Quirinus Mission 10901.05

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 is close to finally obtaining the goal of delivering it's "Cargo". Having launched two shuttles to deliver the princess to Kadala, the one carrying the Princess has crashed landed, and the crew is on foot for the rest of the journey.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10901.05: Special Delivery =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 15  =/\==/\=

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks his tricorder again for lifesign readings ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain, are you certain it is wise to entrust our flank to the scientists? I doubt that many of them have combat experience.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: begins moving toward the readings of the palace ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: We've got some larger feline animals in the region, but no "higher life" to speak of.  Other than us, of course.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We have little choice, and they have proved that they will stand and fight if necessary.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: motions to the scientists to follow ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Understood, sir.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows just behind the Princess ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: His fellow security officer walks in front of him, his eyes scanning the horizon to back up their tricorder readings ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: fiddles with her communicator ::  CO: I can't seem to get this thing to work. I was hoping they would be out looking for us by now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then we also have another possible predator in the area besides the military
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Could you help the Princess with her communicator?  Saian: I am sure they have sent forces out to meet us.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Saian: I can take a look at that for you, Your Highness.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> :: blushes ::  XO: It wouldn't be the first time you've saved us.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Hides his smile since he's ahead of the rest of them ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Saian: Well, let's wait and see if I can actually get this to work.  :: begins examining the faulty device ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: continues scan ::  COM Quirinus: Transfer our communicator transponder signals to palace security, so they can track us.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: His security officer picks out better worn paths to avoid making a great amount of noise ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: follows Powers' lead ::

ACTION: Sulek's message never makes it to the ship.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am getting no response from the Quirinus. The princess' communicator may not be faulty.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: hands the communicator back to the princess ::  Saian, CO: That's correct, there's nothing wrong with this. There's a dampening field blocking our transmissions... most likely a security measure generated at or near the palace.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: checks scan ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CO/XO: We can't be that far away.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Taps his officer, then holds up his hand ::  All: There's a large predator... with babies... about sixty meters... :: points in their general path :: ... that way.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: Best to circle round it, I would think.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: signals the group to stop :: Powers: Send a scout to find a way around.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: pokes his officer in the back to pick a new path, and they start to avoid their original course ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> All: The cats...they are normally nocturnal. But we should avoid them  --  especially with young ones
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Agreed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: waits for Powers officer to find a secondary path ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: The two security persons confer for a moment, gesturing quietly, then nod in agreement ::  All: This way, folks.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Starts walking in their new path ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: signals for the group to follow ::

ACTION: The large feline has smelled the crew  --  and is moving in the direction of the party.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
: :Quietly ::  All: Phasers on stun.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: places himself between the Princess and the approaching creature ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: picks up a rock and throws it far over the cat to create a noise in an opposite direction ::

ACTION: With a roar, the feline jumps out of the brush, coming from nowhere. It leaps at Powers, slashing his chest in a single swift motion.

Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian>  :: recoils ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: fires at the cat ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: phaser out, he fires ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Mutters several unflattering words as he sprawls backwards, blood soaking his uniform ::

ACTION: The phaser stuns the creature, rendering it unconscious.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crosses to powers taking dermaplast from his medkit as he crosses ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: kneels by Powers and begins scanning his shipmate ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Instinctively clutching at his chest... thankfully it hit high, missing his vital abdomen organs ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: kneels by Powers, rips the rest of the shirt away and sprays the dermaplast. following this with a shot to ward off any infection ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: without looking up ::  Saian: Princess, please order the scientists to form a protective cordon around us. That animal may not be the only one in the vicinity.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> XO: Of course.   :: motions to her followers ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO, CO: Heart rate elevated, vital signs stable.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: finally, adds a shot for the pain ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Hisses at the spray ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We have no means other than field medicine.  Give the shots a moment to work.  Do you think you can move?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We also now have a blood scent for other animals in the area.  We need to get clear.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Move?  Perhaps.  Probably need to be checked over once this is done...
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> All: I'm receiving a transmission from the palace. They have sent out troops to help us. We must move, and now.  :: speaks quietly into the communicator :: 
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Agreed.  :: stands ::  All: We need to hurry, before we are attacked again. This way!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Having strayed a bit behind to gather some plant samples, finally makes her way to the others.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: throws the bloody shirt away from Powers ::   Powers: Try standing, the dermaplast should hold for the time.  :: puts his arm under the CTO's shoulder and lifts him standing ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Stands with the help, and tries to stabilize himself ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: I'd be happy to take point for you, Commander.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slips an arm around the other side of her husband with a slight frown::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You may lean on me.  Your weight should be little trouble for me to sustain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO/XO: Get the Princess moving.  I'll slow the group down.

