Star Trek: A Call To Duty
U.S.S. Quirinus NCC-83942 - SD 10605.08

Starring:

Mitch Travis 		as 	Captain Sulek – GCO
Keith LaHue		as	Commander Ben Pangborn – QCO

…and…

Matthew Bordewick	as	Ensign Zee Alexander – NCMO
Margaret Bowie	as	Ensign Latta – NCSO
Jeffrey Brown		as	Commander Kraight – QCSO
Erin Cody-Allen 	as 	Lieutenant JG Adrienne Kostandinos-Michaels – QCTO
Christopher Dickinson 	as 	Commander Billy Bob Powers Jr. – NXO
Kurt Goring	 	as 	Lieutenant JG Soriq Ahkileez – NFCO
James Homuth 	as 	Ensign Michael Jervase – QCMO, and QMO Yates
Kate McTiernan	as	Captain Joanna Matisse – NCO
Bryce Miller	 	as 	Ensign Royle Chandra – NCEO, and NEO Ratchet
Edward Selgas		as	Lt. Commander David Telarus – QOPS
Karriaunna Scotti 	as 	Commander Azhure – QXO

                        …with…

Christopher Gibson	as	Lieutenant Toran – NCTO
Mike Jones		as	Lt. Commander Voliar – QCEO, and Crewman Tucker

                        …with…

Christopher Gibson      	as 	U.S.S. Naftali – SM
Mitch Travis		as	U.S.S. Quirinus – ASM

Summary - The crew of the U.S.S. Quirinus has been divided. Half of the crew have been sent aboard the New Orleans Class U.S.S. Naftali. Captain Sulek has been assigned to the U.S.S. Gatineau in order to continue the peace process between the Xherivhan races.

The U.S.S. Naftali has been ordered to the Origin System, "The Holy Space" in order to conduct scientific surveys of the region. The Quirinus has been sent to the Ko'ra Star System by the request of the Ko'ra Confederacy.

...Mariva Hixxan has predicted that things are going to get worse, and the Quirinus family will be divided. Things are going to get oh so much worse...bombs, Executioners, that was only the beginning...

=/\==/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission - "Divided Family - The First Steps Apart"=/\==/\=

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Trying to find the comfortable spot in the secondary center chair of the Naftali::

     ACTION: The Quirinus is enroute to the Ko'ra system

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> ::On the bridge, looking a little uncomfortable in the big chair::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> :: in his familiar position at Science One, monitoring long range scans of the route ahead ::

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::at Naftali's reclined helm station, already hating everything about it::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::strolls onto the bridge and takes the tactical station, looking unphased about the new orders::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::in the CMO's office... his office... redecorating a little, and generally getting used to the idea of it being his office::

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Walking around the Main Engineering of the Quirinus, noting the shifting colors of the "mood core"::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCTO: Anything yet? What’s our ETA?

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: Steps from the lift onto the bridge and moves toward Kraight::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> :: Sitting in the captains chair for the first time a long time.  Scanning the bridge, takes in whose where::

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCO: So how long has it been since you've been in one of those?

ACTION - The majestic New Orleans class Naftali slides between two unstable subspace rifts along the edge of the Origin System. Long range sensors detect the Gatineau and a small fleet of alien vessels making their way to a rendezvous point in the center of the system...

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::glances up at him:: QCO: We're about 15 minutes from the edge of the system, and so far nothing's on the sensors that isn't supposed to be there.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> :: nods to Azhure :: 

<Q_XO_Azhure> QCSO: Here are a few oddities from the station for you to look over later.  Nothing of import at the moment.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::finishes adjusting a few things, then steps out of his office, heading for the lab::

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Enters the bridge and makes her way to the command platform, she nods to Matisse and Powers then looks to the viewer.  She had just finished inspecting her new sickbay.::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QXO: Thank you.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> ::drums fingers:: QCTO: Good...let me know as soon as we pick us the alien vessel. QCSO: Anything from science?

