Quirinus Mission 10905.04

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 Lyra are anxious for an ally, and may have found one...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10905.04: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 6  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: on bridge ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: In the small arboretum, staring out at the window at the station not far away ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: enters bridge ::  CO: Captain... may I see you in your ready room?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Troubled, she sighs and finally turns away to stare within the room and its small representation of some of the worlds of the federation ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rising :: Kraight: Of course   :: turns and heads for ready room ::   Nishi: You have the conn.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: The doors to the garden open and close as he steps through ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters ready room, crossing behind the desk and sitting ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TAC_Lt_Nishi> :: Keeping an eye on the incoming starships ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I wanted to present this to you in private, sir. I have an idea that may be crucial to the defense of the ship and the station, but you may not like it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I am open to many ideas... like and dislike are not a part of my decision making process.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The fold generator can project the fold. It can be made to send objects into deeper subspace domains much more easily than it can be made to return us to normal space. Therefore, it can be used to make attacking vessels just... go away.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Steps up behind the counselor ::  CNS: Cosmic thoughts?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Have you considered the ramifications of this relative to both the Prime and Temporal directives?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks up slightly started and slowly smiles as she turns and kisses him. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir. That's why I said you might not like the idea. There is no defense against the fold generator, none that I can imagine, at any rate. But we would be sending the enemy ships into other subspace domains, possibly to interfere with other cultures there.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Blinks in surprise ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping back slightly she looks up and notes the surprise.  Gently she runs a finger down his cheek ::  CTO:  Why the look?  And as to your previous question, yes.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Unexpected.  :: Glances out the window ::  Looking for something?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns around to look back out the window.  Quietly, not hiding the concern from her voice ::  CTO:  The Lyrans will be here soon.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Although there seems to be some possibility that the Lyra may have begun work on this passing it along to their future race, if the heredity and similar appearance of the Lyserians is a possible link.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: True. However, the immediate question is: Do we use the fold generator to defend ourselves and the station?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: This concerns you.  :: Not a question ::

ACTION: The Lyra contingent arrives on short range sensors

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Continuing to stare outward ::  CTO:  The Lyrans are pacifists.  They only want peace and to basically be left alone.  Yet that is not what is being granted them.  :: shakes her head ::  They are even vegetarians.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: If the fold generator can be made to arc forward then perhaps that may give you a clue to the math to return us. What if we did not try to reverse the effect, but instead cause a curve forward returning us to our own space?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TAC_Lt_Nishi> :: Straightens at the console, wondering how close the ships should get before alerting the Captain ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain, that's what we've been trying to do for the past week. I am certain the problem is soluble, but creating the math we need to do it is painstaking, grindingly slow work. It is a virtual certainty that we won't be able to finish it before we come under attack. Folding objects deeper into subspace is what the generator was designed to do. It's child's play in comparison.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: In any case, we will place your plan for defense in contingency only status.  Have it ready to bring on line.  We already may have crossed the non-interference rule, so a little is no different than more at this point.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Granted them?  Are you claiming we're forcing something on them?  Or they're being invaded by the others in this place?

ACTION: The Lyra hail the Quirinus.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Consider, as I am sure you have the ideas of curved space continuum presented by Hawking and Einstein.  Perhaps... we just need to shoot ourselves far enough forward to return.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Understood, sir. Thank you. I'll return to the station now.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to look up at him ::  CTO:  They are losing this war.  They are becoming a desperate people.  And desperate people often will often do desperate things.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TAC_Lt_Nishi> *CO*: Captain.  The Lyra are hailing.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises :: Kraight: Understood.  :: crosses to the door ::  Now duty calls.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands ::  CO: Yes, sir. We'll get everyone home, sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shifts his focus ::  CNS: You think they expect great things from us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters bridge :: Nishi: On screen.  Have security escort the other Lyra to the bridge immediately.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  They want great things from us.  They want more then we can officially give them.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Powers*: Our allies are here.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks at his wife at the Captain's announcement ::  *CO*: Understood.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: exits bridge ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lightly lays a hand over his heart ::  CTO:  Remember, they are basically good people in a very bad situation.

ACTION: The bridge of the lead Lyra ship appears on screen. A small Lyran stands, and offers a greeting in Lyran.

