Summary - The Xherivhan. A region of instability...both scientifically and politically. The region is littered with thousands of ever changing subspace anomalies, and it's people are constantly preparing for war.

Starfleet, unable to deal with the deep hatred between the five native Xherivhan species pulled out of Crossroads a year ago, literally handing control of the sector over to the Noori Syndicate. Now the Syndicate has requested the return of the U.S.S. Quirinus...

They are set to rendezvous with the Noori Cruiser Celestial in ten minutes. Their Khali prisoners have been transported away...now the Quirinus sits on the edge of the Xherivhan. Shimmering lights await them over the threshold...a sign of the chaos that is to come...

=/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission - "The Xherivhan Wars - The Edge of the Storm"=/\=

CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Quietly sitting on the bridge in her chair.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge:: XO: Get your crew aboard the BOP and cloak.  Engineering can re-establish shields as we go.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: I've made all the preparations for the Klingon BOP. We're on our way.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: With the XO ::
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
::on the bridge, at the helm, glad that the prisoners were now in good hands::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Excellent.  We will keep all communications on a closed scrambled channel.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: chooses to remain at Science One for the moment ::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Any word from Starfleet what kind of support we are authorized once in the Xherivhan sector?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: wandering about the corridors trying to find a turbolift ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checking LRS for the Noori cruiser ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Ops> CO: According to Admiral Crenshaw's office, the request by the Noori is of a scientific nature...sir...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*FCO*: You're with me, report to transporter room one for an away mission to the Klingon ship. ::nods at Powers, and leaves::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: Scans?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
*XO*: On my way, sir. :: stops at a LCARS panel to bring up a ship schematic to find the turbolift ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands in the turbolift:: CTO: We'll need to bring shielding back on line
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*XO* Time is short
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The Celestial is en route on an intercept course, at approximately Warp 5. They will be within communications range in three minutes, and will intersect our position two minutes after that.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: I understand.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: But getting the cloak back up is priority one

ACTION - The holographic viewscreen shows the Celestial moving through space. The vessels hull is a beautiful silver and the vessel is sleek...and almost looks like a silver whale gliding through space.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: steps down to stand by the Captain's command chair, hands him a PADD ::  CO: Report on the Dragon's logs, sir. No evidence of direct contact with any race of the Crossroads Sector. There is some modified Lilithine technology aboard, however.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::exits the turbolift with Powers and enters transporter room one::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: As soon as XO is on the BOP release tractor.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Staring for awhile at the closed lift doors, she finally turns around toward the viewscreen.::
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
:sighing slightly to himself, he relaxes, his shoulders slump a bit before he sits back up... it has been a long day::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: returns to his station :: CO: Aye, sir.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: finds the turbolift on the schematic and heads for it :: TL: Deck 3
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::steps up on the pad::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looking at PADD:: ::He turns.:: CSO: They could have also easily traded for the technology from a third source or even stolen it.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Transport Chief> XO: Taking control of an enemy vessel, sir? Tis bad luck, says I...::He prepares the transport::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the sensors :: CO: The cruiser shows life signs of about 100 Noori aboard, as best as I can make out. As usual, the readings are muddled and in severe flux.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
:: runs out of the turbolift towards Transporter Room 1, and pauses at the door to straighten his uniform before walking in and standing on a pad next to the XO ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Transporter Chief: Gee thanks.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Possibly. I found no trace of Lilithine DNA aboard. The installations could easily have been completed by the pirates themselves.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: Understood.  *XO* You have less than a minute to get cloaked.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<OPS> CO: Sir, we're receiving an incoming communication from the Celestial.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks his rifle a third time as they wait for the helmsman ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Transporter chief: Energize. We don't have time to wait

ACTION - The Chief nods and in a shimmer of bright blue lights Pangborn and Company are beamed onto the bridge of the Crimson Dragon. The vessel is small and cramped, but fully functional. Ensign Roebling greets them.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: On screen.  *XO* Hailing the Celestial.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CTO: Bring the cloak on line
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@*CO*: We'll be cloaked in no time
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Releasing tractor beam...  :: taps a control ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
#COM: CO: This is Ambassador Starr'aela of the Celestial...please respond.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@XO: I'll do my best.  :: Grabs an engineer and insists he show him to the cloaking device ::