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::mutters over his shoulder:: NXO: I want to reaffirm my objection to this assignment, Commander. This ship was old when my father was my age. Why is this not in a museum or manumitted to deck plating?

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: With a nod and a smile, leaves him to his work and moves over to Pangborn.::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO: Of a ship? Its been awhile, its so much quieter then the C&C.  Very odd, I was expecting to see my old crew for a minute there.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> :: turns as a sensor beeps a warning ::  QCO: A minor subspace rift to port. Nothing unusual for this sector.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: As long at it isn't another storm like the one we just experienced, I'm good.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Checks on the status of the level five diagnostic that's routinely underway::

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> NFCO: Old, but functioning...we are on the frontier remember, Lieutenant. ::The Gallamite Tactical officer goes over his sensor data:: NCO: Long range sensors are detecting the Starburst and the Gatineau arriving at the rendezvous, Captain.

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: Leans on the command looking around the bridge, waiting for Pangborn to finish.::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> :: shakes head ::  QCO: No, sir. Nothing like that.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Scratches the back of his bald blue Bolian head::

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Makes a mental note to keep an eye on the Captain during this mission::  NFCO: I'm not sure.  Let's hope we're not cleaning ourselves off the deck plates by the end of this mission....

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> ::Finishes reading over the specs on the Naftali::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::steps into the lab, and goes right to one of the genetic samples taken from Crossroads station's minor virus outbreak, and sets up a detailed analysis of it... that's still not sitting right with him::

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::shakes his head in annoyance:: NXO: As sluggish as this tug is, it will take all of my considerable skill to make sure that doesn't happen.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: Commander, we find ourselves in a unique situation. I'll be counting on your abilities should this indeed turn out to be a first contact situation

ACTION - A red light indicator goes off on Chandra's screen. Life support has failed in an unused section of the Engineering Section, a cargo hold.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::A Petty Officer comes up and reports on the anti-matter pod piping. Nods that it's at 100%. Whistles at this ship of the line. Loves Steamrunners just as much as Norways::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO:How long till we reach Origin space?

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Gives the Captain the look of "how do I know"::

<Q_XO_Azhure> QCO: I think I remember how to play this role.  But I give fair warning, a station is different from a starship, no matter what folks might like to think.

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> ::Runs a diagnostic on the life support in the affected section and tries to reroute power::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::an unpleasant expression briefly crosses her face, as she is familiar with just how different stations are from starships, and is very glad to be on the latter::

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::overhears the request and answers before he can be asked:: NXO: Approaching destination. Dropping out of warp in sixty seconds.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Sighs and takes a seat in a vacant chair, remembering her behavior last time she was on the Quirinus bridge with a slight blush.::

ACTION - The life support flickers back on. It appears a power conduit wasn't properly repaired after the Naftali's..."accident."

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> :: Crosses her arms and smirks:: NXO: If you don't want to ask the FCO, I’ll do it.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Sir... long range sensors have picked up a ship on an intercept course with us. Point of origin is somewhere in the Ko'ra system. No positive identification as yet.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::nods as the analysis shows underway, then checks on a few of his smaller research projects before heading out of the lab, nodding to this or that nurse as he passes through::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: I'll keep that in mind

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Gives her the "I think he answered your question already" look::

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Crosses arms, and looks at the time: 22:10. They should be arriving at their destination soon if the calculations are correct. Calls out:: Tucker, what's our alignment on the injection matrix!

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCTO/QCSO: Continue scans, QCTO: As soon as were in range, hail them

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Gives the XO "Do you not like talking to me"Look ::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCO: Aye, sir.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> :: taps several controls to bring more sensors to bear on the unknown vessel ::

ACTION - The Naftali's starboard nacelle grazes dangerously close to an instability and the vessel quakes for several moments. Sensors flicker and go offline before returning. Static covers the view screen momentarily.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> <Crewman Tucker> ::Checks readings:: Voliar: Everything's a-okay sir. Alignment's steady.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Watches as the core changes colors as the Quirinus drops out of warp::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::steps out of sickbay, and heads for a turbolift, ordering it to the bridge::

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> EO_Ratchet: Let's run some diagnostics. If that can happen there, we better make sure it doesn't happen anywhere else or to any other systems.