Host SM_Keith says:
COM Sulek: I am Drach Sert. To whom do I have the pleasure of meeting? :: changes language to Federation Standard ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he turns to face the screen :: COM Lyra Fleet: I am Captain Sulek.  Welcome to Quest station. :: waits for the translators to kick in ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Should we go be on the Bridge to help Captain Sulek before he gets us into trouble?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiling ::  CTO:  Faith my husband, faith.  :: Turns to exit the peace of the room ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: I understand you have a few survivors on board from the recent battle?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach:  It was my invitation that brought you here.  The Lyra that we rescued are on their way to my bridge now.  I am sure they will be glad to see you.  It was they who gave us your frequency.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: Excellent. :: looks down :: We get very few survivors from battles with the Quent. They are brutal.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Escorts the Counselor through the hallways to the turbolift, where they call one for the Bridge ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Sert:  They have threatened us for saving your people as well.  It is the reason that we thought it best to perhaps set up an alliance. Unfortunately, for us, it must be defensive only.  We cannot help you in your own offensive battles.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: beams over to the subspace lab aboard Station Quest ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping on the lift, she orders it to the bridge. ::  CTO:  For once, I would like one of your fairy tale endings.  :: with a small smile, she steps off the lift and moves toward the captains chair. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> :: looks up ::  COM Sulek: You must help us. We are a peaceful people. We only wish to be allowed to live.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Nods to Nishi as they enter the Bridge and he comes alongside Sulek ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: opens intercom ::  All: If I could have your attention, please... The Lyrans have warned us that a Quent attack is likely. I have consulted with Captain Sulek, and the decision has been made to reconfigure the fold generator for possible defensive use. If necessary, we will use it to project enemy ships into deep subspace. This will be done only on direct orders from Captain Sulek. All section heads, please report to the conference room in ten minutes. Kraight out.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: noting Azhure's arrival :: COM Drach Sert:  This is our ship's Counselor, Commander Azhure.  We will offer our protection here at the station for as long as we are able, but we must eventually return to our own... sector.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: Just where are you from? :: looks excited :: Could you be the Old Ones?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods a greeting and offers a smile as welcome ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow at the comment of Old Ones ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Sert :: We offer for our time here a place that you may collect and perhaps devise a plan... a sort of a staging area if you will.  I do not know of these old ones that you speak of.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> :: looks disappointed :: COM Sulek: It was foretold that the Old Ones would return when the time was right. I was hoping you were here to save us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Sert: In return, we ask for your aid in defense of the station.  But our laws prevent us from attack unless we are attacked.  I did not intend to give you false hope.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: I see you station has gathered a following. There are many here who fear the Quent. And for good reason. I'm surprised you have not been attacked already.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Sert: Is this acceptable to you?  If it is not, we will return your survivors and you may leave without any threat from us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Sert: We gave a demonstration to the last Quent ship.  They no doubt went to get help.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> :: quietly confers with the others on his bridge :: COM Sulek: We will help you. With the guarantee we will be safe here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Cert:  I cannot guarantee safety in absolute...but I will offer to protect you if we can.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: We are agreed then. I will send for more ships. Um...we would like to see your ship and your station, if possible.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Go ahead and have the Lyra brought to the bridge.  I am sure they are anxious to see their comrades.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Perks up a little ::  CO: I'm sure we can arrange a meeting... on the observation deck.  Or the station... :: silently hopes Sulek gets the idea ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: That would be acceptable.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Blinks ::  CO: Which?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Drach Cert: Of course.  You may transport to the coordinates my CTO will send you.  We will meet you there.  We have also established a protocol for the use of the station.  Quest will relay that shortly.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: Thank you. We will be waiting. :: cuts comm ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Observation for Drach Sert.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods, then turns to his console, embedding coordinates into their transmission stream ::

ACTION: The Lyra send a return acknowledgment

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Well we have an alliance of sorts.  Powers: See to securing sensitive areas.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the comm closes, she looks at him with a serious face though her eyes dance with humor ::  CO:  I don't know, captain... I might see resemblance of them in you.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Orders security to distribute to secure areas and set up perimeters ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moving :: Powers/Azhure: Shall we greet our guests?

ACTION: The Lyrans are beamed onto the observation deck.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Aye, Captain.  Nishi: Keep an eye on them.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Follows ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: What are your thoughts on these returning "old ones."  Could they be the Lyserians, perhaps?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  It is not unusual to find a rescuer, an ancient one, in times of trouble, in a people's folklore.  As for them being related to the Lyserians, the name alone is a bit suspicious.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The unsettling thing with temporal mechanics is we do not know what has come before or what is to be... it is all possible.  To the Lyra, someone much more advanced may be like great lost culture rather than their future.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they arrive at the observation deck ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: Very true...
=/\==/\= END Mission =/\==/\=