Quirinus Mission 10908.31

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 crew arrived to find Azhure in fine form, and to await orders from Admiral Asbury.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10908.31: Back to Basics =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 2  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: On Bridge :: Kraight: You may begin shore leave rotations.  Have all department chiefs request and transport necessary supplies from the station.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Aye, sir.  :: turns to his console and issues the necessary orders ::
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: secures Main Engineering and shuts the warp core down for maintenance ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: In the command center, waiting for beam down of her crew, but mainly of her husband. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
OPS: Hail the station and ask if Admiral Asbury has left word or arrived.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Nods to the transporter operator ::  Chief: Energize.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands ::  CO: Captain, request permission to beam down to Abertura Station. I... owe a friend an apology.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Quietly talks to one of the Klingon medics who is off duty at the moment. ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<OPS Daley> CO: The Admiral is at Abertura, station command indicated he will call you when he's ready.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: looks at self pleased :: ALL: Have an enjoyable shore leave but be ready to go at a moments notice.  Knowing our luck we'll be called to action quickly.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Permission, granted.  I shall, join you, I think... that is until the Admiral is ready. Not for the apology, just for the trip down.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::   CO: Thank you, sir.   :: leaves the bridge :: 
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: Leaves Engineering  and heads to his quarters to grab a few things before heading for Abertura ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: follows Kraight ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Materializes in the transporter chamber in Abertura's operations center, smelling the stale scent of unwashed Klingons and scaly Jem'Hadar... and one slimy Vorta ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Looks up and then turns to politely end the conversation for now. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: entering turbolift :: Transporter Room One.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Standing with a smile, she moves to slip her arms around Bill as he steps from the padd.  Teasingly ::  CTO:  Remembering home?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Is checking with his staff to ensure everything is in order before heading down to the world. Was always curious about the facility in question ::
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: arrives at a turbolift :: TL: Transporter room 1
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@CNS: Home is where my bed is.  Which is still up there :: points in orbit ::  right now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they arrive at deck ::  Kraight: Not to pry, but is this friend a certain ship's counselor?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: Lifts a brow with a humorous shake of her head ::  CTO:  I prefer your Earth maxim that home is where the heart is.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: tight-lipped ::  CO: Aye, sir. I feel responsible for the temporal rift that sent her to Abertura.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: arrives at the TR and beams down; materializing very shortly after leaving the Quirinus ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ :: Looks at himself ::  CNS: But I cannot live in my chest.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: REB ::  Kraight: Do not take the action too hard, Commander.  You did save our ship, a station and two very surprised Lyran ships.  The experience for Azhure, although not welcome, is not a new one.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
@ :: stepping out of the transporter chamber he instantly chokes at the smell ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: entering transporter room ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: reaches up to smooth the hair from his ears. ::  CTO:  Are you sure I am not married to a Vulcan?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Makes his way to the transporter room, sees the Captain and XO entering as he rounds the corner ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Perhaps. But I was nevertheless the catalyst.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: follows Sulek, steps up on the transporter pad ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Enters into the transporter room behind them :: CO/XO: Hello, sirs.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
@ :: leaves the OPS center and heads for the shops ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods :: CMO: Doctor.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Of that we are not certain.  As I recall, chemical reactions require more than just a catalyst.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: steps back a bit as she expects new arrivals. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: stepping up on the pad :: Raythan: Doctor>
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Steps up onto the pad, a bit chipper :: Both: Wonderful day for a jaunt to a former Dominion stronghold, no?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
@ CNS: Unless you're sleeping with the Captain... I'm certain.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I appreciate your words of support, sir. I still cannot help but feel responsible.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
@ :: Looking into a shop he notices something and walks in ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
@ :: shakes her head ::  CTO:  I need to take you somewhere more lighthearted.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: Please be sure you read the protocols.  I would not wish you to, as they say on Earth, "step in it" as you were jaunting about.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: Nods to the Chief :: Transporter Chief: Energize.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Oh, of course, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I think you will find Azhure most forgiving.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: I hope so.

