Summary - For centuries the races of the Xherivhan have battled their gods and each other in futile attempts at dominance. Finally one species has gained the upper hand: with technology handed to them by the United Federation of Planet, the newly merged Noori Syndicate has placed themselves as the controlling power in Xherivhan sector.

...but as always, fate steps in. The Xhervinox, the end time has been initiated. The Quirinus crew has learned that four such "purgings" have occurred over the last several millennia. One giant test reset back to zero will everyone paying the ultimate price. The Noori have gained dominance through the interference of the Federation and now the

Dakora have been called into the set the experiment back on track.

However once again the fearless Starfleet has stepped in. Captain Sulek and his crew have vanquished the Dakora known as the Executioner and destroyed the Holy Space with their own warp core, effectively destroying a major piece of the Xherivhan social structure. Now, a society that has forever battled itself has found a new focus for their hated...

Starfleet.

...the Quirinus, with the assistance of the Noori cruiser Stardust has been towed to Crossroads Station. It appears that everything may end where it all began...

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission =/\==/\=
=/\==/\="The Xherivhan Wars - Back To Square...3.1495"=/\==/\=

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In her quarters, staring at the mirror.::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
::The Aeon hovers near the back of the bridge, not terribly far from the Tactical Officer's position. Hir focus is not on Powers' station at all, but looking directly forward at the holographic viewscreen::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: enters the Bridge and silently hands a PADD to Sulek. It displays the message: 'COMMANDER KRAIGHT REPORTING FOR DUTY, SIR.' ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks the commander over after seeing him almost killed::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::sitting in his quarters, idly skimming over his copy of the medical reports concerning former commander Vierra::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods a greeting to the XO ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Welcome back, Commander.  ::he hands the PADD back::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO: Yes, welcome. We missed you.

ACTION - Stars streak by on the viewscreen as the Quirinus travels behind the Stardust. Kraight's modified shields protect the crew from the unusual energy given off by the Noori ship's faster then light travel.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles at the XO and CO, takes the PADD, taps out a new message... 'I WILL HAVE THE SUBSPACE SCANS CONFIGURED SHORTLY.' ... then assume his station at Science One ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins making adjustments to the lateral sensor arrays ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: on the Bridge, leaning against the back of the Bridge, against the aux consoles, his arms crossed ::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<SO Ens Tegniv> CSO: ...welcome back, sir...::She looks meekly over to the Commander, trying to avoid picturing the sight of his once open throat::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Even temporarily silenced, Kraight is most talkative.  ::REB::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::shakes his head as he skims one particularly troubling paragraph, and has to read it a second time just to be sure, then... sets it aside to read a third time, later::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: You know what I'm thinking. Maybe we should keep Kraight the way he is.....
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles at Tegniv, transmits a text message to her console... 'ALL WILL BE WELL, ENSIGN. HAVE FAITH.' ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks back at Kraight:: Pangborn: Not possible, I think.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::at the helm:: CO: Sir, we're approximately 5 minutes from Crossroads Station
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
::Qui's voice is but a whisper that seems to travel around the bridge:: CTO: How was it that you managed to defeat the Executioner without sustaining mortal wounds, Commander?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Smash: Acknowledged.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Brings her focus back to the here and now.  Standing, quickly rebraids her hair.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Qui: Willpower, Aeon.  My mind and will were simply stronger than hers.

ACTION - A junior officer from Engineering heads into sickbay for treatment. He sprained his wrist during the instability earlier and has been working with the injury...

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CTO: Interesting. Quite, interesting.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Exiting her quarters, heads for the bridge.::

