QonoS QIb

The QIb Chronicles

Episode 248

After crashing on Gamma Pyrox II, the crew of the I.K.S. QIb have been scattered around the planet in their escape pods.
The command crew and some hangers-on have been taken into custody by local law enforcement officers, and escorted to what appears to be the capital of the nation they landed in. We rejoin the crew approximately 30 minutes into their journey, as their hovercraft arrives within a heavily guarded complex...

<<<<<<<<RESUME MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>

CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: sits in the shuttle contemplating 100 ways to kill a Pyroxian ::
OPS_Bob says:
::sings loudly, merrily, and happily in his near-insanity::
CEO_KVort says:
::sharpens his teeth::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Remains quiet, his eyes closed as he meditates.  The droning of the hovercraft actually seems to help drown out unnecessary thoughts.::
CO_Q`tor says:
::sits in silence giving everyone in his crew a "don't you dare" look::

ACTION: The hovercraft enters a hangar, and sets down inside

OPS_Bob says:
::stops singing as the hovercraft lands and starts humming instead, a dazed and far-off look in his eyes::
OPS_Bob says:
Nearest Guard: Are we there, yet?

ACTION: The hovercraft doors open

Guard says:
::motions to everyone to get out, glaring at Bob::
OPS_Bob says:
::bounds up and out of the door quickly:: Self: To be free again!
CEO_KVort says:
::gets out looking mean tempered::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: stands right next to Q'tor ready to defend her Captain ::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Opens his eyes, tilting his head back slightly to raise his jawline.  Either he's stretching his neck, or is preparing to draw himself up ambassadorially.::
CO_Q`tor says:
::Stands and slowly heads out the door::

ACTION: Just outside the hovercraft are two rows of guards with riot gear, leaving only one path forwards to a door

OPS_Bob says:
::stands in front of one guard and peers inquisitively inside his or her helmet:: Self: Down here?
CEO_KVort says:
::thinks these guards will be pushovers in a fight::
Guard says:
::shoves Bob forwards, out of the door, and onto the concrete floor with a thud::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Stands, and with utter calmness, steps out of the door.::
CO_Q`tor says:
OPS: Stand down ensign. Get in line.
CEO_KVort says:
::follows the Captain::
OPS_Bob says:
::whimpers as he feels the cold floor against his cheek, laying still for a moment before shuffling to his feet::
CO_Q`tor says:
::walks towards the indicated door::
OPS_Bob says:
::head down he walks towards the doors up ahead, still whimpering quietly::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Makes his way toward the captain.::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: has the CO's six ::

ACTION: The door at the end of the path slides open 

CO_Q`tor says:
::Enters the door and looks around::
OPS_Bob says:
::walks through the door quickly, almost shuffling::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Steps through the door.::
CO_Q`tor says:
::keeps jachwI' on a tight leash::
CEO_KVort says:
::steps through the door::

ACTION: Various Pyroxians with hand-scanners blink happily and start scanning the crew as if they'd never encountered their races before. They appear to be concentrating on the Klingons...

CEO_KVort says:
::snarles::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: growls :
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain?
CO_Q`tor says:
Nearest Pyroxian: Who is in charge here?
OPS_Bob says:
::wishes he had something to clutch too and shuffles around, whimpering quietly::
Guard says:
CO: Commander Veltar, until the General gets here.
CO_Q`tor says:
Guard: I would like to speak with him.
Guard says:
::motions to Veltar, and points at Q`tor::
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: ::whispering:: yes Mister Stelakh?
Veltar says:
CO: You will not be inconvenienced for long. Once the General arrives, I'm sure we can clear all of this up.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, while I have indicated previously that my mission is not one of a diplomatic nature, I offer my ambassadorial services.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: searches for anything that might be used as a weapon, and avenues of escape ::
CEO_KVort says:
:: assesses the strength of the Guards::
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: I will be counting on you to assist me Mister Stelakh.
CO_Q`tor says:
Veltar: Are we to be prisoners or guests?
Veltar says:
CO: I don't have the authority to make that decision, but I honestly believe our leaders don't wish to anger your "Federation".

ACTION: A small device at Veltar's side bleeps.

CO_Q`tor says:
Veltar: The rest of my crew... are they being brought here as well?
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: folds her arms across her chest, glaring at Veltar with calm resolve, deciding he'll be the first to die ::
Veltar says:
CO: We have found a number of your escape pods. The occupants have been taken to similar facilities.
CEO_KVort says:
:: folds his arms and snarles some more::

ACTION: The room begins to shake a little, and feels as if it's moving downwards.

