Quirinus Mission 10811.17

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 seems to be finally making some headway in their quest to get the Princess back to her homeworld.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10811.17: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 12  =/\==/\=

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: on bridge, maxing out the sensor array ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Maintaining yellow alert with shields up and weapons on standby, just in case ::

ACTION: Sensors pick up an Alkadian warship, along with two smaller ships at high warp, in pursuit of the Quirinus.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Captain, three ships at 175 mark 10 - distance two hundred thousands kilometers.  One warship, two smaller vessels.  Weapons and shields are hot.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Maximum Warp.   Powers: Red alert.  Evasive patterns.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How long can we maintain maximum?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Signals red alert and battle stations and brings the phasers and torpedo systems online ::

ACTION: The warship Raul hails the Quirinus.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: On screen.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> COM Sulek: No more games, Captain. Just hand over the princess and no one has to get hurt.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We can maintain this speed for at least seven hours, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Xerxes: No.  :: signals for Ops to cut ::

ACTION: The Raul and her sister ships are closing in, but slowly.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: The field is yours.  Kraight: Send distress on the Princess's private channel.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: begins transmission ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Engineering* We need to boost the warp.  All essential systems off line.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Captain?  Is that weapons free, sir?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I was told to trust my CTO.  I do.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Warp override 9.9.
Host SM_Keith says:
<EO_Erg> *Sulek*: I'll do my best sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: signals the aft torpedo bay to load two into the tubes and release them as mines into the path of the vessels ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly brings over the tea set and sets it down.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: Sits quietly ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How long can we maintain the 9.9 bursts, given the condition of the new array?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We can maintain warp 9.9 for a maximum of 30 minutes, sir. We can expect thermal damage to the warp core.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pours the tea and hands a cup to the princess before pouring her own and taking a seat.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: takes the cup :: CNS: Thank you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Then we will take it to the edge of just before damage.  We cannot afford to be without warp capable, but we need maneuvering room.

ACTION: The 'mines' are detected and destroyed by the Raul.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: In that case, we will need to reduce speed in 23 minutes.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  Ignoring what is going on at the moment, how are you doing today?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Snorts, thinking this guy might not be entirely stupid after all ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Then set the clock.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Are they still gaining?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian>:: Looks away :: CNS: I am fine. Considering.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Slowly, but yes... they are gaining on us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: the smaller ships will struggle the most to keep up.  Suggestions.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  Give yourself time.  :: sighs::  Soon enough you will have other things to deal with.  We have only begun to deal with this issue.  Do you have female relatives you can confide in when you get back?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> ::bittersweet:: CNS: Most of my family was killed in the coup. But I still have my confidants.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We could turn and fight, sir. With a couple of well-aimed shots at the battle cruiser's warp core, we could cripple it. The smaller ships would be unable to keep pace with us.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: That strategy, of course, carries its own risks.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Silently calculates the odds of those "well placed shots" and starts working on a battle run ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Powers:: Powers: What if we do the unexpected... perhaps a full stop letting them pass us and firing as the turn.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The rate of deceleration needed for that tactic to be effective would put severe stress on the spaceframe and the SIF generators.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: So far we have not turned to fight.  Xerxes would not expect us to do so now.  He is perhaps a rebel leader, but is he as good as you?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Keeping her body language relaxed.::  Saian:  You know your people better then I.  But might I suggest this is not something you want to get around?  You will need to bring peace once all is said and done, and that includes the insurgents.  If you do not, you will never have peace.  And something like this could inflame the situation into revenge.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Him personally?  Probably not, but no idea who he's got on that ship.  If we make a dead stop, we'd end up behind them, which would put us at somewhat of an advantage...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We would simply need to drop out of warp... perhaps not come to a complete stand still.   Still the stress on the inertial dampeners would need to be calculated.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: takes a sip of her tea :: CNS: You are wise beyond your years, Counselor.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: The only draw back I see is if the weapons fail to do the job.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then Xerxes would be in front of our destination.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: We have what he wants.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: runs several long range scans of the path ahead ::