ACTION: The three are beamed to the station.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he feels the familiar tingle of having his atoms rearranged and then sees the station transporter room appear before him. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Stares at a Jem'Hadar ::  CNS: Indeed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  Is there anything you would like to do while here?  Other then talking to Kraight, I have nothing in mind.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Clasps hands behind his back, curious about the conversation between the Captain and his XO, but keeps out of it as he feels the tingle come to take them away ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Any idea how long we'll be on leave?  Starfleet has a way of calling us to the lines quickly.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns and smiles at the newest arrivals. ::  Captain, Commander and... Mathar... welcome to Abertura station.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly :: CTO:  Not too long.  The Admiral is here with our orders, but he is keeping it under wrap.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Counselor, I trust your reunion on the station, if not planned, was at least pleasant.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Shakes his head upon arrival, a bit disoriented by the design of the Jem'Hadar transporter room ... which certainly looks very makeshift. A haphazard display of rearranged Klingon and Federation technology ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  For me, most relaxing.  :: glances at her husband ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Indeed.  Well, I believe I shall leave you and the XO to your chat.  I must first check with the quartermaster here.  Come, Doctor.  Supplies first... jaunting second.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: approaches Azhure ::  CNS: It is good to see you again, Counselor. I humbly apologize for the anomaly that sent you here. I feel certain that I was the cause of it, though I have yet to determine its exact nature.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: gently taking Kraight's arm ::  XO:  Come, let us talk in private for a moment...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods, allows himself to be led away ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO/CTO:  We will see you shortly.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Guides Kraight into the captain's ready room, M'Tor not needing it at the moment as he was down in transportation. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: entering into the hall, he checks the station maps and then turns and strides off towards the station's supply area. ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: Please, sit down...
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Station OPS Barret> *CO*: Captain Sulek, the Admiral will see you, and only you, in his office. It's right off of the command center.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: getting what he wanted he leaves the shop and heads for the nearest eatery ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Barret*: Acknowledged.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Watches as everyone abruptly heads off in various directions. His hands remain clasped behind his back, as he leans forward and back on his heels whistling :: Self: Right ... now ... what to do?

ACTION: A rowdy group of Klingons bumps into Destructo as he enters the restaurant

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: taking a seat opposite of him, she leans forward slightly. ::  XO:  My friend, your guilt could sink a ship and is unwarranted.  And because of that, it is I that owe you the apology.  I had... problems when we first went through.  It was not surprising I would have problems returning.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Eyes the Doctor curiously ::  CMO: Guess it's you and me.  I promise not to phaser you again.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: as he turns and reverses direction he notices the doctor.  he hands a padd to the CMO ::  Raythan: These are the supply requisitions submitted by the crew chiefs, add yours and see what you can negotiate with the quartermaster.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: glares back at the Klingons and lets a low growl loose ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Er, aye, sir, thanks! CTO: Much obliged, Commander. I apparently am to speak to the quartermaster. What did you have in mind?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I... don't understand. When we went through what? The fold?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: heads off toward command :: Raythan: My apologies, but the Admiral calls.

ACTION: The Klingons are looking for a fight, and one of them takes a swing at Destructo, nailing him in the head

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Hesitates :: XO:  Basically yes... when we first went to the other galaxy.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: stumbles backwards knocking over a stool ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: sighs ::  CMO: I had none.  Want a tour?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: What sort of 'problems'?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he moves toward the command center and finds the indicated office. he pauses, straightens his uniform and presses the door chime ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: Sure!

