Quirinus Mission 10910.19

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 came upon what they believe is the ship that was carrying the "Keepers of the Light", The Klingon transport "Starfire", but it was abandoned... with three corpses on board, killed for who knows what...

=/\==/\=  BEGIN Quirinus Mission 10910.19 A Few Notes on the Purity of Light =/\==/\=
=/\==/\=  Episode 6  =/\==/\=

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: continues at one of the panels trying to correct the recording ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Downloading what technical information he can from a rear console ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Slowly, she walked around the area, avoiding the the splattered blood as much as possible. ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: assists Powers at the console ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CEO: Looks like most of the data has been wiped.  See if you can access the root levels of the computer.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Stopping at the door, she waits for it to open. ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CTO: I'll see what I can do.  No guarantees that we'll be able to extract any data.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Kneeling besides what appears to be the command chair, scanning the floor ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: starts tapping around another console ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Leaves the engineer to work on that task and sees Azhure wander off, deciding to follow her ::  CO: Try to make sure no one is alone.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Seeing nothing down the pristine corridor, she heads out, pausing every now and then as she comes upon a door and looking inside. ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moving from the panel, he kneels and pulls the access door beneath and begins cross circuiting to override the locked data retrieval system ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: causes a couple beeps :: CO: I've got root access over here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Access to what area?
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Basic ship functions: helm, ops...
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: It looks like the ship's logs have been wiped.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Glances at her husband as he joins her. :: CTO:  Somehow... it seems eerie, not to mention out of place.  Why a new ship?  Why then basically abandon it?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Can you re-route data systems through Ops...there may be a system back-up or core recovery.  Ops station would be the most likely connect point for that.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: I've got a couple ideas...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Pauses at one of the rooms, motioning with her hand into it. ::  CTO:  Nothing to them... very spartan.  Which could simply be they were not aboard very long or it could be part of their cult.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: One, we heard that the Keepers may be interested in top technology.  Suppose they were able to recruit KDF R&D personnel?  That would give them access to this kind of technology.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns toward him ::  CTO:  What?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Tricorder beeps, he blinks at the readout, scans again just to make sure ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: I'll try.

ACTION: Raythan stumbles upon a Chalice, made of gold pressed latinum

CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: sits at the ops station ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  I was under the impression the Klingons basically did not even acknowledge them.  Why would they give them something like this?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: They wouldn't.  But if one of their members was from the force, they could have had access to something like this.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Cult mentality...
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: A glimmer catches his attention from the corner of his eye, he turns to spot the chalice :: Ooh.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: taps away on the ops console ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Scans the chalice extensively, rubbing the bottom of his chin in curiosity :: CO: Captain!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  And the abandonment?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crosses to the command deck chair and begins trying to override the command encryption ::   Raythan: Yes?   :: without looking up ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: They were done with it.  Or they didn't think to secure it when they left, because they were in a hurry...
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Doesn't touch the cup, not wanting to extensively disturb the evidence. He stands up, gesturing down :: CO: It seems there was a ritual bloodletting. Not sure if it coincided with the execution of the three others, but I have approximately 30 different strands of DNA mixed into the blood traces in and around this chalice.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  That would imply one of two things.  They knew we were following... or someone was.  Or, they have a schedule to meet and they are late... meaning it will be soon.  If that is the case, heading down to the planet now might be a good idea.

ACTION: The Captain hits something inadvertently, and the same fragment begins playing over and over... "Will not be in vain" ...it is audio only

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Most of what I am seeing here seems to be more like automatic than direct command security coding.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Probably soon we should.  Those mysterious energy readings..
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: crosses over to Raythan :: Raythan: So are you saying they drank the blood of the sacrifices.... :: he looks down at the chalice ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CTO:  I would like to visit Sarite's quarters.  Any suggestion of where?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: No, sir. I don't believe so. If anything, 30 individuals poured their own blood into this chalice and each of them drank from the sum.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CNS: Perhaps they took the Captain's quarters.  They would be close to the Bridge, forward.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Nods and follows him the short distance ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: smiles ::  CTO:  You want the honor?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: Then as a cult they are keepers of the light of life?  Such a ritualistic act would indicate they felt a shared bond or they ingested each others life force... a sort of union.  Odd though that they would leave such  a ritual device behind.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Seems like a classic Klingon ritual bloodletting. You actually see this a lot in the Klingon Kal'Hyah before a wedding.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Steps forward to trigger the doors ::

ACTION: The two commanders find Sarite's quarters, barren, save for a hypospray.

