Quirinus Mission 10903.30

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: Last time on the USS Quirinus... Executive decisions were made, and the Captain dispatched the counselor and the executive officer to the station.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10903.30: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 3  =/\==/\=

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: standing outside the station sickbay, with Azhure ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ XO:  I don't know how long this will take... hopefully not too long.  If you would like, I will keep my commbadge active so you can hear.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <MO_Stange> :: attends to commander K'tal ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: on bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ CNS: I'd appreciate that, Counselor. Good luck. I'll wait out here.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_LtJG_Nani> :: Looks nervously at Commander Kraight ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Making the adjustment needed, she then turned with a smile and entered into sickbay. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Another firefight, Captain.  :: Points to his console ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Quite the... active local space, it would appear.

@ ACTION: The doors open and the Counselor finds herself in a modern sickbay, with 20+ beds and equipment

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@  :: Her eyes slowly sweep the room ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: brings up the scan console on the chair ::   Powers: If we could only rely on them keeping themselves busy.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ SEC_LtJG_Nani: You look worried, Lieutenant.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: This is going to be just my suggestion, Captain... but that other Captain, Dwarn... seemed pretty interested in you.  Maybe you can use that to our advantage, get some intelligence on what's going on?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Her eyes light on Dr. K'tal and she stills.  After a moment, she takes a breath and schools her features before heading toward the last biobed. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: Murmurs an obscure mathematical equation in base five ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I am unsure what you mean.  Dwarn, before they warped out, said only that it is disputed space.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: She stopped at the foot of the bed, automatically scanning his bioreadings. ::  K'tal:  Doctor, might I have a word with you?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I suspect he knows more.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <MO_Stange> CNS: What can I do for you? :: Polite ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Indeed, but he seemed reticent about revealing anything due to his own prime directive.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: smiles :: MO:  Nothing at all.  I have come to speak with Dr. K'tal.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: He did say that those in the dispute were on our technological level.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Narrows his eyes ::  CO: Selling your negotiation skills short, aren't you, Captain?  :: Checks his console again ::  That conflict out there is getting out of hand, rather one sided.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: How long until they come to look at us?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <MO_Stange> CNS: He's not going  to be very helpful.  :: indicates the drooling idiot to her ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I can only try.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_LtJG_Nani> XO: Sorry, Commander.  Just... distracted.  Feels like we're out of our league here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: See if Dwarn is in hailing range.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ MO:  That is fine.  Is there anything he prefers to eat or drink at the moment?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ SEC_LtJG_Nani: We've been up against overwhelming odds before. But we have the finest crew in the fleet. I have no doubt that we will prevail.

ACTION: The ship opens a hail. Nothing is immediately received.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Continue to try. Add to the message that we are in something of timeline quandary
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_LtJG_Nani> :: Glances around nervously ::  XO: Sir, I'm sure you're familiar with the law of averages.  Given a number of successes, there must be a balanced set of failures, no?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <MO_Stange> CNS: I'd imagine not. He's holding his own, but prognosis is not good.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ MO:  If you could get him something to drink that he likes, I would appreciate it.  :: Turning slightly, she moves toward the middle of him. ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ K'tal:  Doctor?  Can you hear me?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ SEC_LtJG_Nani: No, that's a common misconception. Take the simple act of flipping a coin. over time, the number of heads with be equal to the number of tails, correct?

ACTION: The ship is now receiving distress calls from three of the ships that survived the battle

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: In the meantime, can we perhaps duplicate or relay the distress calls to, say, attract a few helpers? Without our own signature, of course.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Picking sides, Captain?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: No, just keeping the score even, so to speak.  If we can keep them occupied, perhaps they will leave us alone as an unknown factor.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS Wainright> CO: Captain, one of the life pods sending a distress call is about to... well... break up... it was damaged during the escape sequence.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers/Wainwright: If we save them, we will be irrevocably committed to something in this timeline of subspace.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: Nods his head slowly ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_LtJG_Nani> :: Manages a weak smile as she makes eye contact with Min ::  XO: They don't pay us to be statisticians, Commander.  We're just the hired muscle.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ SEC_LtJG_Nani: Be assured that over a large number of throws, half will be heads, and half will be tails. Let us say that I throw a statistically incredible run of fifty heads in a row. The probability of throwing a head on the fifty-first throw is still 50%. The probability of a head on each throw is independent of all that went before.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Relaxing, making her presence as unimposing as possible ::  K'tal:  How are you doing here?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: his head keeps nodding, and he offers up more math in base 5 ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ K'tal:  What has your mind occupied?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: a light comes into his eyes, and he looks at the counselor intently ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers/Wainright: But if our inaction is noted, that could also be misconstrued as "picking sides." We are then embroiled in the timeline.  It is something of a no-win scenario.  Not saving them goes against all my training, but saving them has dire consequences just as not saving them may.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ SEC_LtJG_Nani: My point is that no matter how many times we've saved ourselves in the past, that has nothing to do with our chances here. And remember, the crew of the Quirinus does not act randomly, as a thrown coin does. We  -- you, Lieutenant  --  are highly skilled, highly trained, and highly motivated. This crew will not fail, of that I am certain.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: repeats ::  K'tal:  What has your mind occupied?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_PO1_Min> XO: That's all well and good, Commander  --  but in this instance, our success is dependent upon that nutcase in there.  :: Thumbs towards the door ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: What we need is something that gives us neutral standing.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_LtJG_Nani> :: Gives Min a withering look ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I'd recommend getting out of here as soon as possible.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS_Wainright> :: visibly upset :: Captain! You must allow me to terminate this communication. I can't watch him die!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: turns ::  SEC_PO1_Min: And Counselor Azhure is with him now. If anyone can draw him out of whatever world he has built for himself and get him to help us return home, the Counselor can.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: There, too, we must rely on the skills of the XO and the Counselor.  In the mean while, we have choices of our own to make.  :: nods at Wainright ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS_Wainright> :: mercifully turns the monitor off right before the lifepod imploded, killing the creature inside it ::

