Quirinus Mission 10806.16

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 

with

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The USS Quirinus has docked at Starbase 67 for scheduled maintenance. A gathering of the crew in the ship's lounge will drive home  --  again  --  the axiom that there is no constant but change...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10806.16: Shore Leave  =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 1  =/\==/\=

CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finishes shore leave schedule, turns to shutting down the long range sensors ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In her quarters, sitting before the vanity, slowly brushing her hair, looking at Bill in the background.::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
@::on the station, looking at the Quirinus from an observation lounge::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sitting in his office and finishes up reports, gets up and starts to head towards Nero's for the fond farewell::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises as docking is complete:: Kraight: Enough for now.  It is time we retire to Nero's.  That is of course if you were planning on attending.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Putting down the brush, she stands and walks over to him, laying her hands on his shoulders, gently massaging them.::  CTO: You have been rather quiet.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
@::gets up and makes his way to the docking ring, wondering if this is the last time he will see the Quirinus and crew::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Indeed I was, sir.  :: taps a final control ::   All systems on standby. We are now drawing primary power from the umbilical.  :: stands ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::goes off duty and goes back to quarters to change, finishes changing and heads to the lounge::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: More so than usual?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves to TL and waits for Kraight to join him:: Kraight: I have made a special request for your Swedish meatballs to be on hand for this occasion.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans down to kiss the side of his cheek::  CTO: Yes... :: glances over at the chronometer.::  ... and we should be leaving for the lounge.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
@::enters the docking port, navigating the familiar halls of the ship easily::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: joins Sulek in the turbolift, smiles ::  CO: Thank you, sir. That was most thoughtful. I understand that the head chef at Starbase 67 is a master of Scandinavian cuisine.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: You remember when we had a mission to do here?  What happened to that....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Of that I do not know.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
TL: Crew lounge.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps back a bit to let him stand.::  CTO: I do not know... I have heard nothing in a very long time.  It is almost as if we were dropped here and then forgotten.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::enters a turbolift:: TL: Nero's.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods slowly ::  CNS: Exactly.  Everyone else... others come and go.  We're left here to rot away, tucked beyond contact.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::arrives at deck::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Tucks her hand through his arm and heads for their door::  CTO: Is that how you feel?  :: enters the turbolift not far from their quarters.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::steps out into the hall and heads, with Kraight towards Nero's::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::exits the turbolift and heads for Nero's::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: I don't know.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters Nero's and notes that he and Kraight are the first to arrive::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks around :: CO: It seems we are early.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: orders the lift to the lounge::  CTO: Did you have something in mind?  Some other plans or change?
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::approaches Nero's and hesitates for a moment before entering::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: On time.  The Captain and his...  ::lets the last drop::   the captain should be there to greet his guests.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::enters the lounge::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: The universe goes by no matter where we are.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::turns to Pangborn enter::  Pangborn: Greetings, Ben. It has been some time.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::nods:: Sulek: Captain. Kraight: Mr Kraight.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Yes it has. Too long.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles :: Pangborn: Commander! Welcome back.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks at Pangborn for a moment::  Pangborn: A drink Commander?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, her hand still curved in the crux of his arm, she steps off and heads for the lounge, hearing the murmer of voices.::  CTO: This is true.  But we do have some say in what we do with where we are at.  :: Pauses before the door::  And we can always make changes, pursue other dreams outside of Starfleet.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CSO: I am back. ::turns to Sulek:: But not for long I'm afraid. ::looks Sulek straight in the eye::  I'm retiring.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: blinks ::  Pangborn: Commander?
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CSO: Yes, you heard right. I'm leaving Starfleet.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I am aware that this is a goodbye, but perhaps not a final one.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I take it there is a bottle of Saurian brandy aboard somewhere?
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: The universe is a strange place. I feel our paths will cross again.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Isn't there always one next to the Romulan Ale on any starfleet vessel.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Good, I'll take that drink now
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Pangborn: Ah... well... um... would it be rude of me to inquire as to why, Commander?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he moves to the bar:: Barkeep: You may enter the Captain's personal supply.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CSO: I just felt it was time. I've bought a farm. In Connecticut of all places. Winter nine months of the year and cold the other three.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Pondering the words ::  CNS: Walk away from all this?  It's almost like that's what they want.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Pangborn: A... farm?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Although I do not personally imbibe, it is protocol since the days of the early Federation. I will, given this occasion drink to your health.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: They?  :: frowns as they head into the lounge.::  I am not sure I understand.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CSO: Yes. A small vegetable farm. ::smiles:: Doesn't sound like me does it?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Pangborn: No, sir... it does not.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::takes the drink from Sulek:: Sulek: A toast?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Attempts a conspiratorial look ::  CNS: ... they.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Sees Powers and Azhure enters and indicates to the bartender to make two more glasses::  Pangborn: A moment, Ben.  We have two more arrivals.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers/Azhure:  Commanders, please join us.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CTO/CNS: Commanders, it is good to see you again. As I was telling our captain and chief science officer, I will be leaving Starfleet. In fact, except for a few formalities, I have left Starfleet.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::walks into the lounge and heads towards the bar::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow at her husband as she steps over to join the others.::  All: Captain, commanders.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Bartender: Scotch, neat.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: How... interesting.  We were just discussing similar things.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Bartender: Oh and the good reserve bottle, not the synthehol.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CTO: Oh?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill, with the other brow lifted.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs his drink and joins the group::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks sharply at Azhure and Powers ::  Azhure: Are you leaving the service as well?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::indicates the glasses:: Telarus: Not yet. We have Saurian Brandy for our protocol toast.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Without answering ::  XO: So what will you do with yourself?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::nods at the Captain:: CO: Sir ::puts down the drink::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs the brandy::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to look at Kraight::  CSO:  My home is with my husband.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes a glass of brandy ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sees that each have a drink::All: A toast.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
