Quirinus Mission 10907.06

starring

Mitch Travis as CO Captain Sulek 
Jeffrey G. Brown as XO Commander Kraight
Christopher Dickinson as CTO Commander Billy Bob Powers, Jr. 
Mike Jones as CMO Lt. Mathar Raythan 
Karriaunna Scotti as CNS Commander Azhure Powers 

with

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: Last time on the USS Quirinus: The clues to the murder of K'tal are slim, but they are there. The Quent have yet to return, and the investigation continues.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10907.06: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 12  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: on bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: finishes reading the reports from the latest round of tests of the fold generator ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: going through records of those on the station when the murder occurred ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM Sulek: Kraight to Captain Sulek.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Sulek here.

ACTION: A subspace rift is opening - and it is not being generated by Kraight.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM Sulek: Captain, the latest round of tests of the folding generator is complete. With your permission, I'd like to discuss them with you in private, aboard the Quirinus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<SO> Sulek: Sir, scans show a subspace rift opening.  Origin unknown.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@<SEC_Ens_Rast> :: Keeping an eye on the Commander ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Kraight: Then I will see you on board.  We have reports of a rift opening, we may need you here.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ :: checks the consoles ::  COM Sulek: It's not one of ours, sir. The generator is on standby.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Back aboard the Quirinus, he and Min continue to investigate the origins of the knife from the security office ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
@ COM Sulek: On my way.  :: contacts the Quirinus transporter room, and has himself beamed aboard ::

ACTION: The rift is widening, and it appears to be affecting the surrounding space.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: races to the bridge ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
SO: Keep us clear and continue to scan.  Something is causing it, if not from this side then someplace else.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Rast> :: Beamed back with the commander, but does not follow him down the hallway.  He looks at the transporter operator and shrugs ::  Aloud: Guess I'll... just wait here, then?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: entering the bridge ::  SO Crichton: Let's have a look at those readings.  :: studies the console ::

