Star Trek: A Call To Duty
U.S.S. Quirinus

DESTINYless
Four

Arc Title: Destinyless
Mission Number: 293
Creator: Christopher Dickinson (Based on Storyline by Michael Jones)
Ship Manager: Christopher Dickinson
Stardate: 10408.30

Previously …

I find myself asking "Where are my pants?" more and more these days. Pants or not as the case may be, the crew of the Quirinus continue their investigation of this new world by attending a dinner.  Invited by the local Mayor, a Mister Hardin, the crew hopes to find answers.  Others may suspect that a politician will leave them with more questions than answers.

Dramatis Personae 

Mitch Travis is Captain Sulek – Commanding Officer of the Quirinus, the Vulcan / Deltan Sulek has been a member of the ship since its launch. Since the beginning of this Journey, Sulek has slowly begun to act with emotion. This soon culminated with the beginning of his relationship with Admiral Sheridan. However, his love for Sheridan (and growing emotions) posed a danger to the crew, and he was forced to end the relationship and lock up his emotions once more. The results of this action led to the supposed suicide of Admiral Sheridan. Sulek may feel remorse and worse … but no one can tell. He is beyond such things as emotions now.

Keith LaHue is Commander Ben Pangborn – Executive Officer of the Quirinus, the Human Pangborn has been through a lot in his life time, but has recently come to terms with the tragedies of his past, and is now working to step forward in life. To help him on this Journey is his current love interest, Quirinus CTO, Lieutenant Cherry.

Jeffrey Brown is Lieutenant Commander Kraight – Chief Science Officer and Second Officer of the Quirinus, the Benzite Kraight may appear to less of a threat than expected, but his intelligence, cleverness, and wit have proven himself time and again to the Quirinus crew … and the foes they face.

Jane Rowley is Lieutenant Cherry – Chief Tactical Officer of the Quirinus, the human / Betazoid hybrid has come off as a distracted (mostly by clothing), opinionated, and flirtatious character whom not many may take seriously. That is their mistake. Cherry is a determined Starfleet Officer whose friendship with OPS Morgan is one of the many dedications she has onboard the Quirinus.

Cathy Campos is Lieutenant JG. Jade Morgan – Operations Manager of the Quirinus, the quiet Minaran has come to be a valued member of the Quirinus crew, having proven this with all the responses of the crew when she was feared to be dying. Now, Morgan has been blessed (or cursed?) with an amazing new gift: to see the auras of people, and as well as their pasts, presents, or futures.

Edward Selgas is Lieutenant David Telarus – Chief Engineering Officer of the Quirinus, the human Telarus has revealed himself to be a clever and creative force onboard the ship. Often giving ideas and plans to help the crew through their endeavors, Telarus is a fountain of ideas. His relationship with the ship’s Doctor, Harriet Munro, was abruptly ended recently by her choice. Telarus’ subsequent beating given by the enigmatic Nero has not made his life any easier.

Erryn Pollock is Ensign Lance Wolverton – Tactical Officer of the Quirinus, the human Wolvington has proven himself quite capable in battle. The atypical paranoid security officer, Wolvington still has a lot to learn … and is doing so with the recent beginning of his relationship with engineer Erin Eisenhower.

Fiona Sorel is Ensign Harriet Munro – Chief Medical Officer of the Quirinus, the Kriosian / Human is a delicate, soft-spoken woman who has proven herself capable of looking out for the crew. She recently chose to end her months old relationship with the ship’s CEO David Telarus due to personal reasons.

Lieutenant JG. Erin Eisenhower – The Engineering Officer is a girl who may have just started to have the best day of her life, and is now having the worst day of her life. Looking forward to a date with a charming man from Astrometrics, she has now found herself torn away from her normal life to go on some “away mission” with the senior crew. Despite this perhaps being the chance for her to excel, she does not care. She didn’t join Starfleet for adventures on far away worlds; she joined to repair stuff. Alas, this Journey has held at least something good for her life … a relationship with ship’s TO, Lance Wolverton.

