Quirinus Mission 10905.18

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 crew has forged an uneasy alliance with the Lyrans. The attack of the Quent is inevitable. Lives in the balance...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10905.18: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 8  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::On bridge::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: inspecting the power couplings on the fold generator ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
#:: Wipes one of his arms across his forehead, smearing grease across it, then looks at his engineer ::  EO: Scan it, and check it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
TO: Scans... How close are the Quent?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
#<EO_Crewman_Miller> :: Checks over the workmanship as the commander stands ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_Lt_Nishi> CO: Twenty minutes at the most, Captain.  They've already got weapons armed and locked.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Powers: Commander, the Quent are twenty minutes out with weapons charged.  Time to return.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: All call to crew -- Stations.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
#*CO*: Aye, Captain.  Lyran: This'll have to do.  We'll signal you with battle plans.
Host SM_Keith says:
#<Drach Sert> CTO: Thank you. We should be ready for this.  ::Pleased::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
#:: Taps his combadge again to change channels ::  *Teams*: All teams back to the Quirinus.  Operations, beam us back.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The contingent from the Quirinus is beamed back to the ship.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<OPS> Sulek: Away team is back on board.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Nishi: Shields up, weapons on line... Red Alert.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tosses his equipment into the pile, thanking the poor operations crewman who has to clean all that up.  He grabs a rag and starts to wipe his face and boards the nearest turbolift for the Bridge ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_Lt_Nishi> CO: Aye, Captain.  Shields up, phasers charged, torpedoes armed and tubes loaded.  :: Does each thing as she calls them out ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quest/Lyran: Moving to defensive position... battle ready.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The smaller visiting ships - those that are left - begin defensive postures, in accord with their agreement with the Lyrans
Host SM_Keith says:
<Jatris> COM: Sulek: We're as ready as we'll ever be.  ::grim::
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The Lyran fleet of 10 signals readiness
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Move us into battle position.  Com Jatris: Understood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Open hailing frequencies to the Quent.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<OPS> Sulek: Channel open.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries to wipe his right forearm off as the doors open onto the Bridge ::  CO: Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We are in position and the Lyrans report ready.  You have strategic command of helm and tactical.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM CO: Captain, the fold generator is powered up and ready.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The Quent begin dropping out of warp, moving fast, they take shots at the Lyran vessels first, then take out some of the smaller ships still at the station. <Quent> COM: Quirinus: Prepare to die! ::cuts comm::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quent: This is currently a neutral protected site.  Lower your weapons or we will defend.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: Three of the vessels combine their attack on the Quirinus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Well that answers that.  Initiate your plan
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: points to the auxillary consoles at the rear of the Bridge ::  TO: Configure the second console for helm oversight and rear weaponry.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Counter maneuvers to the fire.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The rest of the Quent drop out of warp, firing as soon as they can. The Lyrans respond in kind.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
HLM/TO: Pattern Beta Six.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: Station Quest begins firing on the Quent
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Target the bigest ships and take them out.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Hard about.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Groupings if possible...see if we can split up their fleet.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Phasers, at full spread.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: One of the smaller ships explodes very near Station Quest, creating considerable damage to the station.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Finally presses the button for the phasers, firing most of their arrays, except for the few being temporarily blocked by a friendly vessel ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@  :: gives the order to target the nearest ship ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Photons at lead vessel.  Full yield.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The Phasers do substantial damage to the lead Quent ship. The other Quent ships move in.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Fire at will.  Defend the station
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Taps a few commands into his console with his right hand, then hits the firing button, launching a spread of sixteen torpedoes at the forward four targets ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Continue to target...deeper into the line.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Com>
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Continue evasives.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyran: Bring your ships in from the sides of their defensive lines.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: One of the Quent ships scores a direct hit, the engineering console on the bridge emitts a shower of sparks as it goes, injuring the engineer manning it.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Lyran> COM: Sulek: We're doing the best we can! ::frantic::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
HLM: Helm, roll ninety degrees.  :: Trying to get their primary forward weapons better coverage ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<TO_Lt_Nishi> :: Uses her console to target their secondary arrays onto incoming fire, taking out enemy torpedoes ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyran: Understood...stay calm...think ahead and then act.  You will do fine.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: realigns the fold generator and targets the engines of another large Quent vessel... within moments, the enemy ship lurches to one side and begins to drift ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Engineering* To bridge...we have a console down.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Medical* site to site beam, crewman on bridge injured.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: As soon as the tubes reload, sends out another spread of eight torpedoes at the nearest vessels ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM CO: Captain, the fold weapon is working as expected. We'll continue to target the largest vessels within range.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: As the space fold weapon come on line, it forms a rift in subspace, just not exactly as planned. 4 Quent and 1 Lyran vessel are caught in the rift, and litealy riped in half, exposing thier crews to space. There is a ghastly sight as one of the Lyrans explodes in full view of the Quirinus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Need to tighten the focus.  We have damage to a Lyran vessel.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The wavefront is growing out of control
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM CO: Understood, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyrans: Stay clear of the rift.  Pull back.  Helm: Keep us clear.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: gives the order to shut down the fold generator and realign for a smaller fold ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Lyran> COM Sulek: What are you doing? You killed my brother! The ship was destoyed!