ACTION: In a flash of blue and red light, a shuttle emerges. The rift closes suddenly after the shuttle comes through.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Hail the shuttle.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS White> Sulek: Channel open. Sir... it's one of ours.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: A Type 6 Federation shuttle, sir. Eight life-forms aboard, all humanoid.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Shuttlecraft: This is Captain Sulek of the USS Quirinus, please identify yourself.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: See if you can trace the origin and cause of the subspace rift.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Working on it, sir...
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
# :: A somewhat disheveled and nauseous looking Mathar Raythan appears on the viewscreen. Various other individuals are in the background, checking screens and consoles :: COM - Quirinus: Captain Sulek, this is Lieutenant Raythan. I'm glad to see you ... wasn't really expecting to, but glad nonetheless.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
# :: Takes a breath, and tries to not heave all over the console before him and in front of the Q crew. Subspace folding has always had this effect ... ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The rift is similar to the phenomenon that brought the ship and the station to this subspace domain. These readings may prove invaluable in creating a new rift to take us home, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rising, if he were human one would say surprised :: COM Raythan: This is indeed unexpected, Lieutenant.  Please set standard docking for the ship.  You can explain exactly how you ended up in our little section of subspace.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Security*: Report to shuttlebay one.  *Medical*: Medical team on standby in shuttlebay one.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I'd like to examine the shuttle once it is aboard, Captain. There may be subspace resonance traces that could provide valuable data.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Agreed and granted.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
# COM - Quirinus: Will do, sir. See you soon. :: Closes the channel and nearly collapses into a chair, trying not to let the nausea take over. One of the scientists onboard starts piloting the craft toward the Steamrunner class vessel before them, coordinating with the Q's navigation ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Thank you, sir.   SO: Let me know of any subspace post-harmonics.  :: leaves bridge ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to turbolift, awaits the Captain ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moving to TL1 :: FCO: This is one group I think I will greet in person.  You have the conn.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters TL :: Shuttlebay.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
# :: The shuttle does a slow barrel roll as it comes around the Q's left nacelle, approaching the shuttle bay. It slows from 3/4 thrust to 1/4 as the bay doors open to great them. Mathar leans forward - it has been years since he saw this vessel ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Most astonishing... that Raythan should find us here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: The odds of not only a shuttle ending up here but with someone we know well all in the millions.  The universe is a truly astonishing place.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: My stochastics instructor at Starfleet Academy used to say, 'In an infinite universe, all events  --  no matter how improbable  --  will eventually come to pass".
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Decides he needs a break from staring at the weapon and has Min lock it up back in the holding area, then departs the office ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: The shuttle glides into the bay, slowly turning to land. The bay doors close behind, the force field that was protecting the bay from the effects of space sizzling off once the external doors are fully closed ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Really, was he Vulcan?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they arrive on deck ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: He was, in fact. Professor Yozak.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: As he stands and exits into the hallway, he feels a little awkward, as if something isn't right.  He rubs the side of his head slightly ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Stands up :: ALL: Well, gentlemen, it looks like the experiment was a success. I'd suggest having as much information as possible from our sensor array collected. We might need it to get home.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: Moving to the docking viewport in control, they watch as the shuttle lands :: Kraight: A simple use of the IDIC, is what made me suspect.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<Dr. Spengler> :: Scratches the bridge of his nose, then proceeds to start transferring data to his tricorder. A bit annoyed with all the situation ... the military always seems to get people into these situations ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: security takes up stations at its doors and medical team stands near by :: Kraight: Shall we?  :: he moves to the doors to the deck ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Aloud: The damnedest thing... :: suspects his wife would tell him to report to Sickbay, but he dismisses it as working too much ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Walks over to the door, pressing a button to open it ... adjusting his tunic and taking a deep breath of the Quirinus' air. His skin color is a pleasant tone again, the nausea having passed ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: approaches the shuttle and begins scanning the craft with his tricorder ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crossing the deck to the shuttle doors ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: makes a complete circuit of the shuttle, scanning it all the while ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Verify the occupants of the shuttle as Federation.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Walks down the few steps to the floor of the bay, coming to attention before the Captain :: CO: Lieutenant Mathar Raythan, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Security: Phasers on stun only, if computer identifies as incorrect.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: holds up hand :: Computer: Voice verification.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> :: Raises a hand phaser to eye level, slightly reluctantly ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: The scientists remain in the doorway of the shuttle, a bit nervous at all the armaments in their presence. Raythan remains calm, he's been in this situation before ... with the Captain as well ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<computer> Sulek: Verified.  Lt. Mathar Raythan of Starfleet.  Record follows...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Computer: Stop.  I know his record.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Smiles and steps forward with a hand outstretched :: CO: It's good to see you again, Captain.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> :: Lowers his arm, and reholsters his sidearm ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: finishes his scans and joins Sulek and Raythan... offers a hand to the latter ::  CMO: Welcome aboard, Doctor.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: holds out hand, although a bit uncomfortable by the Earth custom :: Raythan: I am surprised and pleased to have you aboard again, Doctor.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Shakes the CO's hand, then turns and takes Kraight's :: XO: Thank you Commander, always a pleasure to see you.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles at his old friend ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: I am surprised as well. We weren't expecting to find you ... nor be traveling. :: Gestures behind him :: These are personnel from the experiment that saw you "dispatched" in the first place. Doctors Spengler, Stanz and Brown and their subordinates.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: indicates medical :: Raythan: Are you in need of medical assistance?  I know well your skills, but even a shuttle is limited.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: I'm fine. Fold travel ... has never been the kindest to my stomach.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: I'm sorry that you ended up here. We are still uncertain that we can find our way back to normal space. 
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<Doctors Spengler, Stanz & Brown> :: Slowly exit the shuttle, carrying their supplies in satchels ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: cocks a non-existent eyebrow at the doctor ::  CMO: You speak as though you've experienced fold travel before.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
XO: When I assisted Starfleet Intelligence in infiltrating the Storm some years back I had the unfortunate opportunity to do so. They utilized a form of the Tirrick Spacefold Drive that Starfleet briefly experimented with (and they stole) to travel.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Doctors: Welcome to the Quirinus.  Your background in space folding and dark matter will be most useful.  Commander Kraight has been working on the problem for some time. I must inform you that Commander K'tal became mentally unstable after our jump and was murdered two days ago.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO/XO: Due to my experience with the Tirrick Drive, I had been providing medical advice on the adverse effects of fold travel to Cmdr. K'tal at the behest of Starfleet Command until your disappearance.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Frowns :: CO: I see.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: surprised ::  CMO: I found no mention of that incident in our data banks.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
XO: The Storm being what it was, the details of that little engagement involving you all and them were kept under wraps. There's a lot about what happened out there that Starfleet Intelligence would like to keep to themselves.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: We can use the help.  Your knowledge of forensic medicine may come in handy in discovering the culprits.  We have been without a CMO for sometime and the station's crew is skeletal at best.  We will also need to know how much time has past since our jump so we may calculate the differential in the sector with our own.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS White> *Sulek*: Captain, I'm picking up Quent vessels on extreme long range sensors. They are stopped, and appear to be gathering.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Certainly sir, I am at your service.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO/XO: The good Doctors here are subordinates of K'tal's ... colleagues, if you will, I'm sure they'd be more than willing to assist in getting us all home.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: You said you didn't expect to be undergoing fold travel. What happened to bring you here?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: turning :: *White*: Get Powers to station.  We will need tactical details.  Raythan: You have a good deal to catch up on here.  Among the other things, we find ourselves in the middle of a civil war.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*OPS: Inform the station and the Lyrans of our sensor readings.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Starts to move with them :: XO: We were attempting to recreate the experiment ... and were monitoring from our shuttle. We weren't expecting to get caught up in the fold itself.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS White> *Powers*: Commander, the captain would like your presence on the bridge.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS White> *Sulek*: Aye, sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shakes his head, and suddenly wishes he hadn't and then looks around, trying to recall where he is aboard the ship ::  *OPS*: I'll be up... soon.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: I'm sorry you've been trapped with us. I have some thoughts about how we can get home, but... they do pose no small degree of danger.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: We may need the fold generator/weapon to be on line.  Explain to the scientist all that you have done including your creative use of it as a weapon. This time though no mistakes are a must.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks around for the closest turbolift and calls a car, entering into it slightly unsteady ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Light smile :: XO: It's all right. I've spent most of the last two years quietly living on Betazed ... it's nice to have some excitement and adventure.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir.   :: has a short chat with the scientists who accompanied Raythan, and sets up a briefing for one hour hence ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they move down the hall towards the TL.  As it arrives :: Bridge.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Enters the turbolift as the scientists disperse after talking to the XO, being guided to the labs onboard ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: I believe your old quarters are currently unoccupied.  Consider yourself assigned by my directive as CMO until we return and we may then discuss making it more permanent situation.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Nods :: CO: Aye, aye, sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Arrives on the Bridge and looks around, finding himself coming before the others ::

