Quirinus Mission 10901.26

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 Quirinus crew beamed over to Station Quest, only to discover a mystery. The crew of the station had abruptly departed, but to where? The station is intact, but whilst powering up the station, one of their own was almost lost, phasing out of this reality into... the unknown.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10901.26: Through the Past, Darkly =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 3  =/\==/\=

ACTION: The crew is beamed over to the engineering section of the station

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the transporter beam releases her, she glances around engineering.  It looked like any other station engineering room. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: materializes in engineering of Quest station :: Kraight: Exactly where did you see CTO Powers phase?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Just over...   :: looks around ::  ... here. Next to the power coupling.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The beings are still here?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks around nervously, knowing that he won't be aware of himself phasing out of existence ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She closes her eyes for a moment and then simply nods. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: pulls out tricorder and scans the area surrounding the coupling ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scans the entire engineering bay ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I am detecting nothing. No subspace variances, no residual radiation.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Perhaps a theory.  You said you sense no ill-intent.  They have not been able to communicate to us other than by preventing certain actions.  Is it plausible that perhaps these beings are making an attempt to phase us to their level of existence so they can communicate to us?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: Everyone double-check your beacons. There is no guarantee that, if it happens again, it will be Commander Powers who phases out.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks his own beacon ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: check to make sure his beacon is functioning ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Opens her eyes and looks at the Sulek ::  CO:  It is a possibility.  I am sensing about 80 of them.  But not here.  And one has a... stronger presence then the others.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: There's an entire population.... not a single individual?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Perhaps it is closer to us than the rest.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks around after Azhure notes... EIGHTY... of the beings.  Of course they can't be seen, that would be too easy ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shivers slightly ::  All: There's something here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Did you notice something similar before you phased last time?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Actually... :: she points upward ::  They are in that direction.  None of them are currently here.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scans in the direction that Azhure indicates ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Thinks ::  CO: I really didn't feel anything last time.  If Commander Kraight had not indicated my... condition... I might have been unaware.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: On the decks above us?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: I'm not reading anything on the upper decks.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods and starts to walk towards the door. ::  CO:  I am not sure how many levels upward.  But the higher concentration is... up.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Azhure, still scanning ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Then lead the way counselor.  All: We stay together.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: follows ::

ACTION: One of the consoles briefly comes to life, and beeps a series of tones, all the same pitch.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill as what he says registers... wondering if he was extra sensitive to his surroundings due to their relationship or if there was something more. ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes shift towards the console and she frowns. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: turns at the noise ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Glances to the side and points ::  All: What's next?  Floating chairs?  Blood on the wall?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: I think I can do without the blood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: All the same pitch... is there a pattern to the tones, perhaps like Morse code?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: checks the section of the panel to see which was activated. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Analyzing...  :: calls up a pattern analysis function on his tricorder ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
All:  If there was one here, they are not.  One of the things I noted on the bridge, is they are extremely fast.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It was indeed the ancient form of Earth communication known as 'Morse Code'. The message was: 'Help us'.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Continue on the path to where the beings are concentrated.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: approaches the console :: CO: Wait. I have an idea...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods and exits engineering, heading for the lift.  There she waits for the others, pondering the message. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Call up the crew complement of the station.  How many?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
: activates the section of the panel that produced the beeps, and taps out a message himself: W-H-O A-R-E Y-O-U ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: pauses in the doorway :: Azhure: Kraight wishes to try something. Please hold a moment.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks the station records from his tricorder ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly ::  CO:  Records show that there were 80 dead and the others quickly evacuated on the captain's orders.  The details were classified.

ACTION: The console comes to life, but then suddenly dies, before any response is received

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: I only got that far this morning and did not have a chance to contact you to see if you could open the files I was unable to.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: 80? Dead or missing?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Self: Frell.   :: kneels, pulls off an access panel, tries to bypass the faulty power relay ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: The records listed them as dead.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: That would imply there were bodies.  I for one do not believe in ghosts, but the possibility of transfer is, as we have seen, quite possible.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO, CNS: I concur. There is precedent for it, in Starfleet records.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Why would they ask us to check out this station for reuse, and not give us the rest of the data?  Classified is not for the usual.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Perhaps the cause of death?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: Why classify the deaths at this point in time?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: makes a final adjustment :: All: Got it!   :: stands up as the console lights up again ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: looks over at Kraight ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Starfleet classified biological weapon gets out of hand?  Starfleet officer goes mad, kills entire crew?  Test weaponry self-detonates?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: taps out the message again:  W-H-O A-R-E Y-O-U ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Under her breath :: Lovely....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Perhaps, the use of the station was a pretense.  It would not be a first for command.  It would be much easier to have us check for station restart than to tell us we need to see if it is haunted.

