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

DESTINYless
Five

Arc Title: Destinyless
Mission Number: 294
Creator: Christopher Dickinson (Based on Storyline by Michael Jones)
Ship Manager: Christopher Dickinson
Stardate: 10409.06

Previously …

The crew has been invited to dinner with the Mayor of this fine city, a Mister Hardin.  But the roast isn't the only thing that could be cut with a knife.  The conversation has quickly turned just like the soup - cold.

Disagreeing on such a fundamental thing like slavery, the crew and Mister Hardin both prove to be rather stubborn.  We join the conversation already in progress...

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 Mayor_Hardin says:
MISSION PROLOGUE: The crew has been invited to dinner with the Mayor of this fine city, a Mister Hardin.  But the roast isn't the only thing that could be cut with a knife.  The conversation has quickly turned just like the soup - cold.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
Disagreeing on such a fundamental thing like slavery, the crew and Mister Hardin both prove to be rather stubborn.  We join the conversation already in progress...

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
<<<<<RESUME USS QUIRINUS MISSION 10409.06 - DESTINYless, Part 5>>>>>

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

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::snaps back to awareness and wonders what she missed::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::thinks hydrogen...and other gases::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: sips a bit of the soup, and listens carefully to the ongoing debate ::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::remains quietly watchful as she carefully sips her soup::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: As I stated, I do not have to take any action.  As for hydrogen, I suppose the most noxious thing I bring is the air that I exhale.  You are a political and as such have heard opposing views before, haven't you.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks around surreptitiously to see if anyone noticed she hasn't been paying attention::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::is silently pleased to hear his suspicious confirmed::

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Can't help but feel the tension in the room::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::pays close attention to his surroundings::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Refuses to be baited, it seems::  CO: Politicians disagree on issues, yes...

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Any discourse which will bring about understanding of two cultures could have an element of conflict.  It is not my intention than any more to bring forth my point of view as it is yours to put forth your cultural belief...still, great change starts in the sharing of ideas.  Does it not?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::wonders what the heck they are talking about::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: A question, if I may?

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Raises a finger::  CO: Not necessarily.  When two sides opposing race to meet a goal or create a product, there is no sharing of ideas.  Can you claim this is not also a valid method?

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Looks at the CSO, as if just noticing that he is there::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::silently thinks this conversation has gotten out of hand::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::listens to the conversation that the Captain and Mayor Hardin are having::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles :: Hardin: How did the current system of indentured servitude come into being?

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: And what product are you creating?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::whispers:: CSO: Sir you think we will get any results from the Mayor?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::surreptitiously adjusts her cleavage::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: sotto voce :: CEO: We can but try...

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::whispers:: CSO: I will do some detective work and try to gather some information, may I take Lt Cherry with me?

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CSO: It has simply always been.  Legend has it that a town of J'nii offered their services to a settlement of us in exchange for shelter and food.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::surreptitiously tries not to notice her cleavage::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
Hardin: Was this arrangement meant to be permanent?

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::raises a brow as she notices Cherry::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CSO: I am not certain, but it has become such.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: sotto voce :: CEO: I believe it best that we remain together, Lieutenant. 

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::notices she was noticed and turns a bit red::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: hence the idea that generational servants are indentured and not slavery?  Have you ever looked to see if this agreement was written down?

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: Your band's continual whispering amongst themselves... it is not proper.  Do you really wish to stay for meal, or are you simply biding your time?  Hoping to persuade me or others who may be listening?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::smiles winningly at the Mayor::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::whispers:: CSO: Aye sir

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at the Mayor questioningly as she has not whispered at all::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: I was just curious what other aspects of your society do the servants tend other than household?  If for instance if they refused to work with out being given community status, what would happen?  Since they outnumber you, I mean?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sits up straight now that she's all adjusted and everything::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: I also apologize for their ill-table manners.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: My servants do not wait on me hand and foot, if that is what you are referring to.  No, I'm afraid I do not have a slave to wash my back and to rub my feet at evening-time.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::can't help herself:  CO: What?!

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at Cherry with a distinct 'don't-push-it' expression ::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
:still sitting up straight himself, half ready for a scrap::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::meets the CSO's look with a “who me” sorta look::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: I was merely referring to the whispering.  Even in our society that may be considered rude.  Hardin: No I mean outside of the household.  Do they for instance maintain essential necessities such as water or power.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is in a bit of a huff now::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::goes over to Harriet:: CMO: How are you feeling?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sits and thinks about all the things that annoy her::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: The power comes from candles - I suppose if they relit one, it would be considered maintenance.  I would not simply ask one to relight a candle I was next to....

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::thinks the men are going to annoy Cherry even more at this rate::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::trying to work up to a full fledge snit::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Perhaps you are correct.  I would however like to see your historical archives if that is possible.  We would of course need a translator since we do not read your language.  ::rises:: Mayor Hardin, despite our somewhat less than agreeable discussion, I have found it most illuminating.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks up at the Captain wondering if this is a signal they are leaving now::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: Illuminating is a word that could be used, perhaps.  As for our records... such a thing would not be kept locally, nor would I have access to it.  I assume you wish I should try to arrange something for you...

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::isn't impressed with this guy's hospitality... is in fact, quite annoyed by it::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods to others:: All: I think perhaps, we should give the Mayor a chance to consider our system.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, bows slightly to Hardin ::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Only if it is in your purview.  I would like to see a copy of your agreement if there is one.  Such a contract must be a marvel to have held for so long of period.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: Indeed it would.  I have never heard of such a thing, but I shall inquire.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::gets to her feet::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::falls off her shoes::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
All:  Whoops.  ::grabs the table and straightens up::

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
CEO: I'm fine... just a little perturbed.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::standing to escort the others::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is really annoyed by her shoes::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CTO: Madam, are you well?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
Mayor:  Just fine thanks.  :;smiles winningly::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::stands and waits for the others::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hardin: Thank you for your time.  I regret that we were unable to sample your cuisine.  Still, it was a stimulating conversation.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::bows and turns to go::

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
::Leads the way down the hallway towards the foyer::  CO: You are welcome, Mister Sulek.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::notices it's time to leave looking at the Captain's actions:: CMO: Why?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::follows the CO closely::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Sulek ::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::trails along cursing silently::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::notes that Cherry seems a bit out of sorts::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::follows as well::

CMO_Ens_Munro says:
::Whispers:: CEO: I just don't like this mayor guy.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as he reaches the door:: Hardin: I hope you will consider what I have said.  Greatness begins with the slightest understanding and change.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has no idea what that was all about only that it was really really irritating::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::follows the crew out from the meeting with the Mayor:: CMO: I don't like him either something is being concealed from us.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
CO: The only constant is change, is it not?  A good evening to you, and your followers.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::looks at Cherry:: CTO: Okay?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: overhears Telarus :: CEO: I would remind you that nothing has been immediately clear to us at any point on our journey. The universe is teeming with ambiguity. You can rail against it, or you can set yourself the task of uncovering the truth.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
OPS:  Yeah...  I feel like letting loose.  I don't suppose they have any nightclubs here?

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::follows along, still expecting trouble::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::exits through the door and pauses at the bottom:: All: Well? What is your analysis of the situation.  It this our mission this time?

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has no idea what the CO is talking about so keeps her mouth shut::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: I find it interesting that historically this servitude was voluntary.  The question is was it meant to be generational?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::walks away from Harriet and talks to the CSO:: CSO: Sir, then my task is to uncover the truth, something is not right here.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
<INFO: The sun is beginning to set.  It may be roughly one hour until dusk.> Place somewhere appropriately up.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
CTO: Doubtful.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sighs::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir to the conquerors history is written to their advantage.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We do not yet know what our 'mission', if indeed we have any, is to be. There is insufficient information on which to make a judgment.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::notes the sun:: All: We should discuss this as we return to our hotel.  Perhaps an interview with a slave would be informative.  ::begins walking down the walk towards the hotel::

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I agree.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::avoids rolling his eyes at the captain's inclination to dig them in deeper::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: But if we are indeed sent to each location to solve a situation, then it would be most logical that one we see as improper would be the one presented to us.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I believe it was a human who once said, "It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment."