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Maintaining focus on his weapons, keeping up a sustained firing pattern ::
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: Despite Kraights efforts, the fold continues to grow unexpectedly....three more Quent ships are derstroyed, and rest are trying to get out of the way. The Lyrans move back.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyran: It was an unintended effect.  Our condolences, but in battle the unexpected does happen...it is not just but it is true.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: turns to a nearby console ::  All: Full sensor sweep of that rift! We need to find the inverse waveform...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: The fold is expanding, we need to get it sealed, now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<COM>
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM CO: Working on it, sir...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyrans: Fall back toward the station.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Lyran> COM Sulek: What kind of hell-fire have you brought on us! We're moving back, but that weapon will destroy us all!
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: punches a new set of parameters into the generator controls ::   COM CO: We've computed the inverse waveform of the rift, and the generator is powering up... now!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::nods to no one, if they do not get control of it soon, he will be right:: Powers: Continue targeting Quent while the rift has them in disarray, perhaps we can convince them to leave.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Fall back towards station.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Nishi: Lay down covering fire.  Try to goad them into the rift.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyran: We are attempting to seal the rift now.  Stand by.
Host SM_Keith says:
ACTION: The waveform disaptes. But not before the Quent jump to warp. All around the ship there is evidence of destruction.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: closes his eyes and pases his hands over his face ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM CO: Confirming that the runaway rift has been neutralized, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sci: Scan for survivors and beam them to station for medical.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Understood.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Lyrans: The rift is gone.  If you wish, we will transport what bodies we can to you.  Any survivors will be transported to medical on station.  The Quent, however, for the time being, have fled.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: All enemy craft in retreat, Captain.  Determining losses now.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: Tell me that didn't go as planned. 30 crew dead, one ship destroyed. ::shakes his head, tentacles flying::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Understood. *Engineering* get on damages.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Sert: Alas no.  Again our condolences for your loss during friendly fire.  There may be some consolation though, the accidental rift may have also shortened the battle and caused fewer ship and personnel losses.  I know it is small consolation, but we now know what to expect and can monitor in furture.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Sulek: My brother died on that ship. Let us hope you have better control of your weapons in the future. ::angry::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Sert: If we do not I shall not permit its use.  If we may of assisstance in this time, please ask. Sulek out.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: We clearly need simulations and perhaps even a contained practice run before we use the fold generator again.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Captain?  We have no losses aboard the Quirinus, only eleven injured.  We destroyed four Quent vessels.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: See to the recovery of any Quent prisoners on damaged vessels and their medical needs on the station.  They will be back, perhaps in greater numbers.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COm CO: We're analyzing our logs now, sir. Early indications are that the runaway rift was created at the coordinates of a microsingularity, which distorted the field and caused it to feed back on itself.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Then we need to identify any such singularities in the area to avoid them or find a means to over come them.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM CO: Absolutely. We can repurpose some of the graviton sensors aboard the station for that.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COMKraight:  We don't know how much time we have.  In addition, we still need the mathematics to get us home.  Perhaps one of these singularities is the key to that.  You now have a full dining plate to work on.

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