Quirinus Mission 10811.24

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: At long last, the Quirinus is within striking distance of the Alkadian homeworld - Kadala. The rebels from the destroyed battleship have been sorted out, as have the loyalist scientists.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10811.24: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 13  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Arriving at the princess' quarters, chimes::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: His arms behind his back, he scans his eyes over the security monitors in the office ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: How has the princess taken the news that we have Xerxes in custody?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*: I have not yet told her... about to do so now.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: Enter.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finishes an inspection of the last repairs, and heads for the bridge ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods to the guard and enters the quarters.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: I hope it goes well.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: With a smile walks in and over toward the princess.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers*: Were you able to find out any information from Xerxes or the military we have in custody about other ships in the area?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: Good evening. I understand we are nearing the homeworld
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian: Yes, we are.  :: Motions her to retake her seat.::  I need to speak with you about something before we arrive.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: exits the turbolift onto the bridge ::  CO: The repairs to the EPS conduits on Deck Four are complete, sir. That was the last of the battle damage.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: What can I do for you?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Takes his right arm to tap his commbadge as his eyes settle on the slightly unsettled visage of the captured bastard ::  *CO*: We got nothing specific; he has 'forces' on the planet, but in unspecified numbers and positions.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Excellent.  Ops: Bring all systems on line. Helm: Increase speed to warp 8.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  As you know, we took aboard a group of people.  Some of them are for your cause and there were those that were not.  One of those that have been taken into custody is Xerxes.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Notify the loyalists on the princess' com channel that they are not alone.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> ::turns beet red and looks away:: CNS: And what do you intend to do with him?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers*: Understood.  Keep after it, perhaps he will let something slip.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sends transmission ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  What happens to him is not our decision.  He is one of your people.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_Lt_Toran> :: Shifts his feet at his post on the Bridge ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: Then you will turn him over to the authorities when we arrive? ::hopeful::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  Is that what you think is best?  What do you want us to tell the authorities?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: I will see to his punishment. There is no reason to... disclose the nature of the crime at this time.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  If I might ask, what will you tell the authorities?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Takes his commbadge off and hands it to one of his fellow security officers then steps back into the Brig, where Xerxes' cell has been kept at a rapidly fluctuating temperature ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If you've cleared some of the scientists, their knowledge in detecting the cloaks and warp signature of the military and other adversaries could be useful to our scans.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: To be honest, as little as possible.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  Understood.  Is there anything I can do to be of assistance?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Let me check with Arden.  :: turns to a com panel and calls the Alkadian commander ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> *XO*: Commander, what can I do for you?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: Not at this time  :: takes her hand ::  You have been most helpful.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: Up!  Now!
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> :stands:: CTO: What the hell do you want now? I've answered all the questions I'm going to.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: He may help you to input the necessary parameters, but given the nature and depth of the traitors in the groups, I would just as soon err on the side of caution.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: You know very well what I want.  Why do you make this hard?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*Arden*: We are approaching Kadala. It is likely that the rebels will make a last attempt to ambush us. If there is anyone among your people who has knowledge of the rebels' cloaking technology, and whom you believe we can trust, we could use their help.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes>  : :sinister smile ::  CTO: I should make it easy on you? Now why would I want to do that?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Returns the clasp and takes the hint she would like to be alone for a bit..  Stands::  Saian:  When you are ready or should you need help, call me and I will come.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> *XO*: I can help you in that regard. Where should I meet you?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: Of course, things have been too easy for you so far... should I schedule another round of Klingon opera for you in the night?  Perhaps the screams remind you of something else.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: You have been most understanding.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Arden: I will have Security escort you to the bridge.  :: breaks connection, alerts Security ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lightly bows her head and turns to leave.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> CTO: Your petty tortures notwithstanding, you have nothing to offer me. And I have nothing more to say to you.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: You think it gets any better than Federation prison?  Square meals, cushy bunks... what will you get when we arrive at your planet?  Beatings?  Execution?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: checks through the status reports as all systems and stations now report in ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Exiting, makes her way to the brig.::
Host SM_Keith says:
::cold:: <Xerxes> CTO: If you must know, it is likely I will be executed.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: And that's better than talking?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden>  :: awaits security ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> CTO: The time for talk is long over commander.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops she steps off and walks over.  With a nod waits for the field to drop before stepping into the main area.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> :: Security arrives, and escorts him to the bridge ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO_Min> :: exits the turbolift with Arden ::  XO: Commander.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: And why is that?  There's still time.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> XO: How can I help you commander?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Arden: Thank you for your assistance. Our long range sensors indicate that a pitched battle is already in progress near Kadala.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> CTO: Time. You offer something I have little of.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Makes her way toward the cell where Bill is located with Xerxes::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: Federation incarceration instead of execution.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Arden: We need to detect any rebel forces standing between us and the planet.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> XO: That is to be expected. The rebels know that is where you will be delivering the princess.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> :: Hears a set of footsteps and turns to find Counselor Azhure coming.  She moves to intercept the Commander ::  CNS: Commander?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::  Arden: Yes. Does the rebel's cloaking technology have any weaknesses we could exploit?