ACTION - The tractor beam is released and the Crimson Dragon vanishes from the Quirinus' scanners as the ship cloaks.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Com: Starr'aela:  It has been some time since we have seen each other, Ambassador.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::has a seat, satisfied::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
@:: takes the helm of the Crimson Dragon ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: notes the Crimson Dragon disappearing from sensors, but says nothing while a commlink is open to the Noori... ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
#::The Ambassador looks confused and then the small Noori, who looks no older then the age of six, smiles:: COM: CO: My apologies, Captain Sulek...I am the replacement for Starr'entia...s/he was...removed of office following her attempted bombing on Crossroads last year.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@Duty OPS: Lets have a listen to what the Quirinus is saying - and hearing
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::pauses:: COM: Starr'aela: My mistake it was the similarities in names.  Please accept my apologies.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@<OPS> XO: On audio
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
#::S/he bows politely, looking very similar to Starr'entia in appearance:: COM: CO: We shall be within range momentarily...do you require time to prepare before our departure?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Is led to a panel in engineering, and peers at a strange device ::  Aloud: Not my usual expertise... :: pulls out a tricorder and scans what might be wrong with it ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@FCO: Maintain status, matching course and speed of the Quirinus
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Starr'aela: We are prepared to follow you to Crossroads station.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
@XO: Aye, sir.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Quietly she observes the woman, gathering impressions on the replacement.::
CIV_Capt_Tannis says:
::in between keeping his eyes on the helm, he reviews the transfer of the prisoners, and goes through the circumstances of their capture, on his padd, to pass the time...::

ACTION - The Celestial drops out of warp not far from the Quirinus. She immediately begins intensive scans of the Starfleet vessel.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We are being scanned, Captain.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: Starr'aela: Is there something you are looking for, Ambassador?
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
#COM: CO: Excellent...::S/he gives a very child-like smile:: If it acceptable to you, Captain, I would like to come aboard and join you and your crew during the trip to Crossroads...there is much I would like to discuss with you.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: His scans complete, he sets it aside for later study :: Eng: Let's take a look at those shields now.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Starr'aela: We will send coordinates.  Please let us know when you are ready.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Starr'aela: Until you come aboard.  Sulek Out.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
#COM: CO: I look forward to it...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::motions for ops to cut the transmission::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@COM CO: Captain, the cloak appear operational, We were not detected
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
ACTION - The Operations officer cuts the transmission and prepares to send coordinates over. The Celestial slow and moves alongside the Quirinus...not far from the Crimson Dragon's position.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Sulek as the comm is cut.:: CO: I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with Starr'aela.  You will find s/he honest and forthright.  I believe s/he will be upfront with us.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@FCO: Move us off a tad. Get away from the Celestial
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM XO: The Noori Ambassador is riding with us.  Be careful of contact with us.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I will see to quarters for the Ambassador.  :: leaves the bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@COM: CO. I will have OPS provide a text liaison for us then.
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
@XO: Aye, sir. Separating distance from the Celestial. :: manipulates the Crimson's helm controls ::

ACTION - Swirling energy can be seen around the Celestial, like translucent ghosts hovering around a dead ship. Scans identify the energy masses as Noori bio-signs...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CNS: Your evaluation is appreciated, Counselor.  I do not like the deception of the BOP, but until we know what has happened in this sector...it is necessary.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Nods::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: XO: Understood.

ACTION - The Crimson Dragon moves away from the silver hull of the Celestial. The Noori vessel is a behemoth compared to the small Bird of Prey.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches as the Noori bio signs show on screen. he had forgotten that part of their technology::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Reads aloud as his tricorder picks up specifics ::  All: Typical pirate systems... just cobbled together.  These shields aren't meant to work like this; I'm surprised they stood up like they have at all.  Let's get a proper power conduit routed through the secondary systems, and then we're realign the forward and port grids.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<OPS> CO: Sir, Ambassador Starr'aela has signalled that she is prepared to beam over.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: returns ::  CO: The quarters are ready, sir.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Security: send a formal honour guard to TR1.  OPS: Notify the ambassador we will beam her aboard as soon as Transporter is adjusted for hir unique life form.  CSO: I will go and greet the ambassador.  You have the con.  ::turns and leaves to TL:: TR1.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Transporter Chief* Prepare the Noori bio grid for beam in.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves down to sit in the command chair ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Transporter Chief> *CO*: Aye sir...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::arrives deck and moves down the hall::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he arrives at the door just as two honour guard do. they enter::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<OPS> CSO: Sir...I'm receiving an incoming communiqué...::He glances at the display and looks a little confused:: It's weak, and it's coming from Crossroads Station.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: On screen.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Transporter Chief: Lock on and energize.  One to beam aboard.