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::curses floridly in Old Vulcan:: Self: Handles like a drunk Tellarite...

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Grabs the arms of his chair::  NFCO: Well, that was exciting... NCTO: What's the readings on the Gatineau?

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> *QCEO*: Report please, anything we should know about up here?::wry grin::

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> <EO_Ratchet> CEO: Right away sir. ::Prepares for the diagnostics::

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Raises and eyebrow as the view screen show static for a few seconds.::

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> *QCO* Just completed the routine level 5, Cap'n, the ship's as fit as can be. Alignment remained steady when we dropped out of warp, and I just checked our antimatter pipes and pods. We're as fit as possible. I leave the safety of my ship up to you now.

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> ::The Tactical Officer brings up a wireframe scan of the Gatineau on the viewers, split screen. The vessel is highlighted in blue, and several readings are displayed:: NXO: Status green, Commander. They are moving into position for the peace talks...

     ACTION -  The unidentified ship comes to station keeping near the border of the Ko'ra system.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Holds on to her chair::  FCO: Easy does it.  XO: Since we do not really have an official science officer, pick a few staff to start running test of the area.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> *QCEO*: Glad to have your confidence. Pangborn out.

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: Simply listening and observing, trying to get the feel once again for command.  Excepts a padd with shift changes, reads through it, then signs it off and hands it back.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCTO: Let's keep half an eye on them while we can...

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Unidentified vessel has halted its approach, sir.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Smiles, and gets back to work::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::steps out of the lift, onto the bridge, and nods once to the command staff as he moves to occupy the chair usually reserved for the counselor::

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::watching her course and speed::

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> NCO: Captain, I have considerable experience with the sensors, I wouldn't mind subbing in on the science department if you'd like?

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> NXO: Aye sir...::Targets lateral sensors towards the Gatineau and other Xherivhan vessels::

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> NCO: Aye, Captain. ::navigates the slow computer interface, finding two of the ship's navigators not currently assigned to anything and sets them on the job::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCO: The ship has a moth-like appearance....

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Acknowledged. QCTO: Any response to hails?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::opens the channel:: QCO: We'll soon find out.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> ::thinks...Moth like::

     ACTION:  Incoming response to hail audio only

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::settles back in his seat, listening to the conversation flowing about the bridge::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCO: Audio only...  let's hear what they have to say ::plays the message::

ACTION - Scans from the port sensor pod are routed from the Stellar Cartography lab to Commander Power's console. The number of instabilities in the Origin system range in the hundreds of thousands.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCTO: Put them on....

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::uses the older copy of LCARS to bring up a couple new windows to display the results of the scans::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: The vessel is now identified as a Ko'ra battlecruiser, sir.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Then we should be expected

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::curious as to what they have to say, waits for the message to come through::

<ASM_Mitch> COM: Ko'ra Ship:  Federation ship.  We have identified you as Quirinus.  Confirm?  We are Battlecruiser Xan'thar.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Forwards the readings to the navigational computer, then points to the console getting the Captain's attention::  NCO: Quite an unstable region.

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::mutters:: Self: And a fine hello to you too....

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> COMM: Ko'ra: This is the Quirinus. We were told you requested our presence

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::raises eyebrow::

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::She strides over to the science station, and takes a seat at the vacant chair.  As she looks down, she smiles, the configuration on the console was almost the same as her father's ship.  She begins looking over the scans of the region.::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Looks down at the console and takes a look:: NXO: Indeed, I hope it won't cause to many problems.  Commander, are we going to have a problem, you and I?

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCO: Not that I'm aware of.  As long as you stay conscious throughout the trip, and I don't have to take charge of this rusty bucket.

