U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10708.20 

starring 

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Keith LaHue as XO Ben Pangborn 
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Billy Bob Powers 
Jeffrey G. Brown as CSO Kraight 
James Homuth as CMO Michael Jervase 
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Azhure 
Joshua Colley as FCO Erik Rolf Thursson

and 
Chris Dickinson, Ship Manager 

MISSION PROLOGUE: The Quirinus continues to orbit Hais. A majority of her senior officers are below on the surface, searching for a missing archaeologist. The Mountain has blocked scans, demanding that they investigate on foot for their target... 

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10708.20 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Gifts of Fortune and Danger – Episode 2 =/\==/\= 

FM_ChrisD says: 
MISSION PROLOGUE: The Quirinus continues to orbit Hais. A majority of her senior officers are below on the surface, searching for a missing archaeologist. The Mountain has blocked scans, demanding that they investigate on foot for their target... 
FM_ChrisD says: 
<<<< Begin USS Quirinus 10708.20: Gifts of Fortune and Danger, Part 2 >>>>> 
FM_ChrisD says: 
ACTION: Two ATWVs come to a stop in a clearing on the Mountain. Several cave entrances are nearby. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::bumping along in the vehicle driven by Powers:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Her fingers tightened around the vehicles seat, she waits for them to arrive; at least she could not complain about the FCO driving.:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: scanning the terrain ahead, and the entrances to the cavern complex :: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::gets up, helmet on, complete with handy light fixture on it:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::stepping from the ATWV:: Kraight: Scans ::he looks at all the entrances:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
:: Turns the vehicle off and opens the door, stepping out :: Self: Still got it. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Climbs out of the ATV with a sigh.:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CO: I read three entrances to the complex on this side of the mountain, Captain. The largest is the closest to us, about .7 kilometers at bearing 195. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Looks over at her husband and shakes her head.:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::gets out of the ATWV he was riding in, and idly rubs at his side:: Self: Vehicles should *not* do that... 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Kraight: Any indication which of the three have been used recently? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Walks over to Jervase, her eyes full of humor though her face is serious..:: CMO: I see you survived. 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: turns off the ATWV he was driving and climbs out :: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: looks again at the tricorder, shakes head :: CO: I am afraid not, sir. Thermal readings are inconclusive. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Pangborn/Powers: Recommendations? 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::just gives Azhure a look:: CNS: Only because I can't patch you all up if I'm dead. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::takes a few scans of his own:: Sulek: The caverns are extensive. I suggest we split into two groups, but stay in contact. CSO: Is there anything in the caves that would hinder communication? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Pats his back gently:: CMO: Thank you. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
CNS: Don't thank me yet. We still have to get back. ::smirks just a little:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
XO: Not near the surface, but I cannot say what we might encounter as we penetrate deeper. The nature of the dampening field here is poorly understood at best. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
:: nods at the CSO's statement :: CO: We rarely had reason to go into the Mountain... or the caves. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Heads over to join the main group.:: 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: moves with everyone else, in the back of the group :: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
All: Powers, Azhure, Pangborn, and Thursson in one group. Kraight, Jervase and myself in the other. Kraight: Have the ship beam down a signal boost transponder that we can place at the entrances. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Nods her head and heads back to the vehicle for a tricorder and emergency supplies. One did not play around the mountain without respect.:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CTO/CNS/FCO: You heard the man. We'll take the entrance to the left. Sulek: We'll keep an open comm, hopefully the transponders will help. We'll move out on your mark. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::goes back to the shuttle as well, for a medical kit... not that he didn't have one on him, but things tended to not work or go missing on the first try. Or the second, but a third kit would be bordering on the ridiculous:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Returns and hands the rest of the team a small emergency pack.:: XO: How did you want to handle communications? 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CO: Aye, sir. :: contacts the Quirinus, and a moment later, the device materializes nearby :: 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: moves to join the XO, nods :: XO: Sir. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: retrieves the booster :: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::placing wristlight on:: All: Communicators on open frequency. Move out. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: activates his own wristlight and follows the Captain, checking his tricorder :: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS/CTO/FCO: Let's go, guys. ::leads the way into the caves, without showing trepidation, but feeling it:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::nods, and taps his badge a time or two, to make sure the frequency's open:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::heads to the entrance on the right, he turns on his tricorder:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Follows, scanning with her tricorder.:: 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: follows the group into the cave :: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::following with the captain, his own tricorder running routine scans:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::entering he scans the walls with his light:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::narrows the scanning field a little, to try to minimise the potential of interference:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::enters the cave and looks around, turning on his light:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