ACTION: The pummeling of Destructo continues, and they leave the engineer almost unconscious before moving on.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: For a moment she simply watches him, her demeanor more serious then many have ever seen. ::  XO:  I do not walk a straight linear line of time as many do.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: laying there unconscious and convulsing ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: I had forgotten ... you and the good Counselor Azhure were previously assigned here, no?
Host ADM_Asbury says:
Aloud: Enter.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: his guilt momentarily forgotten ::  CNS: Astonishing. Has this been true your entire life?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Indeed.  :: Leads them out of the transporter area into main operations ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: steps through the doorway :: Asbury: Captain Sulek, reporting as ordered. :: he stands just inside the doorway as the doors close behind him ::
Host ADM_Asbury says:
:: stands :: Sulek: Captain. It is good to see you. Come, have a seat.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Follows after the CTO, nearly tripping over a raised footing in the doorway. Needs to get accustomed to the eerily lit corridors of the place ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  Yes and is a secret guarded well... in the past, a few of my people... misused the ability.  It is a rare gift, or curse depending on how you look at, that has been deliberately relegated to legend.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: This station is rather unique here on this side of the Bajoran wormhole.  The panoramic windows are something I always found peculiar... why would the Vorta have them?  What use do they serve - maybe to save on power consumption?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I see... Who else aboard ship knows of this?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crosses to a chair and sits :: Asbury: I must admit you have piqued my interest, Admiral.  Commander Azhure states that you have been quite, ummm, tight-lipped...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  Bill... and the captain in a rather... indirect way.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: The station is a Jem'Hadar outpost, no? I recall it was a listening post during the war ... placed on a high point of a mountain range that not only overlooks the countryside, the approaches from the city and the approaches from sea.
Host ADM_Asbury says:
CO: You'll understand soon.  :: takes a seat ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: The secret is safe with me, Counselor. I am honored that you trust me enough to share it with me.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: I believe the Jem'Hadar have been trained not to rely only on technology, but their eyes as well. Panoramic views would assist in a defense, greatly.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: Of course.  It would not be logical to make me guess.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: And I thank you for... relieving me of this guilt.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles, lightening the mood ::  XO:  Again, there is no guilt here.  Just... luck of the draw.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: straight faced as a Vulcan can be ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Hm, maybe.  But sensors are probably more refined than their eyes... and work at a much greater distance.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  And how are you feeling after your experience?
Host ADM_Asbury says:
CO: I need to warn you - this mission is of utmost importance. It will test your loyalty, and that of your crew.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: And if they lost power?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: Indeed.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: pauses ::  CNS: I am... still coming to terms with what I did.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  Are you ready to talk about it or would you rather wait a bit more and enjoy what time you may have here?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Fair enough.
Host ADM_Asbury says:
CO: There is a rogue group of Klingon scientists... or religious fanatics, whichever way you want to look at it. They are playing a most dangerous game, one the the official Klingon empire refuses to admit exists. But they are there.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: How long did you serve here, Commander?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: I would gladly talk about it, if I knew what to say. After you vanished, as I disengaged from the interface... I saw Serena again.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  Did she have anything to say to you, specifically?
Host ADM_Asbury says:
CO: They are looking for something. They call themselves "The Keepers of the Light". We believe they are trying to create an Omega particle. :: leans back and waits for the reaction ::
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: slowly stirs and taps his commbadge ::   Sickbay: Medical emergency....   :: fades back into unconsciousness ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CNS: She tried to console me when I realized how many Quent I had killed with the fold generator.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Thinks ::  CMO: T... Two years.  Seems like longer...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: Indeed.  Has the Klingon High council unofficially asked for our help?  It would be most unfortunate if these “Keepers” succeeded.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Smiles, looking around the intricately molded bulkheads ... each one serving a purpose ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  How do you feel about that?
Host ADM_Asbury says:
Sulek: No. It will be entirely covert. You must not reveal to your crew the exact nature of your mission. Can you do that?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: The Jem'Hadar design took some getting used to... :: thinks ::  I'm trying to recall where else on the station might be of interest.  The Sickbay is woefully inadequate.