ACTION: There is no response to Kraight's message

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO/CTO:  Something caused those explosions.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: shakes his head ::  CO: Perhaps they have abandoned the use of the console.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The speed at which the station was abandoned might indicate that the beings are responsible for the shut down.  All systems seem to have been left in working order.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Then we continue on.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: More likely they are not here.  :: Motions with her head towards the exit. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Onwards.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: follows ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows the others, scanning as he goes ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Perhaps, but the idea of 80 dead and the sense of 80 beings seems a bit coincidental.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As everyone steps into the lift, she orders it upward, very slowly.  And then closes her eyes, concentrating. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: As you know, Vulcans do not believe in simple coincidence of this nature.  I concur that there is logically a thread that binds these two events.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: simply nods her head.  After a moment, she brings the lift to a halt and opens her eyes ::  CO:  After you...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You seem to have the most physical awareness when one is near.  Tap into that sense and warn us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: steps out into the hall and looks around ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: That was just that one time.  And I'm still not certain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Understood, but none the less... it is a possibility.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: How far?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Following she looks around, frowning at various locations. ::

ACTION: Although life support is working, and the crew is still in EVA suits, tricorders read that it is very cold in Operations

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Bring up station schematics.  What points are of immediate access here?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The ambient temperature has dropped by thirty degrees, sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: This is not where I wanted to be.  :: moves back towards the lift. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to a console and accesses the station layout ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Five. Two lifts, two corridor entryways, and a service access tube.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: waits for Kraight to get bearings ::   Azhure: One moment.  Your senses brought us here.  You said they move quickly, perhaps we can follow their movements.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Keep track of the access points perhaps that will tell us how they move through the station.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Now, lead on.  :: returns to the TL ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As soon as all of them have rejoined her in the lift, she sends it down toward deck five. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: arriving at deck.  steps out into hall and looks back at Azhure ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: still scanning ::

ACTION: As the crew steps off the lift onto deck five, they immediately see the damage. It looks like it was done from within the station, and not from an external force.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Following the captain, she does not really see him or the others, only the damage and something else. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moves to the damage and scans ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scans the hull breaches for residue and energy signatures ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Glances around, nodding - internal damage.  He lifts his wrist mounted tricorder to scan ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As she walks, she lightly touches the breaches ::  CTO:  What would cause these?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Drops his hands to his knees, grunting as he doubles over ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns suddenly ::  CTO:  Bill?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moving quickly to Powers ::   Powers: Commander what do you sense?

ACTION: Commander Powers shifts out of phase again, setting off an alarm on all of the EVA suits detectors... unlike the last time, he does not reappear  --  he vanishes.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly :: No...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Do you have his frequency?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, mentally reaching out to her husband. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: scanning ::  CNS: Stand by, Counselor... I'm trying to track him...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly ::  XO:  He is not conscious.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Opens her eyes and takes a deep breath.  More to herself then expecting an answer from the others ::   All: Why him?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: The signal is located right here, where he was standing. I am trying to determine his specific subspace domain...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: stands in exact spot where Powers was and for the first time since their arrival opens himself to the surrounding area, closes his eyes and reaches out ::   ~~Powers~~
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slowly she turns around, focusing beyond her immediate surroundings. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: makes several rapid adjustments to his tricorder and continues scanning ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: turning to Azhure ::   Azhure: Of the 80 dead, did you see a list?  Was there a telepath or empath among them?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: There had been several telepaths aboard.    :: sighs in frustration ::   They are trying to communicate.  But for some reason, they cannot.  And yet...   :: she looks over at Kraight ::   They sent Morse code.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Then perhaps.... :: closes his eyes :: ~~I Am Sulek.  How Can We Help You?~~
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: brow furrowed ::  All: Commander Powers' position has not stabilized. he is... drifting... from one subspace domain to the next. I am having trouble establishing a subspace lock on him.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: Drifting?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: opens his eyes :: Azhure: I feel it too.  Something cold... passed through me just now as I reached out to the beings.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Yes. If our hosts are responsible for his disappearance, it may be that he has not yet reached them.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head in obvious frustration ::  XO:  He is moving through dimension or time?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: His loss of consciousness may be a way to protect him as he is brought to them.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: Through subspace. I detect no temporal displacement.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: A touch of anger in her voice she turns to the captain ::  CO:  But why him?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: It may be that he has the best chance of surviving the journey.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: She could go to him through time, but not space ::  XO: Perhaps.  So we wait?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I see no other practical course of action, Counselor. I am sorry.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: He may be the first they were able to touch... they already had his frequency so to speak.  Yes, we must wait.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head and walks away ::

ACTION: The EVA suits are showing some degradation. Like invisible fingers tearing at them.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: checks an alarm from his suit ::  All: Our suits will not last long, I'm afraid.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: Notes the damage to his suit :: *Quirinus*: Beam a secondary set of EVA suits to this location.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: without turning around ::  CO:  Why?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I'm not certain. I haven't been able to pinpoint the cause.

ACTION: The empty suits are beamed to deck five

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Sniffs and opens his eyes slightly - and sees people in Starfleet uniforms, sees their mouths move, but hears nothing.  And then things go black again ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: nods towards her own suit :: Azhure: I intend to stay.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: How long do we have to change suits before we are impacted by temperature?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The suits will fail in thirty minutes, possibly a little less.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  I suggest we return to the ship and have those files opened.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Is there anything you need to do to work here, that cannot be done from the Quirinus?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes. We cannot scan for Powers from the ship. We have to be here to do that. Captain, I recommend that you and the Counselor change into new EVA suits when you return to the ship. Then you can beam back here and take over scanning for Powers, while I return to the ship to change.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: picks up a suit and hands a suit to Kraight and one of the security personnel ::   Kraight: If need be get to a place where there is life support and change first.  Azhure and I will see exactly why those files are sealed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Her eyes turn toward where Bill is, even if she cannot see him.  Quietly she promises him she will be back soon ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he picks up the remaining suits and moves next to Azhure ::   *Quirinus*: Commander Azhure and I are returning.  Two to beam out.  Energize.

ACTION: Sulek and Azhure are beamed back to the Quirinus.

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