U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10709.03

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 USS Quirinus has recovered Dr. Hal Buuren from the surface of Hais V. In the Captain's Ready Room, he showed Sulek his findings - a mysterious gem, and apparently one of a set. Bringing the six together will either bring great fortune, or great danger. Two of them have been discovered - 
but what will happen if more come together? 

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10709.03 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Gifts of Fortune and Danger – Episode 3 =/\==/\= 

 CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::in his quarters, availing himself the down time opportunity for much needed meditation:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::On the bridge, minding the store:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: enters Science Lab 2 and looks around for Dr. Buuren :: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: In her office looking through the ships library for any references of the doctors legend.:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
Computer: Refine search parameters to exactly six gems. Include prophecy of great fortune or great danger. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
:: Glances at the door, finally ceasing his watch over the Starfleet scientist's shoulder :: CSO: Commander... ? :: he tries to recall the name :: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: Kraight. Hello, Doctor. I believe that the analysis should be completed shortly. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::checks with the flight control officer about a slight drift in there orbit:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
CSO: Excellent. Your junior crewman here wasn't exactly forthcoming with any exciting news.... 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::as he lies on his bed, he slowly begins the process of examining past events, sealing away the more emotional ones:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: smiles :: Buuren: I am afraid my staff has picked up some of the infamous Benzite caution, Doctor... Ah, here we go. :: accepts a PADD from Lieutenant Feynman :: Thank you. :: scans the report :: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
<Computer> Ancient civilization of the Hebitians, originated on Cardassia Prime. Their ruins at one time were extensive with high content. Over time, most of the artifacts have been stolen or sold off to pay for the various war efforts of the Cardassians throughout their history. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> :: Leans against the Tactical console - not much for him to do right now. He looks over at the Executive Officer, seeing how he's occupying himself :: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::looks up:: CTO: Anything to report? 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: Hmmmmm... The first stone, the red one, is inert... but the blue one you found on Hais IV is giving off a very weak EM field. The levels are less than even a single-celled organism produces, but they are detectable. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: And that's not all. Both stones carry microengraved lettering. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: Uh, we're still in one piece, sir? Beg my pardon, but it's a little slow for me right now. :: manages a sly smile :: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
CSO: Lettering? :: Picks up the red stone and flips it over and over in his hands :: Huh, didn't notice that. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::wry grin:: CTO: Why commander, you're not slow. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
<Computer> Through Bajoran legends, a group of artifacts when brought together would bring about a great event. The translation is incomplete. :: Upon the screen flashes the original text:: These objects have been sought throughout Bajoran space where it is believed they were taken. One artifact is believed to have been discovered. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: It is, as I said, microscopically engraved. It was detected only under a very narrow band of UV illumination. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: She waited a moment for the computer to finish.:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
Computer: And...?  
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
<Computer> End of data file. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
CSO: That would be quite amazing for an ancient race, if they were responsible. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::returns to PADD shuffling:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> :: Returns to shuffling his feet :: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: I have learned that even the most ancient of cultures were capable of some amazing feats. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
CSO: What's your thoughts on these things, Commander? Do you believe the legends? Or are they just that - legends? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::he opens his eyes and then sits up on the edge of the bed:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
CPU: Computer, continue with other cultural legends. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: Many legends have some basis in fact, though they usually grow more fantastic with each retelling. I would advise caution before disregarding this particular legend entirely... given that we have evidence now that these stones may be more than they seem. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::he stands and walks to his closet where he removes his meditation robes and then steps into the sonic shower, setting it for two minutes:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: The writing appears to be similar to ancient Hebetian. I have asked our linguistics section to begin work on a translation. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Quietly she listened as the computer went through other cultures and legends. But the first one, was the one closest to what Sulek had informed them.:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::finishes up the taking care of of a minor sprain taken by one of the Quirinus's engineers:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
:: Turns his head slightly and coughs suddenly, then looks back at Kraight :: CSO: I still can't figure out why I knew this was here. :: motions towards the gem from Hais :: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::as the shower ends, he again steps out and faces his closet, taking a moment to straiten his meditation robe and grabbing his neatly folded duty uniform. He dresses:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: She tried to pull from her own memories anything she could about the Hebitian culture, but she had not been an archaeologist or purveyor of in-depth history. Like many of her people, she liked to learn and observe, but unlike many of her people, she had stayed home with her husband and children and their work.:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: Commander? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CTO: Yes? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::pulling on his boots, he presses his commbadge to his uniform and heads towards the door:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: Perhaps you subconsciously put together some clues from your researches into the stones' history. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: With all due respect.... I kind of either want to get going, or be allowed to go back to the surface. :: Smiles :: I'm impatient. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Slowly she shook her head. She could only vaguely remember the legend itself and there were so many. If the computer was correct about the Hebitians, then with the loss of her homeworld, was also the loss of what knowledge they had of this ancient race.:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::sighs:: CTO: You may go back to the surface 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::he heads down the hall to the TL, nodding at crew as he passes them:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: A flash of anger swept through her before she had it under control. So much lost. Not just her own world, but of worlds they had kept alive in books.:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> :: blinks :: XO: I didn't expect that answer.... you want to go for a joy ride in the ATWVs? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::enters TL:: Bridge. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
CSO: It's possible, I suppose. Were there more tests you wanted to run? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CTO: I'm kind of snowed under with reports. Maybe later if I get time I'll join you.  