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As the door slides open, she peers inside, seeing basically the same thing as the rest of the quarters. ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Points :: CNS: There.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Steeping inside, she moves to pick up the hypospray ::  CTO:  Odd... let's get back to the others.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: A blood oath too would fit the possibility.  Still leaving the ship adrift and the ritual chalice would seem to indicate that they do not intend to return.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: What did you do to trigger that recording?  If I know that, I may be able to get more of it from memory.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Progress and see if you can shut the recording off or cause it to finish
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Quite so, sir. Also, the chalice is made of "gold pressed latinum" ... tres tacky, no?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: nods ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Heading out, she scans it ::  CTO:  Did I say odd before?  Let me say it again.  :: hands him the hypospray ::  Meradiloxine.  Used to stave off tissue degeneration caused by fatal diseases; not something you would use unless you had to.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: It's lucky that no Ferengi were here.  They would kill for the cup.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: As they enter back into the bridge area, she pauses before Raythan and stares at the goblet he is holding. ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: opens the bridge audio controls and resets them stopping the recording ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: quietly ::  CO:  More so then you might think.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Opens her hand ::  CMO:  May I?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he notes that there is something odd about this recording... ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Y'know, I heard a rumor that gold pressed latinum was worthless. That the Ferengi make it appear like it's worthwhile to drive up it's worth ... if that makes any sense. Of course, a topic for another time. :: Gestures to the ground before them :: CNS: By all means, Commander.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Leans down and picks it up ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Turn off the message and then try to access any random log data.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Wrapping her hands around it, she closes her eyes ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Yes, captain.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Crosses arms and regards Azhure curiously ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: requests log 385 from the ops console ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: shivers slightly and then opens her eyes ::

ACTION: As Rotan requests the log, the same message fragment begins to play again

CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
All: Agh! :: hurriedly attempts to turn it off ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: They have inadvertently, in trying to wipe the system, attached this log at every level.  If we can find the designated number for this log, it may loop us into the system and complete the message.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO/CTO/CO:  There is power here... the power of fear and death.  :: shakes her head ::  I do not think Sarite's followers are with him for joy.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
Self: let's try... :: requests log 942 ::

ACTION: The message fragment begins to play

CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Puts the cup down, wiping her hands on her tunic as if trying to remove something evil ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: turns off the recording :: CO: It looks like that's all there is.

ACTION: Suddenly, the full message plays

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Everything they do seems to indicate that the cult is apocalyptic in nature.  There are some cults that do not await the end but intend to cause it...
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
All: Son of a... 
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Sarite holds them somehow through fear.  Not only that... :: nods toward Bill ::  I believe he has some form of a degenerate disease.  All of this, may be just for him.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Turns toward Rotan and the message now playing ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: turns as the message moves past it's sticking place ::

