Quirinus Mission 10909.28

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 
John Scimone as CEO Ensign Brian Rotan 

with

Keith LaHue, Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: Last time on the USS Quirinus... The senior crew has beamed down to H'atrania, in hopes of finding the lair of the "Keepers of the Light".

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10909.28 A Few Notes on the Purity of Light =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 3  =/\==/\=

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Vendor: What is the origin of this blade?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: with Powers and Azhure as they roam towards a jewelery vendor. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Feels sweat beads beneath his arm band and refrains from reaching up to scratch it ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: I am... curious. A friend of mine is a collector.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: Do you really need to know? It's...  :: quietly ::  ...Romulan.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: I see. Have you any items of Klingon origin?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looking at the various displays, making his first pick very carefully ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait>  XO: Yesss, Of course, we have many many Klingon blades.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: stands quietly behind Powers and Azhure ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> :: motions to the display towards the rear of his stand ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: Wonderful! I would be interested in a Fourth Dynasty d'k tahg, if you have one.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Gren> :: Notices the doctor slightly shocked, and takes the lead in the conversation ::  Klingons: Are we not permitted to walk here? How dare you!
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: Uh... I'll need to be sure you can uh... pay for that... IF I have one. :: stands back ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he looks across the street at the XO and CEO and wonders for a moment if the CMO has discovered something ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: You seem apprehensive. May I inquire why?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> Gren: Bah. Who do you think you are fooling? You were following us. Now tell me why I shouldn't kill you!
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: What you ask for is rare... and many would consider precious.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Gren> :: Goes for the kill and puts on a sneer ::  Klingons: Because I would kill you before you even scratched me.  Now put the knife down.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> Gren: Highly Unlikely. Now tell me why you are following us!
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> :: sneers ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Steps to a booth of particularly shiny objects and slams a palm on the surface of the table, getting the attention of the shopkeep ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: True enough. And some might consider it sacrilege that such an artifact had fallen into non-Klingon hands. Have you had any problems with the locals?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: following the CTO again at his shoulder ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> Klingons: We are looking for something.  Your presence here matters nothing to us.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: There are no locals. At least not consumers. This is a trade planet. No one stays for long.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: I see. I'd heard of a Klingon religious sect that had a presence here. Do you know of them?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Powers: What!?!
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> :: takes the knife and puts it away :: Gren: We're looking for something too... perhaps it is the same something. There has been no hostility between our peoples - at least not officially, for some time. Speak to me.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Points a fat finger at an impressive display of jewels ::  Koontalla: These.  What's their country of origin?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: They are all the same to me. Except for that one group, all the singing and dancing around. They bought nothing!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Moves closer to Bill's side to see what has caught his interest. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: Which group was that?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait>  XO: Crazy ones. There eyes were wild, almost glowing.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> :: noting Azhure :: Powers: ahhh something for your pretty lady... they are from... :: pauses for a moment :: Cardassia.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: examining an Andorian blade ::  Alb'nait: Intriguing. What does this group call itself?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Gren> Klingons: A disgraced Klingon group.  I was looking for something to amuse myself.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: They gave no name, or organization. But you could tell them apart. They were unusual, even by my unusual standards. :: impatient :: Are you going to buy something?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Koontalla: Cardassia?  I can't believe something like this comes off that ball of dust.  Whose mother did they steal these from?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: smiles, puts down the Andorian item, picks up another :: Alb'nait: Perhaps. Does this group of wild men have a headquarters, a meeting place?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> :: sheathes the knife and looks at his partner :: Gren: I think we seek the same thing. Those that would burn the sky. :: serious ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: says nothing, just listening and looking around unobtrusively ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> Klingons: Three thousand throats may be cut in one night by a running man with a knife, but I don't see how one would burn air.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Azhure: Bit hot for a cloak... but it does look a bit familiar... you one of them religious nuts?  :: looks at Powers :: if you is then I tells you the same... I don't trade... I take only cash.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Merchant Alb'nait> XO: Not that I know of. If you're just looking be off. These strange people looked like wanderers.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Alb'nait: I see. Well, thank you for your time. I may be back...  :: wanders away ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> Gren: They are said to be looking to harness a great power. One that could burn the sky.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Gren> Klingons: What kind of power could do that?  Are you one of them?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: simply smiles ::  Koontalla:  Have you seen Keepers of the Light lately?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: looks around, trying to find a meeting place, perhaps a tavern ::
Host SM_Keith says:
:: indignant :: <Latknoll> Gren: Your words could cost you your life! No we are not one of them! We seek them out to destroy them!
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Gren> Klingon: Good.  Then me and my friend don't have to kill you.  :: Crosses his arms and lowers his voice conspiratorially ::  Have you found them?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Don't know no Keepers.  :: he gives her a semi-toothless grin ::  but they was some religious types, dancing and singin' a couple of days, tryin to trade for crystals an' what not.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> :: gets down to business :: Gren: No. But they were seen heading out to the southeast a week ago. We were going to investigate.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Koontalla:  Crystals are my favorite.  :: smiles ::  I don't suppose you know where they are staying?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<Sec_Ens_Gren> Klingons: A week.  It's taken you a week to get to following them?  Get drunk on the way?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Azhure: Whens I tol' 'em I only take cold hard latnum... they left... but I did see them leave the square to the southeast.  No no more than that an' I don't wants to know no more than that...
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> Gren: Grrr... we just got here. We gathered the information from the locals. Perhaps your diplomatic skills are bad.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Azhure: Well I do have some rare Earth crystals... they calls it quartz.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: spots a likely looking place, improbably named "The Laughing Vulcan" ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> Klingon: It's taken me five minutes to get information it took you a week to get.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
Koontalla:  Do you have any pure?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Latknoll> Gren: Your listening skills are poor. What part of 'we just got here' did you not understand? Bah. We are off, lower being.