Ensign Albert Rio – Security Officer Rio seems to be struggling with his sense of identity: is he a fiancée to the woman he loves, is he a Starfleet officer with aspirations for greatness, or is he simply a man more confused than anyone else? Selected along with three other junior officers, this Adventure the crew is going upon may help him find a sense of identity.

Chief Petty Officer Beldaur – Yet another member of the Security force present on this expedition to regions unknown. The jolly Beldaur seems out of place amongst his peers. While not seemingly excelling in the matters of assault and fighting, he has a sharp mind when it comes to strategy. 

Neet – The adorable Monkey / Cat creature known as Neet was first found in the land of the Ew some months ago. At first he grew to be a constant companion of Counselor Ris`Mor, the crew’s resident Caitian. However, the Counselor has now vanished, and Neet has been drifting amongst the crew, alone and perhaps neglected.

Host SM_ChrisD says:
MISSION PROLOGUE: I find myself asking "Where are my pants?" more and more these days.

Host SM_ChrisD says:
Pants or not as the case may be, the crew of the Quirinus continue their investigation of this new world by attending a dinner.  Invited by the local Mayor, a Mister Hardin, the crew hopes to find answers.  Others may suspect that a politician will leave them with more questions than answers.

Host SM_ChrisD says:
Earlier, Ensign Munro found herself being followed by a blue skinned individual.  Fearing the creature, Munro somehow gave her the slip - but what was the slave woman up to?  Did she hold malice for the crew or something else entirely?

Host SM_ChrisD says:
<<<<RESUME USS QUIRINUS 10408.30: DESTINYless Part 4>>>>>

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the time approaches, he, Pangborn and Wolverton approach the house of Mr. Hardin::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::looking for traps...well, not really TRAPS, but oh...something like muggers or some other form of dense idiot::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain, were you given any background at all on this Hardin?

Host Hardin says:
INFO: The house the crew is coming up on is pleasant, but not lavish.  Nothing particularly sticks out, except for an inner sense that someone important lives here.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Looks like we know who booked our rooms

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stops at the steps of the house, and looks for others of the AT:: Kraight: Other than he is a local politician, no.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir so when comes the Wizard of Oz. ::grins::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I do not believe a wizard resides here.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I think he was joking ::looks at Telarus:: Then again, you never can tell

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: It's an old Earth story sir. There was a girl named Dorothy from Kansas and she met these other individuals who each wanted something Dorothy wanted to go home and was directed to a Wizard the Wizard of Oz, who just turned out to be a man hiding behind a mystery.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: But then how did he know we were coming.  I suppose there is only one way to find out.  ::walks up the steps and knocks on the doors::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: That would be one way to find out ::waits::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Ahh, a children's story.  I must read it someday.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::waits for someone to answer the door::

Host Hardin says:
ACTION: A blue skinned man opens the door.  This one is not dressed as a slave, but is in formal wear.  He bows, but does not look up as he speaks: "You are expected.  Please follow me."

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::doesn't like being expected::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::quietly:: Sulek. I hope we are not on for a repeat of the belloy experiance ::walks in::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Pangborn: I share your hope, Commander.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Finds the house everyone is at and raps on the door::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::pauses just inside the door:: Blue Man: That should be another of my colleagues...

Host Hardin says:
ACTION: The door guard nods and opens the door again before motioning.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sees the doctor:: Munro: I am glad that you were able to join us.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::eyes the guard carefully::

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Enters and sees the CO:: CO: Thank you sir, and I am sorry for being late.

Host Hardin says:
<Doorman> ::Leads the way through a hallway.  The hallway itself is again, pleasant - carpet, and a hanging lamp.  There are no shadows in the house.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns to blue man:: BM: Please lead on.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::follows along with the rest of the crew probably intrigued as the next for answers::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: studies the surroundings carefully ::

Host Hardin says:
INFO: At the end of the hallway is a set of stairs going up.  Just past the stairs is a dining area.  A rectangular table with room for eight.  Several candles adorn the tabletop, and eight places are set.  A single man sits there, reading what appears to be a newspaper.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Kraight: Looks fairly ordinary for a wealthy politician

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods :: Pangborn: Whatever 'wealthy' means on this world...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Waits for the Captain to introduce them before speaking::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CMO: Everything ok?

