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
Based on Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry
Executive Producer Nick Beckwith
"Enter the Arena", Part One

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

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: headed where ever it is that she is supposed to be going  ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::en route to the Observation Lounge to meet with Admiral Nebor:: 

<TO_Shras> ::On the way to Observation lounge::

<CEO_T`puc> ::popping in and out from behind things, for the fun of it, as I make my way to the Observation Lounge::

<Adm_Nebor> ::pacing the Observation lounge, as the rest of the officers in the room watch her::

<TO_Shras> ::enters observation room::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::finds the door to the Observation lounge and walks in:: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: straightens her uniform before entering coming to attention ::

<CEO_T`puc> ::arrives at Observation Lounge::

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::In the observation Room of Starbase 213::

<TO_Shras> ::Straightens to attention and Salutes the Admiral::

<Adm_Nebor> ACTION: Those in the Observation room turn to face those who enter as they do so.  As well as Admiral Nebor, there are four other officers there.  One well-built Oriental human, one very stern-looking Latino Human, a petite Caucasian female, and a strikingly handsome human.

<Adm_Nebor> Shras: At ease.

<Adm_Nebor> All: Please, sit down.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: pulls a chair back against the wall and locates all exits ::

<CEO_T`puc> ::having fun....enters very quickly, so that hopefully all anyone sees is the doors open and shut, without actually seeing anyone, and appears at the table::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::takes in the others in the room before taking a seat at the conference table:: 

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Sits::

<CEO_T`puc> ::stands next to Tigs::

<TO_Shras> ::stands::

<Adm_Nebor> All: Thank you for joining us.

<TO_Shras> ::Sits::

<Adm_Nebor> All: I am pleased to see you looking so well, and I hope that you have found some time to relax on Starbase 213.

<CEO_T`puc> ::struggles to climb into the chair, because of its height::

<TO_Shras> ::helps Mushi::

<CEO_T`puc> TO: Thanks

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: folds her arms across her chest , listening ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::nods to Admiral Nebor::  Nebor: I believe most of us are curious as to why we are here.  I thought our mission was deemed over. 

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> NEBOR: Yes, I am anxious to return home.

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: It is, Commander.  However, Starfleet needs its officers on active duty, and this why you are here today.

<TO_Shras> ::nods to Mushi, welcoming him::

<Adm_Nebor> All: We are attempting to retrieve the QIb from Klingon space.  We hear word that, after they disposed of Admiral Rix, they also let the QIb loose.  Apparently they have no intention to do anything to what remains of her.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::looks curiously to Bauer, wondering if he's thinking the same thing...'but we do have active duty positions, that's what we thought we were going back to':: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks this is a huge waste of time but sits trying to be patient ::

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Exchanges meaningful glance with Mordane::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Nebor: I'm sure the Klingons view that ship as a dishonor to the fleet...I can't say I'm surprised. 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: glares at Mordane like she wants to kill him ::

<Adm_Nebor> All: Starfleet Command feels that the QIb, and her crew, has made a valuable contribution to the fleet.  The QIb is currently adrift in Klingon space.  We intend to retrieve it and restore her, so long as we can get past the Klingons.

<Cmdr_Mordane> Nebor: That's not going to go over well...especially if you're expecting us to do the retrieval.  Something tells me we're banned from more than just Q'onos at the moment. 

<FCO_Starlight> ::scurries into the meeting is hoping no one will see::

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> NEBOR: why not let the Klingons keep the QIb.  I'm sure the crew can be placed on other Federation ships.

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: Don't worry, Commander.  We already have a team onto it.  However, it is going to take a lot of time.

<Adm_Nebor> Bauer: Well, the Klingons apparently no longer want her.  That's why we're trying to get her back.

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> NEBOR: So in the meantime?

<Adm_Nebor> All: This is why you're all here.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: stands to her feet, thinking that Bauer nor Mordane deserve to set foot  on the QIb ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::sits back in his chair to contemplate the situation:: 

<Adm_Nebor> All: In the meantime, Starfleet needs its officers on active duty.  You will note that the vast majority of your junior staff have been reassigned.  We do, however, realize the importance of keeping a senior staff together.