<ASM_Mitch> <Xan'thar>COM: Quirinus:  Confirmed we will send coordinates for you to follow.  We will escort you to Central Complex Hive.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Looks over to the NCMO:: NCMO: If you would like to take over in the science position, that would be great.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> COMM: Ko'ra: We'll await your coordinates and follow you

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QFCO: Let me know where they've got us headed

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: They seem quite efficient. Admirable.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Adjusts the magnetic containment fields a little bit:: Self: There, that's better.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Understood sir.

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCO: I have the coordinates, I'm forwarding them to the FCO now.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> NCO: I'm detecting the instabilities are more dense the closer to the system's center.  Also, the center of the system appears to be a pure white subspace rupture...

ACTION - The power display in front of Chandra levels out as the ship seems to "settle." All is well with the world. For now.

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCSO: Quite efficient, but also quite unfriendly...  a "hi, how are you doing" couldn't have hurt anyone...

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Yes, unlike some other races in this area QCTO: Acknowledged

<ASM_Mitch> <Xan'thar> COM Quirinus: Sending now.  Do not deviate from coordinates.  Xan'thar out.

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::reads the incoming sensor data with growing alarm:: NXO: You won't like where that is, Commander. It's... unfriendly.

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::forwards the coordinates to flight::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Make some wide range scans as we progress along the path provided, see what’s out there

<Q_XO_Azhure> QCO: Do not deviate?  Interesting.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCTO: Coordinates received and laid in.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QFCO: Lay in course and engage.

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> ::The Gallamite Tactical officer blinks several times and speaks softly to himself:: Out loud: ...impossible...

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Shakes her head:: Self: This is going to be a long shift. ::Looks over to the XO::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: Interesting to say the least

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCTO: What was that, Lieutenant?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::frowns at the complexity of the instructions, hoping the FCO could understand them better than she could:: QFCO: Be careful, the instructions they sent aren't easy to follow... apparently they aren't much for giving directions.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Understood sir course laid in and executed.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Takes the readings she is receiving of the central subspace rupture and runs it through the computer's database for anything similar on record.::

     ACTION: The Quirinus takes an Aft course behind the Xan'thar as they cross into Ko'ra space.

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::hesitates for a moment before synching the ship's course with the listed coordinates, heading deeper in to the mouth of hell::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Yes, sir.    QCTO: Not all cultures value friendliness. It took me several months at the Academy to learn the skill.

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> NXO: I'm picking up some unusual readings, inside one of the larger instabilities sir...::Routes the data to the starboard sensor pod and to Doctor Alexander::

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> ::Begins to review the results of the diagnostics that have already finished::

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCTO: It is not a problem to follow.  ::trims the pitch and adjusts the heading and brings the port thruster on for a two second burst to straighten out the Q::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NFCO: Nice and easy, your doing fine.  ::Watches the view screen::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> QCO/QXO: You probably aught not to be surprised. Given what little contact we've had with the Ko'ra, regardless to what we say our intentions are, they're going to be incredibly... guarded, perhaps, is the right word.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Sir on course right behind them.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Sees a flashing light, mumbles:: Self: What is that hotshot conn. officer doing already with the thrusters ...

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCMO: Good choice of words

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QFCO: ETA?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::cocks an eyebrow:: QCSO: How do you tell whether or not they despise you, then?

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Checking sir.

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::keeps the ship at one half impulse to allow himself lots of time to react::

<Q_XO_Azhure> QCMO: Given their xenophobia, it is surprising we are even here... though not surprising Starfleet jumped at the chance to send someone in.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::looks up to the CTO and nods in thanks as she receives his sensor data and analyzes it.:: CO: Captain, It appears there is a stable energy signature in one of the ruptures; meaning it's artificial.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::nods:: QXO: All in the name of peace, commander. And after the peace conference nearly being derailed, we can use all the "in the name of peace" we can get.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> <Crewman Tucker> ::Approaches the CEO with some PADDs:: CEO: Here are the full results of the level 5 diag, sir, as well as requests for engineering repairs ... the usual ... replicators going haywire ... a few sonic showers not too "sonicy" ... light fixtures not working in the corners of Nero's ...