ACTION: The two Klingons break off and move away

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: enters the tavern and orders a raktajeno ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Azhure: Nah... that be what they call diamonds... you can get that stuff a kopek for  a dozen from one of the trill caverns.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> :: watches the two leave, then makes eye contact with the doctor, and jerks his head back to the others ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: shakes her head ::  Koontalla:  Ahhh... then you have never seen a pure quartz... pity, I would have liked one.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at Bill ::  CTO:  Are you ready to go?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> Azhure: So would I.  I could get maybe three bars for one of those... hard to come by.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
Azhure: We're done here?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO: I think so...  :: turns to leave in the direction the merchant had pointed toward. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
<Merchant Koontalla> :: as the trio starts away :: Powers: Maybe you would like to see a Denubian sand star... it sparkles real nice in the moonlight... :: sees them leave and turns his attention down the stall to another customer ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Glances over his shoulder and sees their security officer making a windy path to join up with them but not being overly obvious about it ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> :: wipes the bar down with a rag ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: quietly :: Azhure:  Southeast, it is a start.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Quietly ::  CTO: There was little more we could learn there.  But we have a general direction we might look toward.  These seekers seem a rather light hearted group for what they are planning.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha>  :: wonders why she, as a beautiful human should be stuck in "The Laughing Vulcan" ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Quirinus*: Scan to the southeast of our location.  Anything unusual?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sits down in front of the barkeep ::  Marsha: Greetings.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha>  :: sighs :: XO: Need another drink?  :: motions toward his glass. Amicable ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Marsha: Why not? If you would warm up my raktajeno, please.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> :: takes the glass from him :: XO: You know, we don't get many Benzites in here. In fact...  :: stops for a second :: ...you're the first I've seen since I started working here three years ago.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: inclines his head as a token bow ::  Marsha: I am called Kraight.

ACTION: The Quirinus reports nothing unusual about the location to the southeast, other than it is less densely populated

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> :: Approaches Powers ::  Powers: Anything good?
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> XO: I'm Marsha. :: extends a hand, then thinks :: Oh... this is a human thing. The handshake. Do Benzites shake hands?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: It would seem that they are at least in a bit more private area if they have settled to the southeast.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Tilts his head to the Captain ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  That would actually make sense... they keep to themselves.  They would probably prefer a less populated area.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
<SEC_Ens_Gren> All: Well, we got the same.  They're looking for the Keepers, too
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Marsha: I have lived among humans for some time. I find the custom to be quite... appealing.  :: extends his hand ::
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> :: shakes his hand and smiles :: XO: Well met, Mr. Kraight.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Marsha: I heard a most intriguing rumor earlier today... that this planet is home to an odd religious sect of Klingons. Have you heard anything about such a group?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Yet it would seem to me that given the nature of the ummm item... we should see more in the sense of power consumption.  This could indicate they are using some fairly advanced shielding, have gone underground, or command is simply wrong about them.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: Come in...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  You did note that they are searching for crystals?  I am for at least wondering into that area... and listening for music.  We may not be the only 'gypsy' type about.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Marsha: Ah... excuse me...  :: takes a couple of steps away from the bar ::  *CO*: Kraight here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Kraight*: We have a lead that the Keepers may be to the southeast end of town.  We are heading that way now.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> :: waits for him before answering ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
*CO*: I may have a lead here as well. I will catch up with you. Kraight out.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Marsha: Apologies. My... shipmates were wondering where I'd got to.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The crystals may be something of the religious nature.  Koontalla did not strike me as anyone who had something pure enough to focus energy.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> XO: There was a group that came through here about a week ago. They didn't have any money, and thought everything should be free. I heard they had taken over an abandoned factory on the southeast edge of town. Just a rumor though. Are you with a group? The inn next door has rooms.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  No, but crystals can also break up resonances.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
Marsha: Thank you. I'll check out the inn. How many were in this group?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: While tuning to a certain harmonic might keep scans at bay.  Most perceptive, Counselor.
Host SM_Keith says:
<Barkeep Marsha> XO: There were twenty or so. All Klingons, but not...not like regular Klingons, if you know what I mean.

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