Quirinus Mission 10907.13

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: The enemies are massing just at the edge of the Quirinus's sensor range, but they are not moving. On the station, the body of K'tal lies awaiting autopsy, and possibly, the answer to his death.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10907.13: and Back Again? =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 13  =/\==/\=

CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Slowly making his way around sickbay, it's been a few years, so he's eager to inspect everything and get to work ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks up from his tactical console ::  CO: Captain?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Yes, Commander?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I am... not feeling well.  Permission to head to Sickbay?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Granted.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods slowly ::  CO: I'm sure Rast and Azhure would appreciate Commander Kraight's assistance in continuing the investigation in the meantime.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Of course.  I'll put him on trying to find traces of the metal on the station.  I believe though that he had something he wished to discuss with me, which was the reason he returned to the ship before the arrival of Dr. Raythan.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Rast> :: Steps forward, ready to work with the XO ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: watches as Powers leaves the bridge ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Departs the Bridge slowly, and once in a turbolift car, calls his other crewman ::  *Min*: Petty Officer Min, meet me in Sickbay.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Yes, sir, I do. Your Ready Room?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Stands at attention, hands clasped behind her back :: CMO: Is everything up to your specs, sir?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: This way.  Flyer: You have the conn.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows the Captain ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises and moves across the bridge to the ready room.  Enters and moves to sit behind his desk.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Turns and smiles :: MO: Certainly, Ms. Selara. And beyond. Nice to be on a Steamrunner. The last vessel I served on was a Nebula Class. Not as ... advanced in style as this. Of course, a bit larger with more equipment. But you make do with what you have.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Nods as only a Vulcan can ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: indicates chair :: Kraight:  Have a seat XO.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
MO: I saw that you prepared all necessary paperwork upon my arrival. That was top notch work there, Ensign. I appreciate it.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Exits the turbolift onto Deck 4 and meets the eyes of Min ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO_Min> CTO: Commander?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> CMO: It is my duty, sir. :: Pulls out a PADD from seemingly nowhere :: I have a list of appointments that were scheduled for later this week, as we've been strained here of late, but you could perhaps take on when you are ready.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits ::  CO: Thank you, sir. We've isolated the primary cause of the instability of the fold generator. The bad news is that a subspace vortex large enough to send the station and the ship back to normal space can never be stabilized under computer control.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Takes the PADD and eyes them :: MO: Of course, of course. Unfortunately, I believe the present situation may require my attention elsewhere. Please inform those on the list that I'll get to them as soon as possible. We may be going into battle soon, so ...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Says nothing to the security officer as they step into Sickbay ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Hears the swish of the door opening, turns on his heel :: CTO: Ah, Commander Powers!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: So the fact that we both ended up in this layer of subspace means that it was more of an accident.  What do you propose?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Quirks her eyebrow, then heads over to a nearby console to start sending out the messages per the Doctor's request ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Lieutenant Raythan.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: Good to see you again, sir. Is there anything I can help you with?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: There is a pattern to the shifting subspace harmonics, but we have been unable to program the computers to recognize it. It requires a living mind to perceive and anticipate the pattern. Of course, no one could operate the generator controls quickly enough to compensate  --  at least, not manually.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Takes a slow breath in and out, hesitating :: CMO: I think Petty Officer Min and I need to be checked over for anything unusual.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Recounts their experiences ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: And you would rectify this how, exactly?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I believe that we will have to employ the same technique that we used when we encountered the living ship, Serena. We will need to use the holodeck and recreate the neural interface.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Furrows his brow :: CTO: I see. :: Glances between the CTO and his subordinate, then turns and gestures to a pair of biobeds nearby :: Both: Please, have a seat.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: I will attempt to be reasonable, but time may be limited as well.  :: Lumbers up ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The neural interface can be connected to the fold generator controls. The operator will be able to interact directly with the generator matrix. I will be that operator.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Steps over to a table and picks up a medical tricorder, turning to them both and begins scanning :: CTO: You've just been feeling headaches ... nothing else?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Such an idea is not unknown, but there are risks.  Still, if you believe that it is the only way to get us all back, you have my permission to link the fold generator to the neural interface and then run the usual simulations and test protocols.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: And blurred vision.  That's mostly it.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Turns to Min :: Min: And you?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Will you linking via our holodeck or using one of those aboard the station?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The station's holodecks will be easier to connect to the fold generator. I must point out that there are significant dangers. The level of neural integration required is much greater than was used during our last experience. 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO_Min> CMO: Mostly the same, sir.  :: Looks around ::  Well, it was a lot worse maybe for me.  I felt like I was draining away after I came to after my fainting spell.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
Min: And where did you collapse, Petty Officer? :: Looks down at his tricorder ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_PO_Min> CMO: Quent Station, main operations.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I do understand.  I will also want Dr. Raythan to review your design.  I know you Kraight and realize that you do not make this suggestion lightly or out of curiosity, but for the good of the station and the ship.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
Min: Hmmm. :: Turns :: CTO: The tricorder is picking up something in your blood stream ... something that shouldn't be there.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Indeed, sir. I have no wish to sacrifice myself needlessly... but I think we both know that, ultimately, we will be overrun by the Quent.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks back and forth with Min ::  CMO: Something that passed through the transporter's biofilters?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Brings the tricorder over to the console, and presses a few buttons on it. The data is transmitted to the console, and then into the main computer. Begins to run correlations and whatnot ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Also you need to discuss the idea with the scientists that Raythan brought.  They may have a few ideas of their own.  I am giving you permission to build the interface, but until all other options are exhausted, I have not given you permission to use it.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Raises both eyebrows :: CTO: Apparently. Not normal, but, we haven't found everything in the Universe yet ... so, who knows what's out there that can get past our biofilters.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Understood, Captain. Thank you.   :: stands ::

ACTION: EMT Carmen staggers into sickbay, then falls unconscious before saying a word.

CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Hears the thud, turns ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks over at the sound, and jumps off the biobed, training taking over unconsciously ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Runs to the EMT's side, and with a Nurse's assistance, begins to get the EMT to a biobed ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Grabs his tricorder, not looking at the screen which displays a knife of familiar appearance ... ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: You also heard that I want you to run trace internal scans for the metal used in the knife that K'tal was killed with.  I realize your "plate runneth over" but we still have a crime to form while the Quent form up and travel here.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Starts scanning, frowns :: CTO: The same matter that is in you and Mr. Min, it seems to be in this officer. Only ... a much higher dose.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Something we're transmitting?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Of course, sir. I'll get to work on that at once.  :: departs ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Points at Selara :: MO: Start treating them for blood poisoning! 25 ccs of eighermopine, now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises and returns to bridge ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Walks over to the console from before, narrows eyes at the screen :: CTO: Or something that's being transmitted to you. The matter inside you, seems to be the same as within the blade identified in connection to that murder.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Quest station: Sulek to Quest.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Turns :: CTO: Did you have contact with that knife?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: settling down in the command chair ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Min and I recovered it from the body on Quest.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
MO: Ensign, where was this officer last?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> CMO: I believe he was on Quest Station, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Jatris> Sulek: Jatris, here, Captain.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: He must have had contact with the knife also. Where is it?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
COM Jatris: Captain, we have a doctor on the Quirinus who is quite capable of performing the long over due autopsy of the late K'tal.  If you would have the body transported to our containment area in sick bay, I would greatly appreciate it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Jatris> Com Sulek: I will see to it immediately. Jatris out.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: It is under lock in the security office.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Raythan*: The body of K'tal is being transported to your secure containment area for examination.  It should be there quite soon.  :: Pauses :: How is Commander Powers?  He was not feeling well.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
*CO*: Understood, sir. I should also inform you we appear to have a contamination problem. Cmdr. Powers, PO Min and another officer have been poisoned by the murder blade. I'll need that brought to sickbay for examination.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Raythan*: I will see that it is transported to the containment area as well.  Where does Powers have it stored?

ACTION: EMT Carmen is mumbling almost incoherently, something about 'adding to his collection'

CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Running a tricorder over the EMT while another nurse begins the injections ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
*CO*: I believe in his security office inboard, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Raythan*: Is Powers or the others in immediate danger, or can the poisoning be treated?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
*CO*: It's treatable, sir. I'm trying to slow down the progress and deal with the symptoms. But I'll need the blade for a toxicology analysis ... make sure we do this right, the first time.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Raythan*: Understood.  Initiating direct transport.

ACTION: The knife is transported to sickbay

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Raythan*: You should have the knife.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Sees it appear in the containment unit, as a new force-field is erected around it ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Raythan*: You should also have all scans of the knife that were taken when it was recovered on ship's computer.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
*CO* Thank you, sir.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Steps over to the field, and starts looking at the readings coming off of it ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits down at Science One on the bridge ::  CPU: Computer: configure internal sensors for metallurgical scan.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Looks down at the readouts, and a feeling starts to overtake him ... he takes a deep breath, and grips the console. Grimacing ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Access metallurgical scan of knife found in Krystal's body. Scan all decks for traces of the metal of which the knife is made. Maximum resolution.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Takes a breath, feels a bit ... off ... suddenly raises a fist and strikes it down on the console with a cry of frustration ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Looks up in surprise at the Cm O's outburst ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Doctor?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: Step ... away ... Commander.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Starts whispering something under his breath ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Furrows his brow and takes a small step back, his hand feeling for his side arm.  He puts his left arm out, pushing Min back ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Leans down, gripping the console more ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<W> Self: K'tal ... k'tal ... k'tal.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Establish command link to main computer on Station Quest. Authorization code Kraight lambda seven three. Commence metallurgical scan of the station, identical parameters.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CPU: Estimated time to completion of each scan?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
<Computer> XO: Quirinus scan: seventeen hours. Station scan: twenty-nine hours.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits back ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Turns to look at the CTO ... his expression one of fury ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Hands ball into fists ... his nails cut into his palms, blood can be seen dripping out between the fingers ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Doctor?  I'd suggest you relax.  I'd hate to stun you.  :: Pulls his sidearm ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Screams in absolute rage :: All: K'TAL! :: Rushes at the CTO, taking a swing ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises :: Kraight: I'm going to sickbay to check on the Doctor's progress.  The body should be transported there soon, if not already.  You have the conn.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tries to take a step back and ducks below the punch, using his considerable girth to throw the doctor back ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crosses to turbolift :: Sickbay.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Is shoved back, but gets his standing very quickly. The fury playing with the adrenaline ... looking for blood. He leaps at the CTO, his blood covered hands trying to get hold of his neck ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: arrives deck and heads down the hall ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: enters sickbay in time to see the doctor charging at Powers ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Reluctantly shoots the doctor ::

ACTION: The CMO falls to the ground

CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
All: URK! :: Is thrown back by the burst of phaser fire ... landing on his back and slumping, blood staining the floor ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Selara: See to the doctor.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Falls unconscious ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: What has happened here?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
<MO_Selara> :: Eyebrow raised. There is a moment of hesitation, but she moves to assist her superior ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Unsure.  Carmen came in, feeling unwell, and then the doctor... went crazy, starting attacking us.

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