ACTION: The away team detects the troops in the forest.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
ALL: Let's move.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: What was the word from the palace?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: arranges the scientists in a cordon around the Princess, then leads the group towards the palace ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Captain, you may be needed to help protect.... I can care for the CTO.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CO: They are coming, and fast.  :: smiles ::   I feel our adventure is about to come to an end.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Agreed, but for the time being. I can help get him clear.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Saian:  Is there any area near by that can be relatively easily defended?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> CNS: The palace is the closest place.

ACTION: The sound of the troops can be heard nearby.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: simply nods as they continue forward ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Scans detect troops in the forest, but we do not know if they are Loyalists or Military.   :: signals to the security guard ::  Guard: See if you can detect what troops are near.  Do not draw attention.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We need a defensible position.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks around, sees only a few medium size boulders :: CO: I think those...  :: points with his phaser ::  ... are the best we have at the moment.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moves the group towards the boulders ::  Princess: Just a precaution to be sure they are who they say they are.

ACTION: The troops arrive, and immediately bow to the Princess, not speaking, but waiting to be spoken to.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Saian: Princess, do you know any of these men?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her hand tightens slightly around Bill's waist as she adjust for balance, standing and watching quietly ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> All: You may rise. And please get us the hell out of here. The Sadains are wild here, one of our men has been attacked.  :: Looks at the troops ::  Move!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Saian: I'll take that as a 'yes'...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Wonders where this fire came from ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Blinks slightly in surprise at the princess's use of language ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he lets Powers rest at one of the boulders, his hand still on his phaser ::  Soldiers: We have wounded and he will need your assistance.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Frowns, hoping for a nice Steamrunner class Sickbay instead ::

ACTION: The troops rise, and begin setting up transporter enhancers. One of them opens communications to the palace, telling them to drop the scattering field on his mark.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles lightly at Bill::  CTO:  You will live. 
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: motions the scientists to gather, and scans the trail behind them for trouble ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Trooper Meeker> All: You'll be safe in the palace in a few moments.  :: smiles ::  Saian: Your highness, we've been waiting so long for you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moves into the enhancer field and as the rest enter the area, he nods to the soldier ::  All: Ready.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> Meeker: Good, then  get us out of here now!  :: smiles as she speaks ::

ACTION: The entire away team is beamed to the Palace.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks around the area they have arrived at ::

SCENE: They arrive to find a surprisingly elegant but simple palace, surrounded by tight security. The Princess is led away, and a medical team is coming for Powers, and for the ones injured in the crash.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods to the medical team::

ACTION: A few moments later, the crew can hear the sound of the Princess addressing her subjects on a broadband transmission that reaches across all barriers.

Across the region, news of the Princess's arrival spreads like wildfire. Many of the military capitulate, and cease fire. Small skirmishes are still reported, but all in all, the transmission is effective.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: following the medics::  CTO:  I sincerely hope this is almost over with.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looks around ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Can it be that we have finally completed this mission?

ACTION: The princess enters the room the away team is in. She is beaming.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: It was indeed more than a simple cargo drop, as intended.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Saian: You seem pleased, Your Highness.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looks toward the Princess ::  Saian: I trust the broadcast went well?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> All: I can't begin to tell you how much your actions have made this possible. With time, there will be peace in Alkaidian space. And we have you to thank for it.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> ::leans forward and plants a kiss on Kraight's cheek::  XO: I don't suppose there is a chance that you would like to take a place in my cabinet, is there? Or are you one to always chase the stars?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Thank you, Your Highness.  We served as we were ordered.  I only hope that the peace does indeed reign.  :: raises an eyebrow at the kiss ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: gapes, just for a second, then regains his composure ::   Saian: I am flattered beyond words, Your Highness... but my duty is to Starfleet and the Federation.   :: bows deeply ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: quietly in Kraight's ear ::   Kraight: I am sure were the CTO here, he would have the appropriate comment, but I must admit I did not think your blue could become brighter, XO.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> All: Word of my coronation as Queen, which will be soon, is beginning to spread. It seems there were members of the military that 'regained' their loyalty once news of my return reached them.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: A... uh... purely involuntary reflex, sir...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Indeed?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: wisely decides that silence will be the best course ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Arriving at the palace medical bay, she helps Bill over to an empty bed.::  CTO: How are you holding up?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Well, they haven't killed me yet
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Saian: Once the area is secure, then, we must send for the Quirinus.  We have other, ummm, stars to chase.  It was pleasure that the Federation could help.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Saian> All: We are forever in your debt.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans down and kisses his cheek and then steps slightly off to the side to let the medics do their job ::

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