Quirinus Mission 10807.14

starring

Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek 
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight
Jane Rowley as OPS Lieutenant Amarok Ki 
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr. 
Ed Selgas as CEO Lieutenant David Telarus 
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers 

with

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The USS Quirinus is en route to the planet Yaji, and are about 12 hours away. Idle hands are at work, as the crew settles into their various routines.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10807.14: The Ties That Bind =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 1  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::In quarters preparing his dress uniform::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::on the bridge at the Operations console::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In her office, sitting curled up on the couch as she looks up information on the Yaji.::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: approaches the door to the Captain's quarters; thumbs the entry chime ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he thinks that many may think that Vulcans would like the feel of the starch and stiff dress, but in fact the opposite is true...the uniform is far from the flowing robes worn on his home world.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::sits in his office going over supplies and repair reports::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sitting across the room from Azhure, waiting for her to mention anything of interest ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Come.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: the door slides open, and he enters ::  CO: Captain, I have a digest of the the survey team's reports on the Yaji's technological and military status.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: hands Sulek a PADD ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: There is also a brief discussion of their physiology and culture.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::takes the PADD and as he reads, hangs the uniform in his closet::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I see.  Looks to be somewhat of a caste system.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes. The Yaji-Cahd appear to share a common evolutionary ancestor with the dominant Yaji.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up at her husband with mischief::  CTO:  I think you might be related to these people.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Related?  Are you calling me hairy?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We know from the experience of many worlds that such caste systems are unstable in the long run. One can expect that the Yaji caste system will eventually break down, though how long that would take is a matter of conjecture.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: chuckles::  CTO: Well, there is another group there, that is shorter and has no body hair.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: It says they are servants to the Yaji.  In my experience servant is ofter a euphemism for slave, but I will reserve judgment.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: So I'm short, then?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CNS: How about a mix?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Little in other technology, though.  We must be very careful to preserve that state.  No doubt a Ferengi will be on their door step soon enough.

ACTION: A Klingon ship appears on long range sensors.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: True. Until the Yaji are full members of the Federation, if ever, care must be taken to avoid inadvertent cultural contamination.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Tosses her PADD over to him.::  CTO:  Unfortunately, there is not a much more information.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Catches the PADD ::  CNS: Guess we'll have to rely on our first contact sensor team.  We're both probably shoe-ins.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Their technology is approximately equivalent to late twenty-first century Earth. Warp drive, of course, as well as fusion power, plasma and nanotechnology, and synthetic replacements for most organs.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We must also be careful not to give technology to them that would prolong their caste system or give technology to the Cahd an early release.  We meet on the planet and we should also suggest to Powers our side weapons on the honor guard at least look like plasma rifles.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I'll see to it, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Recommendation on using the transporter?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: Shoe-ins?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It may be best to avoid its use as much as possible. The Yaji do have interplanetary craft, so a shuttle will be far less surprising to them.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Likely candidates.  :: Leans back, considering the appropriate equipment to take ::
Host SM_Keith says:
COM Quirinus: This is the Klingon ship K'lat. State your intentions.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Arrange the use for our travel.  We can use transporter if needed.  Be sure all technology on the shuttle is secure, especially weapons and other items they may not have... even a replicator could give them transport technology before its time.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::reports the comm to the bridge commander::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I'll have Powers assign a security guard to stay with the shuttle.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: I think I missed that colloquialism.  Shoe-in... hmmm... interesting.  You might be, we shall see about myself.  But I would find it interesting.  These are not a species I am familiar with.
Host SM_Keith says:
COM Quirinus: This is the Klingon ship K'lat. State your intentions. ::sounds irritable::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<Lt. Jackson> *CO*: Captain, this is Jackson on the bridge. We've received a hail from the Klingon ship K'lat. They're asking us to state our intentions, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Jackson* On my way.  Kraight: We have company.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Sulek out the door ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters TL with Kraight::  Bridge.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::arrives a few seconds later on the bridge and moves to the chair:: Ki: On screen.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CO:  Aye.  ::puts the Klingon on-screen::

ACTION: An angry looking Klingon appears on screen.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes a position just behind Sulek's chair ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks up at the Klingon Commander:: COM K'lat: I am Sulek of the USS Quirinus.  We are a diplomatic mission that does not concern the Empire.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*Bridge*: What is our ETA?
Host SM_Keith says:
COM Sulek: Where are you going? I must know.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: We are passing near Klingon space but the planet is outside of the area.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
*CNS*:  11.5 hours Ma'am.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*OPS*: Thank you.  Are you up for a chat?  We have not had much of a chance.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: It is a Federation matter and will not effect the honor of the Empire.  Why do you need to know the specifics?
Host SM_Keith says:
COM Sulek: I see. Farewell then, and safe journey. We are no longer enemies of the Federation. If you need to enter our space, normal protocols will apply. K'lat out. ::cuts the transmission::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Kraight:: Kraight: A curious peace we have with them.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::closes the channel::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Fragile, in the best of times.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Indeed.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
*CNS*:  Umm... certainly Ma'am.  Did you mean now?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*OPS*: Unless you have something of import.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
*CNS*:  Not at the moment, Ma'am.  Whereabouts?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*OPS*: I am in my office.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises:: Kraight: You don't suppose the Klingon would share with us about the Yaji?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::goes to Main Engineering::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Depends upon their mood, I suppose. Predicting the actions of a Klingon is a fool's game.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: True... but still...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Guess this is my cue to depart.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
*CNS*:  On my way.  ::gestures for a relief officer::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ki: Hail the K'lat.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*OPS*: Acknowledged.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::starts to make his rounds::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: You can get to know Ki over a drink.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::transmits the hail then relinquishes his station::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Only if he can hold his liquor.

