Summary - Two Years Ago. Following the U.S.S. Quirinus' encounter with the advanced being identified as Serena the Steamrunner class vessel was assigned to a local station where they ran several months of routine drills and patrols.

Not far from the frontier the Quirinus ran several simple missions, a few escorts and in retrospect they had a very boring time. Long before the Xherivhan, almost months before they knew what hells they would soon face, the crew found themselves on just another patrol...

Little did they know that two years later their simple patrol would be the start of much darker, deeper shadows...

=/\==/\=BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission - "Deeper Shadows - What Was To Come"=/\==/\=

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge:: FCO: Steady on course.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: at Science One, monitoring sensors ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::On the bridge sitting::

ACTION - The U.S.S. Quirinus is currently on a routine patrol in Sector 04853. They are travelling towards a binary star system three light-years away to check on the status of a civilian colony. No unusual activity has been reported in the area during the last three months.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Routine patrol is always somewhat mundane.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: It can be. It usually doesn't stay that way this long though
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::in sickbay, finishing up a minor repair of one crewman's arm:: Daniels: There we are... ::sets down the hypospray, and runs the tricorder over the area one last time, just to be sure:: Now, *please* try and remember... there's a reason Starfleet issues anti-grav units to all of it's assigned ships and bases.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
XO/CO: What I wouldn't do for a little bit of excitement...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: That depends upon one's perspective, sir. Due to the unusually low density of interstellar gas in this region, I am getting some excellent quality readings on zero point energy.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Still, I relish these chances to quiet the turmoil of past times and to examine them.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: Careful what you wish for ::beguiling smile::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: Tell me...now that we have a moment. Do you ever wish to return to the construct? Or something similar?
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
XO: Aye sir...::She gives a friendly smile and glances over to Kraight:: CSO: I heard there's a stellar cluster not too far from here that's ripe with anomalies and unexplored phenomenon - a scientists dream...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: I've found that such adventure is seldom like those old stories on the computer.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::watches the crewman head out of the medical area, and sighs slightly as he starts to put things away:: Self: Starfleet engineers. The only thing not on the list of mandatory prereqs is a little common sense...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles at Kincaid ::  OPS: I am familiar with that cluster. Perhaps on my next leave I will charter a shuttle and have a look for myself.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: While the construct was a revealing time, I have no wish to return. It was not, for lack of a better term, home.

ACTION - Long range sensors beep as the Quirinus detects a Sabre class starship 0.4 light-years away, minimal power. Sensors also detect a civilian freighter on an intercept course with the Sabre.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::settles in:: CO: The Quirinus is the only home I have
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::steps away from the biobed, and heads for the CMO's office... having not had a chief assigned yet, there was paperwork that still needed doing::
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
CSO: Rumour has it that the Fifth Fleet will be mobilizing resources there in the next several months...maybe we'll have a chance to get there sooner then expected.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: examines the sensors ::  CO: Two ships on sensors, sir. A Sabre class vessel, and a civilian freighter on intercept with it. I am reading an unusually low power signature from the Sabre.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: Perhaps...but someday you may have to choose another.  Such is the nature of a Starfleet career.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Hail them.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Picking up a Starfleet transponder... It's the Ravencroft, sir.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Lay in and engage a course for the Sabre.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
CO: Aye sir...::She taps a few controls and brings up the comm.:: CO: Transmission open.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: See if they need assistance.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::sits himself behind the desk, and starts combing through medical rosters, finalising a duty schedule for the next few weeks, at least until they return to a starbase and take on additional crew::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: Ravencroft: This the USS Quirinus.  Are you in need of assistance?

ACTION - The Quirinus moves to intercept the U.S.S. Ravencroft.

OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Ravencroft> COM: Quirinus: Ummm, no. Sorry. All is green here, Quirinus. We're fine. No need for assistance.

