U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10710.29

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 CMO McCarthy 

and
Christopher Dickinson, Ship Manager   

MISSION PROLOGUE: The prophecies and legends spoke of six artifacts - the Quirinus has discovered five of them.  The most recent one is prepared to transport aboard; what effects will it have on the crew?  The top three officers are confined to quarters - can the ship handle losing another from their active roster?

The Quirinus orbits an unremarkable rock around an unremarkable star, unnamed, in the space between Breen and Cardassian space.  The ship's sensors may have picked up vessel movements within the Breen border, but nothing threatening or near to themselves.

If they go after the last artifact, does the Quirinus dare to recover the sixth artifact, and bring the end of times - or the best of times?

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10710.29 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Gifts of Fortune and Danger – Episode 10 =/\==/\=

ACTION: The transporter operator signals that the Quirinus has a lock on the fifth artifact.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::in quarters::  *Pangborn*: I would suggest you return to quarters before the next artifact is brought aboard.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::walking through the corridors near his quarters:: *Sulek*: Almost there dad.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::sitting in the command chair on the bridge, following Starfleet protocol as ranking officer on the deck, feeling the situation a bit odd still at the same time::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::enters his quarters::
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::stands:: *CO*: Sir this is Theron, transporter room reports a lock on an artifact on the planet and is requesting instructions.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Theron*: You may initiate the transport of the fifth artifact to the containment field in MedLab 1.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
*CO*: Aye Sir.  ::walks over the duty operation officer:: OPS: Have the Chief beam the artifact to Medlab 1, there should be a containment field already activated.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: continues working through a series of settings on the brain pacemaker ::
Host FM_ChrisD says:
<OPS_Griska> FCO: Sure thing.

ACTION: The transporter beam resolves itself into a pale crystal within the confines of the containment field.

FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::intrigued by all the mystery, walks over to one of the unmanned science stations and runs an internal scan of the artifact and awaits to see what might be so special about it::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::lays back on his bunk, holding the stone::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leaving Bill, she makes her way to MedLab one to see what was awaited for whom.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Scan Artifact in medlab1 containment and look for engravings...translate.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off and heads down the relatively quiet hall and to the doors.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the doors slide open, she steps through and pauses, looking toward the containment field.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::holds the stone against his head like *that* would do anything::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slowly walks toward the stone, its internal surface cloudy, but the exterior shiny.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stopping before the stone she looks at it curiously::  And what story do you have to tell?  Who is it you seek?
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::reads over the results as it scrolls on his monitor:: Self: An unremarkable light weight crystal.  ::sarcasm:: Amazing. ::walks back to the command chair:: Duty TO: Continuous scans of Breen territory please.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reading through the data she nods to herself.:: CPU: Computer, drop the shielding around the stone.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::drops the stone and feels inexorably drawn to it. Picks it back up::

ACTION: The containment field disappears.

ACTION: Pangborn's gem has dented the floor where it dropped.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaching for the stone, she picks it up and looks it over:: Hidden beauty or... :: Pocketing it, she turns to leave.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::strange...it didn't seem so heavy. Sits up, grabs his tricorder and scans the dent::

ACTION: The gem gets amazingly hot against Azhure's skin.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::waits for the translation of this gem's markings::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::in Main Engineering reviewing power output to systems::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Notes the heat of the stone just as she drops it in her pocket.  Without pulling it out, she opens the pocket and looks inside.::  Impatient?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sends out daily team assignments:: Self: I can't believe the waste processor is still acting up...thank God for the backup.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CSO: How're you coming?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at a small chip of stone where the dent is::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Making her way to the lift, she orders it to engineering.::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Has any part of your stone become separated from the main stone? I just chipped mine by dropping it. The shard is losing its EM field.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::peers over system reports from department heads as they come over the command monitor::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Minimal results. I can induce a feeling of relative apathy towards the artifact -- the feeling that if I let it drop from my hand, it would not be a great disaster -- but I still cannot bring myself to actually drop it.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she sees Telarus near the main output system. and walks toward him.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: No.  So the stone can be broken...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Apparently so.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CSO: What about a stronger pulse?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sees the Counselor:: CNS: Commander, what can I do for you?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: What would be the safe maximum current?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaches carefully into her pocket and holds out the stone for him.::  CEO: I believe this is for you.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at the translation:: *Pangborn*: The translation for the fifth stone just came through... I believe it is air.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pauses::
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CSO: I'm not sure. Typically its only 40 joules.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CNS: Okay give me one second... Commander. ::goes to pull a hazmat container::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Only one more to go...I have to say, I'm wary of this whole mess.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: drops the stone on the console::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sees a crewman:: Crewman: You have gloves get the stone. ::turns around when he hears the thud on the console::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CNS: Commander are you ok?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: but like the others there is more than just the element... the invisible force behind it.  The ability to sway and move the weak.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Crewman: Get the stone and put it into the hazmat container and establish a force field around it. I think that is one of the artifacts we have on board.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
<Crewman>: CEO: Aye, sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: blows on her hands.::  Hmmm... I do not think this stone likes me very much... :: Quickly walks over to the replicator and orders some aloa::  CEO: Yes...
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: All right. We might as well give that a try.   :: makes the adjustments at the console ::   Charging... activated.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CSO: How do you feel?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: holds out the stone ::  CMO: Try to take it from me.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: No offense, but none of us are really 'weak'.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
:: reaches for the stone ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slathering the gel on her hands, turns back to Telarus. ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CMO*: Medical emergency. Deck 7 Main Engineering.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*FCO*: Commander, prepare for a course change.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CEO: I am fine...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CNS: Commander, I think I should take you to SickBay.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CNS: It burned your hand the stone was super hot.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
*CEO* On my way! :: CSO: You'll be okay for a minute while i go deal with this...
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::stands and ponders the unfamiliar voice:: *CNS*: Sir?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CEO: Take the stone... :: nods to the stone laying on the console.::  I will be fine...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: It is not necessarily the stone's effect on its carrier, but the effect the carrier may have in using the stone.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CNS: Don't worry I have the Crewman getting it and containing it.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
:: grabs a medkit and takes off to main engineering ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
<Crewman> ::begins to grab stone::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CEO: No... I need you to take the stone so we can head for our next destination.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks up ::  CMO: I agree.   :: shuts off the current ::