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> XO: With a few modifications, your sensors can detect even our most advanced cloak.  :: Motions at the console ::  May I?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Simply lifts a brow and looks at Nani::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: steps aside ::  Arden: Please.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> ::laughs:: CTO: Like the dear Princess Saian would allow that.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: You're still behind my forcefield, under my authority.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> ::begins making the modifications:: XO: This may take a few moments.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises and crosses to the panel where Arden and Kraight work ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: watches carefully ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> :: Quietly ::  CNS: ... Can... I help you, Commander?  This is a restricted area.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> CTO: Am I really? Maybe you should think about this long trip we've been on. Who's been calling the shots? Really?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly:: Sec:  I have been restricted?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> :: Still quiet, but firm ::  CNS: This is a restricted area, Commander.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Sec:  Restricted by?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> CNS: All high security areas are restricted on an as needed basis, Commander.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> CO/XO: There. That should do it. You can now detect any cloaking technology we have. err.. That I know of.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: The temperature in the cell approaches its coldest point ::  Xerxes: Who do you think has?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: Thank you.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the settings ::  Arden: It is hard to detect something if one does not know it is there. Your help is deeply appreciated. I will be certain to mention this to the Princess.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes> CTO: Why her highness of course. You wouldn't even be here without here. ::snide::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Verify that the programming is appropriate for our systems before you put it on line.  If it is, add it to scans immediately.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden>  :: nods and stands aside ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: takes a few moments to double-check the new settings ::  CO: I see nothing that would compromise our systems, Captain.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Sec: And I need to clear this with?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sets up new scans using the revised sensor algorithms ::  CO: Scans in progress.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: Tell me how is it that Xerxes and the battle ship were unaware of your presence?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: monitors the sensor array ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> Sulek: Have you ever heard of 'playing both ends against the middle'?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: Xerxes, I believe, did much the same.  Are you saying that Xerxes believed that he had a tentative agreement with the scientists?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> :: Uncomfortable with not having her full attention backing up Commander Powers ::  CNS: The Commander can speak with you when he ... has finished his duties.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> Sulek: Precisely. In case you haven't noticed, Xerxes isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks toward the cell, her eyes narrowing for a moment before looking back at Nani::  Sec:  When he has finished... :: Turns to leave::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: You have been cleared by the loyalists, and your help as commander of your ship in the battle confirms this but how do we know that others are so safe among your surviving crew?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> Sulek: The scientific sect has always aligned itself with the loyalists. We see no other way for peace, and we are peaceful by nature.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Xerxes: Enjoy your last days, then.  I don't care what happens to you.  You seem to think you're all important... :: shrugs and turns ::  You'll be nothing but a footnote in a Federation file in two days.  :: leaves the cell, triggering the Klingon opera of the Boreth Monastery as he leaves ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods to security as she exits and makes her way to the nearest lift.::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Xerxes>  :: sneers ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looking at the door, she frowns and rubs the bridge of her brow.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: How did one of Xerxes' obvious nature then manage to gain such power and trust?  We trusted him because we did not know of his nature and he was clearly assigned to the safe guarding of the princess, but there must have been hints.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Nani> :: As the two depart from the secure area ::  CTO: Commander Azhure was here, sir.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> Sulek: I'm uncertain how he rose to power. He does have a chameleon like nature. He fooled the best of them, for certain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Frowns ::  SEC: Why?  And how did she get into the Brig?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Nani> CTO: She didn't say, sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
::  Steps off the lift and makes her way toward the captain.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: I only worry that given our limited knowledge that we too are perceived as "dull tools."
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: turning to see Azhure ::  Azhure: The princess is well?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Aye, captain.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden>  :: shrugs ::  Sulek: Hell, you made it this far. No one will think the less of you for any mishaps that have happened.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: You are most blunt for one of your calling.  Somehow, it suits you, I think.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Nods slowly, then grabs his commbadge from where he left it, turning it on ::  *CTO*: Azhure?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> Sulek: I take that as a compliment. ::warm smile::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps back from the group and turns slightly::  *CTO*: Yes?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: So it was intended.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: Ensign Nani said you entered the Brig.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns her head to catch the captains eye and simply nods her head with a slight smile.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Arden: If you will excuse me.  :: Moves off to the lower bridge with Azhure ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO*: Aye, but it can wait for now.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Arden> :: Nods and turns to Kraight :: XO: So is everything working as expected?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pauses and looks up with a lifted brow.::  CO:  I did not mean to interrupt.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The new sensor algorithms are meshing very nicely with our normal protocols.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The abruptness of your response to my query indicates that all is not as well as you would like.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Good. Keep monitoring.  Adjust course as necessary.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly:: CO: I did not want to interrupt.  Under the circumstances, things are... fine.  The princess really does want what is best for her people... even in her dealing with Xerxes.  :: Unable to say more on the man::  You can trust Arden.  He is what you might call a true loyalist.  Very gregarious... inquisitive and I sense a keen mind.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks several panels ::  CO: The battle around Kadala continues unabated, Captain. The two forces seem evenly matched.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: And your visit to the brig? Pardon me but I could not help but overhear the CTO.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Select best approach vector to get us past the bulk of the fighting.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: An impression I had wanted... to... be certain of something.   And something I had wanted to tell Commander Powers.  But it can wait now.  :: smiles::  Consider it more of an impulse.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I know you.  Impulsive is not a word I would use.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Things are, as you know, never quite so simple.

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