Quirinus Mission 10904.20

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: The executive officer played with fire  --  and didn't get burned  --  yet. Meanwhile, the captain has formed and uneasy alliance with the surviving Lyra.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10904.20: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 5  =/\==/\=

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Finished with a quick bite to eat to still her stomachs protest at having been forgotten, she exits her quarters, heading for the bridge. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: on bridge, reviewing PADD :: *Kraight*: Your results look promising.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: in the main Subspace Mechanics Lab aboard Station Quest, checking the most recent analysis of the first experiment ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: In a manufacturing lab, going over construction of sensor relays from probes ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: I agree, sir. We will, however, need to hold a stable subspace deformation for much longer if we are to journey safely back to our own space.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops, she steps off and makes her way to the captain's chair ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: How long before you can set the next test?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: We are preparing for another experiment now. We'll be ready in a few minutes. I will notify you just before we activate the fold generator. Kraight out.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leaning against the chair, quietly listens. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Points to one of their sensor pallets ::  EO: Let's install that one next.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
SO: Keep a sensor read on the experiment site.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<EO_Hale> :: Nods and grabs the piece from the shelf, clicking it into place inside the casing ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: climbs into the control room, opens intercom ::  All: All hands to test stations. bring the sensor grid online. Stand by to initiate test sequence.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quest: Stand by for a power surge.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Jatris> COM Sulek: We're monitoring as well captain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks the tricorder readings on the power system inside the probe, and runs another diagnostic on the communications system ::  EO: Looks good so far.  Check the propulsion system over, and then let's put it with the other completed ones.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: turns to look at Azhure :: Azhure: Any hope of restoring K'tal's mental stability?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Reaching up she lightly rubs the bridge of her nose with a sigh ::  CO:  In time... at this rate, a couple of years...  :: shakes her head ::  I can bring him to a point where he is... basically sane, for awhile.  But all his thoughts and words are numerical.  I ran it through encryption and even the translator.  Nothing...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  The computer maintains it is gibberish.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Ahh well, you have permission to speak to the Lyra.  I believe they have been moved to guest quarters.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<EO_Hale> :: Confirms the readings once more ::  CTO: Looks good, Commander.  :: Motions over two enlisted crewmen with anti-gravs ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  I hope they do not speak gibberish or I'll send them your way.  :: smiles ::  Is there anything in particular you wish me to discuss with them?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: We still need contact frequencies for their ships in the area.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: nods ::  CO:  I will see what I can get.  Your contacting them is to have them rescued by there own people and...?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: As you may know, we have agreed to let them use the Quest as a staging area for the time we are here.  If they need to give direct access to comms we can give them that as well.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Got it.  :: she pushes against the arm of the chair and starts for the lift ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the lift closes behind her she taps her commbadge. ::  *CTO*:  How are things going in your part of the world?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Watches as two more crewmen bring in the last casing ::  *CNS*: We've got five relays done, and we're going to work on one more.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Kraight to Quirinus... we are about to begin the test. Our goal is to hold the generator at 80% capacity for thirty seconds.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: We are currently monitoring.  Initiate.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CTO*:  When you are ready for a break, let me know and I will prepare us a meal before you get back.  I am heading to speak with the Lyra.  Is there anything you would like to know from them?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CNS*: Just the usual - their capabilities, the capabilities of their enemies, those things.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles as the lift stops, the doors sliding open. ::  *CTO*:  All the things one would not give someone they do not know.  Got it.

@ ACTION: The fold generator again begins to spin rapidly. The familiar blue glow intensifies, and soon it seems that the very air in the lab is glowing that baleful color.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Smiles ::  *CNS*: You're the best.

@ ACTION: Something goes wrong, and the generator shuts down at 30%

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping off the lift she turned to the right and headed for the VIP quarters that had been assigned to the Lyra. ::  *CTO*:  You're biased.  Catch you later.  :: Activating the chimes, she waits for a response. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<SO> Sulek: Generator has just gone off line, Sir.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
Chime: Enter.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
SO: Transfer data to command chair and XO.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ All: Emergency shutdown! All stations, report!