ACTION - A rather large woman moves into sickbay and glances around for a member of the staff to assist her. "Hello?" she says with a very loud, upbeat tone.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: Ravencroft: You are showing unusually low power.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
<Nurse_Henderson> ::standing at a console near the door, taking inventory, glances over as the doors open:: Woman: Can I help you..?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Scan them as soon as we are in range
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: Ravencroft: Who am I speaking to?  OPS: Contact the freighter and tell them to stay back until we call for assistance.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to focus all sensors on the Starfleet vessel ::
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::puts the finishing touches on the duty roster, and forwards them to the XO for approval::
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
CO: Aye sir...relaying information.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Pangborn:: XO: Ummm?  Not exactly protocol to response.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Ravencroft> COM: CO: Ummm, this is Lt. Commander Soren, Commanding Officer. We're fine Quirinus, just on standby mode. No need to be alarmed.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
XO: I smell a rat....something is not right
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> Henderson: Lieutenant Alexis Summers. ::She reaches out and takes Henderson's hand, shaking it enthusiastically:: Here to report for my physical - gotta stay fit ya know.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Identify Lt. Commander Soren...voice print analysis.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Computer> CO: Processing. ::The computer beeps a few times:: Identification confirmed, Lieutenant Commander Soren, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Ravencroft.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns to Sulek ::  CO: Showing the usual complement of sixty aboard the Ravencroft, sir. There is a secondary power signature emanating from their cargo bay... looks like a cold fusion reactor of some sort.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Soren...what species?

ACTION - The freighter slows to a stop not far from the Ravencroft - they don't appear to be approaching. The Conn officer on the Quirinus announces an ETA of five minutes.

MO_Ens_Jervase says:
<Nurse_Henderson> ::blinks a couple times as her hand's taken, and just... gives her an odd look:: Summers: Right... if you'll find yourself an available biobed, I'll get things started. The doctor should be available soon to see you.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Computer> CO: Vulcan-Human Hybrid.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Computer: run standard stress pattern analysis on Lt. Cmdr. Soren's voice.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Was he raised on Earth or Vulcan?
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::calls up the physical schedule, and starts scrolling down the list of names, not appearing overly interested::
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> Henderson: That's great! ::She beams a bright smile at the nurse and goes to a nearby bed. She hops up and settles her large frame onto the bio-bed, swinging her legs casually over the side::
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Computer> CO: Verifying. Born, Sol III. Raised, Alpha Centauri.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
<Nurse_Henderson> ::lets the woman get settled, then plucks a tricorder off the tray, expertly flipping it open in the same gesture she uses to get it positioned for her scan:: Summers: Just assigned, were you? ::tries to recall whether or not she's seen her medical records come through yet::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: State current mission status of the Ravencroft.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at his display:: CO: Looks like they are running trade negotiations
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::gives the schedule a final, cursory look over, then exits the office, and heads for sickbay proper::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Voice analysis reveals that Soren is under some sort of stress... not much, but it is there. Always hard to judge these things when the Vulcan genome is involved.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> Henderson: Just this week - I'm going to be working with Chief Telarus on the new computer processor we just brought aboard. Fascinating work really, not that medicine isn't fascinating - I just find technology so much more...exhilarating. You see, I'm doing this analysis of a language - Lilithine its called - amazing language...
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> Henderson: Over five thousand dialects don'tcha know...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: Soren: For verification...you were born on Alpha Centauri and raised on Sol III?  Is this information correct?
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Ravencroft> COM: CO: Yes, of course. Sending confirmation of our assignment now, Quirinus...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: gestures to OPS to mute the comm. for a moment ::
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
<Nurse_Henderson> Summers: Trying to at least give the impression of being interested, and failing miserably:: Fascinating, really. ::clears her throat:: Any particular symptoms or complications?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: Get a scan.  How many life-signs do you show compared to regular ships complement.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
::She catches the motion and mutes the communication:: CSO: Something's up...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
XO: He is warning us.  Get a team ready.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> Henderson: Back problems. Doc says I should you know, take care of myself better. Laying underneath that processor all day ain't helping a lick, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Love my work is all...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir, I agree with Commander Pangborn. May I suggest that you exercise your prerogative as Soren's superior officer, and inspect the vessel?
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::stays relatively out of the way, just watching the exchange and calling up her medical profile on a separate console::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: Should we board her?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: I was thinking a little more direct action.  If we can pinpoint people who don't belong on the bridge, we beam them off.  XO: As to the rest, we override Ravencroft's command codes and secure the ship.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
<Nurse_Henderson> ::examines the tricorder readings slightly more closely:: Summers: There does look to be a fair bit more tension than usual... ::looks up, and focuses on her patient:: Summers: Just how much time *do* you spend with that processor, lieutenant?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Understood.  :: returns to his console and configures sensors for a tight scan of the bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
OPS: And you said you were bored
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
::Kincaid runs various scans of both the freighter and the Sabre call vessel:: CSO/XO: Compliment on the freighter is fifteen. She's registered as the S.S. Shadow Star, licensed to a local trade guild. Primary route is between Amundsen and Illusia.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: runs the scan of the other vessel's bridge ::
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> ::She shrugs her shoulders, massive as they are:: Henderson: Ten, maybe twelve hours a day. Sixteen if I've had a good day...::She smiles with pride in her eyes::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: If the normal complement is 60 and if her commander is under duress, then perhaps she left port with a less than standard complement.  Computer: What is Ravencroft crew complement for this mission.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: All personnel on the Ravencroft's bridge have standard commbadge signatures. No anomalous life-signs found.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Computer> CO: Fifty-nine staff, one passenger.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
<Nurse_Henderson> Summers: Mmhmm... ::makes a few less than encouraging clicks with her tongue, then steps away from the bed:: Summers: Go ahead and make yourself a bit more comfortable, lieutenant. The doctor will be with you in a few minutes. ::starts to head in the direction of the CMO's office::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: Then if we cannot identify an enemy, you are correct, I will go and have a look.  Ops: Open Channel.