ACTION: The first thing the away team realizes about the caverns is that they are quite... unremarkable. There is rock, rock, and more rock. The caverns do not descend rapidly, and make for a relatively easy path. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Nothing looks any different then from what she remembered.:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CO: I am reading diburnium, bilitrium... traces of noranium... nothing unusual for a planet of this type. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Kraight: Do we have any information on what exactly Dr. Buuren was searching...thank you, Commander, I was pre-occupied. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::scans ahead:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::stops suddenly, a hand almost instinctively wandering to the phaser at one side of him:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
XO: Nothing unusual. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::continues ahead but more slowly:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CO: No, sir. Whatever his current line of research may have been, he kept it to himself. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: I'm not getting anything unusual either. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Kraight: But it brought him here. What do we know of the previous inhabitants of Hais V? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Inhales the scent of caves... something seem universal... thank the ancients.:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
:: Looks at the rock wall :: CNS: It's been a while since we were in here.... 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Nods:: CTO: Like so many things. I would so like to remedy that. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CTO: How long were you assigned here commander? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::keeps moving:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
XO: About two years or so, I think. 
Iu says: 
::Steps from the darkness:: CO's team: I could elaborate on the planet's inhabitants, Captain. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
FCO: Mister Thursson? 
Iu says: 
::A yellow skinned humanoid, clearly Haisian, stands before the CO's team:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: whirls... surprised he had not detected the Haisian earlier :: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CTO: And you never had either the inclination or the curiosity to explore these caves? 
Iu says: 
::Bows head slightly, and moves hands open in gestures:: CO's team: I bid you welcome to Mahura. 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
CTO: Sir? 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
FCO: Any experience in caving? 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Iu: Mahura? Is that the native name for this mountain, sir? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: Thank you. I was under the impression that no Haisians were coming for the search... 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
XO: We did... it has just been awhile. 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
CTO: Not really, sir. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::moving along:: CTO: The term in spelunking commander ::wry grin:: I've explored the caves of Altimira. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
XO: These caves have seen more than just visitors. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: Elaborate 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::takes the opportunity to sneak a scan of their new arrival, if only to rule out similar life signs in the search for their missing doctor:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
ACTION: Since they are moving, the XO's team moves deeper into the caverns. There is an slight but unnoticeable rise in temperature as they move deeper. The FCO begins to hear water dripping off in the distance. 
Iu says: 
CO: I have not been dispatched by the Government. I am of the Haispoi, Captain. The Commanders Powers have not told you about me? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::feels the chill:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
lu: They did not. But it will be good to have someone who knows the area help. *Commander Powers*: We have been joined by lu. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Smiles as she hears that Iu is with the Captain and thinks he is rather lucky at the moment... safe.:: 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: hears the water dripping :: Group: You guys hear that? Sounds like water moving. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::begins to move forward:: lu: Do you know the caves well? 
Iu says: 
CO: I know them as well as one could. The Mountain is its own. If it wills you to know it, you will. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
XO: I am trying to remember how far down was the underground lake. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: Care to go for a swim? ::warm smile:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Smiles sweetly:: XO: Sure... along with your ummm what was her name? ahhh... Nessy. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: What do you know of the caves? How were they used in times past? 
Iu says: 
CO: The veins of Mahura are a method of transformation. You enter into the dark, shed your former self, and exit anew. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::continues to scan for their missing scientist, all the while thinking... just a little bit more of an incline, and he might be tempted to see if Adrienne left a spare set of climbing gear behind:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Glances over at the FCO; he has been so quiet :: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Iu: The caves, then, hold religious significance for your people? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::looks at Kraight:: Iu: in a physical or metaphysical sense? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: Nessy? The Loch Ness monster? I heard they had to summon Scotland's local wizards once to protect Nessy from scientists that wanted to blow her out of the water. ::chides:: 
Iu says: 
CSO: The Haispoi, yes. We are servants of Mahura - the Mountain, to you. And vice-versa, the Mountain is a servant of us. 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: yawns and then notices the CNS looking at him out of the corner of his eye and covers it :: 
Iu says: 
CO: I suppose it depends on your perspective. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: raises a non-existent eyebrow :: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
FCO: I suppose search and rescue is not your forte, is it? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Lifts her hands:: XO: Do not look at me... and I should warn you, as much as we know of this world, there is still much to learn. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::actually does raise an eyebrow, paying almost as much attention to Iu's explanations as to the scan readouts scrolling across the display screen in front of him:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
ACTION: The XO thinks he sees a light ahead of the team. 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
