Quirinus Mission 10809.22

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 crew encountered a network of cloaked mines, knocking out power throughout the ship. Soon after, they came upon a ship in distress, followed by the arrival of a heavily armed Alkaidian battleship, which is currently attacking the smaller ship. Decisions must be made...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10809.22: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 4  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge:: All: Time is short.  Can we save the crew of that ship?

ACTION: The battleship continues to hammer the smaller Alkadian vessel.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I believe we should certainly try, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am open to suggestions.  We must protect the princess.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: At what cost, Captain?  :: His sensors beep for his attention ::  A decision needs to be made soon, that ship's failing.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: How long could the shields hold up to the rebel vessel's attack, if we diverted all warp power to the shield grid?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: That depends on how long we allow them to fire on us.  If we shot back.. they might not try as hard.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Could we survive for thirty seconds under their bombardment?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Yes.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: But firing on them may cause an interstellar incident that I am not sure the Federation is ready for.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: We're already in an interstellar incident, Captain.  We have a royal family member, we've been fired on, and we've lost a space station.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Then I propose we jump in between the rebel vessel at the targeted ship, power the shields only on the side facing the rebels, and beam the crew off. Then we jump out.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We can complete that in under thirty seconds.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then we will try.  Be sure the princess is safe.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Security has seen to that.  Signal battle stations.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Time the jump to beam Ruwan and crew out as there ship fails.  The warship may think we failed, especially if we leave the right kind of debris in their place.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.    FCO: Prepare a short-range warp jump to a position one thousand kilometers from the target vessel, in the direct line of fire from the rebel ship.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Whitney> XO: Aye, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Prepare for jump on the XO's mark.  *TR1*: Prepare to start transport on warp jump completion.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TR_Operator_Hardy> *CO*: Aye, Captain, standing by.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: You have the call.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves back to Science One, scans the battle ::  CO: Their warp core is going critical. Warp breach in ninety seconds.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Suggest we advise them not to abandon ship.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::now comes the wait::   Kraight: Secure channel.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps a control ::  CO: Open.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Ready shields.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Ready.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ruwan: Stand ready... do not abandon... we come in 60 seconds. Sulek out.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: Stand by...
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ruwan> COM: Sulek: Please hurry! I don't know how long we can last!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks sensors ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
FCO: And... execute!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Whitney> :: taps controls :: XO: Jumping at Warp Five...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
COM: *TR*: Transporter room, energize.

ACTION: The Quirinus successfully beams out the crew of the small ship, about twenty in all. However, the battleship has picked up the transport and is now focusing on the Quirinus.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Status of shields?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the ship comes to a sudden jolting stop between the two vessel and the buffers activate:: Helm: Full warp out of here, now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Grabs his console as the ship shakes under the attack ::  XO: Facing shields are down to 65%.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Battleship> COM: Quirinus: Explain your presence here, and your interference!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Whitney> CO: Warp Nine, aye, sir.  :: engages warp drive ::

ACTION: The warp drive, having taken damage, kicks in, but only lasts long enough for a short burst, placing them near the spot they just came from.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Battleship: We were sent for and we cannot allow the destruction of an unprotected  vessel.  It is in our nature.  Now we must leave.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Warp drive is offline, sir.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Battleship> COM: Sulek: Surrender your vessel and prepare to be boarded.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Bring echo sensors on line.  Helm: Prepare to move deeper into the field.   COM Battleship: Not today, I think.

ACTION: The battleship moves to intercept.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to comply ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I only hope that we can bounce off the mines with the subspace sensors we configured before we bounce off a mine, literally.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Ahead 1/4 impulse.  Kraight: Activate sensors.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Understood. Commencing tachyon sweep...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Ruwan*: We could use your help.  Did you get a way to detect the mines?

ACTION: The Quirinus is navigating the mine field well. The Battleship approaches, then slows, considering the situation.

Host SM_Keith says:
<Ruwan>*CO*: Yes, I can show you how to detect them.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Send a security guard down to escort Ruwan to the bridge.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Engineering* How long before warp is back on line?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Aye.  :: Calls for Lieutenant Bvadi to escort the commander to the Bridge ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<EO Erg> *CO*: It will be another half an hour before I can give you another short burst. Maybe less.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_LtJG_Bvadi> :: Steps forward from his waiting place in the transporter room ::  Ruwan: Sir?  I'm to escort you to our command center.  Follow me.