ACTION: More Quent ships are joining their comrades.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: the turbolift arrives at bridge :: Raythan: We will see to the scientist's assignment to quarters.  Get some rest and catch up through the command logs.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: exits the TL leaving Raythan and the science team in the car :: Powers: The Quent are back.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: moves to Science One and contacts his team on the station, ordering them to ready the fold generator for weapons mode ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Nods at the CO as he exits, catching a glimpse of the bridge. Is a bit excited to see it ... it has almost been seven years since he was last here ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks between the Captain and the Bridge officers, wondering why no one reported this to him ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Moves his subordinate aside and checks the sensors ::  CO: About forty ships now, variety of sizes - scouts to cruisers.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Meet our new CMO... from yet another accidental subspace jump.  Lt. Mathar Raythan.  Look up his assignment record.  And before your next obvious expression, yes I did call security.  Talk to your people.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Sends the scientists off, and exits back onto the bridge. Catching the intro from the CO, he holds out his hand :: CTO: Mathar Raythan, a pleasure to meet you.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: When they start moving how long to reach us?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries to keep his eyes focused and shake hands ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: They're barely at the edge of our long range sensors, Captain.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then, about two to three days?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I'm not certain about their entire capabilities, but I'd estimate probably two days.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Strolls over :: XO: I'm curious, Commander, how long has it been for you here?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CMO: Let's see... a little over three months, I think.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then that gives us time to put strategy in place.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Notify the Lyrans that we will need everyone in the alliance they can muster here in the next 36 hours.
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS White> Sulek: Aye, sir.

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