ACTION: What little there is of a station Sickbay responds to Destructo's call.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: I take it these "Keepers" are near?  It might be a bit difficult to hide something if we were suddenly go to Kronos.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks down, and is silent for a long time ::   CNS: Murder has been virtually unknown on Benzar Prime for centuries. It is considered more than a crime... it is blasphemy against the Great Maker to deprive another of their opportunity for accomplishment. I know that I had to defend the ship and our allies, but still... so many...
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: True. And the quartermaster, for that matter ...   :: Looks at his PADD ::
Host ADM_Asbury says:
Sulek: Their last known location is deep inside of Klingon space. :: hands him a padd :: You'll find the coordinates here. :: serious :: We're counting on you.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly ::  XO:  There is also how it was done... can you reconcile the incident?  There is no question, this would change you... it would change anyone.  But you still have control of what the change will be... who you will be when it is done.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Supplies?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: If that is the case, I cannot keep my crew from guessing... but if I tell them it is a secure transmission for captain's eyes only, they will understand.  Having been through this before, they may deduce that it is Omega since there is a very short list for captain's eyes only.  I can do nothing about that.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: I will also need a secure Omega protocol signature sent to verify that this is fully sanctioned.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: faint smile ::  CNS: I recall reading something that a poet of Old Earth once wrote: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: The Captain asked me to deliver this PADD. Also figured I'd try and see what local medical miracles I could acquisition. I heard the Haispoi farmers are quite interesting folk.
Host ADM_Asbury says:
:: brusque :: Sulek: I'll have to trust you here. You're to leave here in three days. Starfleet will not acknowledge any information regarding this mission. From the time you leave this office, you're on your own.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: That they are.  You might have difficulty getting information out of them.. or taking any of their herbal remedies from the Mountain.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  Each major event rebirths us.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: gets the medical attention he requires a short time later ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CTO: It's in the plants primarily?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: chuckles ::  CNS: Gads. My parents tell me that I was a handful as an infant. Now I have to be a parent to myself? 
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CMO: Maybe.  Maybe not.  I've never been certain.  :: Looks off slightly ::  They tend to be mysterious folk.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rising :: Asbury: As with all covert missions, I expected that it would be so with Starfleet.  I also must assume that you have the necessary transponder codes of a Klingon ship we can use to cross into their space.
Host ADM_Asbury says:
Sulek: It's all on the padd. Best of luck to you captain.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO: :: chuckles as she leans back ::  CTO:  There is another saying, we are our own worst enemies... but if we strive for strength not to overcome our brothers, but ourselves...  :: she stands up ::  Come, let me give you a tour of the station while we have time.  I believe you will enjoy it... it is one of a kind.
NPC_CEO_Destructo says:
:: slowly leaves the rudimentary sickbay and slowly returns to walking the halls ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Feels a bit of weight behind the CTO's answer. Looks at him for a moment, then back down the corridor :: CTO: Right then. So how about the station's command center?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Asbury: Thank you Admiral.  I will verify the protocol on the padd.  Omega is quite strict and denial of our actions or no, that is one action that we, none of us, may take lightly.
Host ADM_Asbury says:
Sulek: That's putting it mildly.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: stands, places a hand on each of Azhure's shoulders ::  CNS: We Benzites have a word, Counselor: dera'klath  --  it means, 'a friend for whom one would lay down his life'. You are one such, to me. My life is immeasurably richer for having known you.
Host ADM_Asbury says:
Sulek: If you have no further questions, you are dismissed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  As you honor me.  :: glances up before she guides him out of the office ::  I believe we have a couple of days before being dragged away.  Where would you like to start?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he nods to the Admiral :: Asbury: I shall endeavor to meet your expectations.  :: he turns and leaves ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: thinks for a moment ::  CNS: Are there science labs in the station?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Excuse the interruption, Commander, but we have 3 days to resupply and get underway.  I will discuss what I can with you later.  Sulek out. :: lost in thoughts and memories of Omega fountains of the past, he returns to the transporter room and transports back to the ship ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
XO:  Yes and if my memory serves me correctly, not quite what you might expect.  They are... :: smiles wryly ::  Interesting.

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