U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10802.04

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 
Ed Selgas as CEO David Telarus 
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Azhure 

and

Steve Gelhorn, Ship Manager

featuring

Janaye Hinsley, Special Guest Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The Quirinus crew is currently in the holodeck with Tukani, an unknown alien somehow connected to the probe which invaded the ship by transporting itself onto deck 3 near the Computer core.  Somehow, the probe turned the crew into adolescent children for a reason still undetermined. They hope to gather information from Tukani who insists she's only there to play and have fun with them while they remember what they've forgotten or never learned in the first place.  Questions abound but answers are in short supply from the apparent 8 year old. "The Checker", Tukani's name for the probe, has disappeared from sight but a small blip on the sensors has appeared.

=/\==/\= BEGIN U.S.S. Quirinus Mission 10802.04 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Big Surprises in Little Packages – Episode 3 =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: exiting holodeck ::   Kraight: An amusing game.
Host Naye says:
ACTION: The holodeck game has ended and the exit doors have opened.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: exits the holodeck, rubbing his shoulder from an especially hard landing ::  CO: Thank you, sir.  Tukani: How did you like it, Tukani?
Host Tukani says:
::giggles::  CSO: That was fun!
Host Tukani says:
CO: I think it's time for me to go back to the Checker now.  I'm getting tired.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'm going to the bridge to cross-reference the command staff's logs.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles ::  Tukani: I am glad you liked it. Do children play any similar games, where you come from?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tukani: Of course, this way.  Pangborn: Understood.
Host CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Walks along with light steps, just listening::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::leaves for the bridge::
Host Tukani says:
::sighs:: CSO: Why is he leaving?  ::points to the XO:: I guess he didn't learn this time either.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he sets off down the corridor towards the computer core::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Tukani: He learned... and played and enjoyed.  But all things have their proper place and time.
Host Tukani says:
CNS: He didn't learn at all. ::sighs and walks off down the hall::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Tukani: Commander Pangborn has duties he must attend to. Even though we now appear as children, we must keep the ship running. If we don't, we could endanger the lives of everyone aboard.
Host Tukani says:
CSO: No you couldn't.  The Checker wouldn't let anybody get really hurt.  You bumped yourself but nobody could get hurt bad.
Host Tukani says:
CSO: That's the whole reason.  The Checker protects you so you don't have to worry.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Tukani: I'm sure the Checker would do his best to keep us safe. But in our culture, we have learned that it is best to take responsibility for our own safety.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::enters the bridge and uses a free console to cross reference the crews logs with 'children' and 'child'::
Host Tukani says:
CSO: You don't trust anybody you mean.  That's boring and its mean. ::pouts::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Tukani:  He did not say that.
Host Tukani says:
::scoots up to walk beside the Captain, ignoring the CNS and CSO::  CO: The Checker doesn't think you will ever really learn.  He says you people are a lost cause.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Tukani: That's not so, Tukani. We trust one another with our lives. And there are many people outside the ship that we trust. But consider this: The first thing the Checker did was change our bodies into those of children, without talking to us or asking us if that would be all right. That is not the way to build trust.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tukani: By you people, does the checker mean all of us or Vulcans in particular?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Notes that the child has fixated on the captain.  Because it was his wish or something else?::
Host Tukani says:
CO: All of you.  You don't get it.  You are too busy being adults who start wars and fight with weapons.
Host Tukani says:
ACTION: The group arrives outside the Computer Core.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: catches up to the Captain and Tukani, and listens as they converse ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tukani: Did you come to remind us of innocence or perhaps that as children, we once believed in a different future?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
*Sulek*: Captain, with the exception of crew members referring to their own children in there logs, I'm not coming up with anything.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Pangborn*: Understood.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::continues searching::
Host Tukani says:
::giggles:: CO: Logs?  You think I'm here because somebody said 'Geez, I'd like to be a little kid today.' ::falls on the floor laughing hysterically:: Give me a break!
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Tukani: We are not certain why you are here, Tukani. The Checker's purpose is still a mystery to us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tukani: The checker believes that one of us requested you.  I was trying to find out how it arrived at that conclusion.
Host Tukani says:
::tries to calm down:: CSO: I... keep telling you!  You forgot!  I'm here because you forgot!
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Tukani: That's still not clear. What, exactly, did we forget?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Tukani: But you will not tell us what we forgot.
Host Tukani says:
All: You forgot yourselves.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Tukani: We're not sure what that means.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at each of them and down at herself:: All: Nope... all here.
Host Tukani says:
::shakes her head:: CSO: Then you don't need to talk to me anymore.  You need to talk to the Checker.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Azhure::
Host Tukani says:
::stands up and walks over to where the probe had been::  CSO: Hey, don't stop playing that game, okay? ::grins and waves::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Smiles as she sees the captain looking at her.::
Host Tukani says:
ACTION: Tukani disappears, replaced by the probe.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: A journey of self-discovery, I suppose.
Host Tukani says:
ACTION: The ship jumps to high warp on a course directly across the RNZ.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Perhaps now we can get to the bottom of this.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Could be... but I really dislike generalization.  Last I checked, I had not started any war.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: We've gone to warp.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::notices the course change:: Self: What the ... ::attempts to bring the ship out of warp::
Host Tukani says:
ACTION: Readings go off the charts as the ship surpasses warp 10.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: You really did not think it was going to be that easy, did you?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Whatever is going on, there is no malevolency, that I can pick up.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: dourly ::  CNS: No.   CO: I'd better get back to the bridge, sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: chuckles and lightly lays a hand on his arm::  CSO: Think of it as an adventure.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Computer: over-ride warp acceleration.  Alpha 1 Zeta B
Host Tukani says:
<Computer> CO:  Unable to comply.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finds a turbolift and orders it to the Bridge ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::following Kraight into the TL::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::they arrive at bridge:: Helm: Coordinates and speed...
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
:: frantically tries to bring the ship to a stop::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: goes to Science One and commences scans ::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We've exceeded warp 10
Host Tukani says:
ACTION: The ship stops as quickly as it began...on the far side of the Beta Quadrant.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Following in general, finds a chair and with a bit of a hop, takes a seat.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We've come to a stop, sir. Checking our position...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Well at least we were through Romulan space before they knew we were there.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Damn right.
Host Chekari says:
ACTION: An unknown individual with white hair and lavender skin, similar to Tukani's, appears on the bridge.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: The question is where is here?
Host Chekari says:
All: Have no fear, I am not here to hurt you in any way.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::looks at the uninvited guest::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We have stopped approximately 20 parsecs from the border between the Beta and Delta quadrants, sir.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns to regard the visitor ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks at the individual:: Guest: I am Sulek, Captain of this ship.  ::he tries unsuccessfully to keep his voice from cracking::
Host Chekari says:
All: I believe you have questions Tukani could not answer.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: First the Q and now this...
Host Chekari says:
CO: Exactly! ::grins::  That is exactly why you are seeing me now and saw Tukani.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Indeed. It seems we have suffered a surfeit of omnipotent beings.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: What have we forgot and why does your probe seek to teach us?
Host Chekari says:
CO: You expected to see some being.  You expected trouble.  What you wanted, you got.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Chekari: What we want now is to be restored to our adult selves, and our ship returned from whence we came.
Host Chekari says:
CO: Our probe was scanning you simply for information.  When you went into such a defensive mode of discussing weapons and raising your shields, it got curious.
Host Chekari says:
CSO: All in good time, Commander, right now you should allow your Captain to speak.
Host Chekari says:
CO: So many talking at once is what confused Tukani.  She really is just a child.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: glares at Chekari for a moment, then turns back to monitor the scans ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks over at Kraight::
Host Chekari says:
::smiles slightly at the CSO thinking there is hope for him yet::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: I expected trouble?  Your probe did not communicate.  We did not move to attack but to defend.  If you send an unknown into space with no means of communication... it is an odd way to make a first contact.
Host Chekari says:
CO: The probe did try to communicate but you were unable to understand.  I believe there was some sort of...  ::frowns trying to remember the correct word::  ...static on your communication lines.
Host Chekari says:
CO: So, it came closer to try to understand.  Because of the telepathic abilities, it heard your discussions and believed you intended harm.
Host Chekari says:
CO: It also found that your crew, like so much of the Federation we have seen, is too busy and too serious.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: Look at the data of the probe.  We moved away from its approach. Static?  We hailed on all of our available frequencies.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Thinks back to a planet that was found long ago by the original Enterprise and her captain Kirk... a planet meant only for play.  ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: It seeks civilizations that play?
Host Chekari says:
CO: Tukani found that you had forgotten your joy from being children.  She hoped reminding you of that would prevent the Federation from destroying itself.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow, curiously::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: Then you know that we keep on our ships a room dedicated for the imagination.  Play is more than games... from it we grow we learn... then she and the probe misinterpreted what we believe.
Host Chekari says:
CO: She is young and did not understand that you prefer your seriousness.  So, she sent you to me.
Host Chekari says:
CO: It isn't games, Captain, it's joy.  You Vulcans are a strange lot.  While you focus on logic, you choose not to enjoy your emotions.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Give the probe access to the core... the primary mission of the Federation... perhaps the speech of Captain Archer at the first UFP ceremony.
Host Chekari says:
CO: The others here are different.  Many of your crew simply choose not to smile, laugh, or feel joy as often as they could.  That confused and scared Tukani.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps several controls ::  CO: Done.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: Our emotions nearly destroyed us.
Host Chekari says:
CO: We do not need further access.  Tukani only needed to confirm your names and that she wasn't stopping you from a vital mission.