ACTION - The U.S.S. Quirinus moves into range of the Sabre class vessel and the Ravencroft is shown on screen as they approach. The freighter can be seen in the distance, holding their position.

OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
CO: Channel open, sir.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::has a few words quietly with the nurse as she catches sight of him near the console, and after a couple minutes, both of them nod and he makes his way toward where Summers was left while the nurse enters her latest scans into the lieutenant's file::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM: Soren: Commander: I see that the Ravencroft is overdue for inspection.  As ranking officer, I intend to see that this is taken care of since we have no pressing business.  Prepare for inspection, Commander.
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Ravencroft> COM: CO: Aye sir...we shall prepare for you arrival...ummm, transmitting coordinates now. ::He can be seen motioning to his Operations officer off screen::
OPS_Lt_Kincaid says:
<Summers> MO: Good morning, Doctor...Alexis Summers, pleasure to meet you.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Rising:: CSO/XO/*MO* We are going on an inspection.  COM: Ravencroft: Sulek out.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands:: CO: Right behind you.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, heads for the turbolift ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CSO: You try and find out more about the cold fusion signature.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::is about to reply to Summers when the call comes through, and gives his commbadge an irritated glare:: Summers: Apparently, the actual introductions can wait... doctor T'Lorn will run the rest of your examination.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: This needs to look official.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kincaid: Notify the Trade vessel that they can move on.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::heads into TL:: TR1.

ACTION - Several moments later an away-team has formed. The regular trio of Sulek, Pangborn and Kraight are joined by their new junior medical officer, Michael Jervase.

ACTION - In a shimmer of blue light the group appear in the transporter room aboard the Ravencroft. They are met by Lt. Commander Soren and his Executive Officer, a Bajoran woman with deep, black eyes.

LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO/XO: Welcome aboard the Ravencroft, Captain...Commander. ::He nods politely::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stepping off pad:: Soren: I am Sulek.  Medical Officer Jervase, my CSO Commander Kraight and XO Pangborn.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: steps down from the pad, nods :: Soren: Commander.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::nods::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Soren: Commander
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::sighs and examines his new surroundings, thinking... get assigned to do medical research, and wind up doing everyone's physicals, *and* an inspection.... the beauty of being short staffed::
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::nods to the other ship's CO, but stays quiet::
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: My Executive Officer will be joining us during the inspection, I hope you don't mind. Where would you like to begin? ::He motions towards the exit and into the corridor::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: The Bridge.  I would like Dr. Jervase to inspect the medical records while Commander Kraight checks science.  We will try to be out of your way as quickly as possible.
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: Of course, the sooner we can return to our relative assignments the better it will be for both of us. I'll take you to the bridge...::He looks towards his Lieutenant::...and the Lieutenant will escort your science and medical staff to the appropriate departments.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: Thank you.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: As I understand it, you are doing trade negotiations.  Any progress?
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: Yes...quite actually. ::He smiles and moves down the corridor. He notices the Bajoran Lieutenant take another route, leaving them behind:: CO/XO: We've been negotiating with a rather, stubborn woman who runs the Interstellar Trading Guild - the primary trade organization in this part of space...
LtCmdr_Soren says:
<Lt_Drana> CSO/MO: This way please gentlemen.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: Ahhh, I see.  Why are you on power down?
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::walks in step behind the lieutenant:: Drana: I'd be interested in your take on the cultural differences in the region, lieutenant. I'm... what you might like to call a part-time cultural scientist.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Drana and Jervase ::
LtCmdr_Soren says:
<Lt_Drana> MO: Well the first thing you should know is that the Xherivhan is a cultural nightmare...most of the area is colonized by small civilian groups...not too far away we have the Amenti Ward...and beyond that the Gorn. Fairly routine most days...
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: Conserving energy. We've been awaiting new orders from on high...::He gives Sulek a knowing look:: XO: You know how it is.

ACTION - Drana leads Jervase and Kraight into the main science labs, while Soren arrives with Sulek and Pangborn on the ship's bridge.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: Have these negotiations been particularly stressful, Commander.  The computer voice analysis did note some stress in your response.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Soren: Why do you need to conserve? You have an anti-matter reactor that could power a small sun
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
Drana: Would it be too forward of me to ask to have a look at what information you've managed to get a hold of? Call me too curious for my own good, but I figure, if Starfleet's trying to establish relations out this way, we're all gonna need to be familiar with the locals at some point...
LtCmdr_Soren says:
XO: Waste not, want not, Commander. You'll find things are better saved here on the frontier. CO: Stressful is putting it lightly...and restrictive orders haven't helped...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Drana: We've also noted what appears to be the power signature of a cold fusion reactor in your cargo bay. May I inquire why you are carrying it?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren:  Were you meeting that trade vessel or were they also simply responding to a powered down vessel? They were on intercept.

ACTION - A beautiful young woman with long brown hair glances over at Pangborn and Sulek as they arrive on the bridge. She is working at the Mission Operations console. Her uniform is no different from the rest of the staff, but she is in fact a Colonel with Starfleet Security.

MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::just shakes his head, wondering if maybe this Kraight's been following too close to the security people, but lets the question go un-interfered with... he *is*, still, a senior officer::
LtCmdr_Soren says:
<Lt_Drana> CSO: Trade, Commander. Some of the colonies in the region work primarily off of solar and wind power...a cold fusion reactor would be a blessing to a planetary colony in need...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks around the bridge::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: Beyond our dealing with the Guild Master its been pretty routine...::The psuedo-Captain moves over to his Command Chair, picks up a PADD and hands it over to Sulek::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: Is there a station that Commander Pangborn may use?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the PAD::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::clears his throat::
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: Of course...::He motions to Mission Operations II near Colonel Sydney Majors::
LtCmdr_Soren says:
<Lt_Drana> CSO: Would you care to see the reactor, Commander?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::moves to operations II:: Soren: Thank you
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::begins investigating the power situation::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::hands the PADD back to Soren:: Soren: I understand....XO: Routine only, Commander.
MO_Ens_Jervase says:
::decides to take the lieutenant's non-response to his question as a no, and shrugs a shoulder, moving to one of the console to review medical records::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: I am sure all will be fine.  We will complete the inspection and be on our way.  I hope we have not caused a major delay.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CO: Aye
LtCmdr_Soren says:
CO: Of course not Captain...it has been...ummm...a pleasure...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Soren: For future reference it is unseemly for a commanding officer to start a communication with ummm...it might lead one to suspect ...problems.

ACTION - Lieutenant Drana provides Michael Jervase with but a tid-bit of information of the various races in the region, Noori, Lilithine, Synod, Amenti. She also shows Kraight to the reactor, which is similarly running on low power. During the course of the tour Kraight notices a container in the cargo bay under the guard of two officers.

ACTION - Little does Commander Kraight know that the case contains no mere supplies, but a second passenger. Hir name is Ambassador Qui'dinjori, and hir presence would be one that the Quirinus would know all too well in the trials to come.

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