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finishes configuring the long-range subspace scans... a message flashes in the corner of the main viewer, where the others can see it: 'SUBSPACE SCANS ACTIVE' ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rising he crosses below flight control and stands staring at the large screen, pondering what the Counselor has told him of her recent experience::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
ACTION - Kraight's sensor analysis shows various small subspace pockets along their course. It appears as if closing the largest crack in the dam has caused many smaller cracks in the subspace realm.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::notes, the message:: Kraight: Thank you, CSO.
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CTO: Pray that your will remains strong into your elder years, Commander. ::The Aeon hovers off and moves closer towards the Command circle::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: analyzes the incoming data rapidly ::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CO: Upon our arrival, your senior staff will meet with our council, to discuss your recent...transgressions.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: decides to say nothing to Qui as s/he floats away ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off onto the bridge.  She smiles toward Bill, noting he is talking with Qui.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::sitting at a console in sickbay keeping an eye on things, looks up as the doors open and notices nurse McNiel making her way over, meets her and the crewman halfway between door and biobed:: Crewman: What have we here? ::takes a look at the officer's wrist and a tricorder from a nearby medical tray::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: If we have destroyed part of subspace...CSO: Tell me Mr. Kraight, did you anticipate this?
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::gets up from the chair he'd been occupying, and heads for the replicator, ordering a cup of coffee::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he feels the movement of the Aeon rather than seeing hir:: Qui: As I understand the council, it has yet to be determined if the actions taken were transgressions or saving acts.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::as they enter the system the ship rocks slightly:: CO: We're entering the system.
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Crewman> Selara: Just a sprain, ma'am...nothing to worry about, but the Chief wanted me to get it checked out.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Heading towards him, she pauses next to Kraight, laying a hand on his shoulder.::  CSO: I am glad to see you.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: on the viewer: 'THERE WAS A SMALL PROBABILITY THAT MINOR SUBSPACE RIFTS WOULD FORM TO RELEASE THE ENERGIES USED TO CLOSE THE CENTRAL RIFT' ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Smash: Understood.  Set docking protocol.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles broadly at Azhure, places a bluish-grey hand on her own ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::having learned ages ago the patient's word means very little, scans for herself while she and the nurse guide the crewman toward the biobed::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: But not hear you I see... :: nods::  We will talk later.

ACTION - As the Quirinus enters the system they begin to slow down. The deck plating shakes slightly as they past through the densest portions of subspace tears. Their port nacelle barely passes by one smaller rift. Crossroads can be seen drifting in empty space, silent...almost like a ghost ship.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CSO :Understood
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: grins, nods ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: With a nod, heads over to Bill.::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::sighs, takes a sip:: Computer: Computer, any personal messages? ::doesn't expect any, but then, given what he'd read... nah, he still wasn't expecting any::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turning to face Qui:: Qui: Aeon, your attitude seems to have changed.  Once the Noori sought peace...but now...::looks at the child-like Aeon and then returns to his chair::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Computer> MO: One. Transmission from Amundsen Station received on Stardate 10706.14.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: How do things go?
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> Self: Mmhmm... ::looks up at a display, then back at the tricorder:: Crewman: Quite the tear here. What... ::pauses:: ... exactly were you doing?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: They go.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
CO: Aye Sir ::goes about preparing for docking::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
CO: A great deal has changed. Peace is still a primary goal - but protecting what is mine is of utmost importance now.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Computer: Begin playback.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as he crosses, nods to Azhure::Aeon: Mine, Aeon?  Don't you mean Ours?

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Crewman> Selara: I was recalibrating something on the Chief's orders...but when the turbulence hit I slipped...stumbled off the upper level and landed wrong...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: This will be over soon... one way or another. :: leans back to watch the screen, nodding to the captain.::

ACTION - Qui'dinjori doesn't respond and hovers off the bridge. A comm comes in to the Flight Control Officer, providing her with docking instructions.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::nods, taking a few things from the nurse, dials up a mild dose for a hypospray:: Crewman: This should take care of the pain... then we can get you fixed right up. ::goes to inject the agent::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::gets a creepy feeling as Qui hovers around, like a crow walking on his grave::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
ACTION - A visual display of Salina shows on a display near Jervase. Much of what she says is difficult to understand, ancient Trill dialects mixed in with Federation standard, Betazoid slang and Xherivhan tongues...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes light on Hixxan, sitting quietly, unobtrusively out of the way.::
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::Maneuvers the ship into the docking bay as per the instructions received from the Station:: CO: Docking commencing Sir
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::picks up the report again, takes another sip, and thumbs through it a bit farther:: Computer: Computer, scan the message for information signed by Starfleet Medical.

