Quirinus Mission 10910.05

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 crew has found a possible location of the "Keepers of the Light" compound, but have yet to find the Keepers themselves.

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10910.05 A Few Notes on the Purity of Light =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 4  =/\==/\=

CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Making a visual inspection of the building ::

SCENE: A large, decrepit factory building stands before the crew. From the looks of it, it has not been occupied for some time.

XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: completing a passive scan of the Keeper compound ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  Anything of interest catch your eye?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: points to some of the upper levels ::  CNS: Those would be good spots for a lookout.  Or a sniper.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I suggest that we continue with Powers and you in the lead.  Your reading of those in the compound could be valuable.  We...  :: looks at the rest of the AT ::  ...shall follow your lead.  :: gazes at the old building ::   If any one is indeed here.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  They are supposedly a peaceful people... I hope not.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns to the captain, teasingly ::  CO:  So we can be shot first, huh?  I have it.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: is with the group ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: So is the Federation.  Doesn't mean we don't carry weapons to defend ourselves against those who disagree with us.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: Thirty life signs, well within the structure. Massive power readings.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I have every confidence in the CTO's ability to protect you.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: simply smiles as she turns back to Bill ::  CTO:  Are we ready?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Can you get a signature of the power readings?  :: quietly :: This is not a good sign.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: I wonder if they entered through the door.  They cover their tracks well.  :: Looks for what might be a good entrance ::  XO: Are the lifesigns clustered, Commander?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Conventional fusion reactors, Klingon design.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I suppose that is one form of light to keep.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: They do seem to be gathered near the center of the building.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: And the others?  :: Begins heading for one of the doorways... might have been a cargo door ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: follows as Powers and Azhure lead towards the building ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: walks with the group ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Coming up on the doorway she cocks her head slightly as she listens ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: More to herself ::  Odd...
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
<EO_Ens_Nalo> *Rotan*: We're picking up the singularities again.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: lifts a hand to slowly open the door ::

ACTION: The door gives way as Azhure opens the door. It reveals an empty cargo space.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Giving her eyes a chance to adapt, she then walks into the building. ::

ACTION: It is dark within the building

CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
<EO_Ens_Nalo> *Rotan*: They're gone now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: Anyone bring a light?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: hands Powers a wrist flash ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stepping off to the side to allow the others to enter, as well as some light, she looks around. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: following, his staying near his weapon. ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: takes out his communicator, whispers :: *Nalo*: Not now, ensign.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: I am not detecting any stragglers.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: Then they might have electronic surveillance.  Are you detecting anything like that?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
All: Power levels increasing steadily.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: scans the building as they walk ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: continues to move forward... not speaking but observing all details ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CTO: I'd have to switch to an active scan to determine if any surveillance is active... and that could alert said surveillance devices.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
All: I'm not picking up any signs of surveillance.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Very well.  Guess we'll just have to see this.  Which way?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: pivots, points ::  All: Fifty meters east.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shines the light in that direction, looking for a doorway ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  Rather quiet for a place with people about.

ACTION: Commander Powers trips over the body of a very dead Klingon. The body is not dressed in traditional Klingon garb, but more colorful fare.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: instinctively reaches for Bill ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: stops at the body :: Kraight:  Cause of death?
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: turns towards the sound of Power's clumsiness :: All: My god...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Without a word, kneels down to check the body ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Mutters ::  All: Where did this come from...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shines the light on the torso ::  All: Disruptor wound.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: kneels down and checks for any physical identification. ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: nods ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: can't stand to look at the body ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: An intruder or perhaps a warning to intruders? :: finding no ID :: Any idea about the clothing?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: stands ::  All: No sign of a fight... other than the cause of death.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: rises and drawing his weapon :: All: I think our approach should be a bit more defensive.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: tries to act normally and ignore the body ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Any one have a guess as to why a Klingon would be so brightly dressed?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: draws his own weapon as well ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  He has been dead about 2 hours.  Note the clothes.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: scans again with his tricorder ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It's possible he is one of the Keepers.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  They match the description we were given by the locals.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then perhaps this is their guard.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Or he had a falling out with his fellow Keepers.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: glances at his tricorder :: CO: Power levels continue to increase.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
All: So much for them being peaceful...
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: We should keep moving.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: :recalling the run in described to him by the CMO :: Kraight: In your scans were several clustered together with perhaps two standing a bit apart?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Agreed.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As Bill steps forward she joins him ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
: :Continues to walk in the general direction of the lifesigns, looking for a door or passageway ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Most of the biosigns were in motion, and most clustered together. I didn't observe any that were obviously standing apart.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Cover the rear.  Kraight to the right and I to the left.  Let's not give anyone too tightly packed of together target.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: they follow behind Azhure and Powers ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Yes, sir.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: takes the rear ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Just making sure that our two Klingon friends weren't ahead of us.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: bears right ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Finds a door, and opens it cautiously, finding yet another large empty cargo space ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly, more to herself. :: CTO:  I wonder what they manufactured here.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: continues to scan for signs of advanced technology ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: entering yet another room, he moves left maintaining the defensive pattern ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Shines the light around, looking for a path forward and anything more of note, now that they've tripped over one Klingon ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: sets tricorder for constant 360 degree passive scan ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: picks up the same energy readings that Kraight does but nothing else of note :: 
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: noting the security guard and the CMO fill in front of Kraight and himself ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  There must be another entrance.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Walks slowly in the direction of the lifesigns ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: They cross the echoing cavernous room and find another doorway ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: suddenly gets a brief energy fluctuation :: CO: I'm picking up the signature of a Klingon transporter in this building, but much farther ahead.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: continues to walk along, listening and getting a 'feel' of the place. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CEO: A transporter?
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CTO: Yes, and it's in use.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Captain... the power readings have leveled out.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CEO:  That would be another entrance.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Cautiously opens their next doorway forward ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Sir! All biosigns have vanished -- they transported away. And... power levels have dropped to zero.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Whatever they were doing, I think they may have completed their task.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan:  Keep track if it goes active.  We may want to lock our own transporter on it to override their transport or at least create a little havoc with their buffers.