Host Chekari says:
All: And, yes, to what you are wondering.  Tukani is the consciousness of the probe.  She is a real person but she is young.  By Earth time, she's only 823 years old.
Host Chekari says:
CO: I am who she calls the Checker, not the probe.  She misunderstood how you asked because I sent her on her mission.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: considers she should be so young.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: By many species' standards, several lifetimes old.
Host Chekari says:
CO: But not by ours.  I am among the oldest of our group. ::smiles::
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Chekari: How old are you?
Host Chekari says:
CO: Tukani always has gotten my name wrong.  It isn't Checker, it's Chekari.  I believe you would say Controller.
Host Chekari says:
XO: I, Mr. Pangborn, will be 7,965 years old next week. ::grins widely::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Chekari: And what is it that you control?
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
::straight faced:: Chekari: Happy birthday early.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: Yet for such an ancient race, your probe's actions make presumptions that because we do not show our value of life in the same way that we are bent on self-annihilation.
Host Chekari says:
CO: My people of course.  Well, not people as you would understand.
Host Chekari says:
CO: The Borg, the Bajoran Occupation, the Dominion War, the destruction of your own previous vessel, and I could go on and on.  If unchecked, your quadrant will destroy itself of that much, I am certain.
Host Chekari says:
CO: It is those who remember that make the most progress.  Your people... you believe highly in the teachings of T'Pau.  Her contemporaries thought her the key to the end of Vulcan life.
Host Chekari says:
CNS: Commander Azure, your people believed they would not survive the Borg.
Host Chekari says:
All: Humans have a saying, 'he who does not remember his history is doomed to repeat it.'
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Chekari: Not exactly...
Host Chekari says:
CNS: You may not have, Commander, but others have.  You are not the first of your kind we have met.  :: grins ::
Host Chekari says:
CNS: The day the Borg came, people screamed that it was the end.  We were there.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: A theory based on anecdotal history is not a good one.  Yes.  There have been wars.  Yes. There have been madmen like Thorne.  But with each new fall, we have rose stronger.  ::he looks at Pangborn and Powers:: Humans have shown this light to many... even we unemotional Vulcans.
Host Chekari says:
CNS: And we cried for you because we could not stop the destruction.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Chekari:  We as a race, have not survived the Borg.  We as individuals continue.
Host Chekari says:
CO: Stronger... yes.  More weapons, better shields, faster healing methods so you can rejoin the fight... you still forget.
Host Chekari says:
CO: We record, one ship at a time, one incident at a time in hopes to find your true hearts.
Host Chekari says:
CO: As Tukani desired you to learn, children are quick to forgive and become friends.  If adults of your quadrant would do the same, much of the death you see would never happen.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Chekari: I disagree. We have not forgotten the value of play. But we also have not forgotten that we must remain vigilant and strong, lest those who would do us harm succeed in destroying us.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Chekari: Maybe it's just me, but it's very hard to make friends with the Borg.
Host Chekari says:
CSO: My point exactly.  Strike first.  That is why you discussed attacking Tukani before you tried to understand her.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: You make assumptions.  Like so many ancient and  more evolved races, you think you know what we must do... was it not so long ago that you were dropping children into volcanoes? This is why we have our own Prime Directive.  No one may judge another or what he/she may become.  It is sad when one does.  Perhaps, we have not risen above our more violent nature yet... but we believe and dream... hope... for the day when we will.
Host Chekari says:
CO: Me evolved?  :: laughs ::   You keep expecting me to act like this Q.  Tukani was merely an observer who had to protect herself when you desired to destroy her.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: And draw conclusion as you do Controller.
Host Chekari says:
CO: As for children being dropped into volcanoes... no, we never have.  You see, I have no children.  I, Captain, am simply Chekari.  We observe and record, nothing more.  We can't do anything more... you see?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Not quite sure she understands.::
Host Chekari says:
CO: We are machines.  I am, what you would call, a largely programmed computer.  We were meant to be peacekeepers here.  But, that is no longer necessary so we sought to learn why people still choose war.
Host Chekari says:
CO: We found you and you have proven that war is all you know because you want to know no other way.  Now, it is time for you to go home.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chekari: Each statement you have made about us is a conclusion.  You even announce that your true life form we could not understand.  Tukani's action... Action controller is not the act of an observer.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::the light dawns:: Chekari: Then as a machine, you seek from point A to B as your first directive was no doubt programmed...who has forgotten?
Host Chekari says:
CO: Captain, you argue for you do not hear.  Tukani reacted to all your crew did and said.  She is incapable of being aggressive only defensive.
Host Chekari says:
CO: Goodbye.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Blinks::
Host Chekari says:
ACTION: A light flashes and the crew find themselves exactly where they were, fully adult, before the probe ever came on board.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: shrugs as she looks around.::
Host Chekari says:
ACTION: The probe is seen on sensors heading away from the ship.  The computer shows 2 days have past since the probe first appeared on sensors.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks around::  Aloud: A sentient machine struggling to move beyond its understanding...  Pangborn: Sound at all familiar.
XO_Cmdr_Pangborn says:
Sulek: All too much so.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: It should be interesting to meet them again, should they make that transition.  Odd... makes me wonder about their origin... and if it has anything do do with my people.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Resume patrol course.  :: he sits in the chair ::  Ops: Communicate all information about the mystery ship to Starfleet.

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