Star Trek: A Call To Duty
U.S.S. Quirinus NCC-83942 - SD 10506.20

Starring:

Mitch Travis 		as 	Captain Sulek – CO
Keith LaHue		as	Commander Ben Pangborn – XO

…and…

Jeffrey Brown		as	Commander Kraight – CSO
Christopher Dickinson 	as 	Lt. Commander Billy Bob Powers Jr. – CTO
Kurt Goring	 	as 	Lieutenant JG Soriq Ahkileez – FCO
Erryn Pollock 		as 	Lieutenant JG Lance Wolverton – TO
Karriaunna Scotti 	as 	Commander Azhure – CNS
Edward Selgas 	as 	Lt. Commander David Telarus – CEO

                        …with…

Christopher Gibson	as 	Ambassador Qui
Christopher Gibson	as 	Colonel Sydney Majors
Christopher Gibson	as 	Praetor Maiel
Lynda Anderson 	as 	Ensign Runninghorse

                        …with…

Christopher Gibson      	as 	U.S.S. Quirinus – SM

Welcome to a new beginning. The crew of the U.S.S. Quirinus have been reassigned to the frontier, a region known as "The Xherivhan" - or Crossroads. It is a turbulent region of space with five very unique species co-existing in a single stellar cluster.

The crew have been given various new objectives, and have brought aboard a variety of new staff and equipment to help them in their tasks. Rumours have floated about the ship concerning the particulars of their assignment, but until now the senior staff have not been officially briefed on their objectives...that is about to change...

We begin our story with the most simple of scenes...the Captain's Ready Room. It is time to learn about the environment they are going to be plunged into. Without preparation, they are doomed to fail...but with careful consideration and planning, they might just bring peace to a chaotic region of the Beta Quadrant...only time will tell...

=/\==/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission - "The Assignment - Part I"=/\==/\=

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sits in the ready room/conference with senior staff and new personnel:: All: Are there any questions about your long-term objectives?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits quietly, with folded hands... he has been much quieter than usual since being released from Sickbay a few weeks ago ::
Col_Sydney_Majors says:
::Colonel Majors sits in the back of the room in silence. Her eyes glance towards the left side of the room where two guards stand watching over Ambassador Qui'dinjori::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::tosses aside a PADD:: CO: So none of the species are currently at war, correct? ::looks down with bemusement::
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
:: near the foot of the table, staring out the window at the passing stars::
CTO_LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Quiet, dead quiet - continues to look back and forth between Majors, Sulek, and the Ambassador::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Not officially no.  But there is some strife I believe.  A difference in doctrine.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::glances over at the ambassador::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
XO: Religious, political, or both? :: small smile::

ACTION - The normally spacious Ready Room is cramped with the additional personnel and slowly all eyes fall on Ambassador Qui who's airy voice speaks softly. "Both."

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: I would say it is of a religious nature.  As you know, this can become the most volatile of differences.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::swings his chair around to face the colonel:: Colonel: Anything more specific than that? Other than what I've read?
Col_Sydney_Majors says:
::Sydney glances between Commander Powers and the translucent Ambassador. She gives a gentle nod of her head, almost as if to remind him to keep an eye on the Ambassador::
Col_Sydney_Majors says:
XO: Nothing more then what is in the reports...::She glances towards Captain Sulek, giving him a knowing look - curious as to whether he will inform the crew of the attempts on Qui's life::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Picks up another PADD and reads it::

ACTION - As the crew discuss the region Soriq Ahkileez gets some sort of 'feeling' as if he's being watched.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over at Majors:: Majors: I will inform the XO of other details that we are currently unable to discuss in this company.  He does have my trust and Starfleet Security's clearance
CTO_LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Sighs in the Colonel's general direction - just because his eyes aren't somewhere doesn't mean he can't see::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at Sulek, surprised::
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::unfolds his arms and looks up, taking a long look around the table::
Col_Sydney_Majors says:
::She nods once::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: Ambassador, I am pleased that you have joined us.  You are of course welcome to give us any information that you deem fit.

ACTION - Ahkileez notices that he is the focus of not one pair of eyes, but two. At the far side of the room Ambassador Qui's clear eyes seem focused on the Vulcan...and sitting near Commander Kraight, the oddly grinning black skinned Maiel watches Soriq with keen interest.