CSO_Stelakh says:
::Allows his eyes to wander, taking note of the fashion in which the guards are holding their weapons.::
CEO_KVort says:
::wishes he still had his tricorder and disrupter::
CO_Q`tor says:
Veltar: I would like to assure you Commander Veltar, that our arrival on your planet is purely accidental.

ACTION: The room stops moving.

Veltar says:
::motions towards the door:: ALL: This way.
CO_Q`tor says:
::Follows Veltar::
CEO_KVort says:
::follows his Supreme Leader::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: stays right with the CO ::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Falls in behind Q'tor.::
PLT_Solo says:
::follow the rest of the crew, his fingers twitching as if looking for a weapon to grab hold of::
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Looks at the walls, and their condition, looking for any sign of the type of area they're being led to.

ACTION: Everyone walks into what appears to be a large-ish briefing room, with a big oval table, electronic maps on the walls, and a number of military-looking people

Elnak says:
CO: Apologies for the manner in which you have been brought here, Captain. I am General Elnak of the Pyroxian Alliance, and I am most pleased at your presence here at this time.
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Arches a brow.::
CEO_KVort says:
:: wishes the general would shove his head in a working warp core ::
CO_Q`tor says:
::nods slightly at the General:: Elnak: really? You'll excuse me General if I do not share such enthusiasm for our arrival.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: unleashes a fully armed Klingon stare at Elnak ::
CEO_KVort says:
::glares and snarles::
Elnak says:
::shudders for no apparent reason, as if someone just walked over his grave::
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, if I may.
PLT_Solo says:
::coughs quietly and stands back from the rest...as far as the guards will allow him, anyhow::
CO_Q`tor says:
CTO/CEO: Back!
CEO_KVort says:
::listens::
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: General this is my Chief Science Officer Lieutenant Commander Stelakh.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: wonders why Q'tor is yelling she didn't even take a step yet ::
Elnak says:
CO: There are those in my government who would use you for political purposes. We had to ensure it seemed as if we were following their orders. Unlike my superiors, I'm fully aware of the military capability of the Federation and the Klingon empire, and my first duty is to the security of my homeland, not to it's currently appointed leaders.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  ::Steps forward, raising his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute.::  Peace and long life, General.
CEO_KVort says:
::recontinues his stance::
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: I see. And what political purposes would we serve for your current leaders?
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: We are merely the unfortunate survivors of a doomed ship.
Elnak says:
CO: They would most likely have you either discected for experiments, or used as hostages. Or even more likely some of each, as there's enough of you...
CEO_KVort says:
:: continues his glare looking deep into the eyes of the general::
Elnak says:
CO: This leaves us with a problem, however, which is how to return you to your people without making it obvious.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  Then the Federation has not been alerted to our presence?
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: You seem to be a reasonable man General.
CEO_KVort says:
:: thinks a ship would be nice ::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks she'll go out fighting before she'll be experimented on ::
Elnak says:
CSO: To the best of my knowledge, there have been no communications off-world about your presence.
Elnak says:
CO: When it comes to keeping my people alive, I'm not as trigger-happy as my superiors would have me be.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  If you will excuse the question, General, is your goal to return us to the Federation?
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak:  As Captain I formally request that Starfleet be contacted and informed of our situation.
Elnak says:
CSO: It is, indeed. 
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  How do you propose to do this?
Elnak says:
CO: Unfortunately, I have no mechanism to do so. I have no off-world communications methods at my disposal.
PLT_Solo says:
All: Make it look like we escaped...give us access to a ship...
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, a moment, if you will.
CO_Q`tor says:
::nods to Stelakh::
PLT_Solo says:
::shrugs and smiles his rogueish smile:: All: The blame is on us, we can get away scott-free
Elnak says:
PLT: Likewise, I have no spaceworthy vessels at my disposal...
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  Excuse us, General.
Elnak says:
CSO: Yes?
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Steps away from Elnak and lowers his voice.::
PLT_Solo says:
::opens his mouth to say something else then stops:: Elnak: Oh...that's a bit of a pickle...
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: stands near the CO listening ::
CEO_KVort says:
Elnak: We will steal one if you help.
Elnak says:
::happily lets the QIb crew confer within his undoubtedly parabolic-microphone-infested war room::
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, if what the General tells us is true, then alerting the Federation to our presence here may be unwise.  At the moment, we have no choice but to trust General Elnak.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: scoffs at Stekalh ::
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: Mister Stelakh, there is an old Klingon expression. "Trust, but locate the exits". What do you suggest?
Elnak says:
