fly while carrying me now?

:: starts to argue with Kate until she catches a glimpse of the resolve on her wife's face and realizes that arguing will be utterly pointless ::

:: nods readily, eager to agree with Harper about its importance, then looks to Wright ::

:: hugs Kate fiercely, holding back sudden tears :: CO: ...You must assume that it's spewing radiation and treat it accordingly, do you hear me?

:: hugs Lexy back, very tightly, and whispers in reply :: CSO: I will, love, I promise.

MED: Diplomacy wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. Really, I did get to wear some nice outfits and got to beat verbal sense into people, but I much prefer doing beating hands-on. :: grins at her friend ::

TAC2: Mood.

:: whispers :: CO: If you die and leave me here alone I will never forgive you.

:: chuckles :: TAC2: I'm only as good of a fighter as my Kreshai. :: she half-jokes :: TAC2: But I could always kick my sister's ass. Hence.. engineer. :: she snorts ::

:: heads back inside, giving the couple some privacy ::

:: suddenly fighting back tears of her own as she whispers in reply :: CSO: I would never leave you alone, if I have any say in it.

:: cleans the fishy mess off his hands ::

:: watches as Kate and Lexy embrace, not really respecting privacy, then more quietly since she's arrived :: CO: I...I can do it. I'm sure I can. You're bigger than Jude, but I've become very strong here. I can do it. We should get my saddle, though. I'll meet you on the roof.

MED: Between Ethan and I, we run ourselves to a tie when we're sparring ::

MED/TAC2: I have an old academy friend who’s studying to be a doctor. He’s a whole ass twig and even I could easily snap him on half. I’ve punched him in the face before though, for trying to make a move.

:: nods to Kuari as she pulls back a little from Lexy, her hands still around her wife's waist :: XO: Meet you there.

:: takes a deep, shaky breath :: CO: Okay, then. Go. I love you. :: squeezes her eyes shut and pulls away, swiping at the tears that have dripped down her cheeks with her fist ::

:: runs into the lobby and flies halfway up the stairs in a practiced movve before her wings don't fit and retrieves her saddle from her room, hurriedly strapping it on ::

:: leaves a soft kiss on Lexy's lips before she finally lets go and sets off for the roof ::

:: laughs at that :: SCI: Oh, well he deserved it then.

:: she runs up the stairs, easily taking them two at a time before emerging on the roof ::

:: laughs :: SCI: Did he deserve that?

:: stands in the courtyard alone, with her fists balled at her sides, trying again to compose herself but in a much less fun way, waiting to hear them depart ::

:: gets to the roof, calming herself and thinks through what she's offered to do, then hears Harper's approach ::

:: quietly returns to the courtyard when he sees Alexis all alone ::

:: having composed herself after the emotional departure, she smiles :: XO: OK, so, how do I do this? :: eyes the saddle ::

TAC2: He tried to randomly kiss me. So yes. He did. Like. Bruh, skinny ass twigs ain’t my type. My type are those with muscular thighs that can crush people’s heads.

CO: Get on! :: lowers one wing :: And hang on.

:: climbs into the saddle on Kuari's back and excitedly holds on, the prospect of actually getting to fly with her friend quite exciting ::

:: bites her lip so as to not laugh at that, but the margin is thin. She shakes her head lightly :: SCI: No head crushings, please.

MED: Except mine. Which. Yes please.

:: hesitates only for a moment, judging the added weight and the ache in her wings from an already taxing day, but builds speed forward on the roof and leaps off, gaining more speed as they dive momentarily towards the ground before rising slowly and laboriously over the treeline ::

:: does laugh at that, moving from screen to screen but having no luck figuring out what she's looking at. Unsure what to say, the resident space ace comes up with :: SCI: ...interesting.

:: walks in on the conversation, unaware of what they've been saying. ::

:: stares at her feet, trembling slightly, until she hears the beats of Kuari's wing begin and then fade off into the distance. Only then does she look up at Doc with wet eyes, looking small and afraid ::

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! XO: This is wonderful! I have always wanted to do this!

:: simply walks past, unaware ::

:: walks up to Wright and simply offers a hug ::

:: rushes into his arms and dissolves into tears ::

:: looks around at the city below them, having flown many times, of course, but never on the back of anyone alive! ::

:: starts laughing herself :: MED: Sorry. :: clears throat :: Deities, it’s been a while.