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::follows along::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Then scientifically I should use the term hypothesis.  I apologize for my misuse of the language.  What we need then is a hypothesis to prove in order to formulate a theory.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::falls into step as she ponders their quandary::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hears the Captain's statement:: CO: Sir, but to quote the prime directive, we can not involve ourselves in the workings of any culture that would effect their development.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: I know we aren't using the Prime Directive but maybe our role here is merely that of passing by.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: If the history of the Federation teaches us anything, it is that sitting in judgment of another society is an exceptionally dangerous pastime. It is for that reason that the Prime Directive was formulated.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: We do not know if our role here presented in front of us is the obvious one, these enslaved people may follow that of the African Americans of the mid and late 20th Century.

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::silently agrees with the CSO, in theory anyway::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I must admit that I have been concerned of this involvement...yet with each culture we have encountered, we have been placed in situation after situation to do exactly this, violate the directive.  Then is it believed by yourself and others that we should no longer take any action unless our existence is threatened.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is starting to get it, and is all the more troubled for it::

OPS_Ltjg_Morgan says:
::thinks the captain sounds rather weird tonight::

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::starts to say something but thinks better of it::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: And even then, if by protecting ourselves do we do this only if it will not effect the society?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CO: That is not the intent of the Prime Directive. As Starfleet officers, we are sworn to uphold it even at the cost of our lives.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir I think that we should strongly consider what is to be done here.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::speaks with a uniquely tactical clarity:: CO: I believe the Prime Directive puts a fairly low priority on our own survival in cases like this.

TO_Ens_Wolverton says:
::almost claps his own mouth shut, since he meant to keep quiet::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::looks over at Wolverton in surprise::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: And what if we take no action, then will this prevent us from going to our next destination?  I agree with you, we must consider what is to be done carefully.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir if you are asking me whether we should free these people then yes we should, should we do it against the prime directive that is a decision that we should all take a vote on it back at the hotel.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  Vote?

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CEO: Whether to obey the Prime Directive is not a matter to be settled by a vote, Lieutenant.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  You're the Captain.  Just make a decision all ready.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
ACTION: The wind begins to pick up... and a note of chill can be felt.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::would stomp off in a huff, but these shoes are impossible::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cherry: I wish it were that simple.  ::approaching the hotel entrance::

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CO:  It is that simple, Sir.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CSO: Sir with all do respect if we disobey the Prime Directive then either it should be all of us voting for it or do nothing at all, technically doing anything is at the cost of our careers when we get back and report half of what we have done.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
CEO: In for a penny, in for a pound, as the Earth saying goes, Lieutenant?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir we procure currency obtain the means to have these people freed from slavery and set them up real nice to begin a revolution and move on I am starting to think that the best way is the obvious way.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO:  Oh.  Is that all?

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CSO: Sir I am in for the pound we all are we must all work together to get ourselves home.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::has a full fledged snit going::

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight/Telarus: I have already considered this.  As captain, I will take full responsibility for all actions of the AT.  I am prepared for those consequences.  The discussion tonight has already violated the Directive in that I have intentionally planted a dissenting seed into this culture's system.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::is hungry::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: Lieutenant, we have no choice it is that simple, we must help free these people to free ourselves from this planet and move on.

CSO_LtCmdr_Kraight says:
:: furrowed brow :: CO: True. I had not considered that.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
CEO: Don't call me Lt, Lt.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: It is your rank and I addressed you by rank we have the luxury of calling ourselves by name or by rank as we are the same rank.

CTO_Lt_Cherry says:
::sticks out her tongue at the CEO then marches up to the hotel entrance::

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: Don't mistake our equality of rank though I am still the senior officer above you and below the Captain, XO, and the CSO.

Host Mayor_Hardin says:
<<<<<PAUSE MISSION>>>>>