Quirinus (mirror) Mission 10803.03

starring

Mitch Travis as Captain Sulek 
Keith LaHue as XO Ben Pangborn 
Christopher Dickinson as Billy Bob Powers 
Jeffrey G. Brown as Kraight 
Ed Selgas as David Telarus 
Karriaunna Scotti as Azhure 

and

Mike Horton, Ship Manager

Chris Dickinson, Special Guest Ship Manager

MISSION PROLOGUE: Somewhere in the darks of the universe, a vessel silently streaks through space.  The Quirinus, rebel held, searches quietly for prey to feast on, something to capture. But the universe does not sway in the Quirinus's favor.  Alliance vessels have stepped up their patrols with routes and borders becoming heavily guarded. The Alliance knows something is afoot, but cannot tell what from the randomly assorted assaults from a dozen vessels or so.  How well can the Vulcan Captain and his motley crew fare against the odds?

=/\==/\= BEGIN Quirinus (mirror) Mission 10803.03 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Episode 3 =/\==/\=

Ben_Pangborn says:
::On the bridge, strategizing::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge::
Kraight says:
:: at the science station, monitoring long range sensors ::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::on the bridge at his station::
Host ChrisD says:
<CTO_Powers> :: Leaning against the rear of the Bridge ::  CO: That last battle took a bit out of us.  We're starting to run low on torpedoes...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Keep us clear of any major routes.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: He's right. We're going to need to come up with more than the last raid left us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Full scans, if you find something undefended that can offer us a supply, let me know.
Host ChrisD says:
<CTO_Powers> CO: We haven't seen anything unguarded for the last two weeks, you know.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Kraight: Are we coming up on any relatively unguarded systems we might take advantage of?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::checks out engine and weapon diagnostics::
Azhure says:
:: As the lift stops at the bridge, she steps off and casually moves to auxiliary to take a seat.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: With the raiders all traveling the same way...it is likely that patrols have indeed increased.  It may also mean that lesser colonies our down on defense.
Kraight says:
:: makes an adjustment to the sensor grid ::  Pangborn: Checking...
Azhure says:
:: Leans back in the chair, out of the way and quietly observes.::
Ben_Pangborn says:
:: stands, looking out the forward viewscreen, arms crossed ::
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Glances around the Bridge, counting heads .... and wondering if it's suitable for all the senior most personnel to be all in one place ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: There may be some re-supply at the base in the asteroid belt, but still, as we approach the rendezvous, I would like to be better defended.  A lightly armed escort or repair facility...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Check the area for repair or even salvage bases.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Captain, can I have a word?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO:...in private?
Kraight says:
:: turns ::  Pangborn, Sulek: Most of the depots on our present course are well guarded. However, there is a supply station orbiting the fifth planet of the Gerstell system that appears to be vulnerable. A supply convoy left with its escort just twelve hours ago, and no Alliance warships are expected to arrive for the next two days.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Perhaps one of our 'friends' could help. You could contact them. :: looks over at Telarus ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: What do we have in the way of unused transmission signatures that might let us get closer?
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Very little if anything.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: But we can create new ones.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Glances over towards Azhure, wondering when her abilities will decide to show themselves ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::Rises:: Telarus: Very well, we will move to the aft bridge.
Azhure says:
:: Never believes anything is vulnerable.  Looks over toward Bill.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: See what you can come up with.  Kraight: Check the scans to make sure the base has what we need.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moves aft::
Kraight says:
:: moves to comply ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
::sits at an empty console:: Sulek: Aye.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::waits for Telarus::
Ben_Pangborn says:
::attempts to create some false transmission signatures they could use to get closer to guarded space::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::moves aft with the Captain::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Captain, I have been doing a lot of the work and in the "trenches" of the ship. I have done what I have can, but we need supplies, this raid might yield what we need to get the mission done and have some extra to sell. I can only do so much with what raw parts are left in the holds.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I am aware of this.  And the reason you needed the privacy?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: The other reason is that I know you and the XO are close, but could you see about getting off my six. I know I am new, but I want to get my job done without worrying about the person behind me.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I see.  It is the nature of the XO to suspect all.  If you do your job, he will be less gruff, but I doubt that he will ever be less than that.  I will, however, remind him that thus far you have done reasonably well.  Will that suffice?
Azhure says:
:: Standing, walks over to Kraight and leans near his console::  CSO: Any luck?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Aye sir, I'd appreciate it much and be grateful to give you a bottle of a fine whiskey from back home.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I do not drink.  It clouds judgment and logic.
Kraight says:
:: looks over the beautiful humanoid with no small interest in his eyes :: Azhure: I, ah... I believe that the Gerstell V station may have at least some of what we need.
Ben_Pangborn says:
::loudly:: Sulek: When your done baby-sitting, we have an opportunity here.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: snorts ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: But I shall keep my word. Do not let me down. ::turns::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Aye, I won't.
Azhure says:
Kraight: Yet you believe it to be an easy catch... :: shakes head slowly::  Given the increased heat from the rebels, I doubt the Alliance would make it that easy.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Tell me.  I remind you that I am satisfied with our new CEO's work to this point.  Perhaps, his work will continue to improve if you do not expect the worse...this does not mean however that you will not follow up.
Kraight says:
Azhure: I said it was relatively unguarded. That won't make it "easy"... but the other likely locations will definitely be better guarded.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::goes back to work::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Check all systems.  I need them as battle ready as we can get.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::notices that the XO is trying to mask engine signature and wants to help him::
