Quirinus (mirror) Mission 10803.10

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: In need of supplies and far from any friendly rebel bases, the Quirinus started searching for an Alliance supply base that would be a suitable prey for them - an out of the way, lightly defended repair station with the raw materials the stolen vessel needed. As they approached the station, using sensor and communications tricks to keep the Alliance station unguarded, the ploy seemed to be going as planned.  Engineer Telarus started to think up new and inventive ways to keep the Klingons off their guard... mysterious ways that seemed designed to draw closer attention to the Quirinus itself. 

Suspecting a traitor in their midst, the weapons specialist jumped into action, reaching for the engineer as the rest of the Bridge crew watched...

=/\==/\= BEGIN Quirinus (mirror) Mission 10803.10 =/\==/\=
=/\==/\= Episode 3 =/\==/\=

ACTION: In a swift motion, Bill Powers crosses the Bridge, smacks anything in Telarus's hands away, and grabs the engineer by the neck, pinning the taller but less built worker against the consoles.  Bill's knife presses dangerously close to David's ribcage.

Kraight says:
:: watches, amused ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
::bemused, watches::
Azhure says:
:: On the bridge, dealing with the Klingons, she ignores what is going on behind her.  One does not mess with Bill when he was in such a mood.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: We have more to deal with than stupidity at this point.  Sheath that knife and return to station.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: I can make it quick and bloodless....
Azhure says:
:: Under her breath::  Bloodless, not likely.
Kraight says:
CTO: No, spill some blood. This bridge could use the color.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Powers: We may need him yet... ::warning tone::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::rises:: Powers: Commander...Now.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Growls, then rapidly opens his hand, allowing the engineer to collapse to the deck ::
Azhure says:
:: Taps the console, waiting to see what the Klingons would do next.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Be sure engines are ready for fast advance on my notice.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: ETA to strike point.

ACTION: The communications channel opens again.

Host CTO_Powers says:
@<Klingon> COMM: Quirinus: Vessel, please state the required codes for access.
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Helm> :: Does a quick calculation ::  CO: Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes....
Azhure says:
:: Looks over at the captain, with a lifted brow::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks at Azhure and shrugs:: Azhure: We are in distress....
Azhure says:
COMM: Klingon:  Codes?  What codes?  Who would have these codes?
Kraight says:
:: scans station with passive sensors, looking for more detail on their offensive and defensive installations ::
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: moves back to his console, checking on the ship's status ::
Host CTO_Powers says:
@<Klingon> :: Agitated :: COM: Quirinus: Your authentication codes.  Now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Burst of high warp... reduce the time to strike point.
Azhure says:
COMM: Klingon:  If you tell me where to get them or how to send them, I will be happy to oblige.

ACTION: The helmsman nods, and turns to his console.  A five second burst at warp 8 ensues, then back to impulse puts the Quirinus within seconds of weapons range to the station....

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Azhure: Make something up...Gowron will not be happy with the delay of his favorite courtesan....
Azhure says:
COMM: Klingon: Oh my... it did it again.  ::sighs dramatically::
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We're almost there...
Host CTO_Powers says:
@<Klingon> COMM: Quirinus: Has space rotted your brain!  The codes... now.
Azhure says:
:: Turns and looks at the captain with a lifted brow.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::shrugs again:: Helm: all stop.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Telarus: Leak something.
Azhure says:
COMM: Klingon:  Could you just please get Gowron and tell him the problem?

ACTION: The communications channel is closed suddenly.  Shields begin to come up on the station.

Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Curses ::  CO: Shields coming up on target!
Azhure says:
:: Turns::  CO: That's it.  Either they don't trust us or they don't like Gowron.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We have to strike now.  :: oddly calm ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Very well.  Helm: Strike attack.  Kraight: Lock on to anything we might be able to get.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Target shield and weapons arrays and disable at range...
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: ... understood.
Kraight says:
:: hands fly over his console :: CO: Going to active scans...
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Engage.

