U.S.S. Quirinus Stardate 10501.17

SEASONS OF SHADOW

CHAPTER ONE

"The Dawn"

Host SM_Selan says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= BEGIN =/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: Sulek, Kraight and Telarus arrive almost simultaneously in the same room from three different doors in the building they were told to come to on Alpha Centauri.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::on the beach of the nearly deserted island in the south pacific, the azure blue waters beckoning::

Host Sulek says:
::enters through a door and sees Kraight and Telarus enter  through other doors as the other door closes behind him.::

David_Telarus says:
::sees the CO and the CSO:: CO/CSO: Sirs?

Cherry says:
@::on the beach teaching Vee the fine art of baton twirling::

Host Sulek says:
Telarus: I see that my information was correct, that you two also received an invitation.  It is pleasing to see you again,

Host Sulek says:
Kraight: Your months of leave have been well spent?

Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Giggling and playing with Cherry, acting much younger than she is::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: You're getting good at twirling pointy stick. Glad you kept something from our journey ::shades his eyes and looks out at the ocean::

David_Telarus says:
CO: Same here sir.

Kraight says:
CO, CEO: Hello, Captain, Lieutenant. Yes, sir. I've had a visit with my family, and I also spoke to Dr. Juliana Tainer. It was a most enlightening conversation.

Cherry says:
@::laughing::  Ben:  I was good with pointy sticks long before I joined Starfleet.

Host Sulek says:
Telarus: And you?

David_Telarus says:
CO: Spent it with family and Dr. Munro, and how did you manage to pass your time sir?

Host Sulek says:
::adjusts his Vulcan robe in front::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: Vee is getting the hang of it too, eh?

Host Sulek says:
Telarus: Like you two, I spent time at home.  My mother and father were most interested in our time in the Construct.

Cherry says:
@Ben:  She's a natural!

Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Squeals:: I'm a natural! ::Has managed to speak much more words in the five months that have passed::

David_Telarus says:
CO: Glad to see that we all did at least somewhat enjoy our time away from duty, but on to other matters, who invited us here?

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The rather blank room that they are has a fourth door before the three. It suddenly opens and a butler enters.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::laughs:: Vee: That you are Vee. Cherry: I think this calls for a celebration. How about...Fish for dinner! I went fishing again.

Cherry says:
@Ben:  As long as you’re doing the cooking!

Host Sulek says:
Telarus: The invitation gave the name R'vwar.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Butler> ALL: Greetings Masters Sulek, Kraight and Telarus. Welcome to the Archipego. I trust your travel was comfortable.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry/Vee: I'll get started on the fire. ::leaves for the surrounding woods looking for firewood::

David_Telarus says:
CO: Doesn't ring a bell.

Cherry says:
@::looks at Vee::  Vee:  Quick swim?  ::runs off into the surf::

Host Sulek says:
Telarus: With me as well.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Runs after Cherry::

Host Sulek says:
Butler: It was without event.  Are you our host?

David_Telarus says:
CO: Well I guess we wait until our host shows, or we can do what we always do and investigate.

Lance_Wolverton says:
# ::blinks, as if suddenly absorbing everything that has happened in the last five months::

Kraight says:
CO, CEO: He is a well-known and highly respected Centauri anthropologist. His analysis of the Iconian culture is considered a classic.

Host SM_Selan says:
<Butler> Sulek: No dear sir, I shall take you to him.

Host Sulek says:
Kraight: Interesting.  Any thoughts as to why we three should interest him.  Butler: Please do.

Kraight says:
CO: None, sir.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::gathers firewood::

Cherry says:
@::splashes Vee::

Host SM_Selan says:
<Butler> ::The Butler waves for them to follow::

Host Sulek says:
::following::All: I guess then we shall find out together.

David_Telarus says:
CO/CSO: Next we will be following a yellow brick road and wanting to see the wizard.

Kraight says:
:: follows the Captain ::

Host SM_Selan says:
<Vee> @ ::Giggles and splashes Cherry back::

Kraight says:
CEO: A what road?

Lance_Wolverton says:
# ::walks into a restaurant that he'd never noticed before..."The Nasty Habit"....and shudders::

Host Sulek says:
::REB::Telarus: a wizard?

Host SM_Selan says:
ACTION: The Butler leads the trio into what appears to be an elaborately set up study of sorts. It's dark and lit up by an a hovering fireplace in the middle of the room. Various artifacts, pictures and plants adorn the walls and floor. A large chair is to the side with a large man in it.

David_Telarus says:
CO: Reference to an old earth tale, "The Wizard of Oz", I have used references from it before.

David_Telarus says:
All: Well this is quite the study.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::looks in the dark corners for someone wearing a Rigellian cap...and trying not to wince at the smell::

Kraight says:
CEO: Oh. I will have to look it up sometime.

Host R`vwar says:
::A hulking creature of gray / brown rock sits in the chair, he looks like a statue come to life. Yet wears an elegant velvet robe and ... slippers. He seems to be smoking some sort of pipe:: Telarus: I'm glad you like it, Mr. Telarus.

Host Sulek says:
Telarus: Interesting.  Perhaps I should look it up, since it must then be a favorite of yours. I would not wish for you to continually explain yourself on this literary metaphor.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::brings the firewood back to the beach and begins building a fire::

Host R`vwar says:
# ACTION: Only a few of the figures in one of the last "dark" food stops on Earth glance at Wolverton entering. A person with a peculiar cap sits in a corner.

Host Sulek says:
::coming to the center of the room:: R'vwar: Mr. R'vwar, I presume.

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Calms a bit:: Cherry: Cherry ...

Kraight says:
:: bows slightly :: R'vwar: An honor, sir.

Lance_Wolverton says:
# ::eyes the peculiarly-capped individual in the corner warily...but not much more warily that the rest of the place, and approaches cautiously::

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: You would presume correct Mr. Sulek. Please, all of you, have a seat. I'd rather get down to business as quickly as possible. ::Gestures to three seats opposite him::

David_Telarus says:
::walks over to take a seat as requested by R'vwar::

Cherry says:
@::splashes over nearer to the girl::  Vee:  Yes sweetie?

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Stares at her with a smile on her face:: Cherry: I ... I just wanted to say ... thank you.

Kraight says:
:: sits ::  R'vwar: I have not met a member of your species before. You are an Excalbian, are you not?

Host Sulek says:
::takes a seat:: R'vwar:  Commander Kraight tells me that you are a well known anthropologist.  I must admit that I have not read your work.

Host R`vwar says:
::Takes a puff of his pipe:: Kraight: Yes I am. A scientist to the end. I have met many Benzites in my time, Mr. Kraight, but none have amazed me with such a track record as yours. Discovering recent D'gari DNA? Impressive.

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: Most of it's boring I'd have to admit.

Cherry says:
@::looks at bit surprised::  Vee:  No thanks are necessary sweetie.  Just hearing you speak makes it all worth it.  Now should we go help that silly Ben with his fire?  ::smiles::

Lance_Wolverton says:
# ::wonders if the oddball's silence is an indication that he's found the wrong person::

Kraight says:
R'vwar: I must admit that I am surprised to find that you know of our recent... travels. I was under the impression our journey was classified.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::gets the fire going, then begins preparing dinner, with all of the sides in a metal container set in the fire, and the fish, gutted and cleaned, on an improvised spit:: Cherry/Vee: Dinner soon. :: smiles at the two of them frolicking::

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar: Understanding any species with greater insight can hardly be boring.

Host Sulek says:
Kraight: I must admit that our classified tales have also found their way to Vulcan.  The sudden appearance of an AT from seemingly nowhere is a difficult secret to keep.

Host R`vwar says:
# ACTION: The Rigellian cap wearer turns out to be a female of apparent Vulcan descent. She looks up at him with a smile, "Mr. Wolverton, please ... have a seat.”

Lance_Wolverton says:
# ::raises an eyebrow in an ironically Vulcan fashion and sits down::

Kraight says:
:: nods ::

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek / Kraight: Word gets around. But let us get down to business ... first, have some tea if you'd like. ::Gestures to his Butler who brings over a tray:: Second, I need your help.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::reflexively scans her features, and quickly determines that she's had some minor surgery to disguise what is actually Romulan ancestry::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::wonders why she bothers if she's going to smile at people::

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: My name is Ayre.

David_Telarus says:
::sits there and listens to R'vwar::

Host Sulek says:
::takes the tea from the tray and carefully inhales its aroma::R'vwar: Thank you.  It has been long since I have tasted Oolong tea.

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Suddenly envelops Cherry in a big hug:: Cherry: No, I really mean it. I appreciate ... everything that you and Ben have done for me in the last few months.

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar:  How may I be of service? ::sips::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: What can I do for you? ::is extra wary, yet mindful that the Romulans are no longer officially considered the enemy::

Cherry says:
@::hugs Vee tightly in return::  Vee:  Anything you need from us, all you have to do is ask, okay?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::continues making dinner:: Cherry/Vee: You guys get to clean up. It's almost ready. Cleaning up involves throwing all of the refuse into the fire::grins, but doesn’t make eye contact::

Kraight says:
:: takes a cup of tea, and sits up a bit ::

Host R`vwar says:
ALL: There is a world in the Aquilae Star Cluster. One that has been constantly overlooked by colonists and Starfleet patrols as having not of interest. A barren world. Recently, it has been noted that there are underground cities. Ancient, underground cities.

David_Telarus says:
::takes the cup of tea and takes a small sip::

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: You received my message, about your former crewmate?

Kraight says:
R'vwar: Occupied?

Host R`vwar says:
ALL: This discovery was only made weeks ago, but movement is happening already. Word is several prominent anthropologists are making their way there to study it. Starfleet might even send one of their ships.

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar: If you are asking us to help you investigate, you must realize that our travel is restricted to core Federation planets.

Host R`vwar says:
Kraight: Most likely not, but it is unknown.

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: I can work around that. I have friends in high places in the Fleet.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: I have. You'll understand if I'm HIGHLY suspicious.

Cherry says:
@::winks at Vee at the "cleaning up" remark from Ben, then splashes her again::

Host R`vwar says:
ALL: I may not look like it, but I am an old man now ... not as easy to travel as I once was. I could ask anyone to go on my behalf but I need the best and brightest. That's when I heard you three were now free from Starfleet service ...

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: Wouldn't be calling upon you if you were any less. Jade Morgan's life depends on you.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: I'm listening.

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar:  If Starfleet is sending a science vessel, then I do not see how we would be of service, and we are not free of Starfleet service.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::puts the finishing touch on dinner, and makes space for them to eat:: Cherry/Vee: It's ready when you are.

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Smiles and goes with Cherry, content::

Kraight says:
R'vwar: What would you have us do, sir?

Cherry says:
@::heads back to the beach::

Host R`vwar says:
::Blinks at Sulek's statement of not being "free," and shrugs it off as if knowing something more:: Sulek: Of course, of course. I just meant you are not on active duty, and essentially free to do as you wish.

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar: We are all still officers, although we are on extended leave.  I could not consider your request without direct confirmation from the Starfleet Command.

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: I've only heard rumors of a science vessel being sent. I'm more worried about the other anthropologists.

David_Telarus says:
::looks peculiar at R'vwar's statement::

Host R`vwar says:
Kraight: Go on my behalf with all the support of my finances and my tools.

Cherry says:
@Ben:  Smells good.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: Someone wants her dead. And this only came into play upon your return from ... well, wherever it is you went for the last year.

Kraight says:
R'vwar: Is there a specific objective you want us to accomplish?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Who?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry/Vee: Help yourselves ladies. It is good. ::eats::

Host R`vwar says:
Kraight: A preliminary scouting of the underground structures. Nothing too extensive but just to establish who was there first.

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Smiles at Ben and takes a seat::

Cherry says:
@::sits down as well, feeling that finally everything is okay in her world::

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: Sound simple enough, one problem we can't leave the system, orders from Starfleet.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: Possible Tal Shiar elements. Information on Starfleet's studies into your old crewmate's "new abilities" have a lot of people worried. I'm not entirely sure why, but they view her as a new weapon in Starfleet's arsenal.

Host R`vwar says:
Telarus: Core worlds does not mean you are limited to the Solar System, Mr. Telarus. And like I said, I can work around that. I have friends within Starfleet Command.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Anything new is a potential weapon. Tal Shiar, huh? What exactly can I do about it?

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: As Captain Sulek stated, without approval we really can't go anywhere, so I hope you have friends high up there.

Host Sulek says:
::looks at Kraight::Kraight: As interesting as it sounds, I believe we have already stretched command's patience.  R'vwar:  I suggest that you contact your highly placed friends in Starfleet, and get us concrete permission to help you.  If that occurs, I would be most interested.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@:: eats and looks into the fire, with night falling, the walkway lights back to the hut come on:: Cherry/Vee: How is it?

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ Ben: Great! ::Gobbles up food as if she hadn't eaten in ages::

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: Already done. ::Passes over a PADD::

Cherry says:
@::smiles::  Ben:  It's very very good.  Everything is perfect in fact.

Kraight says:
:: looks at Sulek ::

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: You could inform Starfleet Command and have her locked away and that still wouldn't work. The Tal Shiar expect her to go into hiding or be kept under closer protection. They wouldn't expect an old crewmate spiriting her off into hiding.

Host Sulek says:
::looks at the PADD, verifying the documentation.  He hands it to Kraight::R'vwar:  Your friends are indeed high placed.

Kraight says:
:: looks at the PADD, raises a non-existent eyebrow, and passes the PADD to Telarus ::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::happy:: Cherry/Vee: Glad you like it. This is the most relaxed I've been since we returned. ::leans back::

Host R`vwar says:
::Chuckles:: Sulek: I think ol' Crenshaw knows a Starfleet vessel is going to be sent. I think he feels he and I are in competition to see who gets there first.

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: Well high indeed.

Cherry says:
@::eats::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: So what you're indirectly suggesting is that I try to hide her from Tal Shiar indefinitely, occasionally fighting them off and changing locations without any help? Does that about sum it up?

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: If you do this right you won't have to deal with the Tal Shiar at all.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # ::Leans forward:: Lance: You've already noticed that I'm really Romulan, have you not?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Of course.

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar:  I cannot speak for my friends, but I will accept the offer.  Be clear on this point, I will not violate Starfleet protocol.  You may be in competition with Starfleet Science, but I am not.

Kraight says:
:: nods :: R'vwar: My answer is the same as the Captain's.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: There are many on Romulus who look forward to this growing peace with the Federation. The Tal Shiar jeopardizes that with their foolish fears and our new senate is still tripping all over each to get started much less do anything to stop them.

Cherry says:
@::watches the fire::

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::continues to listen::

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::sleepy, closes his eyes::

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: If they murder this woman, it will be brought to light by your intelligence agencies. Despite the peace paranoia between our two empires is still strong. What do you think this could escalate to?

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: I understand. I simply want you to get there first and examine the structure first, Sulek. Nothing more, nothing less.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Anything and everything...get on with it.

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Gets lost in the fire. Her smile fades somewhat::

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: I can provide you with supplies. I trust you're trained well enough and know well enough to find yourself places to hide.

Cherry says:
@::looks at Vee wondering what's going on in her mind::

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar: I expect that the Admiral will expect a sharing of our findings.  I doubt that he believes that we would keep information from him.

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: In the end all will be revealed to everyone, no? This is about getting there first and being the first to experience a place that has not been experienced in millennia!

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: It's pointless unless this is all going to end somehow in the interim.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: What do you mean?

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: How are we getting there, just out of curiosity?

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar:  If you stay here, how exactly will you experience it?

Host R`vwar says:
Telarus: Like I said, all my finances are behind this. I'll provide the transport and tools.

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: I'm more trying to sell you on this, Mr. Sulek. I'm too old for this trip and too fearful of my age causing me to mess up and damage some ages old relic.

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: If nothing is done specifically to quell the interest in my crewmate...for all parties...hiding just delays the inevitable. What's going to change the basic situation while I'm protecting Jordan?

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::gets up startled by the pain in his head...migraine, blinded:: Cherry: Cherry....Damn this hurts!

Ben_Pangborn says:
Cherry: It's a headache, but unlike any I've ever had

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: While she's being kept hidden I trust your Intelligence operatives will do much work to investigate the Tal Shiar's activities in Federation space, no?

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar: Hardly necessary. We have agreed.  I just wanted to be clear on the circumstances of our agreement.  When do we leave?

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Looks frightened at Ben's outburst::

Cherry says:
@::stands quickly:: Ben:  Let's get you back to the house and put a cold compress on your head.  ::takes him by the arm::

Host R`vwar says:
Sulek: In the morning if you're willing.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Vee: It's okay...just a headache

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Absolutely...but that won't absolve Federation interests in her.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@Cherry: Lead the way. I have double vision.

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: Well if your finances are behind this, I have a few friends that work for some ship design and construction companies, helps being an engineering officer in Starfleet.

Host Sulek says:
R'vwar:  Most suitable. Kraight/Telarus: Gentlemen, do you agree?

Host R`vwar says:
Telarus: There's no time to build a ship, Mr. Telarus.

Cherry says:
@Vee:  Come on.  ::leads Ben down the path::

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: I am already talking about purchasing a ship from one of my contacts.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: I could care less if the Federation dissects her. As long as the Tal Shiar don't succeed in their mission and escalate a crisis between the Federation and my people.

Ben_Pangborn says:
@::follows, holding on to Cherry::

Host R`vwar says:
Telarus: I have one ready as we speak, but I appreciate your offer.

Host R`vwar says:
<Vee> @ ::Follows behind, worried::

Kraight says:
R'vwar: Yes, I do.

David_Telarus says:
R'vwar: Looks like we are set I am behind this if everyone else is in agreement.

Cherry says:
@:: is far more concerned than she is letting on::

Host Sulek says:
Telarus:  I believe that R'vwar has already purchased the ship.  I believe he presumed and correctly so that we would accept.  R'vwar: Or was there a back up plan?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: That's not good enough.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # Lance: What do you mean? I can't control the Federation, I can't speak for what THEIR interest is in her.

Host R`vwar says:
@ ACTION: As Cherry leads Ben off the beach Vee stops and looks back, sensing they are being watched, but sees no one. They continue on as a figure stands in the shadows ... watching.

Host R`vwar says:
::Slaps hands together:: ALL: Excellent!

Host R`vwar says:
ALL: Then a new adventure awaits us!

Lance_Wolverton says:
#Ayre: Not directly. But there's always a way. I certainly can't do much. I'm just a soldier. But I'm sure you have access to more...subtle methods.

Host R`vwar says:
<Ayre> # ::Stares at him for a moment:: Lance: I'll do what I can. Will you consider?

Lance_Wolverton says:
#::sighs and nods::

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: As we fade out on three seemingly unconnected situations, we proceed to the apartment of Jade Morgan. She sighs as she types in the code that allows her access and she slips into the darkened quarters.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: It's been a long, rough day for her and this month has not been getting any better. Every night she is frequented by the same nightmares she has had since she "read" Vee.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: She wonders whether or not her friend Cherry is in danger as she suddenly trips over something ... a body.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: She cries out in terror for a moment as she feels blood cover herself and her hand brushes up against a blade - "Lights!" she cries out.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: The kitchen lights come on, and she finds herself looking at the slashed neck of Doctor Arklant, the psio-psychologist assigned to her. She tries to read him, to see if he's alive ... but he is gone.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: Yet is still warm.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: The lights get brighter, and she wonders why for a moment when suddenly she realizes what's going on. Someone's beaming in. Three Earth security personnel arrive, phasers out. One shouts - "Step away from the body, Ms. Morgan!" All are trained on her.

Host R`vwar says:
ACTION: And then she begins to realize the trouble she's in.

Host R`vwar says:
=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\= PAUSE=/\==/\==/\==/\==/\=