ACTION: The stone is hot to the engineering crewman's touch.

XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::Muses:: *Sulek*: I'm going a little stir crazy, and I DO love it... but... this is not right. I feel like I'm being held captive. And you know how humans hate captivity.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head and hands the crewman the gel::  CEO: It is not for him.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CSO: Maybe try a fluctuating current see if that does the trick.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::taps comm badge:: *CMO*: I need you to site to site here now, we may have a situation.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
:: rounds the corner into Main engineering :: CEO: Geez I'm here!
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::taps comm badge again:: *Security*: Security to Main Engineering.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO: Minor burns...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CMO: The Counselor here is not her usual self.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*FCO*: One moment...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: Have you tried meditation?
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
:: grabs a tricorder and runs a scan over the CNS ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I could never get the hang of it.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CMO: The Commander was uttering something about that stone and how I alone have to pick it up to get to our next destination and it almost burned my engineer.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::glances at the helmsman who has turned to face him and await his orders, holds up his hands to pause and awaits the comm call::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks patiently at the doctor::  CMO: I am fine... though I admit I am more impatient then usual.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: Lt. Telarus to Captain Sulek.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: Then perhaps a good book....
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Telarus*: Sulek here.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins researching the specifications of the tasp ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: Sir there is what I believe a hazardous item in Main Engineering and the Counselor is not seeming like the usual self, but the Doctor is treating for burns from this stone. I am suggesting locking down engineering and getting a hazmat team in here asap.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: With a sigh, tugs the sleeve of her shirt down over her hand::
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CNS: I can tell that. That EM Field has a definite effect on the carriers especially when the stone is damaged.. :: thinks :: Interesting..
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nodding to the doctor, grabs the stone and quickly deposits it in the CEO´s hand::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Telarus*: She brought you the stone?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*: Yes, I did...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::zombifies in answer:: *CO*: Yessss......
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Watches the CEO::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Telarus* The stone is for you.  Unless I miss my guess, for it to release Azhure, then you must take it.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: What shall I do?
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CNS/CEO: There doesn't seem to be any radiation, there's no hazardous situation here. The burns are heat based and not radiation based.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles::  *CO*: Too late... I already put it in his hand.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::thinks about the voice as he awaits the new course, thinks it must be the CNS he has yet to meet after reviewing the crew roster this morning:: *CNS*: Counselor . . .?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Telarus*: You will find your desire for the gem to be quite driving.  It emits a low band EM field that attaches to a specific user.  It should not have any physical effect on you other than the desire.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*FCO*: One moment Commander Theron.... :: steps aside::  You are familiar with what is happening aboard this ship, correct?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Telarus*: Keep it away from other possessors of artifacts.  I would recommend you go to the bridge... it will likely guide you in some fashion to the location of the sixth and last stone.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
*CNS*: I have had bits and pieces of the official situation but not a full briefing no.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to snap back into it:: *CO*: Understood sir. ::heads for TL and steps in:: TL: Deck 1 Bridge
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*FCO*: I will fill you in shortly on the full account.  Right now, our CEO has acquired one of the stones we have been searching.  It should let us know the destination of the next stone.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::watches the CEO enter the bridge as he responds to the CNS:: *CNS*: Understood.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*FCO*: He is on his way.  I shall be there shortly.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: decides it's time for the next step... sends the tasp specifications to the replicator ::
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CSO: What're you doing?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CSO*: Kraight, have you the translation from this last stone?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: based on the Hypothesis that each artifact is connected to the other artifacts, what would the destruction of one of the artifacts do to this connection?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO: The others remain well?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::arrives on Bridge and walks over to the helm:: FCO: Please relinquish your station Commander.
Host CMO_McCarthy says:
CNS: Considering the circumstances yes..
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::leans over and programs a set of coordinates into the helm not waiting for the Commander::
Host FM_ChrisD says:
<Computer> CO: Insufficient data.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn* when the stone was chipped, did the chip remain emitting the EM field?
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::approaches the helm as the CEO issues his directive:: CEO: Are you all right Telarus?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::finishes inputting the data:: FCO: I am fine sir.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CNS*: Receiving it now, Counselor...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Transfer Engineering Control to Main Bridge.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Only for a little while, with a diminishing effect
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO: Keep a close eye on them.  Soon we will have all the stones and there is no telling what will happen then... or if they have to come together.  :: shakes her head::  Odd, but I keep thinking there should be a seventh stone as so many cultures look at seven as being balance... :: Heads out of engineering and to the lift.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::steps over to the Engineering Station and starts to glide hand over console entering computations and commands::
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
CEO: Where are you taking the ship if I may ask? ::since he can't see over the other man's arm::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Scan each artifact looking for a common emission from one stone to the next.  It should be different than the EM field that connects the stone to its owner.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops at the bridge, she steps off and walks over to the central chair.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Emergency Protocols Override re-route all EPS conduits through the secondary relays for those that lead from the deflector dish and the warp core. Authorization Telarus 11 Alpha.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: I don't know.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sends a command to modify the the frequency amplification of the deflector dish and starts to input new fuel mix data for the warp core and the plasma injectors::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: If each is connected.  Then would the destruction of one effect all?  What would this do to the bearer of the stone? to all the bearers?
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::listened as the CEO issues his odd commands to the computer then looks towards the CNS, who has taken command with a raised eyebrow::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: This is a case of go with the flow.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Good question. Want me to try and destroy mine?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods for him to come join her off to the side, not wanting to distract the CEO::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Execute Telarus Program 1 Alpha. ::helm control transfers over to the engineering station and presses a few buttons to initiate a pseudo-wormhole using a static warp shell::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CNS*: The translation does not suggest much to me, Counselor... as a scientist, my mind works in literal channels. What do you make of it?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: Not yet.  But when we have the sixth, we may need a control before we bring the six together.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: Captain whatever the stone is doing it is doing it through me.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS: All call please...
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::walks over towards the CNS, the back of his neck is warm as his temper rises, maybe this assignment was a mistake::

