Quirinus Mission 10809.08

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 has been sent to the planet Alcor, with 'cargo' of an unspecified nature. After encountering resistance, they are nearing the planet.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10809.08: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 2  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge in the chair::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In her office, at her desk, going through various files.::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: monitoring scans ::

ACTION: Time Warp, the USS Quirinus is now about twenty minutes out from the planet Alcor.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Approaching Alcor, Captain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Leaning against the tactical console, keeping an automated watch for any further fools who might challenge the Quirinus ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises:: Powers: Anymore signs of the Rebels?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Quiet so far, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Notify the cargo security that we are near.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Long range scans are still detecting those fighters we passed through earlier... and friends.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: steps over to stand next to Powers ::  CTO, CO: As we approached the planet, I did notice an increasing number of border patrols near where we crossed into Alkaid space. Their defenses are being beefed up.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: move back to his console, advises the guard detail ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: We should make it clear to the planet that we are expected.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Keep a monitor on the planet defense systems.  I would not like to think that we might be mistaken for an intruder.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Maybe we should get those intel people up here.  Let them take care of their precious cargo?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I feel more confident in your capable hands.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks at a telltale, puzzled... taps a control, checks again ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain... this is most odd. Someone in the cargo bay is monitoring internal and external communications.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: snorts ::  XO: Our guests?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Taps a stylus lightly against her chin as she reads through again a report on Ensign Derome.::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: I cannot identify the individual... only that the data terminal at the cargo bay door is being used for the purpose.

ACTION: The Quirinus is being hailed by one of the larger stations surrounding the planet.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Indeed.  So our cargo may not be inanimate. Notify them that they are using a secure channel and need to input proper clearance.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: On screen.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, Captain.  :: open a comm link to the cargo bay ::

ACTION: Commander Arden is on screen.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shaking her head, accesses the database.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Monitoring and mapping the routine patrols they see, suspecting them to be routine ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sitting back in the command chair:: COMM Arden: I am Captain Sulek of the USS Quirinus.  We are expected.  We have your cargo.
Host SM_Keith says:
< Arden> COM: Sulek: Excellent. Perhaps you and some of your senior officers could beam over to discus the transfer before hand. To be briefed on protocols.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If you don't get proper response from the eavesdropper, shut them down.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: To himself ::  Proper protocol?  How hard is it to beam the cargo out?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Arden: Understood.  We will of course follow your wishes, since we do not know what the cargo is.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> COM: Sulek: Good, we shall be prepared to meet you
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Arden: Please send coordinates.  Sulek out.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The head of the guard detail says that they were monitoring "to be certain the cargo was safe". If I may, sir, this seems a weak excuse at best.

ACTION: The station sends the coordinates.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Notify cargo security.  AT will be you, Powers, Azhure, and myself and of course anyone that Federation security would like to send.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: message the cargo bay ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The security team advises that they will remain on board.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight, Powers, *Azhure* : Assemble in TR1 for away team.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: heads for the turbolift ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises and heads for the TL doors::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaches over and taps the comm::  *CTO*:  What is up?  Do I need anything special?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters TL and waits for Powers to join the XO and him::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: We are to beam to the station for a protocol briefing. :: Can't keep the misery out of his voice as he joins the turbolift ::  So bring the whips and chains, I guess.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: TR1
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: chuckles as she closes the comm and stands, putting the files in a drawer and securing it.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::feels the lift move quickly through to deck::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Exiting, she moves down the hall and into the lift.::  CPU: Transporter room one.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::they arrive at deck and doors open::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he steps from the lift and moves down the hall to the transporter room::
SM_Keith is now known as Cmdr_Arden.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off to see the others ahead of her, and simply follows them into the transporter room.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::entering moves to locker and takes standard AT equipment and then steps up on to the pad::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods :: CNS: Counselor. As I believe an Earth writer put it, "Once more into the breach..."
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows the Captain's lead ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Is fine with his rifle ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the rest join him, he turns to face the Transporter Chief:: TC: Energize.

ACTION: The crew is transported to the station.

SCENE: The station is spartan in appearance, with little in the way of creature comforts. Commander Arden is there to greet them.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the beam releases them, she quietly replies::  XO: Hopefully not as dramatic though.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::finds himself in the TR of the station, gathers his bearings and seeing Arden, steps down::Arden: My command crew, First Officer Kraight, Counselor Azhure and Chief Tactical Officer Powers.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods at his name ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: extends a hand to Cmdr Arden ::
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
AT: Captain, it is good to meet you and your crew. Care for a drink? I have some Alcorian wine that would be appropriate.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: nods a greeting::
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
::shakes hands with Kraight::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: Of course.  Please lead the way.

ACTION: Arden leads them into a small informal dining area, and pours each of them a glass of wine.