@ ACTION: A sudden flurry of activity, as Kraight's team hastens to bring the massive energies of the generator under control.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
EO: Let's get this finished up and get them out.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the doors slide open she steps through ::  Erwest:  Drach Erwest, I am the ships counselor, Azhure.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: reads over the data :: OPS: Bring up the last recorded interview with Azhure and K'tal and transfer to my station.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: nods and motions her inside :: CNS: We are most anxious to begin a dialog.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Kraight to Quirinus. Captain, the test has failed. We are locking down the generator now, and analyzing the data.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Reviewing and sending the data we collected here.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Erwest:  My apologize for not coming sooner.  I have been trying to address another issue.  :: Walks further into the room and towards one of the chairs.  She then waits ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Works quickly to get the last relay assembled with the pallet, self destruct sequence, and communications booster ::
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: looks down, tentacles hanging over his face :: CNS: No need to apologize. 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Erwest:  Before we begin, my captain needs the contact frequency of your ships in the area.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: makes a quick tour of the lab, checking with each technician and engineer, gathering first impressions of the failed test ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: OPS transfers the video of Azhure's last discussion with K'tal to Sulek's chair :: Computer: Stop... transcribe all numerical and mathematical references.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Computer> Sulek: Working... transcription available in 90 seconds.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: looks up, eagerly :: CNS: Yes, there are on a fractal rotation... do you have a recording device I can use to give it to you?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Takes the PADD attached to her belt and hands it to him. ::
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: takes the PADD from here and begins using his tentacles on it ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly stands, watching, curious. ::
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: finishing :: CNS: I trust your captain will allow us to make contact as well?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the PADD displays a series of nonsensical numbers and equations :: Computer: Overlay and compare the formula used by Commander Kraight for the space fold experiment and extrapolate any matches.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: After the last beacon is complete, they load them onto an anti-grave cart and walk them through the halls to the forward torpedo launcher ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: taking the PADD she quickly taps in a command code and sends the data to the captain :: Erwest:  Yes.  After all, the goal is to get you back to your people.  While we wait for contact, I would like to ask a few questions in general.  One set of questions deals with security of both our people.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
CNS: I am most concerned about that as well. I am hoping to persuade your captain to aid us with our effort to stabilize the region. We are out-gunned.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Kraight to Sulek.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Computer> Sulek: Comparison begun.  Computer, also compare the sequence from K'tal.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Sulek here.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Helps the crewmen load the torpedoes onto the launch ramp ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Captain, we think we have located the problem. The quantum manifold equations we are currently using do not apply beyond sixteen degrees of freedom. We're going to have to work out an entirely new set of equations before we can try again.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Erwest: I will be honest, you would have to be very persuasive.  At this point, we are neutral.  That does not mean letting people in trouble die when we can help, as we did when we assisted you.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Still standing ::  Erwest:  My captain did wish to remind you that you could use the Quest as a staging area for the time we are here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: sees the codes arrive and transfers them to OPS :: OPS: Send a hail using these codes to the Lyra ships, inviting them to our location.  Contact the Lyra on board and ask if they have any messages they would like relayed.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
CNS: Excellent. Do we have the support of your ship also?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: I am comparing your formula with what seems to be gibberish from K'tal.  I will also transfer what he said to you for your own work.  I'll let you know if the computer here finds any correlations.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: presses a few buttons on his console directly relaying the formulas and numbers from K'tal to Kraight. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: After the last one is in the launcher, he clears the area, and signals the Bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Understood, sir. This is not going to be an easy task  --  we are essentially going to have to invent a new branch of mathematics with which to construct these equations. K'tal gathered some of the finest minds in the Federation for this project, and I have no doubt we'll crack the problem... but it still is going to take a while.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: We have little choice.  Stay at it.  Sulek, out.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Erwest:  I regret that I must answer 'no'.  We are defensive only... we cannot go offensive..  But even in that, we can benefit each other.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CO*: Captain Sulek.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Erwest: For us to best be of assistance to each other, we need some basic strategic information.  What are your ships capabilities as well as the capabilities of your enemies.  What numbers are we looking at when working with you and them?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers*: Sulek here.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: turns to his team ::  All: We've been at it for more than twenty-four hours straight. We're not going to get home by exhausting ourselves and making stupid mistakes. Everyone go get six hours' sleep. We reconvene at 0700. Dismissed.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
*CO*: The beacons are loaded and ready for launch when you give Lieutenant Nishi the signal.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: angry :: CNS: But with your help, we could overcome the Quent, and be free again. Surely you cannot deny us that!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers*: Stand by.  :: Turns to face the TO :: Nishi: Fire beacons to predetermined coordinates now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_Lt_Nishi> CO: Yes, sir.  :: Presses the button to fire the forward torpedoes ::  CO/*CTO*: Torpedoes away, and traveling.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Hearing the anger in his voice, she is not surprised and can empathize with him. ::  Erwest:  The mandate of our Federation is non-interference.  Keep in mind also, we are but one ship in the middle of nowhere.  :: Does not mention there is also a time factor involved here. ::  Please... take what assistance we can offer.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
CNS: I demand to speak with your captain! Don't you see the threat they are to you as well? They've already attacked you.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Erwest:  My captain is aware of that.  And we will adjust accordingly.  We are an honorable people who have taken oaths which we do not desire to break.
Host Drach_Erwest says:
:: comes forward slowly, waving his tentacles menacingly :: CNS: You have no idea do you... you don't know what they'll bring... until it is too late...

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