Azhure says:
:: Pushing away from the console, she walks past him, lightly running a finger along his arm in passing.::  Kraight: It would also make a very good trap.  :: Looks him carefully in the eyes before moving on.::
Ben_Pangborn says:
::snickers:: Sulek: Oh I will follow up. Now how about planning a raid on this outpost Kraight found? My feet are itchy.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Opportunity?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::hears the Captain:: CO: Consider it done, sir.
Kraight says:
:: closes his eyes as Azhure touches him, then opens them and watches her as she walks away... a slight smile flickers across his face ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: The outpost on Gerstell V.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: If we can get in close enough, to take out the outpost shields, then it will be a simple beam and grab. ::watching Azhure and Kraight from the corner of his eye::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
XO: Sir can I help you with you with masking our engine signature. I have experience with Alliance ships and their transponders.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: You have a possible signature we can use? Telarus: Get on it, transfer your data to the XO...
Azhure says:
:: Comes to a stop beside Bill and catching his eyes, slowly shakes her head.::
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Narrows his eyes.  Very quietly he asks ::  Azhure: What did you see?
Ben_Pangborn says:
Telarus: Give it your best shot. I've saved what I've been working on. :: looks at him :: We all need to be useful.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Understood.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I have one ready to use.
Azhure says:
:: For his ears alone::  CTO: Trap...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: then send it to Telarus so he can make the proper mask for the engines.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Done.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Lay in course for the base.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Approach route?
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: moves to the ship's scanners, trying not to use the high-energy active sensors ::
Kraight says:
Sulek: Their scan patterns suggest that an approach on a heading of 315 slash 58 will be most effective.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
XO: I can program up a cipher for the transponder that would read as a legit Alliance supply ship, but our ships would pick us up as a friendly. Rebellion codes would be hidden in our IFF signal to the Alliance Patrols, but since Rebellion ships are the only ones that should decipher it. We should be good.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Lay in route.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Who is in command of the ship signature you intend to use?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::transferring data and cypher encode to XO station:: XO: At your station right now sir.
Azhure says:
:: After a moment, makes her way toward the captains chair and lightly leans against it.::
Ben_Pangborn says:
Telarus: Good work. I'll implement it now.  ::keys in the new code::
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: It's random.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::quietly:: Azhure: Be careful how you get what you wish from the CSO.  He does not take games readily. What do you think about the raid?
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Engage course.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: ETA to attack maneuver?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::laughs out loud:: All: They won't even know we are coming, let's hope they don't have windows.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: checks their route and speed ::  CO: Fifteen minutes, unless we increase speed.
Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow::  CO: What I wish... now that would be nice.  As for the raid... :: shrugs::  We need the supplies, undoubtedly, but the Alliance would like to get their hands on us even more.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Let's not tip our hand yet.  Telarus: Transfer speed control to tactical.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: A ship coming in at high warp is probably going to make anyone suspicious to begin with....
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Once we implement the code we should be fine the engine emissions shouldn't give us away, they use Klingon tech too, they will still think it's a supply transport or freighter we can go full speed.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Indeed.  If Kraight takes your wishes... well let's just say I would miss our "sessions."
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Understood, transferring to TAC.
Azhure says:
:: shakes her head at the CEO's words::  CO: Over confidence is a real killer.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: You have control.  Let's look like were friendly.
Azhure says:
:: Looks up with a genuine smile::  CO: As would I... :: Moves back out of the way.::
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: And how would you suggest pulling off that miracle?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Azhure: I am not saying we go in at warp, like it was stated warp will bring too much attention, but full impulse wouldn't.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Give us the appearance of needing a minor repair.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: I suggest, we go in full impulse get there faster, I can transmit false data to them and make them think we are having warp capability problems.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: It's all in the approach.  Helm: .5 impulse
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Notices their travel time become exponential as they drop from warp ::  CO: Now we're looking at... hours to reach the station...
Azhure says:
CO: Bait?
Ben_Pangborn says:
Powers: Time for a nap I guess.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Always there is a chance for a trap.
Azhure says:
CO: Undoubtedly.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Warp 2 then to sublight then back to warp... I think we might be developing speed control problems... ::looks at Powers and REB::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Sir this is gonna give us away a little to quickly, I suggest we adjust our trajectory angle it so it looks like are not heading for that station, then drop out of warp, hail them audio only, and move over there for "repairs".
