THE SITUATION AS IT STANDS...........
-The shuttle containing the remaining members of the IKS QIb has arrived at Q'onos.
-Lieutenant Commander Ravenprowler is with Ensign Shras - Lieutenant T'pucnamushi is working with Ensign Rose.
-Ensign Rose is currently busy with the administrative procedures regarding landing Starfleet vessels on the Klingon homeworld.  Trust me, it's not nice when you have to sign a landing authorisation form in blood....
-Commander Mordane and Lieutenant Commander Bauer have also arrived on Q'onos (although the blood-signing was mercifully left to their pilot)
-Ensign Shras is the only one left to report to the senior staff, as the remaining member of the crew.  Apparently, the Klingons regard his involvement in events as "minimal".
-Commander Mordane is awaiting a meeting with Admiral Ben Rix, who is in his temporary office at the High Council's administrative centre

Star Trek: A Call To Duty presents
I.K.S. QIb
Starring Bryan Allen as Commander Kalen Mordane
And Zach Farland as Lieutenant Commander Zachariah Bauer
With Anna Marie Novick as Lieutenant Commander Tigs Ravenprowler
Bruce Oriani as Lieutenant T'pucnamushi
Rebecca Shirley as Ensign Starlight Rose
John Summers as Ensign Shras Tyret
Special Guest: Nick Beckwith as Admiral Rix
Based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry
Executive Producer Nick Beckwith
"Endings and Beginnings", Part One

<<<<<<Start Mission>>>>>>>

<Admiral_Rix> ::is sat in his office, frowning at this whole entire mess.  He still hasn't been told what is going on, which frustrates him even more::

<TO_Tyret> ::on Qo'nos with the CTO on their way to report to the New Command Staff::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::sits impatiently in the reception area of the High Council's administrative offices, waiting for Admiral Rix to call him in:: 

<Admiral_Rix> *Lt_Henderson* Lieutenant, show the Commander in.

<Henderson> *Rix* Aye, sir.  Mordane: Commander, the Admiral will see you now.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Henderson: Thank you.  ::turns to Bauer:: 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Arrives at the office of an Adriral Rix. Checks PADD to make sure he is in the right place. Enters reception area::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Cmdr_Mordane: Are you Admiral Rix?

<Cmdr_Mordane> LtCmdr_Bauer: Me? Thank goodness no, I'd hate to be an Admiral.  I'm Commander Mordane, you must be LtCmdr Bauer, I've been expecting you. 

<Cmdr_Mordane> LtCmdr_Bauer: And we're expected by the Admiral...shall we?  ::indicates the office door:: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> ::  pauses at the Admiral's door straightening her uniform, taking on the demeanor of a Klingon officer ::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Cmdr_Mordane: Oh, pleasure to meet you, Sir. ::Extends hand::

<TO_Tyret> ::shifts in his unform and puts on his family dagger he finally got back::

<TO_Tyret> ::stands next to the CTO at the Door::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Cmdr_Mordane: Ummmmm Sure, I guess we should.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: Nods to the TO :: TO: Let's enter together, and stand tall my friend.

<TO_Tyret> ::straightens his uniform, noticing it is clean::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::shakes his hand::  Bauer: I'm sure we'll have time for the formality later.  ::steps through into the office:: 

<TO_Tyret> ::Stands talls::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: enters coming to attention ::

<TO_Tyret> CTO:Agreed.

<Lilath> CTO: The Admiral will see you now.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Cmdr_Mordane; Of course. ::follows the Commander::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::walks in and stand stiffly::  Admiral_Rix: Admiral Rix, Commander Mordane and LtCmdr Bauer reporting as ordered. 

<TO_Tyret> ::walks in with the CTO::

<Admiral_Rix> ::sees the officers walk in and nods::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: moves through the next door, standing to again ::

<Admiral_Rix> Mordane/Bauer: Commander, Lieutenant Commander.  Welcome to Q'onos.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Admiral_Rix: Hello, Sir. Thank you, Sir.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::takes a seat across from the Admiral::  Rix: I must admit, we're still curious as to why we're here. 