<CEO_T`puc> ::notices something shiny on the floor and reaches for it, forgetting about the distance, and falls out of the chair::

<CEO_T`puc> YAAAAH!  OOOFFF!

<CEO_T`puc> :;groans::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: picks Mushi up by the collar and puts him back in the chair ::

<Adm_Nebor> All: This is why you have all been assigned to the U.S.S. Tiree.  She's a salvage cruiser - ::notices T'pucnamushi on the floor::

<TO_Shras> ADM: I am a former CEO. I would be glad to help repair her.

<TO_Shras> ::Grabs Mushi and lifts him to his chair::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::Glances over and rolls his eyes at the Chief:: 

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> NEBOR: Fine keep them together, that's nice....but about me, Sir. If you're done with me I'd just as soon be heading home.

<Adm_Nebor> Shras: You offer, although gratefully acknowledged, would probably not be advisable considering your current status in the Klingon empire.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> ADM: I too volunteer to refit my ship.

<CEO_T`puc> ::sits up, shaking head:: BRRRWWWHHH!

<Cmdr_Mordane> Nebor: A salvage cruiser, now wait just a minute.... 

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: IF you would all let me finish.......

<Adm_Nebor> ::starts to look very stern and admiral-y::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::glares at Nebor, and silently agrees with Bauer:: 

<TO_Shras> ADM: I am not worried. I will put on a Imperial Guard Uniform and blend in.

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Stands up and starts a nervous pacing::

<CEO_T`puc> Mordane: ::whispering:: Sorry.

<Adm_Nebor> Bauer: Sit down, Lieutenant.

<Adm_Nebor> All: Now, the Tiree is not just your average garbage scow.

<TO_Shras> ADM: Every lady has her charms.

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::Scoffs, wondering how anything could be non-average about a garbage scow...unless it's below average:: 

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> NEBOR: Are you demoting me? Am I being punished for something, Sir. I think I have been a very good officer for Starfleet I don't understand why I am still here.......

<Adm_Nebor> All: She has been especially fitted out with the latest technology for deep space search and recovery, and is also capable of towing a ship twice her size, which is already considerable.

<Adm_Nebor> Bauer: Lieutenant Commander Bauer, sit down now before I have that third pip removed.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks great more meaningless duties on a garbage scow ::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::sees things getting out of hand::  Bauer: Settle down Bauer, we're all in the same situation here...let's hear her out, and then we can complain. 

<FCO_Starlight> ::finds a quiet spot and listens to everything::

<Adm_Nebor> All: Commander Mordane, you have been assigned as her Commanding Officer.

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Is about to tell the Admiral what he can do with his pip::

<CEO_T`puc> :;climbs out from underneath the table and stands up::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::Mutters under his breath, while silently cursing Starfleet::  Gee thanks... 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks #($*)#(*$#(*$#@&*#*@::

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> MORDANE: Congratulations

<Adm_Nebor> Bauer: Commander Bauer, as much as I wish this were not the case right now, you have been assigned as her XO.

<CEO_T`puc> ::looking at the PADD I picked up, after falling out of the chair::

<FCO_Starlight> ::ruffles my hair some  and twitches my ears::

<Cmdr_Mordane> Bauer: Shut up Bauer.  ::not pleased with the congratulatory remark:: 

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Stands:: NEBOR: WHAT?

<CEO_T`puc> :;reads information on PADD::

<Cmdr_Mordane> ::decides to return the favor and says with a grin and a joking tone::  Bauer: Congratulations. 

<Adm_Nebor> BAUER: SIT DOWN, BEFORE I HAVE YOU REMOVED FOR INSUBORDINATION!

<Adm_Nebor> All: The rest of you will have your original positions from the QIb on the Tiree.

<Lt_Cmdr_Bauer> ::Sits, unable to speak....possibly in shock::

<TO_Shras> ADM: When do we leave, ma'am?

<CTO_Ravenprowler> ADM: What weapons does a garbage scow have? :: almost growls at the Admiral ::

<Adm_Nebor> Shras: After you know what your mission orders are, Ensign.  Patience, please.