ACTION: The Quirinus begins to dive the station, and Bill brings the weapons online, firing indiscriminately at shield points.  Enemy shields drop to 70% on first barrage.

Ben_Pangborn says:
::composed:: Sulek: Lets hope this goes easy... :: wicked smile :: If not....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: It seldom does.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: Enemy is attempting to lock onto us.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: ETA to transport.  Powers: Second volley, now.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: Fires disruptors again as they swoop as close to the station as reasonable ::
Azhure says:
:: Watches the screen, basically staying out of the way.::
Kraight says:
CO: I have sensor locks on much of their armaments, but we need those shields down before I can beam the material out.

ACTION: The station and Quirinus trade weapons fire.  The helmsman seems slow on the evasives, and the station's weapons catch the right wing of the Quirinus, forcing her into an unanticipated barrel roll.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::looks over at Powers:: Powers: Get those shields down.

ACTION: Up becomes down, right becomes left on the bird of prey.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Let another one like that slip, and we will need someone new at the helm.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::grabs on to his seat:: Powers: Status?
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: We are indeed a crew of miscreants.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: Enemy shields down to 55%, but that last hit took a lot out of us.  Our targeting array is offline, we're working by sight.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Nothing new.  Telarus: We need targeting, now.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Where are the armaments?

ACTION: The Quirinus makes another run, coming from "below" the station and moving "up."

Kraight says:
CO: Most of them are in the cargo bays next to their weapons emplacements.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: If needed use one of the torpedoes to take out the part of the station where the armaments are not stored.  Even without targeting, we should be able to hit the opposite side of the base.

ACTION: As the Quirinus crosses the center point of the station, a tractor beam reaches out, nearly grabbing the stolen Klingon vessel.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Ops: What communications are they sending?
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Ops> CO: Radio silent, Cap.
Azhure says:
:: Lifts a brow as that was rather too close.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: That means they think they can beat us or defense is closer than we know.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: If we do not get the shields down on the next pass, we must consider the latter and withdraw.
Kraight says:
CO: Klingons do not call for help lightly.

ACTION: As if on cue, three Cardassian fighters emerge from the orbiting planet's atmosphere, weapons hot, and on a direct line for the battle.

Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: Cutting it kind of close here - we may need to ba.... Damn it!
Azhure says:
:: To no one::  Our welcoming committee is about to arrive.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Helm: Hard about.  Get us out of here.
Host CTO_Powers says:
:: pounds on the sides of his console ::
Azhure says:
:: Looks over at Bill ::

ACTION: The station succeeds in locking onto the Quirinus with a tractor beam.  Disruptors begin to pound at the shields, and a communication comes in demanding their surrender.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Pangborn: As I said, it seldom does.  Helm: Shearing action.  Full warp.
Azhure says:
:: Holds on, her eyes narrowing.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Powers: Fire torpedoes at the station, now.
Kraight says:
CO: Attempting to determine the tractor frequency...  :: adjusts several controls ::
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: Yes!  :: fires twin orbs of green at point blank range ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Transport anything you can grab if we break free.
Kraight says:
CO: Transporters ready.

ACTION: The pair of projectiles slam into the station's shields, creating a large hole near the Quirinus's position.  Unfortunately, it also knocks the Quirinus for a loop as well, further damaging the already injured starboard nacelle.

Kraight says:
CO: Warp containment down to 57%, sir.
Host CTO_Powers says:
CO: One minute until those fighters are on us!
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::as he tumbles:: Kraight: Transport.  Helm: get us out of here, best speed.
Kraight says:
CO: Energizing...
Azhure says:
:: Holding on to her seat, literally, waits.::

ACTION: The Quirinus engages their transporter beams, attempting to grab raw materials, torpedo stocks, repair tools....

With the shields down, something else beams in - small orbs, canisters almost, all around.  They plunk to the ground.  Bill's eyes go wide, and he calls out "Stun grenades!"