<Admiral_Rix> Mordane/Bauer: I take it you've both been briefed on the situation?

<TO_Tyret> ::flexes his anteneas::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Admiral_Rix: No, Sir. Not really....my notes are fuzzy.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Rix: Officially yes, but it's been rather vague...sounds like a sticky situation no one is really sure how to handle. 

<Admiral_Rix> Mordane: So am I.  The Klingons have been decidedly lax in providing us with any information pertaining to this situation.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Nods his agreement with what the Commander said::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::relaxes a bit, now that he knows they're all on the same page::  Rix: That's typical of Klingons. 

<Admiral_Rix> Mordane: Suffice it to say that what is left of the crew of the QIb appear to be in a lot of trouble.

<TO_Tyret> ::moves in the office with the CTO::

<Admiral_Rix> ::sees Ravenprowler and Shras enter::  Ravenprowler/Shras: Ah, Lieutenant Commander, Ensign, please come in.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: glances around checking the exits ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::turns slightly in his chair to take in the two new attendees:: 

<Admiral_Rix> All: Commander Mordane, Lieutenant Commander Bauer, this is Lieutenant Commander Tigs Ravenprowler and Ensign Shras Tyret of the QIb

<TO_Tyret> ::scans the room for trouble::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Looks to the others who entered the room::

<TO_Tyret> ALL: My assignment before this was the USS Vesuvius as CEO.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: nods standing at attention ::

<Admiral_Rix> Tyret: Thank you, Ensign, we're all aware of your service history.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::stands and nods in understanding::  CTO/TO: LtCmdr, Ensign.  I'm glad you're here.  Perhaps you can shed some light on the situation. 

<TO_Tyret> ::stands as a stone not moving::

<Admiral_Rix> Ravenprowler/Tyret: Please, sit down.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Listens intently::

<TO_Tyret> Adm: I'd prefer to stand.

<Admiral_Rix> ::shrugs::  Tyret: As you wish.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: Nods to Tyret and stands next to him ::

<Admiral_Rix> Ravenprowler: Well, Lieutenant Commander, are you going to answer the Commander?

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Takes a seat::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> ADM: What situation is that?

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Figures the Klingon lady must be a Lt. Cmdr, too::

<Admiral_Rix> Ravenprowler: How you ended up here, how your ship ended up at the bottom of an ocean, and how I've got half the Klingon empire screaming for your blood.

<Cmdr_Mordane> CTO: LtCmdr Bauer and myself are here to mediate the situation.  But we're a bit fuzzy on the details. 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Thinks - She looks very familiar::

<TO_Tyret> CTO: Sir, are we authorized to tell them?

<CTO_Ravenprowler> ADM: I am not at liberty to say.

<Admiral_Rix> Ravenprowler: Because?

<TO_Tyret> ADM:Classified. We are under orders, Sir.

<Admiral_Rix> ::nods::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::looks astonished at the responses and stands up in front of the two officers::  CTO/TO: I don't think you two understand the gravity of the situation.  The Klingons want you, and they'd prefer it dead.  We're here to make sure you get fair representation, and hopefully, if you're innocent clear your names and keep our alliance with the Klingons intact. 

<Cmdr_Mordane> CTO/TO/ADM: How can we possibly do that if we don't know what's been going on? 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: looks to the Commander and holds her tongue ::

<Admiral_Rix> ::turns to Mordane:: Mordane: As you can see, Commander, we have very little to work with here.

<TO_Tyret> ::remains silent::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CTO/TO: We all respect your loyalties but after all we are all on the same side. 

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: A commotion is heard outside the Admiral's office.

<Admiral_Rix> ::frowns::  Self: What the hell is going on out there?