<CEO_T`puc> ::continues reading, ignoring the argument between the XO and the Admiral::

<TO_Shras> ::nods slowly::

<Adm_Nebor> All: If you cannot control yourselves, I will have you all removed from Starfleet right now, and you can say goodbye to any form of service on any vessel.  IS THAT CLEAR?

<CO_Mordane> Nebor: Yes sir.  ::speaking for all of them, whether they like it or not:: 

<TO_Shras> ADM: Clear Sir.

<FCO_Starlight> ADM: Yes Sir-r-r

<Adm_Nebor> Ravenprowler: Due to the nature of her upcoming mission, she has been armed with two forward phaser banks, front and rear torpedoes, and specially-adapted dorsal and ventral cannons.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: raises an eyebrow :: ADM: Very well. :: still visibly not happy ::

<Adm_Nebor> All: Now, I would like to introduce you to the rest of your senior staff who have already been assigned.

<XO_Bauer> ::His golden tan has been changed to a pale pasty gray as he stares off in space::

<CEO_T`puc> ::voice from corner:: Admiral: What about shields and speed capabilities?

<CO_Mordane> ::What did I do to deserve this...I had everything going for me...:: 

<Adm_Nebor> All: Supply Officer Lieutenant Ngoyo Takahashi, Weapons Expert Daniel Morillo, Xenobiologist Ensign Reshma El-Aziz, and Chief Environmental Officer Lieutenant Ryan Heaton.

<XO_Bauer> ::Thinks - I thought Starfleet liked me::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks she'd pay the Felkhr to take the Admiral the Gre'thor about now ::

<Adm_Nebor> T'pucnamushi: She has been equipped with full shielding, and can reach speeds of warp 7.

<XO_Bauer> ::Acknowledges the introduced staff with a forced half smile and a nod::

<Adm_Nebor> All: The rest of your staff will be arriving shortly.

<XO_Bauer> ::Feels somewhat sick::

<Adm_Nebor> All: You will also be accompanied by two mission specialists.  I suggest you treat them with the utmost respect.

<Adm_Nebor> ::presses a button on her desk::

<XO_Bauer> ::Homesick::

<CO_Mordane> ::wonders what in the world they need a Chief Environmental Officer and a Xenobiologist for...but doesn't say anything in front of the new officers:: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: think we don't need no stinkin specialists ::

<Adm_Nebor> ACTION: Two figures enter the observation lounge.  One is a green/grey skinned bald creature in a long cloak and with small worm-like moving ridges on his head.  His eyes are shut, and he appears to have a closed third eye in the middle.

<XO_Bauer> ::Will miss the Geneva-Gets teary eyed::

<Adm_Nebor> ACTION: The other, to everyone's surprise, is Commander O'Shea.

<TO_Shras> ::not that XO again::

<CEO_T`puc> ::starts working on plans to modify the engines to go beyond a putsy Warp 7::

<Adm_Nebor> All: This is Ambassador Taq'fan from a race known as the Taq'uah.  It is his people that we will be assisting.

<Adm_Nebor> All: I believe you all have already met Commander O'Shea.

<Adm_Nebor> ACTION: O'Shea nods politely to everyone.

<CO_Mordane> ::looks sharply from O'Shea, to Nebor::  Nebor: Admiral, with all due respect, don't you think given the current situation, that having Commander O'Shea on board is a conflict of interest.  ::or a conflict waiting to happen more likely:: 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: doesn't acknowledge any of the appointed officers, just stands there arms folded ::

<XO_Bauer> ::Stands out of habit during introductions::

<TO_Shras> ::Oh Do I ever get a break?::

<XO_Bauer> ::Training helps him go through the proper protocols but, he is numb::

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: Quite the opposite.  Due to Captain Adekunle's death, the Stornoway has had to give up its own mission to assist the Taq'uah to stay on Q'onos and discover who killed him.  You have been assigned to take over their original mission orders and assist the Taq'uah.  Seeing as he was already au fait with the mission orders, Commander O'Shea is

<Adm_Nebor> the perfect assistant and specialist to help you.

<CEO_T`puc> ::looks up from PADD::

<TO_Shras> ADM: I do not recommend that.

