Arcadia Station SB-101 / USS Quirinus NCC-83942
SD 11111.28

Starring:
Mitch Travis as Commanding Officer Captain Sulek
Christopher Dickinson as Chief of Security Commander Bill Powers
Eduardo Oneto as Chief Engineering Officer Lt. Commander Edward On
Richard Robbins as Operations Manager Commander Twelk
Karriaunna Scotti as Counselor Commander Azhure Powers

Ship Manager Keith LaHue

Also Starring:
Christina Doane as Executive Officer Commander Havaris Alora
Christopher Dickinson as Tactical Officer Lieutenant Loran
Keith LaHue as Denalis
Karriaunna Scotti as Medical Officer Ruby

Absent:
Bruce Oriani as Chief Science Officer Lt. Commander Trikk Starr

TIME LAPSE SINCE LAST MISSION: None

"The Gates of Delirium, Part 8": Last time on Arcadia... The crew is struggling to come up with a solution to the problem of the gravity well and is running simulations - to no avail so far.

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OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: finishes setting up what they had in the simulation::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::on bridge:: Havaris: As soon as we've transported all nonessential personnel, we will begin to plan to make our way to the gravity well.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: Aye Sir.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: We should inform both planets of our intentions and that this is no sure thing.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: How is the transporting of non-essentials going Commander?
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
:: on the bridge at his station ::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Aye Captain. We are nearly there
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: contacts the planets and informs them of the plan and what may happen::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: Let us know as soon as transportations are complete.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he looks around the bridge:: All: Finally this may be a one way trip for the Quirinus. I cannot and will not order any of you to what could be our final voyage especially since there is a chance that you can be rescued by the evac ships. I am therefore asking for volunteers only. If any of you decide to transport to the surface, no one will think the less of you.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Captain, all non-essential personal have been transported off the ship.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he waits for any who wish to leave to do so::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Captain just so you know the gravity well is starting to affect Marcella II's climate. Scan show it around 10 degrees Celsius higher on the average on the planet.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Starts to speak then just gives a supporting nod.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::he moves to the command chair:: Flyer: Set course for the gravity well.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: I don't know about you but here is just as good a spot as any if this goes wrong.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
ALL: All stations stand by.
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Passes word on down through the ship to stand ready ::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Goes to her station and pulls her console toward her.:
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Loran: Set shields to maximum and prepare to launch all quantum torpedoes and the use the deflector dish.
TO_Lt_Loran says:
CO: Shields at one hundred ten percent operational strength. All quantum torpedoes loaded and locked.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Prepare to deploy shuttles to use in unison with the ship.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Flyer: ETA to gravity well and point of deployment?
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Aye Captain :: ties the shuttles into his console for remote operations::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CEO: Report the slightest change in your systems Commander.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
XO: Aye, Ma'am
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
On: Engine status.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO: The engines are green. They are at 100%
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: brings the deflector dish to stand by ::
FCO_Flyer says:
Sulek: ETA 10 minutes.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
All: Any suggestions to add, this may be your last chance.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Just a prayer to whoever you may happen to worship Captain.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO: I must add that I am concerned that I have made preparations for encountering the gravity well. We work that at the simulations.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: I've been running simulations and so far the odds haven't increased despite alternations. Though I haven't tried blowing the shuttles, might be more uncontrolled power then we can use....
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Twelk: A good suggestion for those of you have a particular belief system.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: You have 6 minutes to find out.
FCO_Flyer says:
Sulek: 4 minutes optimum solution.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Shuttles ready to launch on your command Captain.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Parallel launch at two minutes.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Continues to run through systems and checking in with various departments, making sure everyone is ready, even as a small part of her brain is going "I shall fear no evil for thy art..."
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Thinks it's the waiting that's going to kill them ::
FCO_Flyer says:
Sulek: two minutes
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Launch shuttles
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: launches the shuttles:: CO: Shuttles launched Captain.
FCO_Flyer says:
Sulek: We are at optimum moving to station keeping.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Shuttles to position.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
Flyer: Hold us at our assigned station keeping point.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Aye Captain :: moves the shuttles into position:: Shuttles in position.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: brings the deflector dish online::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Deflector dish online Captain.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Loran: Prepare to fire. All: this must go exactly as timed. Following torpedo launch and detonation, we will fire gravitons from the deflector dish of the shuttles followed by everything we can muster through the ship's and finally detonating the shuttles' antimatter in the well if needed.
TO_Lt_Loran says:
CO: Firing solution is programmed into the computer to avoid human error.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: On screen, magnification 4
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Monitors the readouts.::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: puts the gravity well on screen at magnification of 4:: CO: On Screen Captain

SCENE: The gravity well looms ahead of the ship, mocking it in its sheer size.

CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Carrying the baby in her arms, she heads down the hall back to their hosts office. The birthing had been difficult. As such, the mother was still unconscious for now... they would wake her when needed.::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Loran: Fire on my mark.. 4...3...2...1... Mark...
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Wiping the seat from her brow, she realizes it was warmer than it was earlier.::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Having finished checking in with his half of the group captains, Bill stands and glances up at the sun, wiping sweat from his brow. He puts his hand to block it from his vision, then looks in the direction he knows the well to be ::
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Initiates the firing sequence ::

ACTION: The gravity well collapses, and for a moment it appears that all is well. Then, as suddenly as it disappeared, it comes roaring back with a vengeance, twice as strong as it was. The Quirinus is being pulled in, and both of the inhabited planets as well. Nearer to the well, one of the gas giants is even closer to the well

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Fire gravitons from shuttles.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
On: All power to deflector dish.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Firing Captain. :: fires the deflector dishes from all the shuttles and the ship::
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: As he watches the sky, there's some odd brilliance; he thinks he recognizes the detonation of quantum ordnance ::
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
:: Taps a few bottoms leading all the power to deflector dish ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Fire ship's deflector dish and then detonate the shuttles' antimatter.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Goes to stand near the CEO, watching the power output, assisting as needed.::
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO: Aye, Captain
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Flyer: Full reverse...
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Does not need anyone to tell her something has gone wrong. Turning around, she heads back to the main infirmary.::

ACTION: The gravity well shimmers in space, and appears to weaken for a moment, before coming back to even greater strength

OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: watches as the deflectors fire hoping that they hold up long enough::

ACTION: The ship buckles against the enormity of the well

OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: sees what is happening:: CO: Well captain it has been nice knowing you.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Walking into the room, she can read the horror on some faces, desperation on others and some resignation. But she can also see those volunteers walking around, keeping up hope::

ACTION: The ship is being pulled into the gravity well.

CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: The last blast...
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Loran: If it has power...fire it.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: It's back larger than ever. What if we blow the shuttles?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Eject antimatter from the shuttles.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO/XO: We might have a solution firing out our warp core?
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
XO: Commander, the shuttles have already been blown.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Steps out of the way: Quietly: *CSec*: Bill, where are you?
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Instructs the computer to load photon ordnance, full spread, all tubes, and initiates the firing sequence ::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: Understood. CEO/CO: What about the warp core?
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: His left hand still blocking the sun, his right taps his combadge :: *CNS*: Milling about with everyone else from the ship.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CEO: Do we have anything else?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@*CSec*: Come join me in the infirmary... unless you would prefer I join you there. Though why you are milling with the others eludes me.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Havaris: We would have no chance of survival without it.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: Somehow I doubt we have much now Sir.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO/XO: First we need to dump the antimatter and then fire out our warp core
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: Working in it...
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@*CNS*: Habit. Someone's got to watch the troops...
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CEO: Suggest we dump the plasma as well chief
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
OPS: Right, Commander
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ *CSec*: Then I will join you... if you will send me your coordinates or at least some directions.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
On/Twelk: Anything we can to do to cause it to destabilize. At this point, we have little else we can do.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CEO: You heard the man everything and the kitchen sink.. ::Goes to another station to assist.::
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Can't help but feel like this is getting futile at this point ... ::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Captain we are giving it all we can now ready to fire the last that we have at it.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Understood. We knew the risk. Fire what we have.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Suddenly wonders if he should have had someone double check the emergency supplies... at least the communications hub seems to be working. But the food, the shelters... ::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Considers waking the mother to leave the babe, she stops by to check on her status.::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: nods to the CEO:: CEO: Let's send the last of it.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
TO: Fire at will.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::watches as the ship struggle toward the well:: Self: It had to be about the power...just not enough...
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO: Sir, do you want me to eject the warp core? :: waiting for orders ::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: starts venting the plasma and antimatter::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: discovering it was not the best thing for the mother... that everyone was going to continue as if things were normal, she keeps the babe and heads out to find her husband.::
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Checks the computer as it continues to fire and load their torpedoes, and is alarmed at the sight :: CO: Weapons magazine is nearing empty!
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Loran: Understood.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: As she exits the building, she notes the heat and buildup of pressure more intensely::

ACTION: After the last-ditch salvo by the Quirinus, the gravity well collapses, but into what? The ship, spent and out of power, drifts in a new kind of nothingness. Sensors read - nothing. There is nothing, only darkness, no stars.

OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: starts adjusting the harmonic of the shields as well hoping for a miracle::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
ALL: Stations report.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Sensors and Coms are showing nothing.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
:: confirm that the antimatter and the plasma is venting out :: OPS: Ready, waiting for orders to eject the warp core
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Making sure the newborn is well covered, she heads down the road to the community center not far away.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Flyer: Reverse course... if we can get anything on line.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CEO: Hold that, check systems, get us online
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
On: I do not believe we will need to eject.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Noting something else different, she pauses to look up.::
TO_Lt_Loran says:
CO: External sensors are either non-operational or.... blank.... sir.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Checks with medical and other stations for injuries:: CEO: Is the ship secure internally?
FCO_Flyer says:
CO: How? The universe is simply...not there. We have nothing to navigate by.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ *CSec*: Bill, look up at the sky. One of the gas giants is missing.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Sees something resembling a last bright little flash in the sky, and then suddenly it's dull again ::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: starts looking for any kind of power that can be routed into the main operating systems::
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
XO/CO: Understood :: taps a few buttons in order to cancel the warp core ejection
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
CEO: Begin to re-power sequence.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Loran: Do we even have nav shields?
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@*CNS*: It's still day here... I'll take your word for it right now. :: Lowers his head and calls to one of the nearby officers to bring him a tricorder ::
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
XO: Yes, ma'am
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: Internal coms working medical reports no injuries.