XO: Commander, it's been a pleasure.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::raises his glass in the toast with the Captain::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CTO: You'll never believe it. I bought a farm. In Connecticut.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: raises his glass ::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::raises his glass::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the glass and turns toward Ben, lifting her glass.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Raises the glass, lowering his voice ::  XO: You know that "buying a farm" is a phrase meaning death in combat action, right?
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Pangborn: I have learned much while serving under you, Commander. There are no words to adequately convey my gratitude.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn:  Commander... Ben... my friend, you shall be missed.  Live long and prosper.  We wish you well.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: Hear, hear.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
All:: Hear hear.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he takes a sip of the drink::  Pangborn: Since you are raising vegetables, a nice making for a salad for chef would be much appreciated, occasionally.  ::raised eyebrow::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: May you find peace in your new life.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Pangborn: I will make it a point to visit your farm, the next time I am on Earth.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::takes a drink:: All: You are all welcome there, anytime. And yes Commander Powers, I have 'bought the farm'. :: warm grin::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I shall try to attend during the warmer months.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: July or August then. ::takes another drink::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: But by warmer, I suppose it would be little like it is on Vulcan, still.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
XO: I hope you have fun sir wherever you may roam to in this large universe.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: The terrain is nothing like Vulcan. Rolling green hills, streams, rivers, forest. It's all there. Very picturesque.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CEO: Thank you, Mr Telarus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: And now another announcement and perhaps a toast.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: When I received word of his retirement, I immediately requested that you be promoted to first officer of the Quirinus.  Your orders came through just a few hours ago.  Congratulations, XO Kraight.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::gets ready for another celebration::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: blinks twice ... has an expression that suggests he was just smacked in the face with a dead targ ::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: S... sir?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: Three cheers for Kraight.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
All: Hear hear. :: takes another drink::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::drinks::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: finishes off his drink ::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CSO: Congratulations Mr. Kraight, this is long overdue.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: dazed ::  Pangborn:  Uh... thank you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Your knowledge and skills have served us all well.  I remind you that you are not the first CSO to obtain the rank of XO.  All: To XO Kraight. May he serve with distinction.  ::takes another small sip::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Congratulations, Commander.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::takes another drink, noticing he needs a refill::
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Thank you, Counselor. I must say this is... a bit overwhelming.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lays a gentle hand on his arm and speaks for his ears only::  CSO: You will do fine, my friend.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sotto voce ::  CNS: I can only hope...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: I have arranged for the transfer of your things to the starbase.  I hope this is acceptable.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles and steps away.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Before you leave, you should tour the ship one more time, perhaps say goodbye to those who have served but were unable to attend.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I regret that most of things I collected over the years live with me. There are precious few tangibles I have aboard. But there are a few. ::remembers the holoimage of himself and Cherry::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: That would be most welcome. After another drink or two. :: beams ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves in close::  Pangborn: Ben, you and I have lived through much.  No regrets should be a part of our time here.  My memories of our service... our friendship will be a treasured part of my captaincy on the Q.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Certainly you are aware that I was offered my own command several times. And refused all of them.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: You are the best friend I have ever had.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finds that he needs to sit down ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Listening, slips her hand around Bill's arm.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Kraight.  Quietly::  CSO: Are you all right?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::pushes the remainder of his drink towards the bartender:: Pangborn: Indeed, I was.  Thank you , commander.  High praise indeed.  I count few close friends as well.  Most are here now with us.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
All: To quote Captain Jean Luc Picard of the Enterprise, "There is no finer crew." We are that crew in the fleet, years from now we may have all moved on, but we are that crew forever.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::the bartender takes the drink away and replaces it with the usual mineral water::
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::grabs another drink from the bar:: All: I will miss all of you. But somehow, I know we will meet again.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: a wan smile :: CNS: Yes. Just... as I said, overwhelmed. This is completely unexpected.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::steps back to let the others talk with the commander:: Azhure: I hope that this has not become a maudlin affair, but I am a weak judge of such things.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CSO: Later... we can talk?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: turns to the captain::  CO: It is always hard to loose a friend or someone who has been around for many years.  Things will be... different.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I would welcome the opportunity.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CTO: So you won't tell anyone will you? That I 'bought the farm'? ::wry grin::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles::  CSO: My door is open.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: I'll have to put it in my report.
CSO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Only too true.  Change is the true constant, as ironic as that is.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
::laughs:: CTO: Go right ahead. Is okay if I name one of my dogs after you? I bought a German shepherd and she's expecting.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Glance at Bill and then back at Sulek::  CO: Indeed.  Have you heard what our new orders are?  Or how long we will be in spacedock?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Which name were you thinking about?
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CTO: Why, "Bill", of course.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: No orders, but we are receiving a number of supplies.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: A look crosses his face ::  XO: Ah.  Yes.  I suppose it's better than the alternatives.  Perhaps he will listen better than I, as well.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Anything special about those supplies?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Terraforming.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
CTO: Thanks. I will treat him at least as well as I've treated you. Poor dog. ::laughs::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Smiles a crooked smile ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: frowns::  CO: Terraforming?  Hmmm...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::grabs his neat scotch and goes to the Captain:: CO: Glad that we are bringing on supplies for our next mission, we needed them. Only logically sad that we have to lose a crew member as we move on journey.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Commander, it is time for your last time on the Quirinus.  May I walk with you, Ben?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Indeed.
Host Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I would be honored.

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