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NCMO: Try and track what’s causing them.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCTO: As I said, it is a skill that many nonhumans must learn.

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> NXO: At least this walrus has good eyes, sir. I'm getting an accurate reading of the anomalies. But we won't be able to go very deep. It's too dense.

<Q_XO_Azhure> QCO: Did you receive the report Matisse and I wrote up concerning our experience with them?

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Did we get the scans that Crossroads received, in regards to the alien vessel?

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Sighs:: Self: Bloody sonic showers.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: It seems we are being herded, sir... several subspace rifts have appeared on either side of our course.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO: I forget, were you privy to some blue prints of an unknown station?

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> Tucker: All right, put them in my office.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Nods over her shoulder, and looking back to the console taps away, recalibrating the sensors for a closer look.  She tries to determine what is inside the rift.::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: Yes, but I've slept since then. Feel free to refresh my memory

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> <Crewman Tucker> ::Nods, and heads off to the CEO's office with the stack::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::narrows her eyes after hearing the CSO's report on the rifts, and checks her own console to see the pattern in them::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Looks like they're intent  on keeping us on course

ACTION:  As the Q approaches the rifts, subspace turbulence increases as if the rifts are pulling against each other.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QFCO: Let me know how much of a hindrance the rifts are causing

<Q_XO_Azhure> QCO: We are have been allowed to sleep since arriving here?  On our way to an... assignment, they crossed our paths and threatened to destroy us.  They were not about to accept any excuses.

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::trims the pitch and brings the ship around slightly compensating for the pull of the rift::

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Sir at the moment not a problem but maybe later it might be a problem.

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::keeping the course heading exactly on target as orders dictated::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: It's an expression.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::raises an eyebrow at the CSO's report:: QCO/QXO: Just one more thing, I suspect, to make sure we behave ourselves. This is one species that values its secrecy more than peace in the region, it looks like.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Feels the shaking of the ship:: Aloud: Oh lovely, subspace disruptions. ::Rushes to make sure core's intact::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCMO: I have yet to see *any* of them with a real desire for peace

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::The mood core shifts from blue to red as the stabilizers deal with the turbulence::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Are we able to discern exactly where we are, or are the rifts preventing it?

     ACTION: The ship shutters a bit before dampers kick in.

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: Chuckles::  QCO: And I was teasing.  As for our previous situation, luck got us out of there.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: yes, sir. The Ko'ra scans are very strange. I am having difficulty decoding their data protocols. The scans appear to display a kind of transwarp conduit, with a large vessel not far from the terminus.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: Lets hope you brought some of that luck with you

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> QCO: ::nods:: True. But the Ko'ra are so far the most openly opposed to it, if that makes sense.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Sir with the course we are following will take us at least a couple of hours before we reach our destination.  With all the adjustments and little corrections I have no precise idea just yet.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> ::thinks:: QCSO: Interesting

ACTION - The Naftali view screen shows the Gatineau off in the distance. A feed from the Gatineau broadcasts on public channels for those interested in listening in on the rather drab talks. Sulek it seems has died and gone to heaven.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Flicks her long hair back, and glances to the captain.:: CO: Ma'am, from the readings I’m getting I’d theorize it's a quantum singularity.  They have been used for artificial purposes by other races, the Romulans for instance, use them to power their ships.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> Lt. Gargle & Ens. Dabrams: Inertial dampeners were off by .56 seconds, go and re-calibrate. Call up Jakobs, he should be on deck 7, to help.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCO: An unknown station, Captain?  How would I know if I had seen prints of an unknown station?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::drums her fingers uncomfortably on the console:: QCMO/QCO/QCSO: Or they're just toying with us...

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Scanning through the rifts is uncertain. We can scan without difficulty in the corridor between them.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QFCO: Acknowledged. Keep me informed

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::nods:: QCO: Understood sir.

QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> Self: That's the problem with these unexplored regions. The computer doesn't have the proper analysis of the subspace eddies ... makes for a shaky ride.

