U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10710.22

starring 

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Keith LaHue as XO Ben Pangborn 
Ryan Roe as FCO Theron Kayle
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Billy Bob Powers 
Jeffrey G. Brown as CSO Kraight 
Ed Selgas as CEO David Telarus 
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Azhure 

featuring
Steve Gelhorn as MO McCarthy 

and
Christopher Dickinson, Ship Manager   

MISSION PROLOGUE: Commander Pangborn looks down at the black lump that bruised his toes.  The stone has remained silent to him so far, not disclosing the location of the fifth gem as the others before had.  The Quirinus has sped out of the Badlands and returned to Cardassian space, none the worse for wear, but the direction she will assume remains clouded. The senior staff of the Quirinus remain separated and isolated from each other, the crew afraid of the unknown of the artifacts.  When two are brought together, they began to glow - what would more do?  Only time will tell...

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10710.22 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Gifts of Fortune and Danger – Episode 9 =/\==/\=
 
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sleeping peacefully on the biobed in Sickbay ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::in his quarters, pacing::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::in his quarters:: *Pangborn*: Please scan your artifact.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I've been scanning it. ::takes out his tricorder and scans it again:: So far, nothing.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Analyze black stone for marking similar to those found on the previous artifacts and translate if found.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Computer> CO: Please present the item for scanning.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
@::grabs his lightly packed bag and hefts it over his shoulder, takes a last look around::
Host SteveG says:
<CMO_McCarthy> ::continues the scans ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* Our first task is to discover which of the elements your stone is.  Computer: Read scans of object taken by Commander Pangborn.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I'm getting the same readings as the other stones. Slight EM field, nothing more.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* Transfer your scans to the computer so it can look for markings.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Aye.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::in Main Engineering::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::uploads the data from his stone to the main computer::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Computer> CO/XO: Data received.  Working.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
@::nods to the pilot of the runabout as it pulls alongside the Quirinus:: COM: USS Quirinus: This is Commander Theron aboard the Rouge, ready to be transported aboard.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels something cold from the stone. Picks it up::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Paces in his quarters, knowing his wife is one of the few senior bridge officers not confined to quarters ::
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: I could use some help with going through all these findings.

ACTION: A Commander Theron aboard the Rogue beams aboard the Quirinus to Transporter Room 1.  The transporter officer and a security officer approach and request orders or papers.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: blinks, sits up ::  CMO: Did I fall asleep? My apologies, Doctor.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy>CSO: Yes you did. The scans are done... now lets get to work on them, okay?
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::steps off the pad and glances around, then hands the TO the PADD with his assignment orders:: TO: Permission to come aboard?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: yawns, passes his hand over his face ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Of course, Doctor.  :: stands, moves to the nearby console, begins organizing the data from the scan ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::feels a malevolence, not from the stone itself, but from something surrounding it. Something buried deep within it::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: The fourth artifact has been scanned and information is on the main computer.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Nani> :: Takes the orders and looks them over ::  FCO: I suppose we can let you live for the moment.  Captain Sulek will be interested to be notified of your arrival.  He is in the command quarters.  Deck three.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: Acknowledged. Doctor McCarthy and I are currently analyzing the data from his scan of my brain. I'll alert you if we find anything.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
:: ponders the sarcasm of the security officer then starts for the door:: Sec: Then I shall pay him a visit, thank you.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* As the newest holder, you can expect to also be the next guide to the fifth stone.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::almost drops the stone as a flash hit him. A flash of an enemy, one the Federation fought a war with not so long ago::
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::enters the TL:: Computer: What are the assigned quarters for Commander Theron?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I am beginning to receive sensations from it... it's hard to describe.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy>CSO: Look for anything unusual that may indicate why these stones have these particular influences..
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Computer> FCO: No such person is listed as having quarters aboard this vessel.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* It is not likely to be as mine.  Each holder has had a different effect for guidance.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::rolls his eyes, no assigned quarters which means not officially transfered aboard yet, no greet from a senior staff member:: TL: Very well, Deck three.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: examines the data carefully ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::looks over console::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Has marking been found?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I need to go to the bridge. Permission to leave my quarters?
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::exits the TL and looks at the signage till he finds the CO's quarters and hits the chime::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* Consider details... granted.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::reads reports and looks over warp core read outs and drinks some tea::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Computer> CO: Engravings similar to the previous three have been found on the surface.  Rough translation will still require several minutes.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::leaves for the bridge::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Theron: Come.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Notify as soon as translation is made.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::enters the quarters and stands at attention, still with bag over shoulder:: CO: Commander Theron Kayle reporting for duty Sir.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::carries the stone with him::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns:: Theron: Duty?  ::moves to his desk::  Ahh yes... just received your orders.  They were delayed due to reception problems while we were in the Badlands.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Doctor... notice the faint but unmistakable pattern here...   :: points ::  ...and here. It is virtually identical to the EM pattern we have detected from the artifacts.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Theron: Welcome aboard, Commander.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::still at attention:: CO: I understand Sir, and thank you.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::arrives on the bridge, nods to the counselor and takes science one::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::gets a caution alarm on his console:: Self: Not the EPS conduit again.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Bridge*: Post effective this date assignment of FCO Commander Theron.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs an engineering kit and heads towards the Jefferies tube:: Self: At least it is right here.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Telarus*: I will need your assistance in my quarters, please.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Theron: Your flight was uneventful I trust.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::taps comm badge:: *CO*: Aye, aye sir. I am on my way.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
CO: Quite Sir, I spent my time familiarizing myself with the flight systems of the Steamrunner class as well as the brief description of our current mission ::glances towards the CO as he calls for 'assistance'::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::gives kit over to a crewman:: Crewman: Repair that EPS conduit lock it down and bypass the circuit paths to relay over to the secondary. Have someone replace it when you are done, immediately. ::walks away as the crewman nods::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Computer> CO: Preliminary analysis complete.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::puts a starchart on the main screen, looks it over closely::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Theron: I must apologize for the lack of a more formal greeting.  Most of the command staff, including myself, are confined to quarters.