ACTION: The operations officer opens a ship wide communications channel.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM: All hands prepare for... the unexpected.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hears the engines hum charging up::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: I'll await the arrival of the last stone then. Even then, we may not know what to do. But I have a feeling the stones will.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::panels on the Bridge start to flicker leans back over and connects in the fusion generators for more power and starts to manually control the inter-mix ratios::

ACTION: The Quirinus's engines power up and the ship appears to prepare to go to warp speed.  However, the ship does not move.  Instead, a glowing vortex appears in front of the ship, and then begins to wrap itself around, like an expanding set of wispy fingers of blue-white energy.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  FCO: There was a legend, as there have been many in the past.  A scientist uncovered one of the stones in this legend, and we have found ourselves heading through our galaxy hunting for each stone... and each stone seems destined for someone aboard this ship.
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::jaunts past the CNS briskly as even more odd events begin to unfold, dismisses the helms man and sits down, checking over the heading and engine read outs to see exactly what the CEO did, finds he has no control but wants to know for his own knowledge::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
:: issues an evac order of Main Engineering :: *CO*: The containment field is having a hard time keeping the core radiation contained. I am taking people out of Engineering and controlling it from here.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the external sensors ::  *CO*: Captain... a most unusual spatial rift is engulfing the ship.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CSO*: Perhaps... while air is light, at most times, you do not even notice it, it can also be very destructive in its unsuspecting strength.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::transfers more power via EPS conduits to containment field::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::  *CNS*: Yes... I can see that.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*All*: Understood.

ACTION: Lights begin to flicker aboard the ship, and the stars completely disappear.  The lateral sensor array overloads from the influx of energy, but the shields register nothing touching the Quirinus.

CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hits a button and a huge power surge hits the station and increases engine output::
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::watches the readouts, and the viewscreens, as the lights begin to flicker:: Self: What the hell is happening here . . . .
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
FCO: I don't know. Remember what I told you expect the unexpected.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Watches as the CEO, with a glance at Theron.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Computer: Override the energy output cap on the core. Authorization Telarus 11 Alpha.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*Bridge*: We are entering some sort of interdimensional conduit.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: Just to let you know sir, I am purposely overloading the core for power.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: I don't know how long the ship can hold it.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CSO*: I don't suppose all of what was done is recorded for later use if need be?
FCO_Cmdr_Theron says:
::turns towards the CNS since he has no choice but to ride this out, feeling out of control is disconcerting:: CNS: Is this part of the legend?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*All*: What must happen, will happen.  We are to see this through.  *Telarus* She will hold.  The stone will not misguide you.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CNS*: Of course, Counselor.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::keeps the ship intact by manually redistributing power where needed inertia dampeners, SFI fields, etc.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
FCO: I do not know... :: Looks toward the screen::  I do not know...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
*CO*: Understood.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaches to grip the back of the command chair.::

ACTION: The core overloads when the safeties are taken offline.  The entire EPS grid overloads, with consoles exploding around the ship.  The Quirinus is engulfed in complete darkness, and then a loud "CRACK" is heard through the ship....

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