     ACTION: As the ship clears the rifts, the pre-set coordinates kick in and it banks hard to port.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Walks into his office, and takes a seat at the desk, looking over the level 5 diag reports::

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> NCMO: A quantum singularity inside a subspace rupture? Isn't that a tad bit impossible, ma'am?

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::thinks:: Toying? Well, I guess some people might figure stopping a peace conference with a virus would about equal "toying".

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: We... just missed a huge rift that was directly in our path as we exited the corridor.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO: we found blueprints for a station, not like anything we've seen before...we had our engineers take a look at it, it was agreed upon it could be a weapon of some sort.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Grips his desk as the inertial dampeners once again do not properly compensate:: Self: Gah! Rochelle needs to properly learn how to program to compensate for coming out of a subspace shift like that. ::Shakes his head::

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::starts to gain ground on Gatineau::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Did it close the exit route?

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: Turns to look at Kraight::  QCSO: Because of the coordinates they gave us?

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO/QXO: I believe that it was another method of 'herding' us.

     ACTION: The Xan'Thar drops speed.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::turns to a console and calls up what information he can on the Ko'ra... it's gonna be needed::

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Continues reading::

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::brings the ship back 15 degrees to starboard and uses the RCS thrusters on the starboard side for a three second burn to straighten out the sudden banking of the Quirinus.::

<Q_XO_Azhure> All: A warning that it would not be wise to 'deviate'?

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> All: This is more than a little disturbing. ::doesn't like the lack of control:: QFCO: I take it you're following exactly as outlined?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QXO/QCO: Like I said, they're toying with us.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Yes sir I am as per instructions but the sharp bank was unplanned by me.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Wonders::  NCO: A weapon... hm.  I'd probably recognize a weapon... a whole station, though, as a weapon?

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCTO: I agree. Bring the ship to yellow alert. I've got a bad feeling about this

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> NCTO: Well, yes... there should be nothing there, since space simply doesn't exist inside the rupture.  I can't explain it...

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> All: Clearly the Ko'ra do not want us exploring their system.

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::brings up the yellow alert:: QCO: You and me both ::doesn't like being toyed with::

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Sir slowing down the ship sir as they have dropped their speed.

<ASM_Mitch> <Xan'thar>COM Quirinus:  We are reducing speed for your safety.  We failed to account for your lack of familiarity with this system.  Maintain course; we warn again, do not deviate.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> ::stands:: QCSO: Apparently not

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::moves the LRS window over to the side and brings up a new SRS window, taking in the gathering of dots and rapidly filling text:: NCO/NXO: Sirs, We have the Gatineau, as well as the Lilithine and Noori representatives' ships with escorts.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QFCO: Keep on the coordinates they gave us - like we have a choice

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> QCO: Captain, I should caution you to walk on an eggshell or two when dealing with them. A single misspoken word and we could have to leave this system... in a *real* hurry.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Hears the chime of yellow alert:: Self: So much for a bit of reading time. ::Jumps to his feet and looks for the shift leaders in engineering to make sure proper yellow alert mode preparations are made::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::continues drumming her fingers on the console, but more irritatedly than before::

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Sir if they decide to deviate I have no choice but to follow them.  Since they gave us their own course.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Pushes the NXO aside from his chair console and logs into the blueprints with her ID:: NXO: I would have figured your CO would have let you have a peek at these already, guess not.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NFCO: Just sitting there watching us, huh?

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCMO: I'll keep that in mind. What a great opportunity to develop my non-existent diplomacy skills

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Ponders for a moment, than scans the signature of the quantum anomaly, checking to see if it's signature even matches this universe.::

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Taps comm. badge:: *Gargle / Dabrams* This is Voliar, keep up with the dampeners compensation, and don't report to your yellow alert station just yet. If we do end up taking a few hits ... I'm sure the bridge crew would like to remain standing to fight back.

ACTION - The station specifications recovered by Captain Matisse and Commander Azhure come up on the display. The markings are clearly Lilithine in origin...but the technology is far beyond anything one would expect them to possess.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::smirks faintly:: QCO: I'm sure I could talk you through it if necessary. I do have the training... I just didn't think I'd have to use it on this assignment.