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: My knowledge of Alliance tactics, they will find something a miss from readings of a ship dropping in and out of warp.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Watching sensors still... verifying the lack of vessels in system ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Agreed...when we come in strike range, we will appear to go off line.  Helm: Make course a bit erratic as well.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Oh hell. Lets just get there and take what we need. ::frustrated::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: ETA best guess with the engine strategy.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: Patience, commander.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: Probably.... two, three hours.  If we spent more time in subspace than out.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Then we will go faster.  Helm: Warp 7.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: If we drop in small increments...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: We can shave an hour, if revector to this bearing. ::shows PADD to Captain::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO:...and also this heading.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: I will give you the control, just make it look like we are having problems.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Shakes his head ::  CO: I'm a weapons specialist, not a pilot.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Transfer to helm as back up.  I think we might need to get there a bit faster.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers; Then who better to make our attack look like a ship in trouble, than one who is random.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Aye. ::transfers to helm::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
::inputs new vectors::
Azhure says:
:: chuckles::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: I have a tactical idea, sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: When we are within attack range at short burst...bring us to halt.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Put out a hail to the station, that we are having problems...make it sultry enough that they will be concentrating more on the voice than the ship.
Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow and heads for a commlink::
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: When we get close to the station, I suggest launching a dead probe at warp and have it arm and shoot away with a Rebellion signature.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Why would we want it to have a rebellion signature?
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: The man's insane, Captain...
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: Or perhaps a traitor.  :: Pulls a knife from nowhere ::
Azhure says:
:: Closes her eyes for a moment to get the feel of what she wants.  With a sultry smile, opens the commlink.::
Ben_Pangborn says:
Telarus: Now why in holy hell would we want to do that? Go play with your engine.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: It will drag whatever patrols they have towards it.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: At ease...  Telarus: Or send them straight at us.  We did launch it.  I think even the station will detect that much.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: It will bottle them towards it and make them easier targets. I can also arm it with a short range dampening field to hamper their comm and the stations.
Kraight says:
Telarus: Had you been paying attention, you would have heard me state clearly that there are no patrols in this system, as the last convoy took all the Alliance warships with it. They are awaiting replacements.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Growls slightly, not quite prepared to "stand down" ::
Azhure says:
:: Leans over.::  COMM: This is Azhure, to anyone who can pick this up.  We are having some problems...
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
That's why I want to launch it in a dead state, and do it right before we come out of warp. The inertia will drive it away from us.
Kraight says:
Telarus: I suggest you put your brilliant tactical mind to work in devising tactics that will keep this ship running. That is all that is required of you.
Host CTO_Powers says:
ACTION: Azhure's hail is met with an automated sounding request line, asking the ship to select the type of minor repairs required.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CSO: My apologies. But I know them all too well, there is no way they would leave a cache by itself.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I think perhaps, that it is still unwise.  Your idea is noted... please offer a more sane one...
Kraight says:
:: simply looks at Telarus, with an expression that suggests turning over a rock and finding a particularly grotesque invertebrate beneath ::
Azhure says:
:: dramatically sighs::  COMM: If I knew that, I would not need help, right?  Sadly, I and my friends are not exactly trained in handling mechanical engines.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: I say we emit the dampening field as soon as we come into range, the system can still broadcast a distress beacon, best our presence in the region not be noted by a distress signal.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: I too was once a member of Alliance, in fact on this ship.  I will never play them for fools.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Azhure: Tell them that we have no engineer on board, that the engineer is dead.
Host CTO_Powers says:
ACTION: Azhure is requested to repeat her request.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Understood sir.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Telarus: Careful what you say... it may come true.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: For now, concentrate on making the ship look like we are indeed having problems.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Already done sir I have shut down half of our warp coils and locked down the plasma injectors, the remaining ones are randomly injecting a random flow of plasma into the reactor core.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
Azhure: May I?
Host CTO_Powers says:
CEO: Well, great, now we're going to just blow ourselves up and save the Alliance the hassle...
Azhure says:
:: Turns off the comm for a moment.::  CO: I am uncertain if there is anyone on the other end or not.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: It's controlled.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: I am prepared to project the dampening field.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Let them know that engines are not operating as well as we would like...play it dumb.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CEO: Maybe, but you're not.  Maybe we should put you in a cage somewhere...
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Get him off the bridge. He's a menace, and possibly a traitor. I'd be happy to interrogate him...
Azhure says:
:: Shakes her head at the engineer and turns back around.:  COMM: The engines are not... well, they are not working right.  And my ladies are not trained for that... ::sighs::  And our stupid engineer over indulged.  Can someone please come help us?
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: We should be able to warp in without a problem, I can have the machine fooled with sending them a false ship status report and tell it we need help with our injector assembly it is a simple repair job.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: In regard to our earlier conversation... you need to concentrate on all things mechanical.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Aye sir.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::flicks his glance towards Powers who has not yet sheathed his knife:: Telarus: You do understand?
Host CTO_Powers says:
ACTION: Azhure's plea is met with a lengthy silence, and then a simple "Stand by" in a gruff Klingon tone.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CTO: Hold your tongue, before I cut it out with a plasma torch and use you as a new organic fuel source for a new propulsion system.
CEO_Lt_Telarus says:
CO: Aye, I do sir.
Azhure says:
:: Turns to the captain with a lift of her brow.::
Host CTO_Powers says:
CEO: Oh?  Petty swine... :: leaps at the engineer ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: How's your Klingon?

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