Quirinus Mission 10810.20

starring

Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek 
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr. 
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers 

with

Eli Irvin as CEO Ensign Cahill

and

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The USS Quirinus has completed their perilous mission on the planet Garl, and obtained the needed supplies for repair. The Princess is eating her way to an early grave, and the warp engines are about to come online.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10810.20: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 8  =/\==/\=

CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::in the warp service crawlway::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> ::Uncharacteristically walks onto the bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How close are we to initialization of the core?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Having a lovely sit under the tactical console at the back of the Bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns from the science console :: CO: Mr. Cahill estimates that the warp drive will be online in the next few minutes.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::completes the calibration routines and crawls out of the access crawl way::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Turns:: Xerxes:  How may we be of assistance, Protectorate?
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::walks over to the center control island and checks power levels on the system::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I recommend we launch a Class II probe now, Captain. It will effectively increase our sensor range, and enable us to detect cloaked mines that much sooner.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> Sulek: Captain, I've taken the liberty of looking at our position in space. We will be passing the planet Nugth  on our way to the homeworld. There are valuable allies there, is it possible for us to stop there?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Launch.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::shakes head and hits the com button on the board::  *Bridge*: Cahill to Bridge.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: moves to comply ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: We are the carriers of your precious cargo.  If you deem it necessary, we can make the stop.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CEO*: Go ahead, Mr. Cahill.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> Sulek: It would be a wise move. They can help us immensely.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Lay in course to Nugth.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: Then we shall.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
*XO*: It's not a pretty install...  These things were robbed from what looks like an old Constellation-class install.  I'd prefer to do a simulation or two, but it's in.  
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Calls out from his seat ::  Xerxes: You will forgive me for asking, but exactly what services or help can they provide?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CEO*: Time is of the essence, Mr. Cahill. Bring the warp core online.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
*XO*: Starting core power up procedure....
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::initiates power up procedure incrementally, easing the injection ratio up slowly::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Prepare to engage.  Sublight from orbit.

ACTION: The warp drive springs to life.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Probe launched. Mr. Cahill has initiated the warp core power up sequence.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Once we are clear, initiate warp in steady increments to warp 6.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods to Kraight:: Helm: Engage.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> CTO: They are valuable allies to the Royal family. They will aid in the reassertion of the royal family's resurgence
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: We may then be able to rely on some assistance for delivery of the Princess to the homeworld?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Starts to draw himself to his feet ::  Xerxes: I was wondering that myself... once we get there, will everyone just bow down and pay attention?
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::notes the power levels coming up in a stable fashion::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Svarga> CO: Accelerating to Warp One, sir...
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> :: nods :: CO: It is likely.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
*XO*: Go easy on it for a bit...  I wanna watch this.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: monitors the warp field and the probe data simultaneously ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CEO*: Understood.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> CTO: It's a complicated process to say the least. I share your concern.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Warp 1 point 5.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Svarga>  :: continues accelerating ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: I am sure you understand Commander Powers' concern.  Knowing allies here has been at best a difficult task.

ACTION: The ship handles the increase in warp well, accelerating smoothly.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Warp 2.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CEO*: I am showing nominal warp parameters here. Are you seeing any anomalies?
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
*XO*: Ok...  The thing hasn't blown up yet. Keep a normal acceleration and I'll keep and eye on it.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CEO*: Good work, Mr. Cahill.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Increase to warp 3.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Svarga> CO: Warp 2.7... Warp 3... Warp 3.4...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: feels the steady hum as the ship continues to accelerate ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Steady increment acceleration to warp 6.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Svarga> CO: Warp 5... Warp 5.3... Warp 5.6... Warp 6, Captain.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> Sulek: It appears your ship is fully functional. How long until we reach Nugth?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Kraight:: Kraight: My complements to Mr. Cahill and his backward refit.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Estimate time to Nugth at current speed.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Svarga> CO: ETA to Nugth is ten minutes, sir.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: He has done a superb job under difficult circumstances, Captain. You may wish to consider a commendation.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Planet on sensors.  Highly developed, considerable defenses.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::watches as some of the EPS taps begin to glow slightly - checks temperatures and attenuation::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: If there some sort of signal we need to send the planet?
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::walks over to the warp subsystem panel, relieving the attending officer for a moment::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Protectorate Xerxes> Sulek: A standard greeting will suffice. I would not mention the princess is aboard just yet.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: Understood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Open hailing frequency.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::notes some errors about incompatible hardware operating outside norms:: CPU: Computer...  Manual Override on magnetic constrictor array safety interlocks.  Authorization Cahill Gamma Pi One Four
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<OPS Jackson>: CO: Aye, sir.  :: opens standard hailing frequencies ::
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
<Computer> CEO: Manual Override Engaged.  
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS Nugth>  :: sends the standard reply ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<OPS Jackson> CO: We have a response, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Nugth: USS Quirinus of Starfleet requesting standard orbit approach.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS Nugth> COM Quirinus: Permission granted. We will send a shuttle to greet you. 