ACTION - The Xan'thar again turns heading to the center of their space.  The coordinates skirt the large rift the turn avoided.  Turbulence is felt.

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> NXO: Watching each other, I suspect. Should we move in to formation?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> ::rolls her eyes at Michael's obvious butt-kissing but says nothing::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCMO: Consider yourself 'in' on any diplomatic expeditions

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO: That is what I think is in here

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Reads over the specs and 'hm's to himself a couple times::

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::brings the Q around hard to avoid the rift and swings her back into place with the 12 degree down pitch to re align her once again behind the Xan'thar::

<Q_XO_Azhure> :: smiles:: QCO: I think I might be of use in that area.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Jumps in:: NFCO: Negative, we are on our own.

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> ALL: A station, inside a subspace rift...powered by a quantum singularity? ::He looks around and his brain appears to shift in the fluid around his brain:: Doesn't that sound a little odd to you?

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Considers the energy flow, trying to think for once as an engineer::  NCO: You think... THAT... is in... THERE?

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QXO: Trust me, you're just as included as the chief medical officer - I'm counting on you

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> NC::acknowledges the captain's order and keeps his distance::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::either misses or just plain ignores Adrienne's eye rolling, his eyes on the information he's able to pull up about their latest diplomatic opposition::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO: Did I stutter, I think that’s why "we" were sent here.  We need to find it, and fast.

ACTION - The Naftali cleanly avoids a nearby rift but due to interference the sensors go down for several moments. The view screen flickers off and the bridge crew is left with static.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Four more rifts, forward and starboard. Alignment to our course is exact.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Eyes the Captain for a few moments::  NCO: Let's see how hard it would be to realign our shields to do the same... go in after it.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Clearly the Ko'ra have a mastery of subspace technology far beyond that of Federation science.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Pouts as her readout turns to snow.::  NCO: Sensors temporarily down... must have been that last anomaly.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: I feel caged. QFCO: Keep us on course.

<QFCO_Rochelle> QCO: Keeping on course sir.

     ACTION - The Xan'thar rises 8 degrees.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> All: Give everything a moment. ::Waits and counts::

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> NCO: Tactical sensors are down...attempting to switch to back-ups.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> QCO: This looks like Ko'ra for "Stay on course or be disabled."

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: I recall reading about experiments run by ancient Earth psychologists, involving rats in a maze. Now I understand the point of view of the rat.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Can you think of anything - hypothetical of course - that would account for this artificial creation?

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Attempts to recalibrate her sensors.::

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::frowning:: NCO/NXO: Navigational sensors are offline. We're flying blind. If we drift in to one of those eddies, our shields won't hold.

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::watches view screen and sees the Xan'thar rise and does the same thing by raising the Q 8 degrees upward::

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NFCO: Then let's try to not drift into oblivion.  Cease movement temporarily.

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> ::Notes the extensive continuing subspace fissures. Goes to a main computer and opens "Aquilae protocols" for magnetic field manipulation and automatic matter / anti-matter injections to maintain smooth running::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::sends word to sickbay, and gets the report that all is in place, just in case this yellow alert turns to a red one::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Isolitic burst weaponry, such as that used by the So'na, can create subspace rifts... but not with this degree of precision.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> *NCEO*: Ensign Chandra, I need you to report to the Bridge, please.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: They must have found some way to control it

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Taps her foot:: NXO: Is the engineering on a lunch break?

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCSO/QCO: I may have an idea - if you look at the patterns of the Ko'ra battle cruiser and the subspace rifts, they move in unison - it's navigation is perfect, too perfect to be controlled by anything remotely humanoid.  What if it's a part of the navigational system of the battlecruiser itself?

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> NXO: Aye. All stop. ::kills the impulse engines and applies negative thrust with the forward RCS vents::

<Q_XO_Azhure> All:  Keep in mind we are dealing with an insectoid race with a hive mind mentality... very different from a humanoids.  Try not to anthropomorphize.