<XO_Bauer> ::Thinks - O'Shea? This is a nightmare.....wake me up::

<CEO_T`puc> ::sees O'Shea::

<CO_Mordane> ::nods, conceding to the logic::  Nebor: Understood Admiral. 

<Adm_Nebor> Shras: I don't care what you recommend, Ensign.  Starfleet's orders stand.

<CO_Mordane> ::looks sharply at Shras with a warning in his eyes:: 

<TO_Shras> ::ignores look::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks this Admiral is wacko ::

<Adm_Nebor> O'Shea: Commander, would you care to explain the situation?

<O'Shea> Nebor: Thank you, Admiral.

<CO_Mordane> ::leans back to listen to O'Shea, entirely displeased with the situation, the ship, the position, and the crew:: 

<O'Shea> All: Three Taq'uah ships were mysteriously attacked by a race known as the Ritanai, who are currently attempting to overthrow Taq'uah space.  The Ritanai are deemed a major threat, both to the Taq'uah and to the Federation.  Their "expansion" puts them on a direct course for Federation space.

<XO_Bauer> ::Gets a revelation- Hey! did she just make me an Executive Officer?:: SELF: That's cool.

<CEO_T`puc> ::in what seems to be one smooth quick motion, leaps to feet , comes across the room, pounces O'shea to the floor, pulls a palm phaser from hidden compartment in heel of boot, and points it at O'Shea's face::  ::very angrily:: O'Shea: Whys? Whys you sets me up and accuses mes of murders??

<O'Shea> All: One of the vessels contains information vital to our stopping the Ritanai.  Our orders are to salvage as many of the ships and their working systems and equipment as possible, and retrieve the information we need.

<CEO_T`puc> :;hold O'Shea to floor::

<Adm_Nebor> T'pucnamush: SIT DOWN, LIEUTENANT!

<XO_Bauer> ::Sees CEO attacking O'Shea::

<CO_Mordane> ::stands and bellows:: CEO: Stand down Chief, or I'll put you back in the brig. 

<TO_Shras> ::moves to intercept::

<TO_Shras> ::grabs the CEO::

<XO_Bauer> CEO: you gotta stop doin' stuff like that, little dude.

<CO_Mordane> ::looks to CTO, questioning whether she's going to do anything about this:: 

<O'Shea> ::looks over to Nebor, as if expecting this to happen::

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: stands where she is letting the TO finish handling the situation ::

<CEO_T`puc> CO/Admiral:: NOs! I wants answers!  :voice cracking:: I asks you a questions!!

<Adm_Nebor> *Security* Security alert to the Observation Lounge

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: thinks the CEO has every right to know the truth ::

<CO_Mordane> ::understands the look on the CTO's face, realizing that duty does still come first:: 

<XO_Bauer> NEBOR: As you can see this is quite emotional for us...there are unresolved issues here.....

O'Shea ::voice cracking::

<CO_Mordane> CEO: Chief, I think you need some time to cool down.  Security will escort you to the brig.  I'll stop by later. 

<TO_Shras> ::moves him back to his seat and whispers:: CEO: Stop. That is bad for your record.

<Adm_Nebor> Bauer: That is no excuse for attacking a senior officer.  I suggest you start looking for a new Chief Engineer.

<XO_Bauer> NEBOR: You have thrown us all for quite a loop.....we could use a breather

<XO_Bauer> NEBOR: You just appointed him to our crew, Sir.

<TO_Shras> ::whisper:: CEO: It makes it hard to defend you if you attack.

<TO_Shras> CO: I got him. He ain't going no where.

<Adm_Nebor> Bauer: And I just removed him from it for gross insubordination and assault.

<XO_Bauer> NEBOR: Very well, Sir.

<CEO_T`puc> ::listening to the TO whispering in his ear, saying nothing, just breathing angrily::

<Adm_Nebor> ACTION: Security arrive

<TO_Shras> ::whisper:: CEO: Apologize quickly.