ACTION - In a shimmer of blue light the transport chief begins to bring Starr'aela aboard. The signal degrades and the Chief compensates. It takes almost a full minute to beam hir aboard...

Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<OPS> CSO: It's audio only...sir...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: Let's hear it.

ACTION - A static filled comm signal plays over the intercom...a whispering voice can be heard in the background...

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: Try to clean that up.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Voice> COM: CSO: H-hello? Qverinsss? Is this Commandir Pangbor...? Bill? H-hello?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Looks over at Kraight::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: Station: This is Commander Kraight of the Quirinus. Please identify yourself.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@*CTO*: Report. How are those shields coming?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the ambassador forms, finally, he steps to greet hir:: Starr'aela: Ambassador, welcome aboard the USS Quirinus.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Voice> COM: CSO: This is a priority communi-communi...comm message thiny for the Federmeration Starship Qveriunus...this is Trogdo...can you hear me Bill?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: Trogdo: Ambassador Trogdo. This is Chief Science Officer Kraight of the Quirinus. Commander Powers is on assignment. Can I help you?
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
::Dressed in a long flowing, and translucent gown, the Ambassador steps down from the transporter pad and bows:: CO: Greetings Captain, thank you for having me aboard.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@*XO*: If this was a Starfleet ship, I'd say things were a mess... but this is a pirate ship.  So we'll try to make due.  It might be twenty minutes or so until we get power rerouted properly.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Stands and moves over to Kraight.  Quietly:: CSO: The Tzani Ambassador.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@*CTO*: Keep me informed. Pangborn out.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Gets back to work with the engineers - it's been so long since he's done anything like this ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@FCO: Quiet over here ::drums his fingers::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela: We will see that any items you need are brought aboard and moved to your quarters.  Would you like to go there first or is your information for us more pressing?
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Trogdo> COM: CO: Please Qverinus...you need to help us, you're our only hope...please...can you hear ussss?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: Trogdo: Yes, Ambassador, we can hear you. Can you tell us what the problem is, please?
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
@XO: Yes, it is, sir.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CO: I was hoping to begin by speaking to your Commander Kraight and your Doctor Jervase if they were available.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: goes back to Science One and initiates a long-range scan of Crossroads Station and its vicinity ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Trogdo> COM: CSO: Qui is de problem...you see s/he, it, they...they've been attacking us, hurting us and trying to destroy the Blissses...we're outlaweded on our own planet...we need your Federmeration help...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: Trogdo: Is your homeworld under attack, Ambassador?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Eng: Get over to that console there and watch the power levels, we're going to try a basic test.  :: points at the intended target, and then when the man is in position, begins a basic power cycle - too small to be detected by external sensors, so they don't blow their cloak ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela:  Commander Kraight is on the bridge.  You can meet him there or I can arrange for a private meeting room.  Dr. Jervase is unfortunately not immediately available.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CSO: Qui?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: makes a 'who knows' gesture typical of Benzites ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CO: May I see him immediately? ::S/he moves off of the pad and heads towards the corridor, nodding politely to the guards::

ACTION - One of the re-routed power supplies threatens to overload on Powers, but then levels off...

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela: Of course.  This way…::follows. he enters the hall following the Ambassador:: to your left ambassador.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CSO: There is something wrong with that.  Qui as always been supportive of peace.

ACTION - The Noori Ambassador seems to hover more then walk as s/he heads down the corridor towards the nearest lift.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::they approach the TL:: Security: Honour detail, dismissed.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::they enter TL:: Bridge.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Perhaps s/he has taken a new philosophy.  OPS: Are we still receiving a signal from the station?
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CO: I must apologize for the confusion earlier, Captain. Starr'entia was, as I mentioned removed following her attempted treason. The Syndicate elected to drain her for her insubordination...
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<OPS> CSO: Barely...the signal doesn't seem to be coming on any major channels...possibly piggy-backed on another comm signal.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*CSO* Commander, Ambassador Starr'aela would like to have a word with you.  ::hoping to give Kraight some warning about their arrival in case a channel with Pangborn is open::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CSO: I saw s/he in a... type of... vision if you want to call it that.  S/he was fighting with our people.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@All: Well... that was certainly exciting.  Let's see if we can add a regulator to that area, try to stave off the overloading.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Understood, Captain.