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::stares right back at them, confusion and suspicion in his eyes::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::notes Ahkileez's intent look on the two new members on board, but decides to let it pass for the moment::
Ambassador Qui says:
::S/he nods once, taking a step forward. It appears almost as if the small child-like being hovers forward, hir eyes never leaving Soriq:: CO: As you are aware, there is currently an unsteady peace between the Sisterhood and the Noori Syndicate...in one months time, our governments are planning a summit on your Federation Station...
Ambassador Qui says:
CO: ...I have been chosen to represent my people at this event...
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::starts to feel uncomfortable under the unrelenting gaze::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: And may we be of assistance?  I am sure that the station has a number of qualified mediators, but still, we would not hesitate to help in these talks.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Qui: Do you expect a favourable outcome from this summit, Ambassador?
Ambassador Qui says:
CO: Yes...details of which I will discuss with you and your staff closer to the summit. ::S/he seems to smile slightly and its focus turns to the blue skinned Benzite:: CSO: If talks are successful, we may bring about the first step to a peace treaty between our peoples.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
Ambassador Qui says:
CSO: I fear however that peace will not be as easy as it seems...there will be many trials ahead.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Qui: And if such a treaty is signed, will it be amicable, or a simple formality to allow free trade, and prosperity?
Ambassador Qui says:
XO: I...do not know...our people only wish to co-exist peacefully with the Sisterhood...
EO_Running_Horse says:
::in engineering running the usual diagnostics::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Qui: Then we will do whatever we can to assist you. ::frown:: I have seen the scars that war can leave
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: Thank you, Ambassador.  All: now if you will put your attention to the holographic stellar map of the area known in Starfleet terms as Crossroads.  ::presses the projection button on his desk::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns his attention to the map ::

ACTION - Commander Kraight's comm. badge beeps as the Stellar Cartography department informs him that they are receiving long range scans of the Xherivhan region...

FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::tears his eyes away from the hypnotic gaze and pays attention to something that actually matters to him::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:::looks at the display::

ACTION - At the same moment the holographic display shimmers to life above the heads of the crew. A bright red mass depicts the Noori territory, controlling three star-systems. Nearby is a blue region controlled by the Lilithine...and the two overlap over a system labelled "Origin."

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sotto voce :: *SCDept*: Thank you... route the latest results to my PADD, please.

ACTION - The display turns around, displaying the entire cluster to those assembled. There are seven star systems in total...all tightly packed together, with a single eight system off in the distance...alone and empty...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::gives the crew a chance to study the system::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at the holographic map intently, points :: Qui: Ambassador... what is known of the eighth, outlying system?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Colonel: What is the eight system again? The isolated one? ::fumbles trying to retrieve the information form the PADD::
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::studies the overlaid transit lanes and hazard markers, keeping his voice low:: CO: Will we all be receiving copies of this map?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
FCO:  I have already taken the necessary steps to upload this map to all effected stations, including helm.
EO_Running_Horse says:
::catches a small power fluxuation and corrects it immediately.
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::nods, returning his eyes to the map, making short notes on the PADD in front of him::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: As stellar cartography adds scanning information, it would be most helpful if you would update the map accordingly.

ACTION - Origin, Xherita, Vodauran, Ko'ra, Lilitha, Mo'ro and lastly Inanis...the seven primary systems of the cluster...

Ambassador Qui says:
CSO/XO: The last system is known as Zeta Coyvan...it is believed to be the home of the species that brought us to the Xherivhan...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: But you are uncertain?
Ambassador Qui says:
::S/he shakes her head once:: CO: No, our technology does not allow us to travel through the instabilities...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Qui: The instabilities?
Praetor Maiel says:
XO: The Ambassador is referring to the subspace rifts that litter the area...::He glances towards Kraight with his unusual smile and motions to the holographic display as it updates::