ACTION - The grinding of machinery can be heard as the Quirinus docks with the battered Crossroads Station. The lights flicker for a moment as the ship connects with the station's power source.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::once the agent takes effect, goes to set the crewman's wrist for fixing the damage done to it::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Keep us on our own secured power as well.
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<OPS> CO: Aye sir...
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::takes a sigh of relief:: CO: Docking complete
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the woman just sits there, she turns back to the screen.::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<OPS> CO: Sir...we have an incoming communique from the station. You've been asked to assemble the senior staff in the "Fire Side Grill," sir.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Smash: Stand down power levels, but keep at ready.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Understood.  ::Rises and looks at the Command Staff:: All: That's us.  OPS: Notify Dr. Jervase, as well.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
CO: Yes Sir ::Fingers moving over the controls, powering down but remaining ready and alert::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Computer> MO: Processing. ::The voice of one of Amundsen's medical staff can be heard playing over Viera's voice. "Lieutenant, while observing the Commander we noticed some unusual dialogue. It may be insignificant...but we thought it might help."::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, turns over Science One to Tegniv ::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<OPS> CO: Aye sir. ::Sends a communique to Michael Jervase asking him to meet with the senior staff immediately::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:: stands ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::crosses to the TL:: Powers: Security teams on standby status.  Ship security is current priority.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Understood, sir.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters the TL and waits for the others::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Sulek to the turbolift, PADD in hand ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps up next to the others at the lift.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::enters the TL::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::just sighs:: Viewscreen: Real helpful, doc. ::sees the communication come in from the bridge, curses its timing for all of 30 seconds:: Computer: Computer, tap into all available translation databases and run the message through all of them. Access translation program Jervase alpha 5 7 and include the references indicated in that program.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the last enter, Pangborn and Powers:: Docking port.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
Computer: ::on his way to the door:: Pause playback, contact me priority 1 when complete.

ACTION - As members of the senior staff enter the turbolift the doors slide shut. Ensign Smash glances around the somewhat quiet bridge and notices a splattering of Kraight's blue blood on the Mission Operations console. The splatter oddly seems to resemble the wings and body of a dragon...

Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Computer> MO: Processing.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::slams his hand against the control to call a lift:: Self: Whoever thought up the idea of meetings on 2 minutes' notice should be court martialled. And then shot.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::glances at the now closed doors of the lift and back to the blood splatter:: self: what.. the..  
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::arriving at deck, steps off the TL:: *Doctor* We await your presence in docking.

ACTION - As the senior staff make it to the docking port they are joined by Captain Tannis. He nods curtly to Sulek and falls in line with the rest of the senior officers.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::checks to see that he has a phaser::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::steps into the lift, and requests the docking level:: *CO*: Working on it, captain. I can only move as fast as the lifts do. ::doesn't quite add that this thing's timing could really and truly not possibly suck more::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::steps out of the lift on the appropriate deck, not looking entirely all that pleased, and meets up with the others::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods to the doctor, her peripheral vision on Tanner.::

ACTION - Security staff on the bridge keep an eye on the slightly disenchanted Ensign Mariva Hixxan. She wanders past the flight console and towards the back of the bridge - as if on auto-pilot. She reaches the Mission Ops console and with her eyes closed reaches out. Her fingers touch the sticky blood and she brings them to her lips, licking tentatively.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly:: MO: You appear a bit tense.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Jervase: Doctor, I realize that you were most likely in the throes of research, but we have been summoned. Thank you for joining us.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::shudders watching Hixxan::

ACTION - The doors of the docking port creak open slowly, just as they did upon Sulek's first arrival...but instead of Captain Malachi welcoming him General Aelsery stands before the crew. Seven Lilithine guards, each with massive long-swords flank her on both sides.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::just nods to the CO, and falls in next to Azhure:: CNS: ::quietly:: Annoyed is more appropriate. Tell you later.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: Nice swords.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Indeed.  :: Looks from side to side ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::steps towards the docking doors as they open::Aelsery: General, so we have come full circle.
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Hixxan> Outloud: It's...sweet...
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
to self: That's gross
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
<self>
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
<MO_Ens_Selara> ::having seen to the crewman, goes back to the console she'd been working at, and calls up the crew's physical rotations::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Au'ra Aelsery> CO: So it seems...come, the others await. ::She turns on her heels without so much as another word, and marches off towards the centre of the station::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::follows::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
ACTION - The Lilithine guards fall in on each side of the senior staff, very heavily armed escorts.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Follows along, looking around, noting various things and comparing them to memory.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: These people do have a flare for the dramatic
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::follows a bit behind, a small part of him hoping the priority 1 communication will be enough to call him away from this little get together::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Indeed, they did not approach the peace conference with this much ceremony.
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Au'ra Aelsery> CO: If Qui'dinjor is to believe s/he has united the Xherivhan, then we all must play our parts...::She says nothing more and continues on ahead of the team, a hand resting on her own shimmering silver blade::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Then again, they do show signs of insanity as well
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::takes one look at their escorts, then just shakes his head:: CNS: ::quietly:: Ever get the impression you're not *really* wanted?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over at Pangborn with his "indeed look":: Pangborn ::quietly::If s/he is to believe...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
MO: I am not sure they know what they really want.

ACTION - The team moves out of the docking section and into the main Promenade. Nearby they can see the three-story form of the Fire-Side Grill. Once destroyed by a bomb and formerly the centre of a peace conference this converted restaurant now seems to house a luminous glow, blues, greens, reds, pinks...