ACTION: The Quirinus is receiving a hail from one of the smaller ships, on the princess' secure frequency.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: True.  He may hold back lest he solidify the movement by making her a martyr.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: puzzled ::  CO: Sir... one of the smaller ships is hailing us on the Princess' frequency.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: On channel.  :: looks at Kraight :: Kraight:  An ally in the fold?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes widen as a smile bloomed.::  Saian:  Thank you... I will let my husband know that.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It would not be our first surprise during this mission.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Indeed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Make the calculations for a full drop from warp just in case.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> COM Sulek: Thank the gods I have found you in time. This ship, and the other smaller craft you are detecting, are not acting with Xerxes  --  he is mad. I have the schematics for the battleship, for you to exploit it's few weaknesses. We will try and help you in the battle - he will not stop until he captures you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Arden: Understood.  Since you have access to this channel... we will listen.  Do not betray us.  Send the schematics.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Transmit the schematic to Tactical.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You know what to do.  We may only have two or three shots at best, once we drop.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> :: sends the schematics to the Quirinus :: COM Sulek: We don't have long. He is preparing us to fire as soon as we are in range. But we will not be firing on you...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Arden: Understood.  We have a strategy in place.  Just be ready to stand clear.  You will know when it happens.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> COM Sulek: Understood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Targets acquired?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Stand by on my mark.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Scans the schematics quickly, hunting for potential weaknesses ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Picks a potential target in the shield matrix ::  CO: Standing by, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Decrease to warp 9.6... give us a stutter like we are having problems then drop to 9.2.  Kraight: That's as low as we dare go before the drop.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As Saian remains quiet, gives her some time.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*All Hands*: Brace for sudden warp drop.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up and sighs::  Saian:  Hold on.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Mark.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: quietly :: CNS: So do you think we will ever make is? To my home, that is. We have been fraught with danger at every turn.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps several controls ::  CO: Initiating deceleration program...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  I have faith in my crew and my husband.  If it is possible, we will get you home.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the ship shutters to 9.6... then 9.2... ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the program kicks into place ::

ACTION: The Quirinus's sudden drop from warp does indeed have the desired effect. The battleship overshoots the Quirinus.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Now!
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Helm: Helm, bring us underneath!  :: Locks torpedoes and lets fire ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Warp 6, straight at them as they make the turn.

ACTION: The battleship takes damage, but is not destroyed. The two smaller Alkadian ships also fire upon it, causing more damage. The battleship is, however, focused on the Quirinus, and fires upon her, causing significant damage.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  And you need to have faith in that your people are also trying to get you home.  Besides, think of it more as an adventure.  Bureaucracy will tie you down soon enough.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You'll have their belly and rear passing shots as we go by.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: sighs ::  CNS: I suppose you are right.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Evasive.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Damage report.

ACTION: The helm is sluggish, but responds.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks several readouts ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Torpedoes ... full spread. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Getting her mind of the current situation.::  Saian:  Do you have anything in particular in mind when you get home... that you  want to do?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: waits for the ship to stop spinning so much and launches another dozen torpedoes, aiming for the same spot ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Shields down to 80%. Weapons and propulsion systems holding, but shaky. Another couple of hits will leave us drifting.

ACTION: One of the smaller ships is fired upon by the battleship, and destroyed.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Phasers full strafing across their bow.

ACTION: On the other smaller ship, escape pods are being released. Soon after, it too is destroyed.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Any quantums in the hold and can we get the range away.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Transporter*: Lock on to any of those pods you can and bring the occupants aboard.

ACTION: The battleship fires again on the Quirinus.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Takes the momentary distraction to shove as many weapons down the battleship as possible ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Hard over.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: grabs the edge of his console ::
Host SM_Keith says:
*TR*: Aye, Captain.  :: beams as many of the escape pods as he can to the Q ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Hopefully we have done enough... one last shot.  Helm: Best speed.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: has been firing as quick as the weapon systems will recharge ::

ACTION: In a gigantic burst of fire, the battleship is ravaged, deck by deck. Escape pods are deployed, and it is no longer a threat to the Quirinus.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: All stop.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Nicely done, Mr. Powers.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> :: gets out of one of the escape pods ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*TR*: Survivors.  Powers: See to securing our new guests from the battleship.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As they talk of things inconsequential and even a bit nonsensical, she has the princess smiling and a bit more animated ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: My advisor was right about you.  Our trust... my trust is well placed in your knowledge and skill.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Our trust was placed in the timely intervention of an outsider.
Host SM_Keith says:
*TR*: Captain, I was able to recover all of the pods that were ejected. They are in the cargo bay, under a level ten containment field.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> :: accesses one of the communication panels :: Sulek: Captain! I take it the battle was a success?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We must discuss our differences sometime,  I think our two styles are not in conflict but indeed a complement to each.  Well done, commander.  Now to security.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: I just want peace for my people.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Arden*: Indeed.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries not to stare wide eyed at the Vulcan double speak ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: raised eyebrow ::  Powers: You have a question?  You  look puzzled.  :: if he allowed himself the smile, at this point he would ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> :: Herding refugees in the cargo bay, figuring the hostile forces can sit and wait until they're good and ready ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> *Sulek*: And the princess?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks upward toward the bridge and smiles, then shakes her head as she looks back at the princess.::  Saian:  An honorable and worthy goal... and a life long one.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Arden*: Safe with our counselor.  Medical will be with you shortly to see to your needs.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden>  :: relaxes ::

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