:: doesn't answer Harper, concentrating on her wingflaps so they don't plummet to the ground, this effort harder than she had expected in her adrenaline-powered resolve to actually do this ::

:: laughs again, shrugging wistfully. She doesn't mind, she just doesn't relate :: SCI: It's alright. I think everyone's feeling that way. :: she tries sympathy, where empathy fails ::

:: having not flown anything in over a year, she finds the flight exhilarating as the wind rushes through her hair ::

:: holds Wright quietly for a few minutes :: CSO: They'll be alright, Alexis. I'm sure of it.

:: as they approach the arch, she begins to worry about the landing. Kuari concentrates on her timing and the effect of the added weight as they slowly descend, and she aims for soft ground with long grass, near where Acacia was meditating. The ground is coming up fast and she flares her wings, the extra pressure exerted on them too much and she almost yelps with the pain, but she manages to land them safely, coming to jogging but safe stop near the doorway ::

:: has quieted down a bit, and feels a bit embarrassed, pulling gently away :: NAV: I'm sorry. You know I'm not... usually like that. It's just... what if something happens to our friends?

XO: That was amazing, thank you! :: climbs off :: I know it was exhausting, and I appreciate the effort.

:: frowns, focusing on a screen that looks much older than the others. She tries to read it, but again struggles with most of the words.. ::

:: smiles and nods, catching her breath and trying not to drag her wings as she leads the way into the bunker :: CO: This way!

CSO: Then we will carry on and try to get home. But, they will be alright! :: gets an idea to keep her mind off it :: Hey, would you want to help me make dinner for everyone, so it's ready when they get back?

:: follows Kuari into the bunker, taking it all in ::

CO: Welcome.

:: looks up just before Harper enters, watching her face to assess her reaction ::

:: emerges into the control room and her jaw hangs agape for a moment before she speaks :: All: This is incredible! Show me what you have learned!

:: looks up before standing quickly, giving the captain a grin in greeting ::

:: immediately moves to an empty area in the control room and slumps to the floor, resting and watching, spent ::

:: smiles wryly, not surprised. She gestures toward the screen offering a warning :: CO: I'm out of my league here.

:: gives him a weak smile :: NAV: You're a wonderful friend, do you know that? Yes, let's get busy. :: goes inside with him ::

:: looks to what Acacia is indicating and narrows her eyes, then starts tapping on things to find submenus ::

CO: It says something about a damaged.. time component. I don't know about half of these words. :: she looks around :: And some.. panels are older?

CO: Or different, anyway.

MED: That is temporal, but you had the root word right...

:: continues reading and tapping, the display reflected in her eyes as they intently scan ::

:: shrugs :: CO: I got the gist, enough to pique my interest..

MED: Do not worry, you still get an A.

:: laughs at that, pumping a fist in the air in playful celebration ::

Temporal flux is overloaded, chronoton output is off the scale...

MED: Better than I could do.

:: walks in :: CO: So chances are good that we're not dying of radiation poisoning?

But the radiation in the reactor chamber is... well, I do not know what this unit is, but the scale is maxed out and red.

SCI: Yeah, chronitons? Pfft.

CO: Belay that comment.

MED: Ptth.

:: splutters, huffing as she moves to the door ::

:: realizes a moment later what that actually means, eyes widening ::

CTO: Radiation in here is at safe levels, according to this. Very low on the scale.

Self: Oh fucking hell.

CO: It's.. overloading on chronitons when it's old and broken down? :: she wonders ::

CSO: Well, thank you. But that's easy when you're friends with good people. :: starts chopping fish ::

:: looks through the windows at the blindingly bright reactor :: All: This is the device that brought us here. It must be.

:: begins scrubbing vegetables and preparing them for roasting ::

AT: So.. neither old nor broken.

CO: The question is how?

:: starts navigating more menus, looking for a way to shut it down ::

:: jaw on the floor, resting nearby :: AT: Old...so containment failing?

SCI: And she's a doozy. Something set it off. So what?

:: looks up at the reactor from close to the window ::

AT: A person? An accident? Code?

:: was never more than a mediocre scientist, but one thing she was particularly good at was temporal mechanics :: AT: We need to cause a paradox.

:: looks at the reactor from the doorway, leaning against the doorframe :: CO: I'm sorry... WHAT?!

CO: Maybe we already did.

AT: If I can shut it down, it will not be functional in our time to bring us here.

AT: The timeline cannot abide the paradox that causes, that we will not have been here to shut it down.

CO: What if the reason we're here is.. some sort of loop where we destroy it and that's what brought us here in the first place?

CO: Or we're going to cause a paradox, that brought us here.