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::shakes his head as the doctor starts to put various medical things away:: Crewman: Now, this time, at least... pretend like you know how to use a microdecoupler, could you? 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: shakes his head :: Buuren: I think we've done all the analysis that we can profitably do at this stage. I may ask you to make the stones available for further analysis, as we learn more. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Reaching for a PADD she put together a report for the captain, regretting she would be of little help in this assignment.:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::arriving at bridge, he steps off the TL:: Pangborn: Any word from Dr. Buuren? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CO: I believe he is with Commander Kraight. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CO: Nothing has been reported to me 
Dr_Buuren says: 
:: with a mock sigh :: CSO: If I have to... sometimes, rocks are just rocks, you know. :: Picks up the two artifacts, and pauses, his eyes closed :: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: looks at Buuren with concern :: Buuren: Are you all right, Doctor? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Pushing her chair away from her desk, she headed out of her office for the bridge.:: *CSO*: Is our appointment still on for later or did you need to cancel for another time? :: A smile lightens her voice:: I know how you are often needed. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
:: Doesn't answer immediately, and then holds out his hand :: CSO: You should... take this. I don't know why. :: The hand holds the blue gem :: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::watches the crewman head for the door, and goes back to his office to push a recommendation for a psychological evaluation through to the counselor's office... for one engineer he'd seen too many times this week in his sickbay:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: blinks, then accepts the stone :: Buuren: If you insist. Please let me know if you need it back. Thank you, Doctor. *CNS*: No, Counselor, I was just finishing up with Dr. Buuren. Your office? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
*CSO*: Yes. I need to drop of a report for the captain and then I am all yours. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
ACTION: Commander Kraight thinks he sees dots in his vision. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::crosses over to the command chair:: Pangborn: Then we wait. Station leave will continue as scheduled. I have the conn, if you need to do something else. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: as the doors to the lift open, revealing the bridge, she steps off and makes her way to the captain.:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: blinks :: *CNS*: Ah... thank you, Counselor. I will be right there. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
Buuren: If you will excuse me, Doctor....? 
Dr_Buuren says: 
:: Nods, wondering if Kraight saw it, but not wanting to ask :: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CO: Not really.....CTO: Commander, did you still want to see what those ATWV's can do? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Looks at her husband at the word ATWV and rolls her eyes.:: XO: Helmets and seatbelts. All I can say. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> CNS: I still haven't killed any passengers. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::takes a look at the stack of PADDs on his desk, then at the list of physicals that need doing... leaves Selara to take care of the physicals as crew is turned loose, and heads out of sickbay:: *CO*: Captain, unless sickbay is required for anything urgent, I'll be taking advantage of our time planetside, with your permission. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::looking around::Pangborn: Take a helmet ::REB:: remember, I rode with him to the caves. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
CNS: Helmets....if you insist. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
CTO: That you know of... death does not have to be sudden. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: exits the Science Lab and finds a turbolift :: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Smiles:: XO: You can thank me or shot me later. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
ACTION: The dots in Kraight's eyes come back again, brighter this time. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Turns to the captain and hands him her report.:: CO: Unfortunately, all I could do was verify what Buuren told you. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::stands:: CTO: I hope your passenger survival rate doesn't change. Lets have at it. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: leans against the turbolift wall for a moment, afraid of losing his balance :: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::while waiting for a reply, catches a lift... his quarters will be his first stop, permission given or no:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::looks down at the report:: Azhure: I have the belief that there is more here than meets the eye in regards to these artifacts. It is most unusual for a ship to be put on hold to transport one archaeologist who does not seem to know where he needs to go next. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: Sure thing, Commander. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::heads for the turbolift:: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
"Jervase*: My apologies for the delay. Of course. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
CO: I do not know... I think I am growing paranoid as it is these days. I will leave you for now. I have an appointment. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
TL: Transporter room two. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> :: steps in after the XO as the doors close :: 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
Azhure: Of course. ::he turns to look at the screen and the planet that rotates beneath:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: recovers just as the turbolift stops... exits and walks towards Azhure's office :: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Making her way to the lift, she sends it toward her office.:: *CSO*: In case you are there, I am on my way. Go ahead and go in. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
