U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10710.01

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: MISSION PROLOGUE: A third artifact has been recovered from the otherwise uninterested Bryma star system - a golden gem, with the familiar writing.  The mysteries around the artifacts remain as the Quirinus crew attempts to dig deeper....

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10710.01 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Gifts of Fortune and Danger – Episode 7 =/\==/\= 

 XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::On the bridge, pacing::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::in quarters.  He takes out a tricorder and scans the gem::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly arrives on the bridge.::
Host CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: sitting in the quarters, pouting ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::nods:: CNS: Counselor.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: in Science Lab One, still trying to analyze the stones ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Watches Ben's pacing::  XO: We continue on course?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS: For now, yes.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Analyze scans of gem.  ::scans himself:: Compare EM readings of the gem with all brainwave patterns of personal scan.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS: Has there been any change in those affected?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: They are stable... normal as long as the stones are not taken from them.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS: Do we have the autopsy report on the doctor yet?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: leans back, rubs the bridge of his nose :: *CO*: Kraight to Captain Sulek.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* I would like a moment of your time if you can spare it.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight* Sulek, here.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: They were still working on it when I left.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I'm on my way. CNS: Very well. You have the conn.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::leaves for Sulek's quarters::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Captain, I understand you've been exposed to the third artifact.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight* That is correct.  I have turned over command to the XO.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: A wise choice. I don't think my own judgment can be trusted right now. But I would greatly appreciate your help with the analysis. Could you come to Science Lab One?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shaking her head, steps forward, wondering what would be the next step.  Right now they were all afraid of them, and in that fear, they may find themselves stuck.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight* I am doing what research I can from my quarters and have asked the XO to join me so that we may discuss options.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::arrives at the captains quarters and hits the chime::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight* I do not think it wise to get the artifacts near each other and as you know, I would be unable to leave mine behind.  ::answers chime:: Pangborn: Come.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Understood. Please let me know if you reconsider. Kraight out.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::enters the captains quarters:: Sulek: Captain.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As a call from medical comes through, she listens, her expression still.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Ben, come in.  Please have a seat.  ::indicates the couch beneath the window::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*XO*: Commander, the autopsy has been completed.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::takes a seat:: Sulek: Have you discovered anything relevant? *CNS*: Thank you, put it through to the captains quarters.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: resumes his analysis of the quantum resonance scan ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Pangborn:: Pangborn: She may also wish to send it to Kraight's console.
Host PO_Harden says:
:: enters the Bridge near the rear, a PADD in his hand, and walks towards the command area, looking for Captain Sulek or Commander Pangborn ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: You're right. *CNS*: See that the autopsy report is sent to Kraight as well.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO/XO/CSO*: The autopsy is basically unclear.  They believe he died of natural causes, a stroke to the brain.  He collapsed backwards where he sat.  However, he was in relatively good health and they question that diagnosis.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I have been trying to analyze the connection the artifacts have on its carrier.  Perhaps, if we can isolate the frequency, we can block the effects of the artifact.  I am awaiting a comparison of scans of myself and my gem.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: You think there is some intrinsic link between the gem and it's 'owner'?
Host PO_Harden says:
:: Listens carefully to the Commander... Azhure, he thinks.  Pangborn is elsewhere, judging from the communication ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*CNS*: Acknowledged.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: listens carefully to the Counselor ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: Buuren was in possession at one point of two artifacts until Kraight took one of them.  We know what the effect was of the loss of them on Powers and Kraight.  Perhaps the loss of the second stone had the same effect on the Doctor.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*ALL*: I question that, for the fact that Buuren knew the stone was not meant for him.  However, the other alternative could be he had served his purpose.  :: leaves the rest unsaid.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO/XO/CNS*: Possibly, Captain, but we have yet to establish that the stones have any synergistic effects when brought into close proximity.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Think these things are using the crew for some reason?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Like power?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure* If medical were to run a comparative of the areas of the brain affected in Buuren with those that affected Kraight, just to be sure.  Your hypothesis though is sound.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*: I will have them get on to it.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO/XO/CNS*: Dr. McCarthy ran a thorough scan of my brain. He should have that data already.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Notifies medical to do a comparative analysis using the data she had collected with the data on Buuren.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: If the hypothesis that they use us until no longer needed is correct, then all the carriers are in danger.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: The reason I called you is to discuss our next move.  Since my judgment cannot be trusted, you must make the final call.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Has them include the data Buuren had collected as well.  Also they were to check it against his medical files prior to his finding the first artifact.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::stands up and looks out the window:: Sulek: There have been very few times that I have been totally uncertain as to what to do. Now is one of them.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: You must trust yourself.  I have every confidence in you.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: What do you think our next move to be?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns toward Harden:: PO: Can I help you?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises from his desk where the computer continues its comparative analysis::Pangborn: I believe we must find the remaining artifacts.  If we are unable to block the attachment to us, we need to bring them together to complete their purpose....It is a risk.
Host PO_Harden says:
:: clears his throat ::  CNS: Um... well, Commander.  I've got some results from the translation of the writing on the gems.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: To my knowledge, we have yet to receive a message from the gems indicating the location of the others.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns fully toward him.:: PO: What have you learned?