:: points at Wolfe, like 'he said it' ::

:: closes her eyes, her head done in by this conversation ::

AT: Time will correct the paradox, since it cannot be true. At least everything we have learned so far about time travel indicates that to be the case...

Self: Well fuck, guess I should've paid more attention in time travel class.

:: spices some of the fish, but not all of them ::

:: groans, rubbing her forehead in irritation :: Self: Fuck... we're stuck here, aren't we?

:: keeps tapping through menus :: Ah!

:: finds the emergency shutdown procedure and initiates it ::

Self: Fucking fuck. :: squeezes around the others, leaving the room, and the building. she looks in the general direction where Ilaihr was last month, and just telepathically screams in that direction ::

ACTION> Nothing happens, but the console returns an error.

:: peels some fruit, trying to stay busy ::

:: swears elaborately in her native tongue ::

:: continues staring at the reactor ::

:: refrains, barely, from smacking the console :: Zokit jama-na!

:: sighs and stares at the reactor, turning to exit the room, wandering back outside, she was getting a bit tired and needed some fresh air ::

NAV: You know, when I was alone with Colonel Wolfe when we first got here, I wasn't nearly as comfortable. I thought it was because he's... a man, but so are you, and I'm okay with this.

:: shakes her head, looking at the reactor and thinking :: Self: Who..?

The relay to the actual physical shutdown control is fused. It is directing me to the emergency access panel... in there. :: lifts her head toward the reactor ::

:: shakes her head and decides to just run to him. ::

:: looks at where Harper is looking, her breath hitching :: CO: No.

:: shrugs :: CTO: The Colonel is a bit... rough around the edges?

:: also shrugs :: NAV: Maybe that's it.

::: continues reading :: The shutdown control will render the reaction permanently inoperable due to the damage already caused... :: goes out a few more screens ::

:: blissfully unaware of what's happening across town ::

CSO: But, we are friends, and he's... perhaps harder to befriend. So your reaction is natural, I think. Also, you have a lot more clothes on now. :: chuckles ::

:: watches Harper intently now, brow knit. She draws close enough to catch glimpses of a word or two on the screen she can read, her stomach turning ::

:: tries a few more things with no success ::

:: nods emphatically at that :: NAV: So, so very true.

:: raises her head after Harper points at the emergency access panel, piecing together what she's saying, exhausted but worried by what she's suggesting ::

:: repeats her previous epithet, somewhat more emphatically ::

:: then takes a long look at the reactor, realizing what she must do ::

All: I have to try it.

:: turns and raises his eyebrows at Harper. ::

:: takes another step closer to Harper and puts up a hand as if to stop her. She tries to speak but the words are caught in her throat for a moment. She blinks, managing, again :: CO: No.

CO: Wait...what?

All: Someone has to go in there and shut this down. I cannot ask any of you to do it.

:: starts to steel her resolve to go through with this ::

CO: :: quietly :: It should be me.

CO: There's got to be something--a suit or something, there's no way they went in to do maintenance on that..

:: re-enters then, blinking ::

CO: And there's not to be another way. :: she insists, blinking away tears of rage and fear ::

:: louder :: CO: It should be me, Captain.

CTO: Your Gencodian is not good enough, Colonel, and if I am wrong, I do not want to leave everyone without your protection.

:: pushes with effort to her feet, now very alarmed, the idea of what Harper is suggesting terrifying her, but her mind seems to be stuck on a resolution ::

:: shakes :: CO: If it's who's good at Gencodian, it should be me so they still have you.

MED: From the meters on the screen, the normal radiation levels would not have been a problem.

:: re-enters, skidding to a halt in the doorway :: All: What's happening?

:: stares at Harper for a moment :: CO: You've got me on that one.

MED: We cannot spare even one doctor, Emily.

MED: But you can spare your Gencodian teacher and your laundry lady. :: smirks ::

CO: My notes are immaculate. :: she chides :: CO: We can't spare the Captain. :: her voice breaks ::

CO: I can do it. :: volunteers with a deep breath ::

CO: But I can stand up to any radiation a bit better and last longer. Not to mention my greater strength for anything mechanical that needs to be done. Can you show me what to look for?

TAC2: The same logic applies to you, Ryleigh. You are a protector.

:: sweeps her arms out :: All: No! We can find a radiation suit somewhere.

All: Maybe from another reactor site, or..

All: We do not know how many more chances we will get to go home, and I intend to take this one. If I am right, I will see you all back on Atlantis.