ACTION: On the main screen, It shows the leader Sarite, cutting his hand and letting it bleed into a cup, then passing it around to his followers. Then there is a rather grisly portion showing the decapitation of the three found dead, and Sarite saying " It has not been in vain". Then the message repeats. It appears that the three were willing to die.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Cult leaders are frequently driven by fear and power and as such they use fear to drive their followers as well.  Frequently the followers have the feeling that they are a prisoner...
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Arms still crossed, he stares at the screen ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO:  Were they drugged?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: If Azhure is correct, then there should be some trace of Sarite's disease in the cup.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: watches the video for the second time totally disgusted ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CNS: No, no traces of any sort of narcotic or depressant or anything in their systems.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Curiously disconnected from the horror of the video as he watches ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: turns off the view screen ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO:  Then it was by choice... though you would think they could make less of a mess.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CNS: What is wrong with these people?!
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  There is little to report about the rest of the ship.  It is as it seems... a new ship with no time for any personality.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: Try bringing the log data up in reverse from this one...if it is attached to the system we may have full access, at least to all of Sarite's entries.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CEO:  Fear... pure and simple.  And I believe the greatest fear is Sarite's... of dying.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Starts reading through the tricorder scans again :: CO: Good call, sir. Vk'turnic's Bore ... I'm not too familiar with it myself, but a degenerative muscle disease. Starts to affect Klingon hearts at middle age. Very rare, as I recall.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: I'll try to trace it back.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CMO:  And no cure.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Shakes his head :: CNS: Indeed not. CO: Sarite has nothing to lose. It seems he may be willing to take a few with him, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Raythan: If they are creating a blood bond, then if Sarite is dying he may want to take the rest of the empire with him...
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
CO: Perhaps. But how would he do such a thing?
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at the captain, thinking 'more then a few' ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Rotan: start downloading what you can, but I need their transport coordinates now.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: runs through the log data sending it to the Quirinus as he finds it ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Aye, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: he looks at each :: All: With the apparent view that Sarite does not intend to return, and despite protocol, I think it is time you know.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: Starts to think about what he's seeing, wondering if any of these people are known.  He contacts the Quirinus and describes some of the Klingons as they run a search ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: attempts to bring up transporter logs, but is locked out ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
:: The Quirinus reports back some preliminary findings, and requests a copy of the recording.  He tries to transfer it over ::
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Captain?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Holsters his tricorder, quirking his eyebrow at the Captain's statement. Had a feeling he was holding something back ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: gets up to go to the transporter room ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Starfleet believes that the Keepers have manufactured the Omega particle.  While some of you have had knowledge of this particle, what you do not know is that it unstable enough that it could easily destroy subspace.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: I had the Quirinus run checks on some of the people in the video.  They're continuing to run looks, but... :: stops talking ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Well, that explains those anomalies we were seeing around H'atoria.
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Eyes open in surprise :: Oh, no.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Starfleet has given all ships a single directive.  No other directives apply.  Omega is to be destroyed at all costs.  I tell you this because my trust in you is implicit and if we are to die here, you must know why.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: shakes her head as something clicks ::  CO:  Light... I was thinking it earlier but it kept eluding me.  Such a rift would create an unsurpassed light.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: leaves the bridge and goes to the transporter room ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: The particle is believed to be what caused the bang in the Big Bang.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: tries to use a subspace shunt to route around the security measures protecting the transporter data ::
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Rubs his eyes, remembers the last time the Quirinus remotely did anything regarding that particle, back during that whole Omega fountain mess some years back ::
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  Rebirth.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Omega... the end.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: taps commbadge :: *CO*: Captain, I've got their transport coordinates.  They beamed down to the capital city on the western continent.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
*Rotan*: Excellent.  Then we shall go there too.  But first...
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Looks at the captain with a frown ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I want torpedoes trained on those coordinates.  If we fail, Omega and if need be that area of the planet must be destroyed.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
:: rejoins the group on the bridge ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: I do not approve of the necessity of such an order, but if it is indeed the Omega container we are reading, then it cannot leave the planet or be opened by Sarite.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
:: Putting aside for the moment how such an action might affect Bill ::  CO: The phasers could set it off.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CTO: I'm not entirely familiar with the molecule... so... :: looks lost ::
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Captain, :: looks at tho ops console :: the sensors show that the microsingularities have started appearing again.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: They may have found another lab here.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Our single saving factor is that while phasers would destroy the container, it is so unstable that it is self-consuming.  The only known way to rid this space of Omega is to send it into its own subspace.  In other words, we cause it to rip a small hole and then shove it through.
CNS_Cmd_Azhure says:
CO:  How does one shove it through?
CMO_Lt_Raythan says:
:: Shrug :: ALL: Very carefully?
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Sounds like quantum torpedoes.  And sir?  Information.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: looks at Rotan :: Rotan: So we will need phasers with a phase variant.  I believe also a photon torpedo shot with phase shielding could also have the same effect.  You now know why we have the new shielding.
CEO_Ens_Rotan says:
CO: Yes sir.  I do now.
CTO_Cmdr_Powers says:
CO: Those people in the video.... the followers... they're the scientific elite of Klingons.  Doctors, top scientists, people like that
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: You have access to my command information.  We will beam back to the ship so you can familiarize yourself and then we will assemble in TR to beam to the keepers beam down site.

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