CEO: It isn't as simple as that. The government research institutes have the only warp-capable vessels, and they are few. And from what I understand of the galactic map, it would take you at least two years to reach your own people from here in one of our ships.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Despite Commander Ravenprowler's obvious desire to engage in violence, we are on a planet which may contain large hostile forces.  We are unarmed, and we have no contact with Starfleet or the Federation.  I agree that we should attempt to engage transport ourselves, but at this time, we are at the mercy of the forces around us.
CEO_KVort says:
Elnak:There has got to be a way.
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: Mister Stelakh, I see your knack for stating the obvious has not dulled. Again... what do you suggest?
CEO_KVort says:
::whispers to the CO: CO: I could build us a warp engine.
Elnak says:
All: We have dealings with a number of traders from other systems. Perhaps there would be a way to get you aboard one of their ships? Or to have them relay a message?
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  I suggest that we do, as you suggest, look for exits, but for now, we take the General at his word.
CO_Q`tor says:
::nods to Stelakh:: Elnak: General, our original mission, before our ship crashed, was to locate and apprehend for questioning, one  of these traders. A Federation citizen. Perhaps you could assist us with that.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  In addition, it is highly possible that whatever forces destroyed the QIb are aware of our presence here.  General Elnak and his men may be the only protection we have from a third and as yet unknown party.
Elnak says:
CO: This person was a criminal?
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks who cares if he was a criminal or not, we need to talk to him ::
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: I cannot speculate on that. My orders merely required me to bring him in for questioning.
CEO_KVort says:
::speaks to the CO in klingnon while whispering:: CO: I don't trust him.He could be the one behind this.
Elnak says:
CO: Without the relevant interstellar warrants, and unless you can prove to me he is a threat.. I see no way I can help.
CO_Q`tor says:
CEO: ::In Klingon:: I highly doubt that.
Elnak says:
All: Unless we can find a way to get you off this planet, or to send word to your own people... my orders are to deliver you to a government research laboratory within 48 hours.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks we are getting no where and starts planning an escape attempt ::
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  Is it your intention to do so?
Elnak says:
CSO: If I don't, they will simply send their own loyal forces here to retrieve you.
PLT_Solo says:
Elnak: Then we escape, with or without your help...
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: General, I am no politician. I could not tell you about any interstellar warrants. What I can tell you is that Starfleet intelligence seems to think he may have information that could be vital to Federation secrurity, and I was sent to retrieve him.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
ElnaK: Then we fight.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  General, does the Pyroxian government wish to join the Federation?
Elnak says:
CO: My interests are for the security of my own planet. However, if we find a way to get you safely away from here, I will instigate a search for this person - my own government will wish to have the alien apprehended, in any case.
CEO_KVort says:
CO: ::in klingnon:: We should try to get on one of those trader ships. I will not be disected and will go down fighting.
CO_Q`tor says:
CTO: Commander! Stand down! There will be no further threats.
Elnak says:
CSO: The attitude of my government is to retain it's independance while assimilating power. They believe their trade agreements with the V'egel, the Biloxunishal, and the Ferengi to further these aims, allowing them to gain new technology in order that we may one day challenge the other galactic powers.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: glances at Q'tor knowing she'll fight rather than be experimented on ::
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  I see.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, if I may.
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: General, I will also tell you this. When it became clear that our vessel was going to crash, a distress beacon was launched.
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: Starfleet, and the Klingon Empire will know that we are here, and they will send assistance.
Elnak says:
CO: I had assumed as much. Hence my worry of what will happen when your own people arrive here and find out what has been done with you.
CEO_KVort says:
:: thinks this planet will be blasted to shreds before it is a galactic power ::
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain?
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: I can assure you General that the Federation will exhaust every diplomatic means at their disposal to resolve the situation. The Klingon Empire however is not so patient.
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: It would behoove your leaders to understand that fact.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks Klingons actually have some honor ::
CEO_KVort says:
:: cracks a smile only a mother would love::
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: yes Mister Stelakh?
CEO_KVort says:
:: snarles::
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  ::Draws himself up regally, an obvious Ambassadorial stance.::  If I may, Sir.
CO_Q`tor says:
::heavy sigh:: CSO: By all means Commander.
Elnak says:
CO: Believe me, I understand completely. I have made extensive studies of the military capabilities of both empires, and have informed our leaders of my findings. They believe they can bluff our way out of any encounter. The more trigger-happy amongst them believe we can raise enough allies to fight a protracted war.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks it is enough talking ::
Elnak says:
CO: Personally, I only believe that our leaders are power-hungry and insane. Captain, we must move, and move quickly.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  General Elnak, I am currently assigned as the Chief Science Officer of the I.K.S. QIb.  However, I am also a member of the Vulcan Diplomatic Council, and am authorised to negotiate in situations of diplomatic crisis.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  If your government is aware of our presence, as you have indicated, I wish to speak to them.
CEO_KVort says:
ALL: I just want to leave.
PLT_Solo says:
CEO: Don't we all, buddy
Elnak says:
CSO: I can relay that, if that is indeed your wish. I can also tell you it would be folly to inform them of such importance, they will only value you higher as a hostage.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks the CEO and pilot sound like babies wanting to go home to they mama's ::
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: Then what would you suggest General?
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  As a hostage I am worthless.  I am able to cause my own death, and will do so if necessary.  However, an unseemly end to the members of the crew of the QIb may bring about embargo and blockade imposed by the Federation.  I am certain your leaders wish to avoid this.
Elnak says:
CO: Unless you have another plan, I propose we attempt to place you aboard the next trading vessel that arrives at this facility. They are bringing in a weapons shipment, and we may be able to persuade them to take you back to their world, where you can arrange for your journey home.
CEO_KVort says:
ALL: And I will fight before anyone tries to disect me. ::pats his daqtagh::
Elnak says:
CSO: They do not understand the overwhelming odds we will be up against, and will not be convinced there is anything *to* avoid.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks weapons shipment, her eyes smile ::
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: When is this vessel due, and where is it from?
Elnak says:
CO: The Ferengi vessel is due in approximately five hours.
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: Ferengi! That is unacceptable!
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, the Ferengi are not a threat.  It may be our only means of transport.
CO_Q`tor says:
::fumes for just a minute:: Elnak: I want my entire crew brought here.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: wishes Lorenzo was still around she gave great oomox ::
Elnak says:
CO: I have no way to do that. I have no authority over the other facilities..... But once you're aboard the Ferengi vessel, can't you signal your homeworlds for assistance?
CEO_KVort says:
CO: ::in klingnon:: I say we kill the Ferengi and take their ship.
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: What type of information do you have about this Ferengi vessel?
Elnak says:
CO: A standard trading vessel. I believe they call it a Marauder-class.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: adequate to get us home ::
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: If we do this we must have our weapons. I will not put my crew at the mercy of a Ferengi crew unarmed.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  ::Arches a brow.::  It may be conditional with the Ferengi that we are unarmed, Captain.
Elnak says:
CO: I can arm you with our weapons, but to remove yours from the area they are being guarded could draw unwanted attention. I will leave the decision to you.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  If our weapons are not returned to us, they must be destroyed.  To leave them here would be a violation of the prime Directive.
Elnak says:
CSO: I will arrange this once you are safely off-planet.
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  Will attention not be drawn to you, then?
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: A Marauder is considered a military vessel with a military crew compliment. There are few of us, and even fewer Klingons.
Elnak says:
CSO: There are always... accidents. Especially around such unfamiliar technology.
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: We will not go unarmed.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  I agree, Captain, but if they agree to transport with the condition that we are unarmed, what are our alternatives?
CEO_KVort says:
CO: We can take them.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Captain, if we were able to break down the Pyroxian weapons into component parts and secret them about our persons...
CO_Q`tor says:
CEO: Don't be a fool. There are too many for us to take control of the entire ship.
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: growls thinking this is such a waste ::
CO_Q`tor says:
CSO: Mister Stelakh, you will be in charge of that.
CSO_Stelakh says:
CO:  Aye, Captian.
CEO_KVort says:
CO: What about combined with the rest of our crew.I think we would have a chance.::
CTO_Ravenprowler says:
:: thinks the young CEO shows promise ::
CO_Q`tor says:
CEO: Look around Ensign. Do you see the rest of our crew?
CSO_Stelakh says:
Elnak:  I will need to review schematics of your weapons.
Elnak says:
CSO: ::nods::  ::motions over an advisor carrying a low-tech version of a tricorder::
CSO_Stelakh says:
CEO:  The standard compliment of a Ferengi Marauder is four hundred fifty officers and crew, Ensign.
CEO_KVort says:
CO: Ferengi still are bad warriors. We can take them all on. We can teleport a bomb on their bridge and take it over.
CO_Q`tor says:
Elnak: Very well General. Make the arrangements.
PLT_Solo says:
CEO: And where are we going to command a ship from then?
PLT_Solo says:
All: I say, with a small strike team and some rifles, we could take the ferengi ship no problem
CSO_Stelakh says:
::Takes the tricorder from the advisor, and begins pouring over the schematics.::
Elnak says:
::nods to the CO:: Good luck, Captain. You may make use of my command bunker until the Ferengi arrive.
CO_Q`tor says:
CEO: Ensign, do we have a bomb? Do we have transporters?

<<<<<<<<<<PAUSE MISSION>>>>>>>>>>>>>