CO: So is Wolfe! :: sighs, tears beginning to form in the corner of her eyes ::

:: she begins verbally screeching, once she gets near :: ILAIHR! ANSWER ME YA BASTARD!

CTO/TAC2: And I need you both to protect my crew.

If I am wrong, that is.

:: blinks, realizing she's lost. She slumps a bit, feeling dizzy, but manages to keep her footing. She watches Harper with tears in her eyes, not even trying to bite back her worry anymore. ::

:: walks over to Kuari, butterflies in her stomach ::

::A quiet childlike laugh echoes through the forest.::

XO: My friend, if I am wrong...

:: sighs, taking a shaky breath and coming to lean against Acacia, content to lean on the other ::

XO: If I am wrong… tell Lexy that I love her, and that I — :: her voice falters, just a bit :: I am sorry to hurt her like this, but my duty as Captain is clear. Keep trying to undo all of this, and we may yet see each other again.

:: runs towards the laughter :: ILAIHR! REACTOR!

:: hugs Grey tightly ::

:: sits on the floor, unable to process what is happening, knowing she can't do what Harper's wanting to do and doesn't even offer, straining to listen with the implications ::

Self: Any and all actions have a equal opposite reaction.

:: stands suddenly despite her aching body and embraces Harper with all her limbs, wrapping around her :: CO: I will.

:: pops the vegetables in the oven for roasting, humming a little tune ::

:: runs towards Ilaihr, immediately scoops him into bridal carry, and just makes a run for it towards the Arch ::

:: gives her friend a tight hug back, it reminding of her when Kuari was keeping her warm by the fires ::

XO: And thanks for the flight; it was a dream come true.

SCI: Must you manhandle me Groll?

:: pauses by the door at the head of the stairs down to the reactor chamber, her voice strong and resolute :: All: See you all on Atlantis.

:: doesn't even have a reply to that, it seeming so unfair, then manages to stay on her feet to watch after letting Harper go, to watch ::

:: nods firmly, lying ::

NAV: You had a good haul today, huh!

:: snaps to attention and salutes Harper ::

:: she disappears through the door, running down the stairs and out another door into the reactor room ::

CEO: Long story short- we found a reactor. It may power the Arch and get us back. We need your help. Now. :: gasps for breath, as she keeps running ::

:: starts pan-frying some fish ::

:: takes a steadying breath, snapping to attention like Wolfe did ::

NAV: Maybe we'll get good news from the away team and it'll end up being a good day. :: gives him a smile ::

::Grumbles, his head bobbing side to side.:: Self: Cursed Breen... always thinking they can drag me around like a ragdoll!

:: closes her eyes... and puts up a wall, silently ::

:: crosses the room to the control panel and can immediately feel her skin tingling ::

CSO: I think that is exactly what will happen!

:: activates the panel and starts tapping, blinking as starbursts intrude on her vision ::

NAV: I trust Kate to be safe, and bring everyone back safely. She did promise, after all.

:: tightens her grip on Grey, her eyes shut tightly ::

CEO: You’re brilliant Ilaihr. You’re fine. Just keep. :: sees the building in the distance :: CEO: It’s fine. Fine. Fine.

:: digs through the menus as fast as she can, knowing she's on a timer ::

:: notices that the fair, freckled skin on the back of her hands now visibly appears sunburnt ::

:: attempts to telepathically yell at anyone for attention ::

:: feels a psychic ping and returns it by accident, a moment of screeching pain reaching Jude outside ::

:: finds what's she looking for and digs through some more menus, but is interrupted by a wave of nausea ::

:: picks up her pace, as she keeps nearing the building, and starts verbally screeching ::

:: fights that back and begins the sequence ::

::Rubs his eyes.:: SCI: Where are we going, Child? We must continue our negotiations with the Aquatics!

:: suddenly leans over to the side of the panel and forcefully vomits on the floor ::

:: stands outside the thick glass, staring at Harper and whimpers a bit ::

:: spits and returns to her work as blood starts to trickle out of her nose ::

CEO: We found a reactor. We need- :: gasp :: CEO: Your help. :: runs down stairs, past the doors, and rushes into the control room, yelling as she does so ::

:: trembles, her grip on Grey starting to cut off circulation. Though her eyes are closed, tears streak down her cheeks that she can't suppress ::

:: turns to curl into Acacia, sobbing the entire time ::

CSO: La capitana always keeps her promises.