ACTION: A small shuttle leaves the planet.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<FCO Svarga> CO: Entering standard orbit.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
:: watches the screen turn from red in several areas to amber to indicate manual monitoring ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Prepare to dock the shuttle.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Security, escort the occupants to the bridge.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Sensors are having problems isolating all of the different vessels... there's a lot of traffic, causing some background radiation bleed.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, Captain.  :: relays orders to shuttle operations ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Calls Greenberg and a team to get down to the shuttlebay ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_PO1_Greenberg> :: Acknowledges the CTO's orders, and heads down to the shuttlebay ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Run filters scanning for possible unfriendlies looking for us.  Override the bleed on the main array.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::is startled by a spark and sizzle from the service crawl way - jogs over and looks swatting smoke with his hands:: 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Xerxes: Should you be present or are you relatively certain of our possible guests?

ACTION: The shuttle approaches the Quirinus, then suddenly without warning, beams Protectorate Xerxes and the Princess off the Quirinus. The shuttle then leaps to warp and cloaks itself. Then a communication comes in... it is directed at Sulek. "Keep your friends close, Captain... and your enemies closer". The voice is that of Protectorate Xerxes.

CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
Self: Dammit!  ::crawls up the crawl way::  
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Get a lock on the shuttle's trail.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Prepare to follow.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: whirls to the sensor console :: CO: Aye!  :: hands flying over the controls ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Follow Kraight's trail.  Tractor beam, full sweep.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Mutters several choice words ::  CTO: Attempting.  :: Activates a tractor beam on the most likely vector, knowing the ship is long gone at warp ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Ion distribution trail indicates a landing in a city on the southern continent. Trying to narrow the coordinates now...

ACTION: The tractor beam locks onto a merchant vessel by accident.

CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::slaps com badge:: *Bridge*: Cahill to Bridge...  One of the units is having a nervous breakdown...  It was never designed for the amount of power that Steamrunner-class vessels pump though the EPS.  I can recalibrate while the system is up, you're just going to notice some pretty funny stuff going on if we have to go to warp in the next 20 minutes.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Warp to follow last known trail.  Kraight: We know we can use subspace echo to detect stationary cloaks here.   Full sweep.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Pushes the freighter out of the way as the Quirinus makes an escape from orbit ::
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::struggles to work with the constrictor units to reduce the EPS flow without compromising efficiency::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Move us above the southern continent.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: There's heavy subspace interference on the planet's surface, Captain... mostly from their power distribution grid. I am able only to locate the shuttle within a five-kilometer radius.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::slides out of the crawl way and walks over to the warp system control panel to check power flow::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: That's a large area.  Anything on the princess or protectorate that we can hone in on?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scans again ::  CO: I'm afraid not, sir.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::advises an engineer on the deck to monitor and heads out to the bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Then we look the old fashioned way.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::enters the bridge::  
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::heads to the engineering station::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers, Kraight, Cahill: Prepare for AT.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns over his station to a lieutenant and heads for the turbolift ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises:: All: We will see how close our enemies are.  ::moves to TL::
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
CO: Captain...  With all due respect, we've got a 45 year old piece of crap holding the warp drive together.  Is my absence wise?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cahill: We will need an engineer's skill if the area is secured.  I think then you are our lock pick, so to speak.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
CO: Aye sir.  ::follows the CO to the TL::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Silently keeps his thoughts to himself, following the Captain to the turbolift, thinking he'd like to hit something ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Cahill: Besides, we have a number of engineers who can keep your work up and running, unless of course you feel your team inadequate to the task.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the enter TL:: CPU: Transporter room 1.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: Join us for AT and... bring the flute.
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
::raises an eyebrow to the Captain::
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
CO: Of course not Captain... 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::arrive deck, they head to the transporter room::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Give the chief beam down coordinates, best guess.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves to a locker and removes phaser, tricorder and emergency kit::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: consults briefly with the transporter chief, then gathers his gear from the storage locker ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Arm up.  I do not believe we will be unexpected.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: steps up onto the pad ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: joins Sulek on the transporter platform ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Nods, and moves to unlock the small arms portion of the transporter room, then tosses phaser rifles to Sulek and Kraight ::
CEO_Lt_Cahill says:
:: grabs a tricorder, a pocket tool kit and a type 2 phaser, then steps up to the pad ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: takes rifle ::   All: Defensive beam in positions.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Chief:  Energize....

ACTION: The away team beams down into a crowded city street. Passersby yell at them "Use a transporter pad! Take shuttle next time morons!”

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