Orphans
Chapter Two
USS Quirinus Stardate 10505.30
starring 

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Keith LaHue as XO Ben Pangborn 
Jeffrey G. Brown as CSO Kraight 
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Billy Bob Powers 
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Azhure 

featuring
Lynda Anderson is EO Running Horse
Kurt Goring as Serena

and
Kurt Goring as guest Ship Manager   

SUMMARY: The USS Qurinus has disappeared.... again. The encounter with the space-time altering vessel has led to its capture and now it awaits it's ghoulish fate.

<<<<<<<<<< BEGIN >>>>>>>>>>

CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Begins issuing orders::  *Security*: Security, deploy internal personnel to critical areas.  Lock down the classified parts of the computer core as best as possible under these circumstances.  Double around access points.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::standing on the bridge, wondering how they will get out of this one, rather, If::
CNS Azhure says:
:: On the bridge, trying out her new, yet old spot again... waiting.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::on bridge, waiting for something to happen::
:
ACTION: Wendy, the bridge waitress, drops a drink in the captain's lap; ever prescient, as he is.

XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Captain, we can't let this ship fall into enemy hands.
CNS Azhure says:
:: Glances over at the yeoman.::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: We must consider the extreme
CO Capt Sulek says:
::wiping away the spill from his uniform:: Pangborn: I agree, but we do not know if they are an enemy.
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
CO: I concur with Cmdr Pangborn, Captain. However, we cannot activate the self-destruct system. We may need to detonate the ordnance packages manually.

ACTION: The Quirinus shudders slightly as massive lights thunder on overhead, giving a blinding glare washing in through the portholes.

XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Just mentioning it as a possibility. 
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: As is proper for you to do, XO.
CNS Azhure says:
CO:  Looks like the show maybe about to begin.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::attempts to open a comm:: Sulek: There's always the Corbamote solution
CO Capt Sulek says:
::rising:: Pangborn: At least they have finally seem to have taken an interest.

ACTION: The bridge viewscreen flickers on, showing a massive armature swinging out from the side of the bay to lock over the Q's docking port.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Like being put on the operating table.  I wonder if we're about to be cut apart.... ::Checks his sensors if there's air on the other side of the hull::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::looks and is blinded::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: Ummm, not quite yet.  ::notes the arm:: Powers; Security to docking.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CSO: Kraight, is there anything we can tell? Other than the obvious?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Already there, Captain.

ACTION: Every display on the bridge goes black except for one word: "DISEMBARK"

CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Acknowledged.
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
XO: None that we can determine from here.
CNS Azhure says:
:: Leans forward to read the display.  Then turns to look at the captain.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::Looks at the display:: Pangborn: It seems we are being invited in.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CSO: Kraight: Great: Sulek: Looks like yet another invitation.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
Self: I don't like this one bit.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: I don't like their tone at all. Maybe we should be fashionably late
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
CO: Sir, the nearest interior surface of this vessel is about a kilometer away. Our own sensors are next to useless. I would like to take a work suit and make an expedition to the near wall.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: With systems down, we have little option.  All: Command Crew, let's go meet our host...
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::follows::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Suitably attired, Commander.
CNS Azhure says:
:: Stands and follows.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::begins to head for the exits::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Of course, Captain.  ::Tucks a hand phaser where only he knows, and checks the power level on his rifle::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::moving to turbo lift::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Steps in and moves aside for others.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::enter lift::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::looks around to make sure everyone is on:: Docking.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::arrives just behind the CO::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Standing between the Captain and Azhure::  XO: I have to admit... I'm not pleased at this situation.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CTO: I'm not either. It's out of our hands - for now. Stay sharp.
CNS Azhure says:
:: As the doors open, she waits to follow the captain off.::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
XO: Well, it's not entirely out of our hands.  We could have said "no"
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: I don't like this at all.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CTO: You're new here. That never works with us.
CO Capt Sulek says:
::moves down the hall to the docking station, once inside he pauses at a locker to take the appropriate AT equipment.::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Smirks lightly::  XO: Time to add it to the playbook.

ACTION: Behind the AT, the port suddenly opens, revealing a small floating robot with a pulsating light on top, seemingly beckoning.

CNS Azhure says:
:: Quietly with a smile.:: CTO:  I don't remember it working on the station either.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::follows the captain and picks up her second pack and puts it in her backpack and continues on::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CTO: Oh it's In the playbook. Just never works ::wry grin::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::follows::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::enters the port:: All: Time to move.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: Right behind you sir.
CNS Azhure says:
:: At a safe distance, looks the robot over, remaining with the group.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Kraight: I don't think they will allow it, just now.  Perhaps we can ask.

ACTION: The robot hovers ahead, over the shiny surface of the umbilical, pulsing and beeping in beckon.

CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir...
CO Capt Sulek says:
::following::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
Self: I don't like this at all.  ::follows the Captain::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Can't say much for the personality of our host ::walks::

ACTION: A giant Godzilla-sized robot lumbers past, carrying an unidentifiable machine in its claws.

CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: These may be our hosts.
CNS Azhure says:
:: As she steps onto the alien vessel, a wave of nausea comes over her as before, only this time, not as strong.  She stops, closing her eyes, swallowing hard.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::eyes widen:: Aloud: What in the blazes is that?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Keeping to the front of the group, watching everything that moves... and a couple things that don't::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Yeah...::looks at the giant robot:: What do you think? Sentient robots?
CNS Azhure says:
:: Slowly breathing, her hand to her stomach, she opens her eyes to see what has the groups attention.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Pangborn: Difficult to say.  They may also be simple programs to a specific task.

ACTION: The hovering guidebot stops and beeps loudly for them to speed up, increasing its pace slightly.

EO Lt Running Horse says:
::moves fast and nearly steps oh her heels::
CO Capt Sulek says:
All: I suggest we pick up the pace.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::speeds up:: Kraight: Any ideas about these things?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Looks behind him at Azhure, and wishes he was telepathic to talk to her... or at least know what was bothering her::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Feeling disoriented, she moves to try and catch up, following further behind.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::moving quickly behind the guide::

ACTION: The other end of the umbilical opens, leading to a slight declining ramp that opens in to a spacious room.

EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: I am sorry sir I almost stepped on your heels.
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
:: follows the others ::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Running Horse:  Hardly noticed, Lt.
CO Capt Sulek says:
::entering the room::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Last to enter the room, stays close to the wall for the moment, watching.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: Sir why are they rushing us so?  What is it that they are going to do to the Q?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::enters::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Points his eyes everywhere... like lambs to slaughter::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::feeling the closeness of the bodies and begins to focus on everyone’s vibes and what she sees and hears::

SCENE: The 'arrival lounge' is large and bright, with white flooring and walls and glowing columns spread along its circular walls like a ribcage. on shimmering pedestals are alien items sitting under bright lights.

XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CSO: Kraight, what do you make of these ::looks at the objects::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Running Horse: They are machines.  Speed is what they are probably programmed for.  A variant is not apparently in their parameters.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Rubs his chin for a moment... nothing too harmful at the moment, so he makes his way to Azhure, placing a reassuring hand on her::  CNS: Commander?
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: Still I don't like this entire situation.  I would suggest that we not touch anything until the unknown is revealed to us.
CO Capt Sulek says:
::looking over the objects:: Pangborn: a museum, a collection, or a trophy room would seem to be our options.
CNS Azhure says:
:: Looks up at Bill::  CTO:  I am OK... basically.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Hard to say.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CNS: Basically?

ACTION: The guidebot zooms off, disappearing through a side port that seals behind it.

CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
CO: I agree, sir. Perhaps we are being made part of a collection.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Running Horse:  A wise suggestion.  Powers: Ever seen anything like these objects before?
CNS Azhure says:
CTO:  I don't know.  I can't... quite explain it.  Stepping onto this... ship, I had that earlier sensation of time being bent around me.  But I know we are still in our own universe.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CTO: Would yuo agree that this is looking like a trap?  These things are here for our curiosity to keep us entertained.
CNS Azhure says:
CTO:  It is not as strong.  :: Nods toward Sulek::  You need to see to the captain.  ::Smiles::  I will be fine.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CNS: It's probably the ship itself.  Somehow it's bending time?  ::Nods and offers a steadying arm, calling ahead::  CO: Captain?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::examines the various objects::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Takes his arm and moves to join the others, her curiosity in full gear at the alien objects.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
XO: Sir I suggest caution.  We can't scan these items nor is it wise to touch them.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Kraight: Anything look familiar?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
EO: Yes. I agree. ::Picks up one of the objects::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Just asking if anything looks familiar.  There is nothing here that I have seen before.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
EO: If I was paranoid, I'd agree with you.  If I were open-minded... it could be some sort of welcoming area, makes it feel... homey.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Aye, sir.  No, sir, nothing looks familiar.  ::Gestures to indicate that he was asking the Captain for his attention on behalf of Azhure::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::Tries to determine the constituency of the object::

ACTION: In a THRILLING TWIST the XO doesn't die.