:: stands at the closed door, waiting ::

:: nods at him :: NAV: Especially to me. :: watching him fry fish ::

:: gets most of the way through the shutdown sequence before doubling over in intense abdominal pain ::

:: gasps for breath as she wills herself back to the panel to finish the job ::

:: twinges, releasing her grip on Grey suddenly. She opens her eyes, wiping one eye with the heel of her hand. She gives in to instinct and lowers her defenses, reaching out with her sixth sense to try and soothe Harper's pain ::

:: still gasping for breath, no longer able to breathe normally as she gets to the end of the shutdown sequence ::

:: turns at the noise and sees Jude coming in and stops her... then realizes who she has with her ::

:: shivers, falling to the floor and seizing ::

:: but does, somehow, find the pain of it all lessened, though she doesn't know how ::

:: drops to her knees, trying to keep Acacia still and close to her, willingly letting her steal her warmth ::

:: is blocking the door to the control room. ::

SCI: I do not understand....

NAV: Everyone's going to be so happy to come back to this dinner, it smells so good!

CTO: OI!

:: falls still, eyes closed as she maintains her focus, barely managing not to vomit. She grabs a fistfull of Grey's clothing, taking a shaky breath ::

CSO: You know, I hope so. I have enjoyed learning to cook during this year.

SCI: This is not a safe place for him to be :: gestures to Ilaihr ::

:: fights for breath as she keys the last part of the shutdown sequence, having to learn on the console to stand ::

NAV: You've really done an amazing job. You're quite the chef.

CSO: ¡Gracias!

:: drops down to the ground, gasping for breath :: CTO: What- is going on- in- there?

ACTION> The bright light and thrum of the reactor start to fade.

:: twists and trembles, finally catching a breath and coughing violently ::

:: looks up at it, her vision fading, almost all starbursts and black ::

:: is much stronger than Jude and there's no way she's getting by. :: SCI: The Captain has a plan. You need to get him out of here. Now. :: looks at Ilaihr :: ENG: It's good to see you. :: back to Jude :: SCI: Get him out of here. Now. The radiation in this room is too high for someone of his... age.

:: looks briefly around at her crew, at what is happening, then back at Harper, the whole situation surreal as if in a nightmare, and she can't comprehend ::

:: is trying to keep Acacia calm and still, reaching to tuck the other's head against her chest and almost exaggerating her breaths :: MED: Slowly now... ::

ACTION> As the reactor continues to power down, Harper collapses onto the control panel, her body twisting as she slides to the floor to lean against it.

:: breathes raggedly, reacting with an oof as if she had fallen. She shakes her head, gasping :: ~CO: You need to get out!~

:: bellows loudly, painfully as she watches Harper die ::

:: coughs up blood, but doesn't fight to get back up, her job completed ::

:: laughs at something Navarro says, her spirits finally beginning to lift ::

:: slowly stops trembling as she gives up, weak ::

:: doesn't look towards the reactor, bending to get Acacia slung over her shoulder and moving towards the exterior, wanting to get out and get her away from the emotions ::

:: looks down at Ilaihr, stands back up, and adjusts her carry ::

SCI: It's too late, anyway. :: turns and sees Harper lying on the ground, the brightness of the reactor dimming... ::

ACTION> The reactor continues to fade...

:: can only watch and cry, waiting for something to happen ::

:: looks around Wolfe, and into the reactor :: CTO: She fucking didn’t- it-

:: takes a gasp of air as Grey picks her up, whipping a hand at Wolfe :: CTO: Get her out!

:: is nothing but business, as any soldier should be :: CEO: That's Captain Harper.

:: sits there, leaning against the control panel, unable to move, but can tell that the reactor is shutting down ::

:: laughs along with her, glad to have been able to get Alexis's mind on something else ::

:: splutters blood again, her breathing slowing ::

:: carries Acacia out of the building before settling her down in the grass, kneeling to her side slowly :: MED: Slowly now..., deep breaths. ::

:: keeps her grasp on Ilaihr :: CEO: I’m. I’m sorry mate. I though you could have been able to fix this...

:: can no longer see at all, but can still hear the reactor go silent ::

:: pushes Grey away with a good bit of force, then vomits on the ground. She takes a few ragged breaths, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. She crawls a few paces away, then rolls onto the ground and begins to weep ::

:: moves to settle at Acacia's side, rubbing her friend's back gently :: MED: It'll be okay, Emily.

ACTION> Haggard breaths now come only every few seconds as blood trickles from Harper's nose and the corner of her mouth. Her wide green eyes completely lose their focus, staring indistinctly into the distance. As the final breath leaves her body, she whispers, "Rosie…"

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM