Quirinus Mission 10811.10

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: After a harrowing rescue, the princess is back in her quarters with her entourage, and the ship has made steady progress to her homeworld.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10811.10: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 11  =/\==/\=

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: on the bridge, monitoring long range sensors ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Scans?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Nothing unusual to report. A rogue comet 250,000 kilometers to port... beyond that, nothing.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Running another diagnostic on their internal scrambling systems around the Princess... for the umpteenth time ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Continue at best speed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises:: Kraight: I think I shall visit with the princess to see if she knows of any alternative plans to our journey.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::crosses to TL:: Kraight: You have the conn.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Very good, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: Please meet me at the princess' quarters.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::enters TL:: CPU: Guest quarters.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Rast> :: Standing guard outside the princess's quarters, along with a petty officer ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: crosses to the engineering station, checks over a few readings ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up from a case she is going over.::  *CO*:  I am on my way.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::arrives deck and begins walking down the hall::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: I have had quite enough surprises on this mission. It will be a great relief to deliver the Princess to her homeworld.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Finishing a note, stands and leaves, heading for the nearest lift.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: I'd have to agree with you there, sir.  Tired of being shot at.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stops just outside the door and waits for Azhure to join him::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: drops heavily into the chair at Science One ::  CTO: I am quite simply tired, Mr. Powers. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Rast> :: Raises his hand to stop the Captain ::  CO: Captain, I'm going to have to ask you to authenticate yourself to gain entry.  Retinal scans at least.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops near the VIP quarters, she steps off and heads toward the captain waiting for her.  Smiles.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rast: I would expect nothing else.  Please take your scan, and then inform the princess that Azhure and I would appreciate an audience.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods at Azhure as she approaches:: Azhure: Counselor, security calls for verification.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Given what has occurred, I am not surprised.  :: nods to Rast::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Rast> :: Calls to one of the petty officers to contact the Princess and make sure she's decent before the Captain barges in ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::stands still as Rast scans his retina and then turns to Azhure::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Your turn, Commander.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO1_Min> :: Speaks with the Princess via communicator, and confirms she is accepting visitors ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps slightly forward and waits.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves forward toward the door as Rast finishes his scans and presses the call button::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: lifts a brow as she waits for the verdict she is whom she thought she was.::
Host Princess_Saian says:
::crosses the room:: Enter
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO1_Min> :: Shows the two officer into the VIP quarters ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as the door slides opens, Rast nods to Azhure and both enter the room::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lightly bows her and head with a smile.::  Saian:  I trust all is relatively well.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he tips his head to the princess:: Saian: I trust you are recovered from your recent betrayal and abduction.
Host Princess_Saian says:
::faces them:: CO/CNS: I am so glad you are here. I was very afraid during my kidnapping. Thank the gods for that handsome officer Kraight.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles, fully intending to tell Kraight about this later.::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO1_Min> :: Smirks from his discreet position by the doorway ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::REB, he looks at Azhure:: Saian: The XO is indeed a valuable crew member.  I am pleased that he was able to save you. It is, however, exactly that abduction I wish to speak with you about.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Xerxes' betrayal indicates that your delivery to the homeworld may be greatly compromised.
Host Princess_Saian says:
Sulek: And what was it that you wanted to know? ::turns away, hiding her face:: The captors... they were... less than gentlemen. Considerably so. Xerxes...  ::angry::   I had trusted him for so long. Yet he was the one who wanted me dead! Or at least out of the way.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Is there another way to ensure that we can safely deliver you, one perhaps that Xerxes would not know of?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the initiative and unobtrusively guides the other two over to the couch and chair ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: following Azhure's lead ::
Host Princess_Saian says:
:: shakes her head :: Sulek: No. I am certain that once we reach my home, all will be in readiness for the transference of power. I don't travel all this way to preside over a civil war. It is there that the concentration of royal followers is greatest.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Our problem is this, if Xerxes is so bold as to betray his hand now, then it is certain that our approach to your home world will be well guarded.
Host Princess_Saian says:
Sulek: Can you think of another way?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Sulek:  Or it could have been a move of desperation.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: True.  Still, I would like some way to be sure that the supporters of the monarchy are aware of this betrayal.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  Do you have a safe way of sending a communication?
Host Princess_Saian says:
CO/CNS: You could use the secure communications protocol that I use to communicate with the faithful. Not even Xerxes has the current security clearance.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: That would suffice.  You will need to record the message so that all will know that it is not a trick.  If those on the homeworld know of the betrayal, they will also know to look for the evidence of cloaking.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Our encounter with the science vessels indicate that a methodology for detecting the military now exists among your followers.
Host Princess_Saian says:
Sulek: Agreed. I think you will find that cloaking won't be a problem.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Is this a two way communication?  If so, the knowledge of knowing where the military is will allow us to chose an approach vector that will let us sneak past them.
Host Princess_Saian says:
Sulek: Yes, it is used only by royalty.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Excellent.  Commander Azhure can help you craft your message so what we need will be clear but if the military or other factions have infiltrated your communications because of Xerxes, it will be more protected.
Host Princess_Saian says:
:: nods ::  Sulek: Excellent.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks to Azhure:: Azhure: When the message is ready, we will broadcast it on the royals secure coded frequency.  We then can monitor any information they may relay on the cloaked vessels near her homeworld.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: nods::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he rises ::  Saian: Princess, I thank you for your time.  You have increased the odds of our success to a more favorable outcome.  :: slight bow ::  If you will excuse me, I will allow you and Counselor Azhure to begin recording your message.
Host Princess_Saian says:
:: nods at the captain ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As Sulek leaves, she turns to the princess ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he turns and exits, moving back to the TL :: CPU: Bridge.
Host Princess_Saian says:
CNS: So how should we start?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  First, with information to verify it is you they are talking to... but before we go to this.  There is something I or we should know?
Host Princess_Saian says:
::turns away:: CNS: It was... on the planet... some of them men... :: eyes well with tears ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: arrives on the bridge ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stands and gets her a drink of cool water from the replicator and hands it to her.::  Saian:  Healing begins with letting go of what occurred.  And that helps with sharing.  What you tell me, will go no further unless you wish it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::exiting the TL:: Powers/Kraight: We may now have a way to plan our approach to the home world of the princess.
Host Princess_Saian says:
::takes the water and lowers her head:: CNS: They... they violated me.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks up :: CO: Indeed? How so, sir?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO1_Min> :: Shifts nervously in the Princess's quarters ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian: You should see the doctor... the doctor should see you.  I can have him come here... or I can examine you myself.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Does it involve quantum torpedoes?
Host Princess_Saian says:
CNS: I would prefer to have this done quietly.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he relays the information that the princes gave them :: Kraight: And the princess seems quite taken with you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I hope not.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: bemused grin ::  CO: Well... that will end as soon as she assumes her duties. I have no illusions.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods::  Saian:  When you are ready, we will retire to your bedroom.  Meanwhile, are you ready to return to the composition of the letter or would you like to just talk for a bit?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Indeed, I did not realize you, what's the saying... had it in you?
Host Princess_Saian says:
:: straightens up ::  CNS: It would be best to carry on, and compose the message.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes head ::  CO: I admit, I surprised myself.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods::  Saian:  Then let us return to a way to identify this message as authentic.  :: Pulls out a padd and begins to slowly work with her on the message.::
Host Princess_Saian says:
::pulls out a padd-like instrument of her own, though much smaller:: CNS: We will have to use my digital seal.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: nods and looks over at the seal::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight/Powers: We will need to be able to broadcast as soon as the princess and Azhure have finished.  I want a clear check of the channel to be sure that it has not been corrupted in any way.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I'll take care of it, sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  When we are done with this, I would like Commander Powers to take a look over it to make sure it has all the information he needs within it.
Host Princess_Saian says:
CNS: Very well. ::demure::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO*:  Commander, please join me in the princess' quarters.

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