ACTION: As the Quirinus ponders its next move, something most odd happens.... the nothing attenuates, and something begins to come through... it is one of the gas giants from the Marcella system... and it is getting brighter.

OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CEO: I am trying to route any power I can find to the main systems.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Notes internally a couple of other things... such as the gravity well no longer in existence.:: *CSec*: I will join you shortly. The gravity well has collapsed. Contact the ship?
TO_Lt_Loran says:
CO: I believe so. Power is still online, tactical systems read nominal, but powering down to flight standard levels.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
:: taps a few bottoms in order to re-power all systems that were at stand-by ::
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Not sensing the crew, especially Sulek, she hurries her steps.::

ACTION: The gas giant, almost as if it were powered, begins to both move away from the ship, and grow brighter....

CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@*CNS*: Stand by. *Quirinus*: Quirinus, Commander Powers. Come in, Quirinus....
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
OPS: I am restoring now the power :: taps also a few bottoms to restore energy of the systems if needed with backups ::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: sees the sight in the view screen:: CO: Captain I believe we are in something path? :: points to the view screen::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: Sir, are you seeing this?
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: Are any sensors working?
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: What is it doing?
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Sensors are telling me that this gas giant is becoming a small star.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Following the voices, she soon finds herself amongst the 'non-essential' personnel... using that term lightly as there really was no such thing on a starship.::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
XO: Becoming a new small star Cmdr.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: I see it but I have no explanation.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: I see that. Are we getting all this on record?
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Slipping among the people, giving fleeting greetings as she passes, she homes in on Bill.::
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
XO: It came from the Marcella system
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Is it collapsing or evolving to its next gaseous state.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: I have a feeling that it is because of the gravity well as it was being sucked in as well.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Evolving, I believe, Captain
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
OPS: Is anything else on Sensors?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Flyer: Do we have locators.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
XO: Just what I have reported so far Cmdr.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Seeing him, she moves to join him.:: CSec: Anything?
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: Notes the approach of his wife and hesitates to show her the readings on the tricorder's screen. His voice very quiet as she approaches so that only she can hear :: CNS: I'm not picking up the Quirinus anymore... nor the gravity well, either. The resolution is too small to scan for debris at this range.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CEO: Chief I suggest we work on getting the engines back online first.

ACTION: With an almost audible 'pop' both the Quirinus and the new star burst onto the scene in the Marcella system. The 'new' star takes up a position that is most favorable to Marcella II, and gently warms the once colder planet. Rain begins to fall, and there is the promise of new life on the once poor planet. The Quirinus is adrift, but out of danger.

CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
OPS: Alright, Commander :: taps a few bottoms in order to see the engines status ::
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
On: If gravitational pull becomes dangerous...you may want to consider a cold start...
TO_Lt_Loran says:
:: Crunches his head into his shoulder at the sound, as if they just had a sudden altitude change :: CO: Captain... sensors are coming back on.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO: Aye, Captain
FCO_Flyer says:
Sulek: We are back in the Marcella system..
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Her voice for his ears only:: CSec: No... I do not sense them either. But neither did I sense their deaths. I would know if Sulek dies.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
::Feels her ears pop.::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
All: Everyone ok?
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
:: hears some comm traffic:: Captain I am starting to pick up Com traffic. Attempting to contact our personal on the planet.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@:: An incessant beeping emits from the tricorder :: CNS: Odd. I'm now picking up their transponder signal... but not at the same location.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
::He ponders what just happened:: Twelk: The void was the residue of the final residue of the collapse of the well.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: We now also have an explanation as to why the cave drawings showed the last time there was a climate change.
CEO_LtCmdr_On says:
CO/XO: The actual status is that we are at low-level deflector shields and we have impulse speed.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Lifts a brow::
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: Yes perhaps now everything is as it should be.
OPS_Cmdr_Twelk says:
CO: Very possible Captain and now it has collapsed and has formed a new star in this system.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Havaris: Indeed. I would prefer not to repeat the sequence.
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Flyer: Get us into orbit. Best speed.
XO_Cmdr_Havaris says:
CO: I agree Sir. Shall we get our personnel back on board, now that things are stable?
CO_Capt_Sulek says:
Twelk: Contact our people and let them know we are coming to get them.
CNS_Cmdr_Azhure says:
@ :: Closes her eyes a moment to focus amongst the noise.:: CSec: It would appear... they are back.
CSec_Cmdr_Powers says:
@CNS: I have the feeling they have a darn good story for us.

=/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  Pause Mission  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=  =/\=

TIME LAPSE TO NEXT MISSION: One Week