U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10709.10

starring 

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Jeffrey G. Brown as CSO Kraight 
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Azhure 

and
Chris Dickinson, Ship Manager 

MISSION PROLOGUE: There is a common saying - not everything is as it seems.  So far the artifacts Doctor Buuren has found have remained enigmas.  Commander Kraight has become the recipient of one of the stones, and then began to experience strange vision problems.  Are the two things related, or is there even more behind this?

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10709.10 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Gifts of Fortune and Danger – Episode 4 =/\==/\= 

 CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: leaps out of his seat like a man possessed, crosses to Azhure in a single step, and slaps the stone out of her hand ::
FM_ChrisD says:
ACTION: Commander Powers is on the surface of Hais V describing how to operate an all terrain wheeled vehicle to Commander Pangborn.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow at Kraight, patiently waiting for an explanation, knowing he usually had a good reason for things.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at Azhure sheepishly ::   CNS: It suddenly dawned on me... the stone is clearly the cause of the visual anomalies I experienced. I had to get it out of your hand, and quickly, before it affected you.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I apologize for striking you, Counselor. You may of course bring charges against me.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::working at the back of the bridge at the engineering console, muttering to himself as he taps furiously at the keyboard::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles and shakes her head::  CSO: I understand.  However, I do not think this stone would have any affect on me.  If it were, it would have already happened.  There is something else going on here and I believe it is tied to you.  :: smiles warmly::  I am sure you wanted to hear that.
FM_ChrisD says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Standing near the rear of the Bridge, working on the internal sensors from the tactical console ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: You may be right. But caution seems the best course.  :: holds out a two-thumbed hand ::  May I borrow the tricorder, please?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps around her desk and reaches into a drawer, pulling out a standard tricorder and handing it to him.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises, noting the muttering:: Hale: Is there something that I may be of assistance with, Ensign?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Thank you.  :: opens it, scans Azhure ::
FM_ChrisD says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Looks up from her work to see the Captain standing.  He must be really bored if he's helping out junior officers ::
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::looks up with large, slightly-unbalanced-looking eyes:: CO: Hmm? I mean, Sir? I think you might. Captain, can I turn everything off? Not like everything-everything, but all the sensors and stuff.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: closes the tricorder, hands it back ::  CNS: No energy signature.  :: sits down ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves back around::  CSO: Tell me, is there anything to the dots you see?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: They... brighten and fade, almost as the stars do... humans call it 'twinkling', I think. I think there is a pattern to them, but I cannot quite identify it. It is maddeningly familiar.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: Hale, isn't it? Why would you like to shut off power to the sensors?  Is there a problem with the power grid, that I am unaware of?
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::shakes head:: CO: Oh, no... no. Not that I know of, anyway. But I've got a great idea that could increase sensor acuity 2% across the board. 2%!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head and goes back behind her desk.::  CSO: There is something prodding at the back of my mind.  Humor me please.  :: Pulls out paper and a pencil and walks back around.::  Do me a small favor.  I would like you to close your eyes, and draw what you see.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: And your idea is?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at Azhure questioningly, but complies ::  CNS: All right...  :: closes his eyes... his hand moves haltingly across the paper ::
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::looks at Sulek rather dubiously:: CO: It's rather technical...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moving behind him, quietly watches.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I believe I will understand it.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: continues to draw ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Recognizes nothing, but that that did not mean anything.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finishes... lays down the pencil and opens his eyes ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Does that look like anything you recognize?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: studies the paper ::  CNS: I... I'm not sure...
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::suppresses a much-put-upon sigh:: CO: Well, one of the problems affecting the sensors isn't the sensor systems themselves but the lines carrying the data they collect. There's interference from overlapping systems when many of the systems are on at the same time. And maybe I can fix it so that interference isn't there anymore.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::adds:: CO: It's worth a try right? ::remembers:: Sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Shall we see if the computer can spy some pattern there?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: That might be useful.  :: lays the paper down on Azhure's desk ::  CPU: Computer... scan the drawing on Counselor Azhure's desk. Cross reference against all data banks. List high probability correlations in descending order.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: And you plan on doing this by rewiring duplicated data stream conduits or by sorting priority data which the ship's computers do automatically as required systems come on line?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Where is Doctor Buuren now?
FM_ChrisD says:
<Computer> CSO: Working.... :: noticeable pause ::  The drawing matches with a reasonable probability a sector of space within the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CPU: Put on screen a map of the area.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: mutters to himself :: Self: Fascinating...  CNS: Um... I don't know. He left the lab at the same time I did.   :: looks up ::  He should be checked by Dr. Jervase immediately!
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::shakes head:: CO: Tinfoil. Think about it. It blocks all kinds of stray signals. So if we put a good week or two into wrapping the trunk lines in tinfoil, we'd be sitting pretty sir!
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Computer: Locate Doctor Buuren.
FM_ChrisD says:
ACTION: The computer complies, presenting a star chart of Cardassian space, with a few stars highlighted.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at the paper, then the star chart ::  CNS: Yes... this is what I drew. But... why?
FM_ChrisD says:
<Computer> CSO: Doctor Buuren is in his quarters.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to look at him::  CSO: A suspicion...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Time to talk with the good doctor again.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Yes. Dr. Buuren said he didn't know how he knew he'd find the second stone on Hais. What if the first stone told him? And the second stone has now told me how to find the third?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: picks up the stone from the floor ::  CNS: I might as well carry this. It likely can't do much more to me than it has.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: You wish to wrap all the conduit in the ship with aluminum foil?  ::not quite sure what to say:: I believe that much of the wiring has a shield that serves the same purpose.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Shall we go see Dr. Buuren?
FM_ChrisD says:
ACTION: As Kraight picks up the gem, the spots do not return.  But he has the urge to hold on to the artifact for a while.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Each one a piece of the puzzle, containing a map.  You want to find out if the captain is interested in a bit of exploration?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I think he will be. But let's see what Dr. Buuren can tell us first.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Grabbing the map, moves to the door.::  CSO: Did he show you the other stone?
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::can't suppress a laugh this time:: CO: Oh they say that it helps, but it doesn't. I mean how else will SFI be able to tap into ship systems without being detected. They pick up the stray signals seeping through that so-called shielding. It's probably spun-cotton and low-grade Andorian ferrometal.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Yes, he did. I detected no energy signature from it.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves toward the door, but waits for Azhure to pass through it first ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the doors close behind her, she moves toward the lift.::  CSO: What did it look like?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Very much like this one, but red in color. Dr. Buuren still has it.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Orders the lift to the VIP quarters::  CSO: Sooo... Identical in every way but color?  What about composition?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I assure you that the shielding isn't and all non-standard wiring such as high stream flex would be interfered with by the addition of a metallic.  Have you run a standard computer simulation with variables before developing this most  ummm unique approach?
FM_ChrisD says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Trying not to laugh as she listens in on the young engineer's discussion ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: No difference that I could detect. And each stone bears microengraved writings that resemble ancient Hebitian.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps off the lift::  CSO: I regret, that language is not one I know.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Looks over at Nani with an almost 'he has academy training'? look::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I've asked Linguistics to work on a translation.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::makes a face:: CO: Oh no, I never trust what the computer says.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stops before the door and motions Kraight the honor.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: presses the signal ::
FM_ChrisD says:
<Dr_Buuren> :: from inside his quarters ::  Aloud: Enter.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I suggest you should.  I need more data than a hunch to authorize such a massive undertaking, especially since we were just recently refitted by very experienced engineers at the station.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the doors open, she steps through and moves off to the side, giving Kraight the floor.::
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
CO: They're good wrench turners, no doubt. But they don't quite grasp the big picture like you and I do, Sir.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: Doctor... this is Ship's Counselor Azhure. She and I have made a rather startling discovery regarding the stones.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: nods her head in greeting as Kraight speaks.::
Dr_Buuren says:
CSO: Yes, Commander?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: When you acquired the first stone... did you notice any changes in your vision?
Dr_Buuren says:
:: Smiles an enigmatic smile ::  CSO: How do you think I ended up here?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: What did you see?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I do appreciate your enthusiasm to improve the ship levels of specification, but there is protocol that needs to be followed and a simulation is the first step in that protocol.  Starfleet command would find skipping this step most imprudent for the future of a young, newly-commissioned officer, such as you.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::sighs:: CO: Yes sir. Just trying to help, Sir.
Dr_Buuren says:
CSO: I saw a place.  It's how I knew to come here.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: Can you describe this place?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Buuren: You actually saw this place?  Not just.... a destination?  :: glances at Kraight::
Dr_Buuren says:
CNS: Nothing so concrete.  More like dots, twinkling.  When they kept me up all night one time, I figured out that their twinkling meant they were stars.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: And how did those stars lead you to Hais?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: Quite all right.  Your effort is noted.  ::returns to chair::