Host PO_Harden says:
CNS: The writing on the artifacts is in fact ancient Hebitian.  In the limited amount on the first gem, and even with the second, it wasn't enough material to make a translation matrix.  Now that you have more writing.... The translation for all of them are still hazy, but I've got the gist.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: It will come.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods for him to continue::
Host PO_Harden says:
CNS: Mister Power's stone discusses the red of fire.  The rest of it is unclear, and might refer to a cleansing of some kind, a clearing away of the "unnecessary."
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow at that part.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Lets hope it doesn't send us to the Delta quadrant. ::sits back down:: Tell me, old friend. How do you feel?
Host PO_Harden says:
CNS: The blue stone seems to make references to water.  Still and filling, but deep.  The Captain's golden tinted gem seems to discuss... well, heaven.  And wisdom.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: The artifacts have a specific purpose.  The problems are that once they are brought together, for all we know, they could be apocalyptic in nature.  There is also the problem of what happens to the hosts once our mission is completed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
PO: Interesting... in some context fitting the individuals as well as the elements.  That would leave... earth or wind.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: At first glance, it would appear that is kills the hosts. But we don't know for sure. Yet.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::holds up the gold gem so that the light catches it:: Pangborn: Other than an abnormal obsession with this gem, I feel in quite good health.
Host PO_Harden says:
:: Looks curious ::  CNS: Ma'am?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO/XO/CSO*: We have a partial interpretation of the writing on your stones... :: repeats what has been said.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Or eliminates hosts who cannot complete the task...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: listens intently to the translation ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
PO: Many myths, legends, cultures express the five elements.  Earth, fire, water, air and heaven.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: If the counselor is correct, there would be two more stones.
Host PO_Harden says:
CNS: But these talk of six, not five.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
PO: Hmmm... a sixth element?  I prefer not to go to the opposite of heaven.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
PO: Any thoughts on what a sixth might be?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Buuren was certain that there were six.  I had a discussion with him about this idea.  On Earth, there was a belief in the 4 elements of creation...but there are two more here.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
PO:  You know, heaven could also be considered light.  Which means the other could represent darkness, which has its purpose.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO/XO/CNS*: It needn't be an opposite of heaven. It could be nothingness... the void.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: So what would the sixth be?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: If the fifth is heaven, wisdom, or more to the point knowledge... then a sixth would be an element of value... the opposite would be nothingness, but none of the other gems are opposites.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::thinks:: CO: This still isn't helping us determine the next location we should go to.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO/XO/CSO*: Darkness... I can see an onyx in my mind.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO/XO/CNS*: Experience suggests that the Captain will have a vision of some sort, telling us our next destination.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO/XO/CSO*: Or a black diamond.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: One that I have considered is dimensional...or time...another is possibly creation....the beginning of space...darkness...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Has your gem had any visions associated with it?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: still speaking into the open comm ::  Pangborn: Not yet.  But I believe that Kraight is correct. The third will lead to the fourth, if we are looking for a pattern.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: We also know that all the artifacts have been found in Cardassian territory.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Or space near Cardassia or areas they have at one time occupied.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::frowns:: Sulek: Somehow I doubt contacting the Cardassians would help. But I'm open to the idea.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: It should not be necessary.  I will know.  My telepathic attachment to the gem should be more acute than that of Kraight or Buuren's.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I - I'm hesitant to ask you to attempt to probe it further. But it may be required.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Has nothing to say as she agrees with the discussion.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO/XO/CSO*: If our believe holds true... he should be safe.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I will try... :: he closes his eyes and stands absolutely still...for him it is as if time has stopped ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:: waits quietly ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::in his mind's eye, the gem shines...star systems form and he moves through them...discarding each as he passes...one area shines...it is here...the fourth...like a beacon::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO*: Bill, how are you doing?
Host CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: Bored.  What am I supposed to do while sitting in my quarters?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO*: Any thoughts or suggestions come to mind?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::without opening his eyes he moves to the console on his desk and begins inputting clusters and patterns...the computer analyzes the formations...energy clusters of enormous magnitude.... plasma storms... gravitational anomalies...::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:: watches the captain ::
Host CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: Other than burning my door down?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he opens his eyes:: Pangborn: It is not the Delta Quadrant, but just as dangerous. ::turns the screen so he can see it:: It is in the Badlands.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Starts to smile and then stops, considering:: *CTO*: Is this a personal urge or... your stone represents fire.  :: Repeats what Harden told her ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::sarcastic:: Sulek: Great.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn *All* I must be closer to find the exact location.
Host CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: ... interesting.  I suppose it could be inferred that I have a fiery personality anyway, so.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'll have the helm lay in a course.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Duty_FCO*: Lay in and engage a course for the badlands.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Let us hope that this is truly the wisdom stone, because it is most certainly not heaven we are heading for.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: teasingly:: *CTO*: Hidden under that calm exterior.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::grim:: Sulek: No it's not. And I can't help but speculate who the next stone will choose.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: It will choose. Of that, I am certain.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: As am I. I should return to the bridge now.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Of course.  I will inform you of anything the analysis reveals.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'll keep you informed. Take care. I am only a comm away.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::exits::

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