Quirinus Mission 10805.12

starring

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Keith LaHue as XO Ben Pangborn 
Christopher Dickinson as Billy Bob Powers 
Jeffrey G. Brown as Kraight 
Ed Selgas as David Telarus 
Karriaunna Scotti as Azhure 

and

Mike Horton, Ship Manager

Keith LaHue, Special Guest Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The USS Quirinus has been sent to investigate a distress call near a Nala class Nebula. All is well - for the moment.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10805.12: Stigma  =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 1  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge:: Kraight: With Commander Pangborn's sudden request for leave, I must ask you to check the flight records and plans for all ships passing near the coordinates.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Of course, Captain.  :: calls up the necessary data at the Science console ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: ETA to nebula.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Helm> Sulek: We're about 15 minutes away from the origin of the distress call.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We should be close enough to send a probe.
ChrisD says:
:: Stands to the rear of the Bridge silently - how many times can you make sure the weapons are standing by? ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
FCO Smothers: Steady as she goes.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Picking up the distress call now.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps a control ::  CO: Launching Class V probe.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Anything on scans?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The distress call appears to have originated from a Betazed vessel.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Any ID numbers?

ACTION: The telemetry from the probe indicates a Betazed transport ship in the area, with nominal power readings. In addition, the Nebula is emitting large amounts of Delta radiation.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sets forward scans to the location of the vessel ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS Griska: Start broadcasting general hails and response to the distress.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<OPS Griska> CO: Broadcasting on all frequencies, including Betazoid.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Muttering to himself ::  Figures it has to be Betazeds... :: checks the readings ::  CO: Can't pick anything up from this range due to the radiation interference, Captain
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It's a Betazed cargo vessel, Captain. Power output is minimal. There is significant delta radiation from the nebula. Suggest we raise shields.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Powers and nods:: Powers: Shield up.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I am directing the probe to maneuver alongside the cargo ship. Perhaps I can get a visual on its registry.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How long before do we have before radiation will penetrate shields and put us at risk?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Aye.  :: Raises shields to tactical strength ::

ACTION: As the Quirinus closes in on the ship, it is identifiable as a transport ship of some kind. In the background, around 500,000 kilometers the Nala Class Nebula can be seen, it purple, blue and yellow pulses of light looking like the fires of hell itself.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Medical*: Stand by, We may have injured.  Prepare for delta radiation sickness.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Life signs?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Move us to yellow alert status.  We have the shields, we might as well have the warning lights.

ACTION: Sensors indicate no lifesigns. The ship appears derelict, and is dated back to around 75-100 years old.

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Our shields can block the radiation for several hours, but I recommend not approaching the nebula any closer. No lifesigns. This is an old vessel; its design dates it to about a century ago.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<MO Selara> *CO*: Standing by.  Med teams are ready to move on your command.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: All stop.  Station keeping.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Does as the Captain commands then crosses his arms, keeping an eye on the readings ::  CSO: If there are no lifesigns, did the ship turn on the distress signal automatically?  Or have they been... removed?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Speculate.  Why would a derelict ship suddenly emit a distress signal strong enough to picked up several sectors away?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Selara*:  We have no life signs.  Stand by.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: No way to tell without further investigation, sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Well, there's a chance it wasn't derelict the whole time.  There's remnants of at atmosphere... breathable at least.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The probe has returned visuals of the ship. It's the Betazoid cargo vessel Fortune. I read the remains of around 60 humanoids aboard.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Recommendations?  Beam an AT in environmental suits to investigate or simply mark it as a momentary quirk in the power grid of a derelict?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Notify Betazed what we've found.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Can you bring up its manifest and original destination?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Checking now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: OPS Griska sends the information to Betazed Prime ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I don't recommend beaming a team aboard until we know something more about what happened to the crew.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Agreed, but if she was transporting something dangerous, we will need to clear her up.  We could try and tractor her far enough out that we could investigate.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I have found the records of the Fortune, Captain. It was a cargo vessel converted to a prison transport. It was reported lost in the nebula about 80 years ago while transporting prisoners back to Betazed.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Transporting something dangerous?  What idiot puts dangerous materials on an old ship?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: She may have not been that old when she set out.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Has she then just drifted clear of the nebula?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Trying to get better readings of the interior of the ship.. and those "remnants" ::  CO: It's probably that antiquated technology that did them in.  Delta radiation has flooded every deck.  Proper shielding or modern EVA suits would have protected them.  Their power core is still functioning on backup, by the way.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: That is possible. Captain, I suggest we tow the Fortune a safe distance away from the nebula, then send over an away team. At the very least, we can recover and identify the remains of the prisoners and crew. They may still have family on Betazed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looking up from her desk, turns toward the window.  After a moment, she stands and walks over and looks out.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Move us into tractor range.
Host SM_Keith says:
Helm: Sulek: Aye  :: moves them to within range ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Get a lock on her and then we'll move her clear.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: A lock?  On a ship half our size, Captain?  I'll try not to miss.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Full reverse.  Kraight: Let us know when we're clear of the nebula's influence.  We will also need command codes for her.  See if they are on record.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: frowning, reaches to tap her comm unit.::  *CTO*: Commander, are you speaking with someone aboard that derelict?

