  We propose a new model within the ``Quark-nova'' scenario to interpret the
recent observations of early afterglows of long Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB) with the
Swift satellite. This is a three-stage model within the context of a
core-collapse supernova. Stage 1 is an accreting (proto-) neutron star leading
to a possible delay between the core collapse and the GRB. Stage 2 is an
accreting quark-star, generating the prompt GRB. Stage 3, which occurs only if
the quark-star collapses to form a black-hole, consists of an accreting
black-hole. The jet launched in this accretion process interacts with the
ejecta from stage 2, and could generate the flaring activity frequently seen in
X-ray afterglows. This model may be able to account for both the energies and
the timescales of GRBs, in addition to the newly discovered early X-ray
afterglow features.