CNS Azhure says:
:: Considers his words, but that does not 'feel' right either.::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Is there a problem, Commander?
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CTO: Yes and that is exactly what I mean.  We are made to think like we are welcome.  I do not trust this and neither should you.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CTO: I never said I trust this, Lieutenant.  ::With a slight smirk::
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
:: scans the objects :: CO: None of these are familiar... but quantum dating indicates many are of great age. A few also seem to have been collected from the future.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::replaces the object::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Kraight: Interesting.
CNS Azhure says:
:: Leaving away from the group, looks at the various items, touching nothing.  But like the others, she does not recognize anything.::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CSO: Are the animal, vegetable or mineral?
CNS Azhure says:
:: Hearing the CSO's words, she looks at him a moment, then turns back.::
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
XO: Unknown. Many are of indeterminate composition.
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: Um... perhaps, Captain.  Could you join us?
CO Capt Sulek says:
::moves to Powers:: Powers: How may I be of assistance?
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
CO: The Counselor wished to speak with you, sir.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::carefully approaches one of the items but does not touch it::  Self: This looks some what familiar though.  Like from my native home.  ::looks closer and finds that it is a replica of the Great Grey Wolf::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Moves toward Kraight.::  CSO:  Given the ship is able to bend time, that would fit.
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
:: nods ::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::needs for someone else to confirm that her eyes are not playing tricks::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CSO: I couldn't make anything out of them either. ::pensive:: Sulek: Maybe some exploration is in order. We need to find out who or what is doing this.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: Sir would you mind coming here for a minute.  I would like you to confirm something for me.
CO Capt Sulek says:
Powers: Indeed. Thank you. I shall find out what she needs at once.  ::moves toward Azhure and Kraight:: Azhure: You had something you wished to speak with me about?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Running Horse: One moment Lt. I will be with you shortly.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
CO: Thank you sir.

ACTION: Something catches Azhure's eye and she feels compelled to see it closer.

CNS Azhure says:
:: Turns toward the captain::  CO: I am not... :: Pauses and turns away, moving toward an alien object.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::still looking at the replica she quickly thinks to her pet on the ship::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::Raises eyebrow:: Azhure: If you have something I should know, you may share it with me.

SCENE: in a floating ball of liquid, a crude rendition of Azhure's face with cilia for hair smiles back at her.

CO Capt Sulek says:
::watches as she moves off and then decides she will tell him when she needs to.  Moves to Running Horse:: Running Horse: You had something you wished to show me?
CNS Azhure says:
:: Looks closely only to pull back.::  What the... :: Steps closer again.::  CO:  I... ummm... the ship.  It is able to bend time, which would make Commander Kraight's earlier comment possible...  :: Her voice slightly distracted as she reaches outward.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::watches the replica:: CO: Sir this looks remarkably like my grey wolf pup on the Q.  Please tell me sir I am not seeing things?

ACTION: A loud voice booms through the lounge. "DON'T TOUCH THAT!"

EO Lt Running Horse says:
::pulls hand away::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Jumps and turns around quickly.::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::looks up at the sound::
CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Looks around for the source::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::looks up to see who said that::
CNS Azhure says:
VOICE:  Why not?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Running Horse: Not having seen your pup, I cannot say.  But I doubt that you are losing sanity...::looks up at the sound::

SCENE: The polished white ceiling of the lounge projects a slightly feminine face in the center, looking down at them. THAT IS A PSIOMORPH. QUITE POISONOUS.

CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
:: scans for the source of voice ::
Amber is now known as FCO Haynes.
CNS Azhure says:
Voice:  Then I thank you for the warning.  ::Tilts her head in acknowledgement and thanks.::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::raises an eyebrow:":
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Voice: While you in a chatty mood, why are we here and why have you taken our ship from us?
CO Capt Sulek says:
Running Horse: Excuse me, Lt.  ::Moves over to see what Azhure was viewing::
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
:: scans the projection ::
Jyg Lo is now known as Serena.
CO Capt Sulek says:
::looks at the PSIOMORPH::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Careful there....the moniker alone makes it dangerous to telepaths
Serena says:
MY NAME IS SERENA, AND I'LL TELL YOU ANYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW. ::out of the smooth floor, three chairs are formed out of pliable material:: PLEASE, ANCESTORS. SIT.
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
All: Ancestors?
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
CSO: We can't possibly ALL be ancestors.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::wonders which three are supposed to sit::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Raises a brow curiously.::  XO:  Actually sir, given the ships ability, it is possible.
CO Capt Sulek says:
::sitting:: Kraight: You said that some of the objects appeared from the future.  I think we may now have a reason.

ACTION: A pale blue light plays over Powers, Pangborn and Running Horse.
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::sees the blue light::  Self: Me an ancestor???
Serena says:
PLEASE. THERE IS MUCH I NEED TO TELL YOU AND NOT MUCH TIME.
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Sulek: Check. Humans ::motions to the others::
CNS Azhure says:
:: Figures that answers their unspoken question.::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
::sits::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
::takes her seat::
CO Capt Sulek says:
Serena: Then I suggest you begin.

ACTION: The projection on the ceiling seems to detach, descending to the floor to form a vaguely female humanoid shape of indeterminate origin::

CTO LtCmdr Powers says:
::Slowly takes his seat::
CSO Cmdr Kraight says:
All: Most interesting.
CNS Azhure says:
:: Moves to stand behind Bill.::
XO Cmdr Pangborn says:
Serena: Out with it. Why are we here? ::not one to mince words::
CO Capt Sulek says:
::waits now near one of the chairs::
EO Lt Running Horse says:
Serena: What is it that is so important that you singled us three out?
Serena says:
::steps forward, floating over the flooring in a fading projection:: All: I need your help. I'm dying. And when I die, it could rip your galaxy apart.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Pause >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>