Quirinus Mission 10906.01

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 ship engaged medium sized Quent cruisers, and destroyed several of them, along with one Lyran ship....The Quent will return, but when?

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10906.01: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 9  =/\==/\=

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: in his temporary office aboard Station Quest, working on the fold equations ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: making her way to the bridge, she steps off the lift and walks toward the captains chair ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: on bridge ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Taps a few commands on the auxiliary rear console, then checks the readings against those recorded on his PADD in his left hand ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Report
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Waits for Kraight's report ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: looks up, rubs his eyes ::  *CO*: Captain, we've adjusted the equations for the fourth-order subharmonics. However, the results of our simulations still predict that the transdomain interfaces will be unstable, resulting in the destruction of the Quirinus and the station. We think that the key to that is in the tetryon inversions we've observed in our tests. I have analysts working on it around the clock, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Understood.  Have your simulations stabilized the fold generator for weapon use?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Yes, sir. We ran several tests, and new subroutines will shut down the generator if we try to create a fold within five hundred meters of a microsingularity.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Good.  If we are still here, and the Quent hold true to their schedule, we have as little as 24 hours left before they again appear on sensors.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Taps in a few more commands, and awaits a result from the computer ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ *CO*: Understood, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Sulek out.  :: turns to face Azhure ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO: You asked me to speak with the Lyrans.  Have they shown any interest in such a request?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I have not heard from them.  You may, if you wish, repeat the request personally.  They seem to prefer a direct approach.

ACTION: The station is hailing the Quirinus

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods ::  CO: I will do that from my office.  And if the request is that I go to their ship?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Checks the results of the computer simulation of their modulated weapons against the Quest ships, and comes up with an unfavorable end.  He crosses off that idea from his list and moves on to the next ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: As an ally, they are tentative at best.  I rely on your judgment, but your security is also important.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  I will first see their response before action.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: A prudent move. :: nods to Ops who has informed him of the hail :: Ops: On screen.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to leave the bridge, pausing briefly at tactical ::  CTO:  How are things coming along?

ACTION: A picture of Jatris in the station C&C appears

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Jatris:  Captain, how may we be of service?
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> COM Sulek: Captain I'm afraid we need your help. Tragedy has struck. K'tal is dead. Murdered in his bunk in sickbay.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Jatris: Secure the area.  I will send Commander Powers.   Sulek out.

ACTION: The image of Jatris disappears

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks up from his work, the PADD falling to his side ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  Bill?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: I'm not sure if I should be happy or disappointed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looks at Powers :: Powers: You heard?  I know you are not one to be to far from your station at this point, but I believe your the closest thing we have to a police detective.  We will beam you back immediately if you are needed here.  And increase security on Kraight and all his team.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: I have just been informed of K'tal's murder on the station.  Check your security.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Yes, Captain.  :: Steps towards the turbolift, tapping his commbadge ::  *Security*: Listen up...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I think your chat with the Lyrans is of more importance.  If one of them perceived K'tal as the inventor of the machine that killed their mates they may be looking for a vendetta.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO_Min> *CTO*: Yes, Commander.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly watches her husband leave the bridge then turns toward the captain ::  CO:  Understood.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ <SEC_Ens_Rast> :: Steps out of the shadows of the station to take a more visible presence near the XO ::  *CTO*: Understood, Chief.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Hail the station.

ACTION: The image of Jatris appears

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Exits the bridge, ordering the lift to her office ::
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> Captain? :: looks at him expectantly ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Jatris: We will need the transporter and docking logs, for any ships leaving shortly after the time of K'tal's death.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: turns and locks eyes with Rast for a moment... then he nods and goes back to his calculations ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Jatris: You may also wish to add more security to all sensitive areas.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> COM Sulek: Understood. We will cooperate with whoever you send. We had limited staff when we took our trip.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Entering her quarters, perturbed about Bills response, she takes a seat and stares at the screen a moment ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: As he enters the transporter room, he nods to Min and the medic that he had sickbay send for the crime scene investigation.  They all step up onto the pad, and Bill nods to the operator, who transports them to the station ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Jatris: Commander Powers is en route.  Have the information ready for him.  Do as best you can. You might also wish to keep the murder quiet for the time being. Sulek out.

ACTION: Jatris disappears, he looked as though he was about to say something.