ACTION: The Klingon commander appears on screen again.

OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::enters the turbolift::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::orders the lift to the appropriate deck::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: This is Captain Sulek.  Since the planet we travel to is near Klingon space we wondering if you would be willing to share what information you have?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: There is only one way to find out and I will leave that to you.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
<OPS_Jones>::tidies up the signal::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Standing, moves to make some tea.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat> COM Sulek: That would depend on *what* planet it is.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::proceeds slowly down the corridor wondering what this is all about::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: Yaji.
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat> COM Sulek: Bah. They are nothing but talking monkeys. They eat only plants, and have no use for live food, as all advanced civilizations do.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::reaches the Counselor's office and tentatively rings the chime::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: So like Vulcans they are vegetarians.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: calls out::  OPS: Enter...
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
<OPS_Jones>  ::smiles at the description of the Yaji and imagines what talking monkeys might be like::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to Bill and motions with her head toward the door.::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::enters::  CNS:  Ma'am.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS: Please, take a seat.  This is very informal.  :: Finishes setting up the tea tray.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat>  COM Sulek: Yes. Their entire planet is a jungle, filled with blood sucking insects, and disease. 
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
<OPS_Jones>::grateful she is unlikely to have to go down there::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::sits::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: What diseases?  If we are to visit there, I would not want my crew to become infected.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::nods at the CTO::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: I'll catch up with you later, Counselor.  :: Nods to Lieutenant Ki on his way out ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pours the water and brings the set over toward the low table.::  CTO: Dinner at the normal hour.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: The doors close behind him, and he taps the PADD against the palm of his left hand ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::can't help but wonder just how confidential this visit is::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Setting it down, takes a seat.::  OPS:  I could offer you a beer, but the timing is not quite right.  :: begins to pour::  Again, this is nothing serious, just standard, 'your counselor would like to become better acquainted with you'.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::wonders why she made the comment about beer?  What has she heard?::  CNS:  I understand.
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat> COM: Sulek: Mostly parasites. There is a particularly nasty insect that burrows into one's brain through any opening it can find.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS: I was glancing through your files.  I prefer to learn about people from themselves, through mine and their eyes, not others.  I basically only noted you have traveled around a bit in Starfleet.  :: Pours a cup and hands it to him.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'Lat: We will be sure to take precautions.  ::looks at Kraight::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Be sure medical knows of this.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::takes the cup unsure how to respond to that::  CNS:  I'm never in one place for too long.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: I take it your patrols have then visited the planet?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS: Preference?  :: leans back with her own cup.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::heads towards the bridge after making his rounds and diagnostics::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::takes a sip of tea and contemplates telling her the truth about it::  CNS:  I guess I'm not too comfortable letting people get close to me.
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat> COM Sulek: Only once. One of our shuttles crashed there, and we needed to retrieve it. Why are you even considering going there? We observed them - from a distance. They are animals without souls, and honor.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS: Why is that?
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::sets down his cup::  CNS:  Because I prefer to keep my private life private.  ::a hint of challenge in his tone::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'Lat: They now have warp capability. Are you sure you left nothing behind?  Since we are not enemies, would you be willing to send us any data you have?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods::  OPS:  Understandable.  So I apologize if it appears I am prying.  I could follow standard procedure, but I find that... cold and even more intrusive.  I simply wish to learn about the people I am working with, whose hands I place my life in.
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat> COM Sulek: We took all we found. As for being warp capable, they will not be able to travel past their own star. I have told you all I know of them.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: motions for communications to cut audio.  looks over at Kraight::Kraight: We may have a new wrinkle in our warp capable society.  If the Klingons left anything behind, they may have a knowledge they are not yet ready for.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CNS:  I could say the same Ma'am.  Why don't you tell me about yourself?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS: What would you like to know?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Cultural contamination may already have occurred.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: Thank you for your candor.  Still, we must go.  Orders and honor dictate that I follow what Starfleet has told us.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CNS:  Whatever you think I need to know.
Host SM_Keith says:
<K'lat> COM Sulek: Very well. We must be off. Good luck dealing with the animals. You may find more than you bargained for. ::cuts the comm::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM K'lat: Good journey.  Perhaps someday our roads will join again. Sulek out.  ::motions for transmission to be cut::
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
<OPS_Jones>::closes the channel::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
OPS:  All the things one might like to know, are usually things one must learn or gain.  I am honest, trustworthy and dependable.  :: lightly shrugs her shoulders::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We will need to consult the diplomatic records on what protocol is for such a situation.  Warp capable may be the standard for first contact, but there should be more.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
::nervous::  CNS:  Well, thank you Ma'am.  Are we done here?  ::poised to leap to his feet::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Agreed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly::  OPS: For now, Lieutenant.  Enjoy your day.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Check them.
OPS_Lt_Ki says:
CNS:  Thank you.  ::flees the room::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Frowns as she watches the young man leave as if the devil was on his tail.  Briefly contemplates looking over his file in depth.  But then shakes her head and simply opens her own file on him to make a note.::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::steps on to the bridge::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::assumes his station and goes about his business seeming eerily disconnected at the moment::

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