ACTION: Now only two signatures are detected

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: takes a deep breath :: Powers: Can we use tractor beam to stabilize the integrity of the pod until they are rescued?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: Attempts to form words but fails ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: A tractor beam works by pulling... that would cause additional stress on the hull.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Do they have remaining ships?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Leans down and takes his hand ::  K'tal:  Express yourself to me in any way you wish....
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: looks away ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_LtJG_Nani> :: Seems momentarily placated ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ K´tal:  Listen to my voice... within it you will find a center to the storm.  There, it is calm.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: is lights out ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ Nani, Min: Keep your wits about you, and remember your training. You two are members of the finest crew in Starfleet. We'll get home.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: if the area is clear, beam the occupants to our sickbay and destroy the pods. Leave no evidence that there were survivors.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks once more ::  CO: The system reads clear.  OPS: Beam them aboard.  I'll notify Sickbay.  :: Taps his commbadge and talks while he momentarily lowers shields ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@  :: Withholds a sigh and closes her eyes.  In a voice only he can hear, she calmly speaks with him, drawing on his memories from his files and logs. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: With security in sickbay.  They are to be confined.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: begins shaking, having a tremor ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <MO_Stange> :: reacts :: CNS: That will be quite enough now!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Since the other ships left, and given the station, we must assume that they will return with help.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Gently she rubs her thumb along the back of his hand, physical contact as well as emotional ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Raising her voice gently, but with authority ::  MO:  We are fine.  Please leave us.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I'll continue to monitor the situation.  Perhaps our visitors will be... grateful for our help.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: hears what is going on inside sickbay over the open comm channel ::  Nani, Min: Excuse me a moment...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> :: Arrives in Sickbay and glances around for the aliens ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: His hand grips hers tightly for a moment, she catches the impression of a flowing river. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We now have the added complication of returning them, which could delay our own return.  If need be, how long can we equip our own pods should we need to leave them behind?
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <MO_Stange> :: starts to exert her authority, then stops ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Our six person pods are capable of sustainment up to eight months at full capacity.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: That may have to do.  See to setting up a pod.  We can fire it in the right direction.  Try not to share too much of our technology though.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS_Wainright> :: recovering, beams the survivors to sickbay as ordered ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ K'tal:  See the river... it is calm as it flows onward.  As long as you stay within it, you will be safe... nothing there can harm you.  There, you can talk to me, tell me how to get you home.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Wonders why the Captain keeps asking him to do operations style things ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Now we have guests in sickbay to question.  We must be careful of what we learn for our own timeline's safety.  Care to join me?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Respectfully, Captain, someone should continue to monitor the situation.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: tries to focus on the river ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises :: Powers: Understood.  You have the conn.  :: crosses to the TL and enter :: Sickbay.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ K'tal:  Listen to my voice... I am there with you... I can be your anchor if you will let me...
Host SM_Keith says:
@ <K'tal> :: Pulls away, the Vulcan dislike of touching ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: arrives on deck, exits and moves down the hall entering sickbay :: MO: How are our guests?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: The connection already made, she continues to speak with him in words vocal and not. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<MO Ellis> CO: I've yet to scan them. Figured you would want to talk to them.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: With little movement, she signals Kraight via commbadge, indicating that all is well so far ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
MO: You may check them for physical damage and attend their needs.  :: crosses to the pod survivors ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Wanders around with the Captain gone ::  OPS: Let's see about getting that pod altered.

ACTION: The two large bipedal aliens are standing almost erect at the (by their standards) low ceilings. They could be cousins to the Lysrians, but only six of the tentacles remain, each with it's own proboscis.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Survivors: I am Sulek, Captain of the ship you are now aboard.  My medical team will tend to your needs if you will allow.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: enters the station sickbay, walks quietly to Azhure, and waits ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ K'tal:  Tell me how to take you home...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looks at the security guard :: Guard: I take it anything that might be a weapon was taken in transport?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Erwest>  CO: I believe we are uninjured. Thank you for saving us. 

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