ACTION - A few of the junior officers nod to Powers and set to work. One gets a slight energy zap, but works through the numbing sensation, trying to regulate the power flow.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Your visions are not to be discounted, Counselor.  OPS: Prepare to match course and speed to the Noori cruiser.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela:  Crossroads seems a long time ago.  I am surprised at myself for not remembering the incident immediately.  Still this sector has changed.  I understand Qui is now an Aeon.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: Trogdo: Ambassador? Are you still there?
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<OPS> CSO: Aye sir...
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Trogdo> COM: CSO: Yes Qverinus...will you help us...?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@FCO: Stay with them...Looks like the other ship is returning to crossroads.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
<Trogdo> COM: CSO: Commander Bill would help us...Pangbor would help us...please...help us...

ACTION - The Celestial begins to move off and the U.S.S. Quirinus follows suit. The Celestial's engines charge and the ship seems to shimmer a bright silver...

CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: It would help if they could contact those two.  Looks at Kraight with that silent message.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: Trogdo: We are en route to Crossroads Station now, Ambassador. I am certain that Captain Sulek will want to discuss this matter with you.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela: An interesting title.  What does it mean, exactly?  Has the structure of the Syndicate changed?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sees the Counselor's meaning, and nods ::
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
@XO: Aye, sir. Pursuing the Celestial. :: punches in the relevant commands in the Crimson's helm console ::
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CO: The Syndicate? No, all remains the same. Starr'entia's essence was reabsorbed by the whole, s/he is no more.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@FCO: Stay close to the Quirinus...we don't want to be detected unless we have to
FCO_Ens_Thursson says:
@XO: Aye, sir. "Trailing" the Celestial.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::notes that s/he does not answer the question about Qui:: Starr'aela: And the title of Aeon? Has Qui a new authority?
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CO: Yes...but I will allow the Aeon to discuss that with you personally. ::S/he goes silent and waits for the turbolift doors to open for hir::

ACTION - The Crimson Dragon moves in behind the Quirinus and all three ships go to warp in a row. Power levels on the Crimson Dragon spike and one of the Engineers with Powers rushes off to make sure everything will remain within safe levels.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela: Of course.  ::the TL arrives and stepping onto the bridge:: CSO: Commander, this is Ambassador Starr'aela.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns, bows ::  Starr'aela: An honour, Ambassador.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Quietly watches::

ACTION - Starr'aela hovers onto the bridge of the U.S.S. Quirinus. S/he notices the senior staff and nods politely but then s/he focuses hir attention on Kraight:: CSO: Greetings Commander, I have heard a great deal about you...it is a pleasure to meet you.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Starr'aela: How may I be of service?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Starr'aela: I will leave you to talk to the commander.  Kraight: You may use my ready room if there is a need for privacy.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CSO: The Noori Syndicate formally extends an invite for you to join us on the Celestial, Commander. We require your assistance analyzing data on a new subspace anomaly detected in the Holy Space.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Thank you, sir.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
@::sends a message to Sulek, informing him that all is well, and the shielding will be fixed soon::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
CO: When you have time, we need to talk... again.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: raises a non-eyebrow ::  Starr'aela: Indeed? What manner of anomaly have you encountered?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves over to Azhure:: CNS: The ambassador has asked to speak with Dr. Jervase.  If you wish, since it appears Commander Kraight and the Ambassador are going to be here...we can go to your office to see if we can arrange his schedule.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CSO: My knowledge in the sciences is limited I am afraid, however I have been asked to extend our invitation to you, effective immediately. It is hoped that you may be able to unravel a mystery before our arrival at Crossroads.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
:: Nods::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Starr'aela: I am greatly honoured by your request, Ambassador. I will, of course, need to consult Captain Sulek before I can accept.
Ambassdor_Starr`aela says:
CSO: Of course...we await your response with great anticipation.

ACTION - The U.S.S. Quirinus follows behind the Celestial. Without the sensor enhancements on the Crimson Dragon, the Klingon Bird of Prey must rely on the Quirinus to be it's eyes and ears. The three ships make their way quickly towards Crossroads Station and into the depths of an ever evolving hell...

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