ACTION - The U.S.S. Naftali comes to a dead stop in space. The sound of static fills the bridge. Brought the haze and the bright lights of the subspace fissures, the crew can almost swear they can see the shape of a hull off on the port side.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCTO: An astute observation. QCSO: Opinion Kraight?

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> *NXO*: Aye sir. On my way.

     ACTION - One of the biobeds not in use in sickbay flickers on and then off.

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> <QMO_Ens_Yates> ::blinks as the biobed flickers, and goes to run a diagnostic on the unit::

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> *QCEO*: How is the ship holding up under these conditions?

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO/QCTO: Quite possible, sir. They may create the rifts as anchor points against which their propulsion system operates.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> ::Tilts her head to the port side and squints""

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Take as many readings as you can for further study

<QCEO_LtCmdr_Voliar> *QCO* I've implemented the Aquilae protocols to make sure our core automatically modifies as per usual subspace fissure disruptions, however I'm maintaining some manual controls as our records are not too familiar with this system.

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> *QCO*: I've seen better sir.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> All: Did anyone else just that?  It looked like a piece of hull...

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCSO: And then leave the rifts open just long enough to make sure we stay on course - their course, specifically.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Yes, sir.    QCTO: That would be easy, given the degree of control they have over the rifts.

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> *QCEO*: Good job, let me know if anything else comes up. Pangborn out.

ACTION - Starboard sensors and Tactical sensors slowly begin to reinitialize. The navigational database begins to startup.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> ::Must have missed something::

<QCTO_LtJg_Kostandinos-Michaels> QCO: Sir, we have an M-class planet on sensors in the middle of the Ko'ra space, and there appear to be billions of life forms on it - I'm guessing it's their homeworld.

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::adjusts the course and brings the Q around slightly to maintain the precise course as per instructions::

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Jumps to her sensors, and takes a closer look at the port side.::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NCMO: When sensors come up, find out what the hell that was

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> ::Enters the Turbo lift:: TL: Bridge.

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NFCO: Keep current position.

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Shall I scan the planet? Given the paranoid nature of our hosts, caution may be called for.

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> NCO: I'm reading a large structure, about 1/2 the size of crossroads station...there's still a lot of interference, attempting to compensate...

<QCO_Cmdr_Pangborn> QCSO: Passive scans only. We don't want to inflame them

<NFCO_LtJG_Ahkileez> ::nods and does absolutely nothing since the ship's already stopped::

<QCSO_Cmdr_Kraight> QCO: Understood, sir.

<NCTO_Lt_Toran> NXO: Bringing Tactical back online...::Sensors data comes back and the Gallamite chief begins to bring up information on their shields:: NXO: No damage to shields or structural integrity, sir.

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> ::Exits the turbolift onto the bridge::

<NCO_Captain_Matisse> NXO: I think we found our station.... Here's an idea, work with the CTO to see if we can board this thing.

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCTO: Good, good.... ::Sees the CEO coming::

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> NXO: Chandra reporting sir.

<QFCO_Rochelle> ::executes an quick turn to keep the ship on course::

<QCMO_Ens_Jervase> ::nods in agreement with the QCO's scan order::

<NCMO_Ens_Alexander> ::Does her best, to glean out any bio readings from all the interference.::

<NXO_Cmdr_Powers> NCO: Understood... NCEO: We may need to reconfigure the ship's shields to get closer to that rift....

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> NXO: Aye sir.

<NCEO_Ens_Chandra> ::Sits at the engineering station::

ACTION - The Xan'thar takes an unscheduled 90 degree turn to starboard.  The Quirinus is suddenly facing a newly formed rift dead ahead...

ACTION - Sensors on the Naftali detect a massive energy spike and sensors go offline once more. Static fills the bridge and the Gallamite Chief Tactical Officer curses loudly. The Naftali is left blind and alone in a minefield...
     
     =/\==/\=END Mission=/\==/\=