<TO_Tyret> CO: We have strict orders regarding giving information on our mission.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: glances at Bauer, thinking so now he's LtCmdr.::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ADM: Quite frankly Admiral, I'd be ready to turn around and go home here and now, if there weren't matters of a much higher importance than the fate of these officers.  If they're unwilling to defend themselves, then why should we bother with it?  ::turns to the CTO/TO:: 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Concentration is broken by a ruckus...::

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The door is broken open, and Lieutenant Henderson comes crashing through it.  He lands on the ground, his head almost completely severed from his body.  His eyes stare in horror directly at Bauer.

<TO_Tyret> ::spins around ready for battle::

<Cmdr_Mordane> CTO/TO: However this isn't all about you, the Klingon/Starfleet  alliance hangs in the balance here...::is interrupted by Henderson flying through the door and stops short looking toward the entrance:: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: pulls her taj and drops into a fighting stance ::

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: There is a loud roar, and a very large angry Klingon charges through the door, bloodied bat'leth in hand.  He looks around the room wildly.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> TO: Guard the Admiral!

<TO_Tyret> ::unsheaths his dagger and prepares to fight::

<TO_Tyret> ::moves in front of the Admiral::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Looks down in horror at the poor guy::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: stands infront of the Klingon warrior ::

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The Klingon starts to charge through the room, heading towards Ravenprowler.

<TO_Tyret> ::growls ready to fight::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> KLINGON: Mev!

<Klingon> Ravenprowler: You treacherous murderer!  Your death with have no honor!

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Is startled by the attack::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: neatly steps out of the way slamming the Klingon in to the wall ::

<TO_Tyret> Klingon: You are liar and deserve no honor.

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The Klingon turns quickly, raises his bat'leth and aims for Ravenprowler.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: pulls her phaser takes aim and fires on stun ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::turns and draws his phaser, firing and hitting the Klingon full in the chest at the same time as the CTO does:: 

<TO_Tyret> ::fires his phaser on stun also::

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The stun seems to have little effect, and the bat'leth comes crashing down towards Ravenprowler

<TO_Tyret> ::runs and grabs the klingon::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: dives out of the way , rolling back to her feet some distance  away ::

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The other phaser's fire seems to stop the Klingon a little.  He steps back to regain his footing.  Tryet's attack results in Tyret bouncing off the Klingon::

<TO_Tyret> ::knocks the bat'leth out his hand::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> KLINGON: MEV, tok'e.

<TO_Tyret> ::fights the klingon with his dagger::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Steps in front of the admiral::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::sets his phaser to maximum stun and yells to the room::  All: HOLD!! 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Draws phaser but will only fire in defense::

<Klingon> Ravenprowler: I will not stop until you are dead!

<TO_Tyret> CO: I am defending.

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The Klingon raises his bat'leth again, this time in for the kill.

<TO_Tyret> :: kicks the klingon and slashes for him::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::shakes his head and fires a sustained blast at the Klingon:: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: pulls her phaser and set to kill, shoots at the Klingon ::

<Admiral_Rix> ACTION: The Klingon stops this time, stunned into transfixment.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Admiral_Rix: Perhaps we could call a security team, Sir?

<TO_Tyret> ::restrains the klingon::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: walks over and disarms the Klingon, spitting on him as she stands back up ::

<Admiral_Rix> ::sees the Klingon disarmed::  Bauer: No, I think we're doing just fine.

<Admiral_Rix> Ravenprowler: Lieutenant, that's enough.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: holds the bat'leth thinking ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Rix: With all due respect Admiral, I agree with LtCmdr Bauer's assessment.  At the very least we need posted guards at the door. 

<Admiral_Rix> ::nods to Mordane to see what he can find out::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Admiral_Rix: Yes, Sir. If you say so , Sir. ::Still gaurds the Admiral::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: turns around and stands to ::

<Admiral_Rix> Mordane: And a new secretary.  Bauer: See to it, please, Commander.

<TO_Tyret> ALL: The klingon is an honorless bIHnuch.

<Admiral_Rix> Tyret: You don't know that, Ensign.  For all the commotion you've caused here on the homeworld, have you considered the possibility that it might be you who is honorless?