*CNS*: Just reaching your door now. Thank you, Counselor. :: enters and finds a seat :: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::steps into his quarters, and goes to change out of his uniform and into some more civilian-style clothes, though there's still the room for a medkit:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: As the lift deposits her, she heads for her office and enters.:: CSO: What can I get you to drink? 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: Have you much experience with ground based vehicles? 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::exits the lift and proceeded to transporter room two:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: At the replicator she turns around to look at him and pauses.:: CSO: Are you alright? 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::he stands and walks around the stations of the bridge, stopping occasionally to see what each crewman is working on.:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: blinks again :: CNS: I experienced a few visual anomalies just now, on the turbolift. Probably haven't been getting enough sleep. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
ACTION: The dots on Kraight's left side begin to pulse.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: blinks yet again :: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Walks over to her desk and opening a drawer, pulls out her medical scanner. Stepping over to him, she sits down and runs a general scan of him.:: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::grabs a PADD and his holocamera, and heads out of his quarters and back for the turbolift:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::enters the transporter room:: CTO: How many times have you driven one of those things? ::steps up on the pad:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: smiles :: CNS: I hardly think that is necessary, Counselor. 
CO_Capt_Sulek says: 
::he sits and begins to go through the PADD work at the command chair.:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: Probably at least a dozen times. I wasn't really in charge of vehicles, but I picked them up pretty quick. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::enters the lift, and requests the transporter room:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Slowly she sits back with a frown, ignoring his comment.:: CSO: Physically, I see nothing obvious. However, I am picking up some unusual energy readings from you that are not the norm. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::motions to the transporter chief:: Energize 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CNS: Ah. You are reading this. :: shows her the blue stone given him by Buuren :: 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::steps into the transporter room as the order to energize is given, and waits for Pangborn and Powers to go first before requesting his destination:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Reaches for the gem:: 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
::dematerializes:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: hands it to Azhure :: CNS: Doctor Buuren insisted I take it. I don't know why. 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
::steps up onto the PADD, and requests what serves as these folks' cultural center... if they even have one... if he's gonna be given permission to play tourist, he might as well play tourist:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Putting the scanner on her lap, she lightly runs her fingers along it. Then she lifts it toward the light to see its refraction. Quietly:: CSO: Is this supposedly one of the missing artifacts and is this the one he found here? 
Dr_Buuren says: 
ACTION: The spots mostly disappear from Kraight's vision when he is no longer holding the artifact. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CNS: Yes... :: he is clearly distracted :: Odd. I am no longer experiencing the visual anomalies. 
Dr_Buuren says: 
@<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> XO: What interests you about this? 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Turning, she places the gem on her desk and does a scan. With that data, she compares it with her recent one of Kraight.:: CSO: Hmmm... The energy I read from you, is not what I am reading from this gem. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
@CTO: I like a good ride is all. And this place - it intrigues me 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: She turns back and does another scan, now that he does not hold the gem.:: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
:: surprised :: CNS: You still read the energy signature from me? 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
@::materializes on the surface, and just... starts walking, letting the general flow of passers by sort of.. lead him in a general direction:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
Hmmm... CSO: Yes, I am. It is just fainter. Nor... :: checks her readings again.:: Does it appear to be isolated in any one area of your body. 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CNS: I am aware only of the spots I saw in my field of vision. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
:: Leans forward:: CSO: Did the doctor show you any other artifact then this one? 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
@::curiously makes a notation on his PADD as he plays witness to some of the interactions between the locals, isn't quite brave enough yet to try snapping a shot or two... although that could change:: 
Dr_Buuren says: 
@<CTO_Cmdr_Powers> :: nods to several of the Abertura officers as they make their way to the garage :: 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says: 
CNS: He has a red stone, which he found earlier. Both stones bear microengraved writings in a script resembling ancient Hebetian. Linguistics is working on a translation. 
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says: 
@::follows Powers:: CTO: How long did you serve here? 
CMO_Lt_Jervase says: 
@::decide to hell with it, pulls out the camera and snaps a candid shot of the general scene:: 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says: 
CSO: Yet he gave you this one... :: she turns to pick up the stone again:: I sense... :: shakes her head:: I do not know. :: She looks at him.::

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