Host Hardin says:
::Looks up from his paper and suddenly stands::  CO: Oh, my apologies.  I didn't hear you come in... ::glares at the doorman::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters the room:: Hardin: Mr. Hardin?  Please do not worry, no offense was taken.  Allow me to introduce my companions...::does so::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: bows slightly when introduced ::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::extends his hand:: Hardin: I'm commander Pangborn

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Looks over at Telarus not sure of what to say::

Host Hardin says:
::Nods to each of the men, and holds his hand out for each of them::  CO: And what do you go by?  A name, or title?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Sulek will do.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sees that Harriet has a hesitant look in her face but says nothing awaiting a response::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::cautiously shakes Hardin's hand when his turn comes around::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::realizes his Faux paux as far as the prime directive goes::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::shakes hands::

Host Hardin says:
XO: You go by 'Commander'?  Is that your first name?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hardin: It' simply a formality from a former reality. Pay it no mind. You may call me Ben

Host Hardin says:
XO: A curious statement... would you mind explaining as we sit?  ::Motions to the table::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: I do have one question, however.  How exactly did you know of our arrival here? ::moving further into the room and sitting at the table::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::realizes he ahs put his foot in his mouth:: Hardin: We are travelers, adrift in various realities and dimensions. In one of those realities I was a commander. Here we have no such distinction, as such, I am known only as "Ben Pangborn"

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
:: Looks back and forth then brings her mouth to his ear so that no one else will here:: CEO: I'm pregnant.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hardin: It was my mistake

Host Hardin says:
XO: That sounds immensely fascinating... CO: Which leads me into my answer to you.  One of my advisors returning from vacation noticed you riding on the train.  We have... a special place for visitors here, Sulek.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Then you did not arrange for our hotel?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
:: doesn’t like the sound of that at all::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
:: takes her hand and gets enough far behind the group to talk to Harriet:: CMO: Your serious!?

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
:: Nods::

Host Hardin says:
CO: Oh, I did, I did.  A friendly hand, the hope to show you around... we don't get many visitors, so when we get special ones like you, I hope that we can impress upon you so that you can speak of us, and bring additional tourism.  You understand?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: What makes us 'special' in your eyes, sir?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Of course.  I believe the term is word of mouth advertising.

Host Hardin says:
::Looks curiously at the CSO::  CO: You do not treat them the same where you are from?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::has a smile on his face and whispers in her ear:: CMO: What do we do, I mean we can only hide it so long from the crew. We also aren't on the best terms of our relationship either.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: We do not have a servant class, if that is your meaning.  Mr. Kraight is an equal and a friend.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: gazes levelly right back at Hardin ::

Host Hardin says:
CO: You are from farther away than I suspected...

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:: coughs:: Hardin: We believe that all sentient beings are equal, in all respects

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: And is that why we are special?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: I would expect no less fair treatment of any being. We believe in the equality of all beings regardless their origins, beliefs, or gender.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Looks down as the memories of the fight  recall themselves:: CEO: I don't know, but we have to think of something and to be honest... ::Looks up hesitantly unsure if this is what he would want then presses her lips to his then moves off:: CEO: I really would rather be back with you.

Host Hardin says:
CO: But all beings are not created equal, Sulek.  Surely you have seen that on your many journeys.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: considers Hardin as he might a new species of mold ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: All sentient life deserves respect.  Equality is in treatment, not in the uniqueness of their creation.  In my land there is a saying 'Infinite diversity in Infinite combinations.' We seek to celebrate and embrace our own individuality, not to segregate it.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hardin: With all due respect, which is none, I'm really not sure I choose to eat with you at this point. Why don't you just tell us what your real reason for wanting us her is, and we'll leave.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
:: waiting for the fireworks to start::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over at Pangborn and realizes that he still needs work on his diplomatic skills...still, sometimes the direct approach will yield the most results::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
:: whispers:: CMO: You sure that is what you want?