ACTION: The tractor beam takes hold, and begins towing the Fortune.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I did not mean to impugn your abilities, Commander.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the historical database ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Frowns ::  *CNS*: Every indication is that every one is every dead on board that ship.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Frown deepens:: *CTO*: I am... sensing some kind of presence coming from that vessel.  Are you certain you are not picking up any life signs?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns at Azhure's last statement ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Furrows his brow and checks again ::  *CNS*: I'm not, no.  You know I don't lie to you.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO*: Hmmm... something is not quite right then.  Perhaps something that might prevent scans?  If I had to give a species, I am thinking betazoid.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Kraight:: Most interesting.  Can we clear some of the residual radiation?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We'll be clear of the nebula in five minutes. The sensors should have far less interference to deal with then.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans closer to the window, lightly touching it with her hand, almost as if she could reach out.  Quietly::  *CTO*: I am... I don't know.  It is almost as if... I am fairly certain there is more then one individual over there.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: There's around sixty.  But all dead.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: Unless the occupants produced offspring or have an unusual life span, they would be at least a hundred or more years in age.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::an idea strikes him:: Kraight: Check to see if transporters are still active.  The buffers have been used in that way before.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO/CO*: I do not have an answer for you.  I can only say, that there is some living entity over there that gives the impression of betazoids.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the sensor readings for transporter activity ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Captain, that's not necessarily true.  The ship's an old rustbucket... but what if the prisoners took over the ship, allowed it to disappear for eighty years, and now we've stumbled upon it after a disaster?  Medical or Science might have a better idea of the age of those people.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turning from the window, pauses at her desk to cancel her next appointment and heads out for the bridge.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Transporters are in working order, but there is no sign that they have been used recently.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Nevertheless, a vessel missing for 80 years would have a crew of some age.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands ::   CO: Captain, we should prepare to board the Fortune. I'd like to volunteer to lead the away team.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off onto the bridge, her eyes moving toward the screen and then towards Kraight as she hears his request.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries not to openly sigh and hang his head, knowing he'll have to go as security if there's an away team ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill with a lifted brow.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Send coordinates of air pockets to transport.  Powers and Azhure will accompany you.  ETA suits are the order of the day.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods, turns toward the turbolift ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns toward Sulek and nods.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves back towards the lift and waits for Bill.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: What exactly are we looking at?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: enters the lift, waits for the others ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Pinches the bridge of his nose with his left hand and joins his crewmates in the lift ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: An apparently dead ship... and a mystery.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Transporter Room Two.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Interesting... :: shakes her head.  Bodiless souls were not her specialty.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off and moves down the corridor to transporter two and the waiting tech.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: goes to the transporter room equipment locker, and begins to don an environment suit ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Scoffs at his suit ::  CSO: Commander, how long could we stand without the suit?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quickly she is suited and checked over.  She thanks the technician and waits for the others.:
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPs: Any word from Betazed?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Unknown. Therefore, the prudent course is to use the suits.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Duty OPS> Sulek: Nothing yet.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She steps up onto the transporter.::  CTO/CSO: I presume someone tried contacting that vessel?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Keep channels open to the AT while they are over there.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Duty OPS>: Sulek: Will do.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: There does not seem to be anyone willing to answer us.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks the last of his seals and fumbles with his phaser rifle ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Willing or cannot... :: looks over at Bill.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Chief: Energize.

ACTION: The away team is beamed to the bridge of the Fortune.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@:: As the beam releases her, she looks around.::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: opens tricorder, begins scanning ::  *CO*: Quirinus... we are aboard the Fortune. Beginning scans.

ACTION: As the appear in the bridge of the Fortune, there are several badly decomposed bodies of crew. Written on one of the wall is "Death To Locar and all who serve him!" At the same time Azure is hit with with a psychic blast, causing her a terrific headache as she receives the blast.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Gasps and closes her eyes::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks at Azhure with concern ::  CNS: Counselor? Are you all right?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight* Try to access logs.  We have an open line, here.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Upset ::  CNS: Azhure!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Stands still, reaching up to her head, hearing nothing around her.::

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