CTO: My first assignment was as a TO, actually. I just haven't been getting enough sleep lately I guess, sir. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: How does the transformation occur? :: he continues scanning the seemingly endless rock walls:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::deadpan:: CNS: After how many years of Crossroads, which was only broken by a war, an underwater monster almost looks inviting. It can't be worse than Qui, and I'd be less inclined to kill it. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
FCO: Ah. Too much time off. Just wait until we're back on the front lines. 
Iu says: 
CO: It depends on the individual. You seek something, Captain? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: Scan that light ahead. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
XO: I liked Qui... there was much you missed... ::scanning as she talked.:: 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
CTO: I just want to get back to the ATWVs, I never thought a speed as slow as 240 kph could be that fun. :: grins :: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: At the present, we seek a scientist who was working in the area. 
Iu says: 
CO: Ah, I see. ::Pauses:: Why? 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
:: chuckles :: FCO: Maybe you should transfer to Abertura to help out with the vehicles. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: Somehow the thought of the ships counselor liking an insane megalomaniac is... disturbing 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
CSO: ::idly while still scanning:: You know, I could kill a month's shore leave just observing the culture here. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: He has not contacted the station as he should. We wish to ascertain if he is safe. I do not believe that he came here seeking to change. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: shakes her head:: XO: I cannot make out these readings... they may even be worse. There could be a life sign ahead or not. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CMO: Indeed. The Haisians lead complex lives. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
CSO: That they do, my friend. 
Iu says: 
CO: Then perhaps he hasn't. Of course, as you are well aware, change is sometimes brought upon us without choice. Here, I shall accompany you. ::Turns to walk:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
CTO: We could always abscond with the Quirinus and become pirates here.  ::Smiles:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
All: Continue on then. CNS: We'll have to take a look then. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
ACTION: As the XO and CNS round the corner of the caverns, they see a man walking, holding a lantern in his hand, a pack on his back. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::following Iu:: Iu: What you say is most true. The Terrans say that change is inevitable. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Motions her hand:: XO: Eyes are better here. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::shines his light on the man:: Man: Who goes there? 
Iu says: 
CO: I'm sure Vulcans have a similar saying, Captain. ::Steps back to walk along with the CO and the others, making it clear he is not their guide:: 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
<Dr_Buuren> XO: That depends who wants to know. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::lowers his light:: Dr: I'm Executive Officer Pangborn, of the USS Quirinus. We've been sent here to find a scientist who has gone missing. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: Indeed. It is part of the idea of infinite diversity. If there a specific location that you go to find your transformation? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Steps slightly away from the group, quietly.:: *CO*: Captain, I believe we have found our missing scientist. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
Dr: Are you Dr. Buuren? 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
<Dr_Buuren> XO: I am, Commander. Have you come looking for me? 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::continues to walk with the team, still thinking of just how much time he could spend here and probably not even scratch the surface... hell, he spent in total 2 years in the Xherivhan and only really got out of it an insane former captain and her dead daughter:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
Dr: Indeed. We were ordered to do so when you did not check in 
Iu says: 
CO: No, there isn't. ::Tilts head:: I'm sorry, Captain. I did not mean to derail your investigation by speaking as such. I'm afraid you are making assumptions ... 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
<Dr_Buuren> :: Sighs :: XO: You know, you military types are too jumpy. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::a bit of static:: *Azhure* An excellent result. We shall return to the entrance and join you at your location if needed. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
Dr: I couldn't agree more. Do you need any help? Why didn't you check in? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Iu: They seemed to have found our missing scientist. We will return to the entrance. Do you wish to continue with us? I am sure that Commander Kraight and Dr. Jervase are just as interested in your use of the caves. Dr. Buuren would be most interest as well, I think. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
<Dr_Buuren> XO: I was working. And I'm sure you're aware by now that communications aren't the best down here. 
Iu says: 
::Shakes head:: CO: No thank you, Captain. I shall find my own way. But thank you for your company. And remember ... every rose has its thorns. 
Iu says: 
::And just as quickly as he was there, he is gone:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Steps over to the first officer, quietly for him alone.:: *CO*: Captain says he will see us back at the entrance. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
Dr: Would you mind accompanying up to the cave entrance, just to make it all official that we've found you safely? 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
All: Intriguing. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says: 
<Dr_Buuren> XO: I am done here anyway. :: smiles a convincing smile :: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::turns to return the way they had come:: Jervase/Kraight: Shall we. A most interesting individual. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: nods agreement :: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::caves nothing... Michael's already having a hard time not finding himself a library and scraping anything and everything informative he possibly can from it:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::nods, and moves to follow the CO:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Looks at Buuren uncomfortably.:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
All: Return to the cave entrance. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Waits for Buuren to pass her.:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Jervase: I find such beliefs most fascinating. I would understand the Haisian belief system better. To some degree it reminds me of the warrior's journey of Earth's Native American culture. To them the transformation too was much more than spiritual. 
FCO_LtJG_Thursson says: 
:: follows his group, humming to himself :: 

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