Quirinus Mission 10812.08

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

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: The USS Quirinus finally seems to have their task at hand. They are about to deliver the princess to her homeworld.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10812.08: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 14  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: On bridge ::  Helm: Prepare for approach vector.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Scans at full, weapons at standby ready.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sensors on full scan. Arden's modifications are working well.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Anything about the beam down coordinates for the princess's drop off?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I've selected a location just outside the main palace, in a little-used courtyard.

ACTION: The crew of the Quirinus realizes quickly that they are entering a war zone.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We may need to send down a security detail, depending on the request of the homeworld.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: I'm picking up scattered readings ahead... it's hard to make out.  A lot of radiation bleed.  Looks like a large number of space battles.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Make sure the loyalists have the coordinates and that they keep the idea secret.  I would suggest they send several guards out to different locations.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Science: See if you can clean up the interference.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Confirmed. Sensors read multiple discharges of energy weapons, as well as missile traces. Subspace traffic is exceptionally heavy.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Set course so we miss as much of the heavier discharge areas as possible.

ACTION: So far, the Quirinus has gone unnoticed.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns ::  CO: Captain, we will not be able to beam down to the surface. There is a high-power scattering field surrounding the planet.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Drop us out of warp at the last possible moment on the approach.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Understood.  Set up shuttle craft with decoy as discussed in the briefing.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Is there someway to mask the princess's bio readings?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: contacts the shuttle bay and issues the appropriate orders ::

ACTION: As the ship drops out of warp, the crew finds themselves in the middle (literally) of a battle. The Quirinus takes damage to its port engines.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: A small adjustment to the personal dispersal field generator she now wears should do the trick, sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Mutters and shoots an evil look at the helm ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: See to it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Evasive.   Helm: Get us clear.

ACTION: The helm officer does a good job at getting them out of the way, however the battles are everywhere.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns over the science station to a lieutenant, and exits the bridge ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight/Powers/*Azhure*: We will personally see the princess to safety.
AEO_Ens_Smith says:
::looks up at the sudden wailing alarm and rushes over to shore up the portside shields::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Have the princess taken to shuttlebay one.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Turbolift: Shuttlebay One.

ACTION: The helm is keeping then out of the fray, but barely.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Aye, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Once the two shuttles are off, maintain protective cover and then get the ship clear of the fighting but in range for our retrieval.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises ::  Powers: It's time to see the princess home. ::moves to TL::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Makes sure Toran is at the tactical console before he moves to join the Captain ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<FCO_Flanders>  :: freaking out from stress ::  I do my best! I can't believe that you're leaving now!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: exits lift, goes to the shuttlebay and checks the shuttle preparations ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Flanders: You are a trained officer in Starfleet.  If you cannot handle this assignment then I suggest you find someone to relieve you who can.  :: looks at Powers ::   Shuttle Bay 1.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::the doors close and the TL begins its journey into the bowels of the ship::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We have the decoy ship set up?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We will launch at the same time as the decoys. Parallel travel for a few moments and then split, at maximum approach speeds.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Understood, Captain.  :: Wonders which one of them is piloting ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they arrive at deck ::   Powers: How are your piloting skills?  It's been a while since I piloted for the Alpha force.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Um... average, sir.  I'm better with a wheeled vehicle.  You don't fly a lot of ships at a ground based installation.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then I will pilot.  I am sure that it will come back to me.  We need to consider how to deliver the prisoners, what would your feelings be of putting them on the decoy or bringing them with us?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: walks over to Sulek and Powers, hands Sulek a PADD ::  CO: I've made some calculations, sir. This flight path describes the steepest descent possible within the safety limits of the shuttle. This will create an ionization envelope on entry, masking the shuttle interiors from sensors.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: None of them might be particularly dangerous if handled properly.  Xerxes is our high profile prisoner, of course.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: But do we want him on the same shuttle as the princess?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I am relying on your own professional judgment on that call, but since we cannot beam them down, we need to prepare their delivery.  We could of course try to do it after our return and the princess' safe delivery.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Thinks quickly ::  CO: Security should be able to handle him.  Maybe we can just sedate him for the trip.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain, I'd like to volunteer to pilot the decoy shuttle.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crosses to the shuttle, PADD in hand ::  Powers: See to it and have them delivered.  Kraight: Adjust the princess' signature as soon as she arrives.   I will be on board doing the preflight.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: You know we have a lot of prisoners.  We can't take them all in the few shuttles we plan to use.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Your request is noted, but I think with the Princess, she will be more secure with her savior aboard the ship with her.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Taps his commbadge and speaks with the security office to have the higher risk prisoners sedated, and then transferred to the shuttles ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Ah... yes, sir...   :: does the Benzite turn a duskier shade of blue-grey? ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Once the decoy and our shuttle are clear, we can launch more if needed.  They are a low priority and may have to be left in our charge until we can see them to the loyalist.  It is also possible that a science group could get close enough that we can send them there once we clear the battle zone.  You may wish to ask Arden.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters the shuttle and begins preflight, transferring coordinates to the main console ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: going through the routine and then waiting for the arrival of the Princess and Powers determination how to best take care of the prisoners ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Acknowledges his security forces as they enter the shuttlebay and begin loading the prisoners.  Xerxes is carried on an anti-grav gurney and dumped unceremoniously into one of the other shuttles ::