Host Hardin says:
:: Feels the air growing cold in the house::  XO: I have told you why I have invited here.  If you decide not to eat with me, you can sit with the slaves out back.  You seem to share much with them.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
CEO: What I said before, I truly don’t know why I said. I should have thought it through and I didn't, I was wrong. I am sure that this is what I want, but is it what you want?

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Captain, I believe we've our stayed out welcome. Hardin: I have a better idea. Why don't you invite your servants to eat with us, so they can also enjoy a decent meal? You DO feed them, no?

Host Hardin says:
XO: Of course I do.  How can they continue to serve if not taken care of.  I am not a Barbadian, as your tone implies.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CMO: I Love You. ::embraces her:: Of course this is what I want, but we need to get home faster I want our child born out of harms way, not out here in the middle of a mission.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: Mr. Hardin, we would be very interested in learning why you have asked us here tonight.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hardin: Good, then you won't object if they eat with us then.

Host Hardin says:
ACTION: A blue skinned woman is peeking out from the kitchen, watching the confrontation... if Ensign Munro was around, she might notice this is the same blue skinned woman who followed her on the street for some time.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
:: wonders why the CO is letting Pangborn act like this::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Ben has clear opinions on the matter as does most of my crew and as do you.  ::looks at Pangborn:: Cultures do not change overnight.  Almost all cultures have a slave period.  It is something that they move beyond and are not terribly proud of.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: So are we to condone this aberrant behavior and stay here?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CMO: We should keep silent for now until we know the time is right to tell the rest of the crew.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin:  We would all be best if we remember this.  Change for you may yet come.  Sometimes it will come by reason, but in many cases it has occurred by revolt.

Host Hardin says:
:: Keeps his cool in check and keeps his eyes on Sulek::  CO: It may come, it may not.  It has existed her for some time... for as long as anyone can remember.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
:: starting to wonder if Pangborn actually went to the Academy...::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I did not say that we would condone this behavior, but leaving will not allow us to debate the topic.  You cannot make change at a distance, Ben.  You of all people know this to be true.

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Nods::

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: All right then...maybe we can engage in rational discussion

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Does your slave population out number the owners.  In your own household, how many slaves are there compared to the number of free individuals.

Host Hardin says:
CO: There are more indentured than us...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CMO: Let's join up with them now see what's going on.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
:: now wondering if the CO is going to give the slave population the idea to revolt...hopefully after they've gone::

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
:: Walks with Telarus while her hand unconsciously moves towards her stomach::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Then what I propose is that each individual group’s nature is to seek self-determination.  If you were held under the control of another, would you not do the same?

Host Hardin says:
CO: I am constantly held under the control of others...the rulers higher than I.  But I understand the order of things.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Hardin: Do your rulers rule, or do the sensor and dictate behavior?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: An ancient philosopher of a distant land, Marx, held that revolution by the oppressed is inevitable.  Although he was wrong on many other things, there has never been a case where an oppressed society does not eventually rise up.  I was not referring to laws or governments.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
There must be order, but order cannot be obtained on the backs of another group.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
:: remembers ancient philosophy from the academy when the Captain brings up that statement::

Host Hardin says:
::Steeples his fingers::  CO: Things are indeed different where you are from than here.  Things are what they are, and will continue to remain that way.  Should you try to inflict hostile change of the nature you are implying, you will no longer be my guests... in fact, you would not likely be welcome anywhere I know of.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks the captain needs to work on his diplomacy::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: The choice of how that change occurs, however, is in not only the hands of the oppressed but of the oppressor.  In my own society, we were at one time a violent race, only when we understood our nature, did we find peace.  I do not intend to make any such change.  I will not need to.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Change is the one constant of the universe.

Host Hardin says:
CO: Also, the two most common things are treachery and hydrogen.  Which do you bring to my table, Sulek?

Host Hardin says:
<<<<<Pause Mission>>>>>