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: As they materialize, he glances around to get his bearings, having not been aboard the station since his unfortunate phase shift incident ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Opens a frequency ::  COMM: Drach Sert: This is Commander Azhure.
Host SM_Keith says:
COM Azhure: Commander, this is Drach Sert. What may I do for you?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: After being sufficiently satisfied that they ended up in one piece in the command center, he approaches Captain Jatris :: Jatris: Captain.
Host SM_Keith says:
@ Powers: We have left everything as we found it. He's in sickbay. :: extends a hand as he speaks ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM: Sert:  The Quirinus would like to offer our services to your people in helping deal with your losses, though I understand with what you are dealing with, this is nothing new.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Jatris: He was killed in Sickbay?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: Be sure we keep a lock on Commander Powers, in case we need him back here.  Just as we do with XO Kraight.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> Powers: Yes. Which is what made it so odd. All internal sensors of that area, including his biobed, were erased.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Begins to walk, hoping Jatris will keep up ::  Jatris: And no one was present or witnessed anything?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Azhure: I'm afraid our grief rituals are a private thing commander.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Jatris> :: follows :: It was perfectly timed, and swift. There were no witnesses.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM: Sert:  Of which I shall honor.  But know that I am here to be of assistance.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Boards a turbolift ::  Jatris: Has medical investigated the body?  Done any scans?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Azhure: But you are welcome here anytime. You may still come aboard.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> CTO: Thats another thing. There isn't any DNA. And when I say any, I mean there should be. The staff...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM Sert:  I would accept your offer, if you are not offended by my curiosity as I would like to learn more of your people.  This chance will not come my way again.  At least  I hope not... no insult intended.  :: smiles ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Looks at him, wondering why he hesitated ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Drach Sert> COM Azhure: We will await you here.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM: Sert:  I will join you shortly.  Azhure out.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Jatris: The staff?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*:  Captain, they have private rituals to deal with their grief.  However, I been welcomed aboard.  Perhaps I will learn something of interest... :: smiles ::  ...not to mention assuage some of my curiosity.
Host SM_Keith says:
 @<Jatris> There would normally be trace DNA of the staff who came in contact with him. But the area's been wiped of it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure* Understood. Permission granted.  Such rituals may also include a settlement.  It may indeed be useful.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Jatris: That's what makes you suspect murder, then?  :: Steps out onto the proper deck, Min and the nurse quickly behind him ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure*: You may wish to take a security person with you, if you believe it prudent.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*: Admittedly, not my first choice given the nature of trust, but understood.  I will keep in touch.

@ ACTION: As Powers and Jatris come upon the body, the murder weapon is obvious. A good sized elongated pyramid of a knife is sticking out of his chest where his heart would lie.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure* I am sure Commander Powers would consider me remiss if I did not mention it.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Min: Analyze that weapon.  Nurse: Scan the body again, confirm the previous readings.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM: Sert: So that there is no surprise, my captain has requested one other escort me.  Would there be a problem with that?

ACTION: The crew goes into high gear

Host SM_Keith says:
 <Drach Sert> COM Azhure: That is amenable.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@<TAC_PO_Min> CTO: The weapon is ceremonial in nature.  Look at the handle.  The hone is recent, too.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
COMM: Sert:  Thank you.  Azhure out.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
*CO*:  Captain, there is no problem with a security officer.  Please have him meet me in transporter room one.  I will be there shortly.
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> :: Listens ::  CTO: That's funny... there really is no religion amongst the officers. Or enlisted.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As habit, she reached into her draw to pull out the kit she always took on an away mission.  Also by habit, even though she knew she had checked it before putting it away last time, she opens it and glances inside. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Azhure* Understood.  *Security* Send an officer to escort Commander Azhure on the Lyran ship.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Everything in order she heads out and takes the lift ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Jatris: It might not be religious in nature.  Certain races and cultures also have ceremonial weapons.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping off the lift she steps inside the transporter room and informs the TC of her destination and then she waits for the security officer. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Min: Does that look like anything you've ever seen before?
Host SM_Keith says:
@<Jatris> CTO: We've had our fair share of traffic amongst the locals you know.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_WO_Saka> :: The young Trill tugs her uniform as she jogs into the transporter room, and checks the charge on her sidearm before tucking it into her belt ::  CNS: Commander.  :: with a nod ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@Jatris: The Quent blamed us for the destruction of their ship.  The maker of the fold device might be held responsible.
Host SM_Keith says:
 @<Jatris> :: Nods :: CTO: We'll lock down the station if you think it wise.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Wants to ask him why the station wasn't locked down ages ago ::

ACTION: The Counselor and her security escort beam over to the Lyran ship

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