ACTION - As the holographic map shifts once more the crew can see a line of bright purple energy cutting Zeta Coyvan off from the rest of the cluster...almost like a barrier standing between it and the other star systems.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Maiel: Are they intransversable by any means? It would wreck havoc with a warp field, I know
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
XO: Feedback in a field like that could damage the ship's engines considerably.
Praetor Maiel says:
XO: With current technology, it is impassable, but since the region beyond is unclaimed, it is not impossible to go around...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Yes. You'd think after some time, they'd figure a way around that....
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Maiel: I see. ::looks down::
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
Qui: If you're able to transverse it that way, why have none of your people done so?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Maiel: Could this barrier be made by the original species?  If so, why not enclose the system?
Praetor Maiel says:
XO: With any luck, our assignments will allow us to study the instabilities and their origins...::He gives a rather over-enthusiastic smile:: CO: It is quite possible...it is rumoured that they possessed subspace technologies, but as for the reasons, I can't speculate until I research further...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: musing ::  Maiel: One wonders whether a transwarp conduit would be effective in this instance...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::quietly:: CO: The Federation is not without resources as far as sub-space theory...but we need to be careful ::eyes:: the others
Ambassador Qui says:
::The Ambassador turns hir focus to Ahkileez once more and nods:: FCO: Travelling beyond the barrier has been unnecessary...all that we desire is within the Xherivhan.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Maiel: If my understanding of the area is correct, the five species were brought to Crossroads.  It strongly suggests a study of sorts.  The barrier may simply act as a control of the study until such time as the inhabitants of the area are willing to explore it themselves.
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::eases back, relaxing again, having no desire to fly a ship in to a mess like that::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: And yet Starfleet has yet to send anyone to the eighth system.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: Well....not like Us to tempt fate now is it? ::genuine grin::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Why, Commander, I haven't the faintest notion to what you refer  ::raises his eyes brows with almost a glint in his eyes::
Ambassador Qui says:
CO: Actually, Captain...that isn't exactly true...
Ambassador Qui says:
CO: Two years ago your people requested permission to send a vessel to Zeta Coyvan...the assignment was a failure and your vessel was reassigned...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Qui: A failure in what way, Ambassador?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: They couldn't go around the barrier?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Qui: That’s news to us
Ambassador Qui says:
CSO: An unfortunate accident resulted in the death of members of their senior staff...including the Commanding Officer...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: Do remember who was in command of the mission?

ACTION - The map shifts once more and zooms in, focusing on one of the main star systems, Xherita...home of the Noori and the Tzani.

Ambassador Qui says:
CO: ...I am afraid that I do not...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: And the nature of this accident?
Ambassador Qui says:
CO: According to your government...something known as "Classified." ::S/he glances towards Soriq once more, those odd clear eyes focusing on him::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over at the XO:: XO: Have Ops look up any available data on this ill-fated mission.  I must admit to a certain curiosity.  Ops may also wish to contact Crossroads Station as well.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Qui: I see. Thank you ambassador.
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::raises an eyebrow, suspicion in full force now, determined to get an answer once the briefing's over::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: Aye. If it's classified...hmm. We'll 'get' whatever information we can
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks in the direction of Majors:: Majors: Would you be willing to contact Starfleet Security and see if you can smooth the way a bit in this matter for us?
Col_Sydney_Majors says:
::The auburn haired Colonel nods once to Sulek and taps a reminder into her data PADD:: CO: I'll see what I can do, Captain, but no guarantees...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::quietly:: Powers: You have no doubt a few contacts....
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks once more at the close up of the map:: All: Any further comment?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Nothing now.
CTO_LtCmdr_Powers says:
::Furrows his brow, and thinks what kind of contacts he has::
Praetor Maiel says:
CO: Nothing here...Captain. ::The odd grin never leaves the black skinned man's face...and he pauses for a moment before scratching at the cracked skin on his neck, peeling off a dried flake of skin::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::pressing the desk sensor, closing the map:: All: Very well.  If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.  I suggest we turn now back to our duties.  You have your long-range projects.  Thank you all.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: A moment...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: Certainly.

ACTION - Sydney Majors and the two guards seem to heighten their focus as the trio escorts the Ambassador out of the Ready Room and onto the bridge...they are the first to leave, and the most quiet.

Praetor Maiel says:
::As he stands he smiles to Captain Sulek and turns his focus to Commander Kraight:: CSO: Commander, have you and your staff had a chance to prepare my laboratory? ::He smiles and begins to head to the door::
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::retrieves his PADD as he stands, flashing wary looks at the newcomers backs as he heads for the helm::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Maiel: Yes, sir. You may inspect it at your leisure.  :: follows Maiel out the door ::

ACTION - As Ahkileez exits the Ready Room, he notices Qui still there near a turbolift door, watching him.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::after the others leave, quickly he explains to Pangborn the situation with Ambassador Qui and the attempts on her life and the nature of the necessary security surrounding her stay:: XO: The attempts indicate that her adversaries are aware of her movements.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: I'll keep that under my hat...but I'll be aware of it
EO_Running_Horse says:
::finishes the major diagnostics and now moves to the minor ones::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Under your hat...ahh a euphemism.  Thank you, commander.
FCO_LtJG_Ahkileez says:
::debates whether to flag the ambassador down, before turning away and sitting at the helm to go over their route::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::laughs:: CO: I'll get you trained yet

ACTION - As the senior staff separate, Counsellor Azhure and Ensign Hixxan depart for their offices, while Chief Telarus and his new assistant head to Engineering controls on the bridge...

ACTION - As Pangborn and Sulek finish their meeting, Ben Pangborn sees the most peculiar sights out of the corner of his eyes...as the stars out Sulek's window appear to stop. He blinks once, and they resume as if nothing had happened...odd really...

=/\==/\=END Mission=/\==/\=