Ben_Pangborn says:
:: tries to take cover ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Kraight: Reverse transport.
Kraight says:
CO: Aye!  :: fingers fly ::
Azhure says:
:: Closing her eyes to concentrate, moves quickly away from the general area.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: moves to behind a console ::

ACTION: Seconds later, they go off, one by one across the Bridge - and across Engineering.  Kraight is able to beam some of them off, but Engineering is completely neutralized.

The Bridge is slightly more lucky.  Pangborn is shielded from the full brunt of a stun grenade, but is still sufficiently woozy to not be in full control of his muscles.  Sulek's Vulcan heritage also allows him to absorb some of the blast and remain conscious, but everyone else is out cold.

Ben_Pangborn says:
::tries to get up:: Sulek: Sulek....
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::moving to helm, unsteadily, he presses the warp engage::  Pangborn: Stay down.
Ben_Pangborn says:
Sulek: I'm not sure I could get up if I wanted to.

ACTION: The ship does not respond to Sulek's command.

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::overriding all other consoles, he transfers to the helm::
Azhure says:
::Looks around the bridge, taking note of how things went and frowns.  Two are still conscious, but the ship may not be.::

ACTION: Six blood red transporter columns materialize on the Bridge, revealing Klingons in body armor with weapons at the ready.  They scan around the Bridge, seeing the bodies, and focus on Captain Sulek.

Ben_Pangborn says:
::feels for his weapon, finds it::
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Klingon #1> :: kicks the weapon from the slow moving human's hand and levels a rifle into his face ::  Try that again, and it'll be the last thing you do.
Azhure says:
:: Quietly breaths, waiting.::
Ben_Pangborn says:
::wipes the blood from his face and spits at the Klingon::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Sulek: Rises...I am Sulek...  ::looks at Pangborn::  Welcome to the remains of the Quirinus.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he presses a button on the helm trying to form a containment field around the Klingons::
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Klingon #2> :: shoots Sulek's hand, vaporizing it ::
Ben_Pangborn says:
:: tries to gets up ::
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Klingon #3> :: Counts the bridge crew - the two command officers, one at weapons, one at sensors, and one at helm... five total ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he stares down at the cauterized end of his arm::  Self: Indeed.  ::he grimaces for a moment, struggling to maintain composure::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he sits in the helm chair, somewhat glassy eyed:: Klingon: That was quite unnecessary.
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Klingon CO> CO: And attacking my station wasn't?  :: Steps forward to eye the Vulcan warily ::  CO: You have stolen this vessel from the Klingon Empire.  I proudly claim it back in my name.
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Klingon: Actually, I won it by the usual Alliance standards...as to our attack...seems the proud Klingons needed a bit of help.  Nice to have Cardassians, isn't it.

ACTION: The other Klingons start beaming the crew to holding cells.  For "fun" they materialize the crew slightly off the ground so they land with a thump.  This thump is enough to jar Kraight from his slumber.

Kraight says:
@ :: stirs, sits up ::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::sitting, he stares at the stump, the numbness of the grenade and shock beginning to allow the pain to seep in::
Host CTO_Powers says:
<Klingon CO> :: Sneers ::  CO: It's good to have friends.  :: Notices the Bridge emptying out except for the two awake officers ::
Azhure says:
:: Managing to acquire a few medical items, she moves to slip them into the captains still form.::
Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Klingon: How is your station? Still livable, I hope?  :: cringe ::

ACTION: Bill Powers materializes a foot above Kraight.  His head bounces off the Benzite's knee, then rolls to the side

Host CO_Capt_Sulek says:
:: notices that the pain lessens considerably... odd ::
Kraight says:
@ :: examines Powers ::  Powers: Powers... are you all right?
Host CTO_Powers says:
@ :: Moans, but is still stunned ::
Kraight says:
@ :: does what he can to make Powers comfortable ::

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