ACTION: The battleship is poised on the edge of the minefield.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Use the tachyon sweep to detect the mines and fire on them should the battleship decide to follow.  A few close explosions may dissuade them.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ruwan> TO: I will follow, lead on.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Creating a tactical map.  :: Moves from the primary console to a secondary auxiliary screen in the rear to set up a view ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Their pause means either they do not know the placement of their own mines or they have to look them up.

ACTION: The battleship, which is capable of sensing the cloaked mines, begins detonating them to clear a path to the Quirinus.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: And if we changed the positions of the mines...?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Drop down....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Get on that now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_LtJG_Bvadi> :: Enters a turbolift with the alien commander, and calls for the Bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: brings tractor beam control up on his panel, and begins setting mines in motion towards the warship ::

ACTION: The battleship moves closer, and detonates a mine right in the path of the Quirinus. The ship takes damage, but shields are holding at 23 percent.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Perhaps we can place them in their path before they know they are there.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: thinks this over for a moment, then nods :: CO: Yes... yes!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Time to let them know we have a few capabilities of our own.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Let's make them more cautious.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: configures another panel to control a cargo transporter, and begins beaming the cloaked mines directly into the warship's path, mere meters from their hull ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Continue three dimensional pattern of travel.  Let's not give them a direct shot.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Moves back to primary tactical and sets an automatic detonation pattern for the torpedoes, taking into account the helm's movements ::

ACTION: The mines are transported right to the warships path, detonating as the ship strikes them. They've taken damage, but are still in pursuit.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_LtJG_Bvadi> :: The turbolift exits onto the Bridge.  He steps forward first, then stands at a relative at-ease position ::  CO: Captain?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Fire at will.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ruwan: We are locating the mines, but we could also use any tactical attack information that the battleship might use.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: starts trying to put mines in the path of the warship's propulsion units ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ruwan> CO: Let me reconfigure your sensors. ::motions at an empty console:: May I?

ACTION: The strategy is working, slowing down the warship.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ruwan: By all means.  Powers, secure the panel so our guest may use it.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The warship's velocity is starting to drop off, Captain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Sets the computer for auto-firing sequences, then steps to a rear engineering console, reconfiguring it into a library/sensor access ::  Ruwan: You can use this console.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ruwan> CTO: Thank you. ::begins making adjustments::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Try to gain us some distance.

ACTION: The battleship detonates another mine near the Quirinus, causing more damage, shields are at 11 percent.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Battleship: If you continue, we will place the mines much closer.  Stand down.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I think perhaps it is time we left the mine field, sir.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Ruwan> CO/XO: You should be able get a clear map of the minefield now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Overlays his sensor data with their previous mapping ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Target their shields and nacelles.  Keep them busy.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Take us up full sublight.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Aye, Captain.  :: Changes the firing pattern, focusing on the bogey ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Can we transport the mines?  If so beam them in as close as possible.  As we leave the field we might want to leave a few out of place.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Battleship> COM: Sulek: You are no match for us. Stand down and prepare to be boarded.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I've been doing so for the past several minutes, sir. I'll get as many more into their path as I can.

ACTION: The Quirinus is almost to the edge of the mine field.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Battleship:  We seem to be doing fine.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: As we clear the field fire detonating every mine we can.  It may cause a cascading effect.
Host SM_Keith says:
<EO_Erg> *CO*: Captain, I can give you warp power, but only for a short while.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO, CTO: I'll try to create a cluster of mines in their path.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Loading torpedoes for high yield detonation.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Stand by for warp jump as soon as we clear.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Let me know as soon as we clear.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: At our current speed, we will clear the field in 98 seconds.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: completes transporting the cluster ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Fire... on my mark...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO, CTO: The cluster is in place.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight:  Time?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Twelve seconds...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Mark.  Helm: Warp 6, engage.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Nods and fires the torpedoes ::

ACTION: The double attack of the transported mines and weapons fire is too much for the battleship. It's dead in space, and listing.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Damage to the ship... do they have life support?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Battleship> COM: Quirinus: Don't think you've seen the last of us. There are many loyal to our cause! ::cuts the comm::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Never mind, I would say that is a yes.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Indeed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Take us to a safe warp speed until engineering gets us stable.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Engineering*: Full warp and shield repair are primary.
Host SM_Keith says:
<EO_Erg> *CO*: We're working as hard as we can, Sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: One down... more to come.  We need to be ready.  ::Turning:: Ruwan: Welcome aboard the Quirinus.

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