SCENE: The crew has found the massive central room where the Klingons were located - but it is vacant of life. There is a variety of high tech equipment around the room, but it's hard to say what it was being used for.

CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Aye sir.  I can easily arrange that.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looking around :: Rotan: I think perhaps we are too late.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Pauses in the doorway before stepping in, looking around for where people might be ::
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: begins examining the apparatus ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CEO:  Looks like your sand box.  :: motions toward the equipment ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight/Rotan: See if you can tell what they were using the machines for.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: walks over to what looks like the control panel ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Locate and secure the transporter.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: I'm already on it!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Did you get any feel for the activity before we entered?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Looks amongst the various machines, hoping to find something familiar ::  CO: It's possible this was the remote end of the transporter.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: taps on some buttons ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pauses as she starts to walk around the area, looking for personal items to give her a better picture of those that were here. ::  CO:  Yes... but without having seen them, it is hard to define.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Maybe not so much the activity but the atmosphere... their mood.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: It appears that they were trying to... create some sort of energy device, or perhaps a containment vessel. I cannot tell whether they succeeded or not.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: examines a terminal ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: hooks his tricorder into the ships sensor logs :: All: The ship sensors picked up the transporter signal and determined where they've gone.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
XO: Containment for what?
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
All: It was a cloaked ship in orbit.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  But did they leave because they were done or because they picked up on us?
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: glances at Sulek ::  CTO: I can't be certain... not yet...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Judging how quickly they vanished, it is likely that the transporter Rotan read further into the building was used as a site to site transport.  See if you can find it. ...no never mind.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: The memory cells of this terminal have been wiped, probably within the last few minutes. It may have contained logs of their work. I suggest we take it back to the ship for analysis... we may be able to recover some of the data.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Understood.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
All: and the singularities have also stopped entirely.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  The atmosphere was one of... joy, but it was tainted somehow, not quite... real... perhaps forced or... delusional.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
All: I'm not an engineer, but most of this looks... complete.  There's no signs of a work in progress.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Agreed.  Check the ship's secure databanks.  A containment unit would be most logical and one has been made once before that I know of.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: I will see to it that you have the necessary clearance.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
CO: Thank you, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Beam all databanks to the ship and then use the transporter to dismantle the rest of the equipment and the Klingon transporter, after you have beamed out its data core as well.
XO_Cmdr_Kraight says:
:: calls the Quirinus and has the terminal beamed aboard ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Aye, sir.

ACTION: The terminal is beamed aboard the Quirinus

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: It's time to beam out.  Powers: Find that ship.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Returns to the group ::  CTO:  I believe your earlier inference was correct.  I do not think they left because of our arrival, but because they were done.  Their exit was orderly... as if they were finished with what they were doing.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Quirinus*: Away team to beam out.  Energize.

ACTION: The crew is beamed back to the Quirinus

CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: records the location of the equipment ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Relay the last coordinates of the cloaked vessel.  Maybe, they will have an older ship that leaks a bit and we can get a lock on its trail.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: sends the data to Power's console ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Taps his commbadge once they are aboard ::  *Nishi*: Lieutenant, start scanning for a cloaked ship at coordinates... :: reads off as the engineer relays them ::  A transporter signature should assist as well.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steps off the lift and heads for the door. ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: sends the signature to Powers ::

ACTION: Just as the words leave Sulek's mouth, the Klingon transport  --  of surprisingly new design  --  de-cloaks and leaves at high warp.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: If need be as soon as we find it, I may need to stop that ship by any means...
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: begins the long work to recover any of the data he can from the equipment beamed aboard ::

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