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::holsters his phaser and storms over in front of the CTO and TO::  CTO/TO: ::yelling::  I did NOT come here to get myself killed defending two Starfleet officers who aren't interested in helping either themselves or Starfleet.  Now someone better start talking, and fast! 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Admiral_Rix: Yes, Sir?

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Admiral_Rix: It's Lt> Cmdr, Actually, Sir.

<TO_Tyret> ADM: I have honor. And I would kill to defend it. ::heaves angrily::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: looks down at the bloody bat'leth contemplating ::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CTO: We know each other, don't we?

<Cmdr_Mordane> CTO/TO: Well?!  ::furious at the stonewalling:: 

<Admiral_Rix> Tyret: Then I suggest you give us at least some idea of what has happened.  Even the little bits that you can tell us would be useful.

<TO_Tyret> ALL: Get Amdiral G'Val to give us authorization to do so and we will.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: glances Bauer and gives him a single nod ::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Hopefully distracting her from doing something she will regret later::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> Admiral : Would you agree that orders are orders?

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CTO: It's...it's good It's good to see you again. ::Trying to retain her attention::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> Admiral: Can one Admiral out order another ?

<TO_Tyret> ALL: We follow our orders to the death if need be.

<Admiral_Rix> ::thinks:: All: I see that this situation can only be dealt with by the Klingons.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Sees an officer enter:: Officer: Let's get a security team up here....and....ummmmmm...a new secretary for the admiral?

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::his spots are almost a deep red as he breathes heavily, disliking every bit of this situation::  TO:  Look, I'll go through all the proper channels when we have time to.  But this situation has gone way over everybody's heads.  And it's not about your crew, or your orders anymore, it's about salvaging the alliance between Starfleet and the Klingons.  If your mission has failed, as it clearly appears it has, then what do you gain by continuing to hide? 

<TO_Tyret> ::flexes his Andorian anteneas::

<Admiral_Rix> Ravenprowler/Tyret: You two had better make sure your story washes with the Klingon High Council.  Otherwise you might never see daylight again.

<CEOT`puc> ::finishes helping Rose disembark::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: holds the Commander's gaze with fire of her own: Mordane: We do not hide, we stand before you.

<Crewman>: ::approaches T'pucnamushi::

<TO_Tyret> ALL: Yes we fight this battle out in the open with no fear.

<Cmdr_Mordane> CTO: You hide from the truth.  ::pointing a finger at her::  You hide from your responsibility to the greater good. 

<Crewman>: CEO: You're really needed in Rix's Office. It's urgent.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Cmdr_Mordane/ALL: You know we are all just a little uptight cuz well, we just got attacked. we should just take the tempers and the adrenaline down a notch.  Then let's talk.....really begin to talk.

<CEOT`puc> Crewman: Why? What's going on?

<Crewman>: I was told to tell you to get there right away, cause someone just tried to kill Tigs.

<CEOT`puc> Crewman: On my way.

<TO_Tyret> Cmdr: I do not threaten the greater good. Neither does my Companion.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: continues to hold his gaze even and seathing :: Mordane: Dishonor is only found in betrayal.

<CEOT`puc> ::bolts out of the Shuttlebay in a blur beelining in for Rix's Office::

<TO_Tyret> ADM: We did not betray and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.

<Cmdr_Mordane> TO: Then you're going to have to kill the entire Klingon race! 

<CEOT`puc> ::crew barely have time to move out of the way as they see a blur fly by::

<TO_Tyret> Cmdr: If that is what must be done then, so be it.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ALL: Maybe we could get some food....I'm not especially hungry but, perhaps you all.....