Dr_Buuren says:
CSO: One of them was Hais.  One of the... more interesting ones to me.  It just came to me.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Buuren:  And why commander Kraight?  Why did you give him the one stone?
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::blinks, watching Sulek::
Dr_Buuren says:
CNS: I... gave it to him because that's what was supposed to happen.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: I've seen the dots as well. I started seeing them as soon as you gave me the stone. They appear to represent a specific location in the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks a Kraight a bit sardonically::  CSO: I am beginning to think this ship was built in the twilight zone.  I have never been involved in so many instance where fate took such a hand.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Twilight zone?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sits down and stares at the screen::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: An old earth show I came across on a long, rather tedious trip.  It was a place out of the norm.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::rubs his moist palms on his pant legs and makes his way over to the captain's chair, standing just behind and to the side of it:: CO: Captain?
Dr_Buuren says:
CSO: Not to interrupt, but since you've seen stars... you know where the next artifact is.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::without looking back:: Hale: Yes, Ensign?
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
CO: Do you have a moment?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Ah.    Buuren: I might. I will ask the Captain to divert the ship there, but I cannot guarantee he will agree. Doctor, the stones seem to impart a low-level energy signature to whomever receives these... visions. You would do well to visit Sickbay and let our Doctor Jervase check you over.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I do.  ::turns chair to face the young officer::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: We should see the Captain now.
Dr_Buuren says:
:: waggles a finger ::  CSO: Ah, but he will agree.  He agreed to take me to the next stop in my journey.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Buuren: Then he will be relieved to hear that we have found the destination.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Something about Buuren that did not... fit.  With a mental shrug, she moved toward the door.::
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::dries his hands again:: CO: Sir, have you ever taken a good long look at some of the ingredients replicators add into our food? 'Nutrient Supplements" it calls them but I don't believe it.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Azhure ::  Buuren: I'll let you know what the Captain decides, Doctor.
Dr_Buuren says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Can't hold it anymore and just lets out a laugh ::  Hale: You are too much, Ensign....
Dr_Buuren says:
CSO: Thanks.  Make sure you don't lose that gem.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I believe that you can request your food to be organic.  I frequently do.  If you would like a complete analysis of the supplements in some of the foods, Dr. Jervase will have a complete listing.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the doors close behind her.::  CSO: I remember reading long ago about a special belt with stones of each color.  Separately, the stones meant little, but together, they gave an individual power.  The stones were separated to protect them from an evil person.  I almost feel as if we walked into that story.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
CO: But how would he know?!? He listens to the computer too. I mean do you know there's only a 27 point difference in atomic weight between virgin olive oil and lethal tetradotoxin?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Interesting. What power did the stones allegedly confer, in this legend?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: If it concerns you, then do not order the virgin olive oil.  The doctor is an exceptional scientist and he, as part of his job, must verify replicated food as safe. This requires more than a computer listing.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO:  I don't remember.  But I do remember, that only one person could truly wield it with good intent... for peace.  In the hands of another it would basically spell slavery for others.  In this case ::smiles::  the boy was a kings son.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::shrugs:: CO: If you say so, sir. But don't say I didn't warn you when you find out commbadges emit a mind control signal that only dogs can hear.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Teasingly::  CSO: Do you have any hidden royal blood?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Such myths often include a cautionary element. Benzite history is replete with them.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Not to my knowledge. Benzites have practiced consensus decision-making for almost our entire civilized history.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he must ask:: Hale: Do you own a 'tin foil' hat, per chance?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps on the lift and orders it to the bridge::  CSO: Then in that case, you could be some long lost lineage and never know it.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::narrows eyes:: CO: I am not now, nor have I ever been a member of the Tinfoil Party.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I suppose it is possible.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lays a hand on his shoulder as the doors open:: CSO: Don't worry, we will guard your majesty.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I see.  Ensign, you are to schedule at your first opportunity some time to explain your theories to the most knowledgeable, Counselor Azhure.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: grins ::  CNS: Let us not get carried away, Counselor.
aEO_Ens_Hale says:
::throws his hands up:: CO: Yes sir, if that's an order I have to comply. But I don't see why I don't need to see Counselor Azhure, sir. Shrinks are for crazy people. ::heads back to his console to continue his work::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Hale: I am sure that she will be very interested and it is an order.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: chuckles only to still at the captains words.  Under her breath::  Lovely...

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