ACTION: Counselor Azhure glances at Pangborn, curious as to what he's doing.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Report.  Theron: Please excuse me a moment.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::a flicker on the back of his neck tells him that can't be good, nods at the CO as he excuses himself::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS: I can almost feel my way there, let me continue...  ::holds the stone close to his heart::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::enters TL::  TL: Deck 3 Captain's Quarters
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Computer> CO: The engravings of the gem indicate that the bearer of this artifact is strong of character and as unyielding as the earth.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::shifts the view around trying to get in sync with the stone::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Understood...continue analysis.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Aloud: There...
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::listens to the computers interesting analysis and feels a sense of intrigue::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::points at the starchart:: Aloud: This is where we must go....
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: There are also elevated levels of neuropeptides in the amygdala, possibly explaining the attachment that the hosts feel towards the artifacts.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* I believe your object is the earth element.  ::he relays the rough translation to the XO::
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy>CSO: Very good. Hmm interesting. bring up your latest brain scan and see if the signatures match?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: They do. Exactly.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Understood - I believe I have isolated the general direction we must go.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::facing Theron:: Theron: As I was saying, I have requested the presence of our CEO to help you get quartered and get you up to speed.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::TL doors open and walks out and walks to Captain's Quarters and rings chime::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Come.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: If you have a medication that suppresses the activity of the amygdala, it may be possible to break the compulsion that the artifacts impose on their hosts.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::nods at his CO:: CO Understood Sir.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: Interesting. *CO*: The EM signatures from the stones exactly match the chemical/electrical signature in the brain. There has to be a connection. Almost like the stones control the brain as to where to go next.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::enters:: CO: Captain, how can I help you?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: Pangborn knows the general location of the next artifact.  He will give you the coordinates.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Yes...  :: appears lost in thought for a few moments ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CNS/*CO/CTO/CSO*: We must head for Breen space, near the Cardassian border.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: This is Commander Theron, our new FCO.  Would you see that he is quartered and get him up to speed?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Theron: Lt. Telarus is our CEO.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::nods at the Terran CEO::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::salutes:: FCO: Commander, pleasure to meet you.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: I have a very vague memory of a technology used on ancient Earth that may be applicable here.   :: consults the data banks ::
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: What technology?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Theron: I leave you in Telarus' capable hands.  Again, welcome aboard.  As soon as you are situated, you may report to Commander Azhure who is acting Captain, on the bridge.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
CO: Thank you Sir.  ::walks towards the door and holds it open for the CEO::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Captain, I will give him former CMO Munro's quarters.  ::pauses a second::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Follow me sir.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn/Azhure*: The Breen... well, I guess we will see how the truce holds.  We should ask for permission.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::follows the CEO as he leads the way:: CEO: Its seems I've come aboard during an 'interesting' situation Lieutenant . . . ?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Here.   :: points to the screen ::   On twentieth century Earth, a device known as a 'brain pacemaker' was used to apply electrical impulses to deep brain tissue. This was found to be of some use in controlling neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. Of course, there are cures for such disorders now... but we could adapt the technology to disrupt the EM pattern that the artifacts impose on the hosts' brains.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Should we lay in a course then?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: You are telling me sir, but this is not our first brush with the unusual.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: ....or the extraordinary, or nonstandard.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: Interesting hypothesis. Replicate one and we will need to test it first.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to walk towards his missing wife's quarters to give them to the FCO::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Of course. I will volunteer for the procedure.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn/Azhure*: That is if we must enter Breen space.  If not, we should inform them that we will be near.  No need to feed their paranoia.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::continues to follow CEO:: CEO: Fell free to elaborate and by all means be candid . . . ::smirks at the engineer::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: It's just outside of their space actually, as I narrow it down.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: walks over to the replicator and begins programming it ::
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: Very well lets get to it.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: Lay in course and engage.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Well...let me think.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Aye
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: A moment, Doctor. This device is, after all, going to be implanted into my own brain. I prefer to get it right...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Duty_FCO: Lay in a course for these coordinates. ::feeds the coordinates to the helm::
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't like losing patients myself.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he crosses over to his desk and reads the current out put of the computers analysis of the fourth artifact::