<Cmdr_Mordane> CTO/TO: Frankly, I don't give a ktarian rats behind about the two of you or what's happened.  I was ordered here to mediate the situation, and I will do that to the best of my abilities, with or without your cooperation.  But understand this.  The actions of the two of you affect the entire relationship between the Klingons and Starfleet.  You had better start caring about that, because your actions are going to affect billions of people. 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: doesn't back down an inch ::

<TO_Tyret> ::doesn't either::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Bauer: Bauer, what the heck good is food going to do us?  We're not here to socialize.  ::inadvertently snapping at him:: 

<CEOT`puc> ::monents later I arrive at Rix's Office, busting in, sliding to a stop, sliding across the room, and into the wall, hitting it hard enough to imprint the form of my body in the wall::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ALL: Then we could sit, you could eat we could talk........like rational, intelligent quieter people, and such.

<TO_Tyret> LtCmdr: We ARE rational. ::feels his anger build::

<Admiral_Rix> ::sees T'pucnamushi enter the room, somewhat ungracefully::

<Admiral_Rix> All: That's ENOUGH!!!!

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::sits down heavily and waits to hear what the Admiral has to say:: 

<CEOT`puc> ::"peels" myself out of the wall:: ::outloud:: OW! I think that hurt.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CEO: Oh, you ok?

<CEOT`puc> ::looks  down notices gash on arm, frowns::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: turns her attention to the Admiral, her arms folded across her chest her dagger still in her right hand, in a classic Klingon pose. ::

<TO_Tyret> ::keeps his dagger unsheathed and listens to the Admiral, barely::

<Admiral_Rix> All: This has gone on enough.  Suffice to say you all need to do some serious thinking here.  Those of you who were members of the QIb had better make sure you have damn good stories before the Klingons really lose and somebody loses a limb or two.

<Admiral_Rix> All: And I will NOT have this kind of behaviour in my office again from ANY of you, is that CRYSTAL clear?

<CEOT`puc> LtCmdr_Bauer: Just a sec.  ::focuses on the gash, and closes the wound:: I am now.

<TO_Tyret> ::stands silently::

<Admiral_Rix> T'pucnamushi: DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR????

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: stands to attention :: ADM: AYE, ADMIRAL!

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::nods silently, the color of his spots gradually lightening as he manages to calm down:: 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Looks at them all as  if to say "I told you so::

<TO_Tyret> ADM:Aye Sir.

<Admiral_Rix> All: Good.

<CEOT`puc> Admiral Rix: Who are you yelling at?

<CEOT`puc> Admiral Rix: Sir.

<Admiral_Rix> ::glowers:: T'pucnamushi: Because you've just entered the room, I'll pretend I never heard that.

<Admiral_Rix> ::straightens himself::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Folds his arms across his chest::

<Admiral_Rix> All: Right.  I will have to make a report to the High Council.  What they think of this God only knows.

<CEOT`puc> ::glowers back at the Admiral::

<TO_Tyret> ::folds his arms with dagger in hand::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Listens to Rix::

<Admiral_Rix> All: In the meantime, I suggest we have a little down time.  Obviously there's some tension here, and I think we could all do without it over the next few days.

<Admiral_Rix> All: Now get out of my office, all of you.  DISMISSED!

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::stand but stays behind until the others are gone::   

<TO_Tyret> ::storms out the office::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: marches out the door bloody bat'leth in hand, and disappears in the the hallway ::

<LtCmdr_Bauer> Cmdr_Mordane: I'll be with the others.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::nods to Bauer:: 

<LtCmdr_Bauer> ::Follows others out::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::After they're all gone::  Rix: Admiral, it's obvious we're going to get nowhere without Admiral G'Val's release of orders...is that going to be possible.  I truly fear that the entire situation will be a lost cause if the officers of the QIb do not come forward in defense. 

<TO_Tyret> ::walks next to his comrades::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks she'll take her chances with the council ::

<Admiral_Rix> ::looks around the room, then at Mordane, grimly::  Mordane: Like I said, welcome to Q'onos.

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CTO: Can I ask a question?

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CTO: Why so secretive?

<LtCmdr_Bauer> CTO: What happened to you guys?

<<<<<<<Pause Mission>>>>>>>>>