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
CNS: A vacation on Risa would be nice right about now... wonder if they'd agree.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::falling back next to Azhure, for her ears alone:: Azhure: We may not be the only ones who know of the selling for power.
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Hixxan> FCO: ...it has power in its taste. Knowledge.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
MO: Actually, I am dreaming of Hais IV.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods towards the General::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: surreptitiously opens his tricorder and scans the Fire-Side Grill ::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::not that he'd take one, but... hey, it *did* provide a better working environment than guard city:: CNS: Uh... hm. Never been there.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: How do you mean?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Follows his eyes::
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::makes a face at Hixxan:: Hixxan: have at it. ::wanting no part of it, continuing to watch and be alert::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The Lilithine seem to be putting on a show for the Aeon's benefit.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::takes the opportunity to move a bit away as the captain drops back, getting the idea this isn't a public conversation::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: displays the results of his scans to Sulek ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: That could mean two things, both obvious.  ::Sighs::  I look around me and I see there is a lot of energy here... but it is all insignificant compared to Qui and Au'ra.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: There may be much more here than our actions that our being tested.  ::looks at the scans::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The question remains who gave Qui this power?

ACTION - Au'ra and her honour guard lead the Starfleet staff into the Grill. Kraight notices Ambassador Starr'aela in the back with three other Noori, Qui'dinjori at the head of a long oval shaped table. Trogdo notices "Bill" right away and begins a friendly wave, nudging one of his Tzani companions.

MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::moves so that he can keep the general in his sight, knowing from his dealings with her people before the majority of the crew is already at a disadvantage::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Lots of hints, but nothing definite.  And time is running out.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods in a friendly manner to Trogdo ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Be patient.  This may call for some unorthodox actions...be prepared.

ACTION - Mariva Hixxan smears her hands into the form of the blue dragon. As she does the wings almost appears to expand, like a bird of prey preparing to strike...

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Catching motion out of the corner of her eyes, smiles toward Trogdo, then smiles at the captain.::  CO: Has anything been orthodox lately?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels for his phaser::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: A good point, counselor.
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::backs away slightly as Hixxan smears her hands::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods to the representatives at the table::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
::S/he gives one smooth motion with hir small hand for those assembled to sit - the Federation taking the far end of the table, segregated from the other species:: ALL: Sit.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::deliberately he sits opposite of the Aeon, at the Starfleet end of the table::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::sits awkwardly next to the captain::
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::sidesteps a couple people, and conveniently pulls up a seat opposite one very familiar looking scientist, his eyes passing just momentarily over her but he doesn't say a thing, as yet::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
ALL: Two leaders, a medic, a Listener, a fighter, a scientific mind and a traitor...quite the rag-tag group you have brought to the table, Sulek.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes a seat and serenely observes each of the members there.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he does not respond, as if he has not heard::

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: raises a non-eyebrow at the word 'traitor' ::
Aeon_Qui`dinjori says:
<Hixxan> ::She turns to something akin to blood-lust in her eyes. She eyes Smash's neck and takes a few deep breaths:: FCO: Purpose served. Now what? Now what?!
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: sitting next to the Counselor, he reaches a hand across to her chair ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Does not look at Tannis, the vision of him and Qui in her vision, forefront in her mind.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> ::Exits the turbolift onto the Bridge, and glances around, seeing Hixxan.  Her hand rests on her hip, right over her sidearm ::
FCO_Ens_Smash says:
::almost back paddles sort of away from Hixxan, noting her expression:: Hixxan:: Keep away from me!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slips her hand into Bills.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> :: In a commanding voice ::  Hixxan: HIXXAN!  What's going on here?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::finally:: All: We wait for something more than a few names, all of which we have heard before.
MO_Ltjg_Jervase says:
::tries to resist smirking at the non-response Sulek gives, and decides to distract himself by watching the Noori he'd confronted earlier on in the science lab... is half tempted, but doesn't bother yet, to find a way to mysteriously infect her with something fatal::

ACTION - Hixxan goes lay chase to Smash and stops before she takes a full step. Her attention turns to Nani and she almost goes to lunge at her like an animal reacting to a foe. She holds her position and takes several deep breaths, letting her blood soaked hands fall to her sides...

ACTION - Qui'dinjori hovers slightly higher then hir companions. All of the alien's eyes turn on hir. Energy seems to crackle in the air; a leaders demonstration of power. "You, Sulek, have been brought here to ask for forgiveness for your transgressions...and to determine which of your fateful crew will act as a sacrifice to pay for your crimes."

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