ACTION: Helm acknowledges the course change and steers the Quirinus in the proper direction.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::for a moment, he takes his own gem out and stares at it:: Self: What is your secret?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Well we where transported from world to world... ::pauses:: Sorry sir just a really bad memory in that one. But that was a strange experience thus far. We ended up encountering something called the Library. Long story short, weird.

ACTION: The replicator hums, and an archaic-looking assemblage of wires attached to a small plastic pod materializes.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: With permission, I'm staying on the bridge.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: picks up the device and hands it to McCarthy ::   CMO: Done.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Ah! Here we are.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::ponders the 'gist' of the CEOs story then stops at what appears to be their destination:: CEO: Excellent.  ::enters the room after the CEO::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: calls up a schematic of his own brain on the console ::  Accounting for the minor differences between the anatomies of human and Benzite brains, I would suggest placing the electrodes here... here... and here.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: Okay, lay back down on the biobed and then lets get this thing in you...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Please assign quarters Deck 3 Section 6 23 Baker to Commander Theron.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::walks in and takes a quick survey then plops his bag onto the bed:: CEO: Anything else I need to know before I head to the bridge Lieutenant?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: lays down again on the biobed ::  CMO: Good luck, Doctor.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: This is a family ship, sir. We take care of each other. We have been through a lot. You will be welcomed with open and warm arms among officers and crew. Just be sure when the rock and the hard place are in front of us you can have our back like we have yours.
Host SteveG says:
CMO McCarthy> CSO: I don't need luck. You'll be up in a few hours. Nighty night.  :: sedates the CSO ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: And sir whatever you expect out here on the frontier, throw it out the window and prepare for everything else you didn't imagine.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: drifts off ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: I have to take you to Engineering to set you up for ship resource use and security clearance.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::raises a slight eyebrow at the engineer:: CEO: Well thank you for the warning, I think I'll manage, I sailed through some pretty rough storms myself.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::looks around quarters and is pained on the inside::
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
CEO: If you wouldn't mind taking care of that through computer automation, I would like to report to the bridge as soon as possible.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Not a problem, I will do it from the Bridge.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: Whenever you're ready we can go.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Transfer CEO control's to Engineering I on Main Bridge. Authorization Telarus 11 Alpha.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::nods at the CEO then exits the room and leads the way to the nearest TL::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::follows the FCO::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: So where was your last post?
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> :: after a short while all the implants are in the CSO's brain and the CMO turns on the device ::
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::enters the TL:: TL: Bridge. CEO: My last post was acting XO on the Claymore before taking a sabbatical on Bajor.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::takes his familiar seat as they fly towards the unknown::

ACTION: The CSO wakes up after the procedure.

FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::exits onto the bridge and takes a good look around the command center for this Steamrunner class starship, nods at the CEO then approaches the XO: XO: Commander Theron reporting for duty Sir.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::nods back::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he ponders::  We have earth, fire, water, and heaven...there is still air, and consciousness. What will happen when all the elements are brought together?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::takes his station at the Bridge:: Computer: Release station.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: opens his eyes ::   CMO: Greetings, Doctor. I assume the operation was a success.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: Yes it was.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::begins to give the Commander user access to ship systems::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits up, holds out his hand with the stone :: CMO: Let's see if we were successful. Try to take the stone from me.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> :: reaches for the stone and grabs a hold of it ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: does not relinquish his grip ::  CMO: Hmmm. It seems I cannot yet part with it.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
FCO: Welcome aboard. You may take your station.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
XO: I am going back to Engineering, sir. I will be in my office should you need me. The Commander now has user access to all systems with proper clearance.
Host SteveG says:
<CMO McCarthy> CSO: It appears so. We'll have to work on it. until then stay here okay?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
CEO: Acknowledged.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Of course.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Lock out station and transfer controls to Main Engineering.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
XO: Aye Sir.  ::nods at the CEO in thanks and moves to the conn::

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