Host Cmdr_Arden says:
All: Please, be at ease.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes a glass, waits for the Captain ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::taking the glass:: Arden: You said there are protocols we need to follow to transfer the cargo?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sips ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Taking a seat, takes a glass and simply holds it.::
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
CO: Yes, but I must brief you on the political situation here, before the transfer. At this time, I'm afraid that the cargo is safer on your ship than on this station. There is a rebellion you see...and with the cargo, we hope to put an end to that. We will not transfer the cargo until a specially designed ship arrives, which should be any minute
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: I see.  It might help if we knew the nature of the cargo we are to protect.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: glances at Bill, wondering what would settle a rebellion that they would be carrying.::
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
Sulek: I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to divulge that at this time
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries to hold his tongue ::  Arden: Is this cargo dangerous to us?  To our safety?
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
CTO: Not in the least.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Arden: And yet we have to keep it on our ship instead of on this station.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: And secret, she mentally added::
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
CTO: For the time being. It will be short, I assure you.  ::annoyed::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: If there is a risk to us of attack by these rebels, the cargo bay may not be the safest place.  Is it movable to a more interior part of the ship while maintaining security?

ACTION: Arden receives a communication that the ship has arrived, and is ready to take the cargo.

Host Cmdr_Arden says:
Sulek: Good, the ship has arrived, we will relive you of the cargo in a few moments
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: Understood.  Then we should send word to the security on the ship.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I'll take care of that, sir.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: steps away from the group and taps his commbadge ::

ACTION: On the surface of the planet, and the surrounding space, activity picks up, large battleships move into the region.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Frowning, turns to the captain and without drawing any attention, shakes her head.::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Standing near Bill, so that only he can hear::  CTO: Trouble.
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
CO: Wait a minute...::receives an incoming transmission:: Captain! You and your crew must return to your ship. Now!
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Spins ::  CNS: What?
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
CO: You must protect the cargo!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: Too late...

ACTION: The station is under attack.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Waiting for the beam out., quietly::  CO: Arden is hiding something.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Azhure:: Arden: If I may have a moment.  ::moves off with the counselor::....::pauses:: COM Quirinus: Emergency bream out.  Go to red alert.

ACTION: The away team is beamed back to the ship.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: As soon as he's materialized, he runs to the tactical console ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I was unable to raise the guard detail, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as they arrive:: Azhure: Obviously so.  Powers: Transport the cargo to an interior place.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: to the bridge
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Runs an external scan, then focuses his attention on the internal sensors ::  CO: Aye sir.  :: Orders the transporter room for an intraship beaming of the cargo to one of the brig cells ::
Host Cmdr_Arden says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> CO: Captain this is Protectorate Xerxes of the Alkadian homeworld. I'm afraid we have no choice but to reveal the nature of our cargo. Please meet me in the cargo bay at once.

ACTION: The Quirinus also comes under attack.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: It might be time to find out what exactly... :: pauses as she catches the comm::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: With me.  Kraight: You have the conn.  Defensive posture.

ACTION: Subspace chatter is picked up, indicating that the 'rebellion' has started.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves down the hall to the TL:: Cargo one
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Aloud: Where did those comes from.... :: Grips the side of his console ::  CO: Reading phased energy weapons strikes, port and aft.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
OPS: Shields up!  
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head::  XO:  This is not going to be good.  Whatever is in that cargo bay is alive.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: You can sense it?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  XO: yes...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Best stay here.  Azhure: I may need you.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Report. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Transporter functions were unsuccessful, Captain.  XO: Recommend dispatching security on site.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to join the captain.::
Host SM_Keith says:
The Quirinus takes some damage, but the main focus of the attack is the station and the ship that was sent to receive the cargo.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: As you see fit. Number and type of attackers?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: as the TL doors close:: Azhure: I don't like the way this is going.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Nor do I captain, not when there is another life aboard.  I can think of a number of reasons why we are transporting someone.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: And all of great importance.  ::the TL arrives at deck::

ACTION: SFI moves aside and allows the Captain and Azhure to enter.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: When we meet her, we may have some answers.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Picking up additional contacts.... one sixty mark fifteen.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters cargo::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> Captain, I'm so sorry it has come to this. We had hoped it would not.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Target weapons and propulsion. Fire when ready.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stands quietly with the captain::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: What exactly is going on?

ACTION: From behind Xerxes, a small female, petite in nature, and very beautiful steps out to  meet the captain and counselor.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Withholds a sigh and bows respectfully toward the female.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> Captain. ::nods:: I am Princess Saian, of the Arkadian royal family. I'm sorry I have been such a bother.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::follows Azhure's leads:: Girl: I am Sulek.
Host Xerxes says:
Sulek: Captain, I'm afraid an all out revolt has started, we Must get the princess to our homeworld, at all costs. 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: We are to deliver the cargo...the princess...then we shall do our best.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Trying to return fire as best as he can while mapping out all the new incoming bogeys ::  XO: Commander?  We're quickly being overrun.  Sensors are detecting dozens of ships coming from all directions.  Mostly targeting the station, but enough... :: the ship shakes again :: ... port shields down to 45 percent.
Host Xerxes says:
<Saian> I am from a fallen house of leaders, my homeworld is Kadala, many days travel from here. It is the only chance to restore order to my people.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly::  CO: I am not certain we will be given that opportunity.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Helm* Lay in course to Kadala.  Maximum warp.  Engage.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Shut down noncritical systems, and divert power to shields.

ACTION: As the Quirinus goes to warp, none of the ships pursue. In a brilliant flash just before they go to warp, the station is destroyed.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
OPS: OPS!  Need that yesterday....

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