ACTION: It can be heard in the background, softly, the sound of Xerxes: “Uhh... that hurt...”

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
TO: Give him another dose, Ensign.

ACTION: Time Shift: Both shuttles are underway.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: maintaining a parallel course ::  *Shuttle 2*: Prepare for break away to discussed coordinates on my mark.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Stand by, this is going to be a bit rough.  Secure yourselves.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Princess: We'll be fine. Captain Sulek is an excellent pilot.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Shuttle 2*: Good flying and safe journey.  Mark.  :: he puts the approach and speed coordinates of Kraight's into play and the shuttle suddenly veers left and down towards the planet's surface ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: All weapons on line.  Keep us a clear path.

SCENE: The planet, in all it's resplendent green and blue lays before them.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: check sensors ::  CO: Ionization envelope is forming.

ACTION: The shuttle falls off planetary sensors, and it is clear sailing through the atmosphere.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: We should be impervious to scans until about thirty seconds before touchdown.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: In upper atmosphere, making course correction to the palace now.

ACTION: The envelope is throwing the shuttle off course.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We will come in low and hot.  All: Landing is going to be quite harsh, I suggest you remain secured.  :: notes the changes in course and corrects accordingly ::   Kraight: We may have to lose the envelope sooner.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Understood, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We are losing .001 degree in course vector per thousand meters.  Disperse the field at best altitude so I can make a hard over correction.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Reduce attack angle to 28 degrees; that should kill the envelope.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: reduces the angle ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Grabbing hold of something ::

ACTION: The Princess is obviously upset as the shuttle is buffeted around.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: as the envelope disappears, he makes a hard course change to put them back into the palace and then flies as close to the ground as he can without running into anything ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Princess: Are you all right, Your Highness?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the shuttle settles into a fast low flight ::

ACTION: With a bang the shuttle falls from the sky, crashing into the unexpected forested mountain that came up suddenly. There are some wounded, and the shuttle is at a sudden stop.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rising unsteadily from the floor :: All: Report.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to the Princess immediately ::  Princess: Your Highness... don't try to move, please.  :: scans her with a medical tricorder ::

ACTION: The princess is uninjured.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The Princess is uninjured. And you?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Brushes himself off and moves to the window to inspect their surroundings, and try to find the other shuttle ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the other Alkaidian passengers ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Issue full arms.  All: We are still about 8 kilometers from the palace.  Looks like we walk.  Kraight: Check communications.  If they are still on line, get a hold of the loyalists and let them know our circumstance. Ask for assistance.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir. There are some bruises and lacerations among the scientists, but they're all able to walk.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: You may also try to raise the other shuttle.  They may also be able to help.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns to the communications panel ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: takes equipment and weapons ::  All: We are sitting water fowl, we need to get moving.

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