<Adm_Nebor> Security: Take T'pucnamushi to the brig immediately.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: sighs ::

<XO_Bauer> ::Nods to the CEO in agreement with TO::

<CEO_T`puc> ::gets off O'Shea and bolts out the door before security can touch him::

<CO_Mordane> Nebor/Bauer: We can discuss the details of this incident at a later time.  I apologize for the reaction of the Lieutenant. 

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: I will arrange for a court martial immediately and have a new Chief Engineer assigned to the Tiree.

<TO_Shras> ADM: Please. May I guard him? He will not do that again.

<XO_Bauer> TO: What is wrong with that guy?  

<CO_Mordane> Nebor: I'd prefer to have time to discuss the situation with you before taking any action. 

<Adm_Nebor> *Security* Nebor to Security - major security alert.  Lieutenant T'pucnamushi has gone awol.  He is to be stopped at all costs.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> CO: Permission to go after our CEO?

<Adm_Nebor> Shras: Of course he will not do that again.  He is no longer a Starfleet officer, Ensign.

<XO_Bauer> ::Sits with a heavy sigh::

<TO_Shras> ADM: We are high-strung and emotional because of losing our ship. Please give him another chance.

<CO_Mordane> ::sighs and shakes his head, knowing the Chief has gotten himself in far over his head:: 

<Adm_Nebor> Shras: You have all had enough chances.  Lieutenant T'pucnamushi has shown that he has no intention of following orders.

<CO_Mordane> All: ENOUGH!  The Admiral and I will handle this situation later, it is NOT up for debate.  Let's move on. 

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: waits for an answer from the CO ::

<TO_Shras> ::looks angry at the CO::

<XO_Bauer> MORDANE: I'm good but, I don't think even I could get him out of this one.

<TO_Shras> ::Sits down::

<CO_Mordane> ::whispers::  XO: Nor do I. 

<CO_Mordane> CTO: I don't think that would be a good idea...we're all a little too tightly wound.  Let Starbase security handle it. 

<Adm_Nebor> Taq'fan: Ambassador, I cannot apologies enough for what has happened here.  Please return to your suite, I will arrange for someone to look after you from there.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: glances at the CO knowing very well Mushi would give her no trouble but doesn't say anything ::

<CO_Mordane> ::turns to Commander O'Shea::  O'Shea: I sincerely apologize for what just occurred.  I hope it doesn't mar our relationship too badly, considering the situation we have been thrust into. 

<XO_Bauer> CO: I don't understand.

<O'Shea> ::gets up::  Mordane: It's no big deal, Commander.  I've had worse  ::grins sheepishly::

<Adm_Nebor> ACTION: Taq'fan turns and leaves

<CEO_T`puc> ::finds a nearby grate, and disappears into the ventilation shafts, thus effectively avoiding all corridors and security personnel::

<CEO_T`puc> ::moves quickly through the Vent shafts::

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: I suggest you try and clear up what remains of your crew and get them ready for departure.  I will arrange for a new Chief Engineer.

<TO_Shras> ::sighs Angrily::

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: Oh, and Commander.

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: This is not a good start to your career as a Commanding Officer.  I expect to see that change immediately.

<XO_Bauer> NEBOR: I just wanted to say Thank you, Sir. It's a great opportunity. I'll do my best.  It's still quite a lot to absorb.

<CO_Mordane> Nebor: I understand Admiral.  However, I would like to be involved in any action taken with Lieutenant T'pucnamushi.  I expect a discussion of what has happened and what action will be taken to take place between you and I...BEFORE action is taken. 

<Adm_Nebor> Mordane: Of course.

<CO_Mordane> ::wants to jump down Nebor's throat for the last comment, and how wrong and unfair it is, given the circumstances, but lets it go, his darkening spots the only thing belying his calm exterior:: 

<XO_Bauer> ::Whispers to Mordane:: CO: Let this guy go....he's a blowhard....we got work to do.

<CTO_Ravenprowler> :: contemplates how to get Mushi aboard before they leave ::

<CO_Mordane> ::whispers back::  XO: I'd say we've got a lot of work ahead of us...but I'm not starting my career as CO by giving up on my crew...I will do what I can. 

<TO_Shras> :: thinks about trying to stow Mushi on board::

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