SD 53099.05, 1100 hours, February 6, 2376

After a flight of 5 days, the Thames approaches the Dyson Sphere. At first it appears to be a small, dark grey ball, dimly lit by the surrounding stars, but quickly expands to planet-sized, then even larger. Finally, it appears as a huge plane of grey panels with various encrustations of equipment filling the available view. It is literally larger than anything any of the crew has ever seen. A huge circular depression houses an octagonal gateway large enough to take even a Borg cube with room to spare. Zed hails the base and gets a reply.

"Roger, Thames II, Dyson Base here. Please stand by for Portal opening." The massive doors roll back to reveal a gigantic opening in the vast expanse. The shell of the Sphere is at least two kilometres thick but given the immense structure, it appears to be egg-shell thin. "Thames, you are cleared for ingress to Dyson One. Proceed at full impulse." The transmission is accompanied by a flight plan which appears on the console, providing directions and heading for Freeman's Island. The Runabout feels like a marble sailing through a basketball hoop as it enters the Sphere. Inside, the Portal is surrounded by a metropolis of grey towers surrounded by the greens, tans and blues of a planetary surface with fluffy white clouds dotting the sky. The sun glows dead ahead, about the size of Sol as seen from Earth.

"Welcome to your new home, USS Thames," intones Dyson Flight Control.

This message was deleted by the player at 20:02, Sun 18 June 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 1):

Marissa kept busy during the entry,making full use of the sensors, to scope out the surface near and inside the sphere.


During the transition from the Starbase she had taken her turns at the helm, and was pleased with it's maneuverability.She had put it through it's paces a number of times wanting the experience with the controls should she find herself at helm during trouble.

As Marissa sits at the controls, she notices on the screen as she runs through the enhanced sensors an anomalous reading. A small object appears to be in orbit around the star Dyson, however a quick check of the astrometrics records reveals no recorded orbital objects.

This message was deleted by the player at 22:45, Mon 19 June 2017.

"Lieutenant Sloane take a look at this. We have something unregistered in system, orbiting the sun.
What do you think? We should check it out, don't you agree?"

In reply to Lt Marissa Swann (msg # 6):

OOC: Completely missed this no thread until today.

Sloane looks over the readings. "Any ideas?" Zed asks. "Perform a detailed scan.  I will move closer."

As Sloane starts to change course to investigate, he hails Dyson One, "USS Thames to Dyson One, we are altering course to investigate an unidentified object orbiting Dyson star."

The object appears to be a small space station in a decaying orbit around the star. There is a very faint signal coming from it, swamped by stellar interference. It shows all the earmarks of being a space suit emergency beacon. Due to stellar interference, no better info can be gleaned 'til the Thames gets within a kilometre or so.

Dyson Control replies, "Samson here, Thames. You are authorised to investigate. We are copying your sensor readings and understand it to be a small space station. Be aware that due to interference you may be out of communication and that transporters may be unreliable, according to our sensors."

The Thames approaches the station. It is a small structure about 50 metres in length. As the ship gets close enough, sensors read the station's environmental systems have been compromised, and only about half the station has any atmosphere at about half standard pressure with an oxy-nitrogen mix. One lifesign is intermittently readable but interference is such that its location is indeterminate. Transporter readings indicate that while it may be possible to beam over, there is a possibility of accidentally beaming into a bulkhead—explosively fatal— and getting a lock to beam back would be impossiuble even with transport enhancers. There does appear to be an airlock with atmo at one end, and a dimly lit window at the other end of the long side structure on the port side of the structure.

The Thames is able to manœuvre so that the aft airlock mates with the station's airlock by way of the Thames' extendable docking collar. Since the station is partly in vacuum and what atmosphere there is is thin and likely contaminated, space suits are called for. The Runabout is fully stocked, so the crew has the usual equipment.


Note that sensors do not record the furnishings. The only interior details discernable are the power plant at the aft end and the antenna array at the front with the suit transmitter. The blue areas are under pressure. The station's power is weak, coming from a single fusion battery. the airlock door is unpowered but there is a manual mechanism for emergency use. Tricorders can pick up the lifesign, but only can give an approximate direction with no range reading. Radiation levels are a little high, but not dangerous for the immediate future. To be certain hyronalin injections are available as a prophylaxis against short term exposure.

Argent runs sensors the best he can, specifically trying to get gravimetric readings, trying to locate the source of the signal, and recording visual sensor readings (images). He also tries to determine if the station is in a solar-synchronous orbit, or what it's orbital time is. He wonders how it got in here and how long it's been here.

He looks over the station and the images to try and determine who might have made the station.

He's also looking for signs of damage... some indication of what might have caused the station's current condition.

"We'll need to take oxygen with us, a portable power source, and we might be able to boost tricorders to read what's on the opposite side of a wall or door," he announces to the others.

Did their course take them past the lit viewport? Could they see in?

Standard procedure is to do a circuit of the station to get a good look, so yes, Argent was able to capture some imagery of the interior behind the window. The lighting was obviously on low power—dim and reddish—but with the sensors available to him, Argent is able to get a good look at the room. It appears to be some sort of observation deck with a chair like the one Ashe used in the movie Alien to track the landing party, with what appears to be two computer banks flanking a pressure door. Sensors indicate that the station has no gravity and the temperature inside is about 50 kiloPascals (about 1 half of Earth standard) at -5°C. Environmental suits would seem to be required, and a portable power source is standard equipment. Since the hull seems to have been holed, oxygen other than an emergency supply for the survivor would be of little use.

Based on its orbital decay, it will be destroyed in about a month, and would have been at a stable orbital distance some six months ago. There is evidence of some form of disruptor weapons damage with the readings indicating it was sustained at that time. The signal is definitely a suit emergency beacon of unknown origin, but the computer is able to translate it. It only gives the most basic of info. The material from which the station is constructed is the same tritanium-ceramic composite the Gamma tower used in its structure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Fri 23 June 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 10):

Marissa went over the scan data to be certain nothing was missed, before she turned to Sloane.

"Lieutenant, I have military training and likely I should lead the group into the derelict.
The uncertainty of the life sign worries me because it could mean we are dealing with a Kapecki, and perhaps even one of those corrupted by the Finori."

She stood and moved back into the crew area, her voice could still be heard."Given their resistance to Phaser Stun, I believe we need to be prepared for such a possibility"

The sound of a locker door opening and then closing preceded the hybrid Klingon's return to the bridge. "Which is why I will be carrying this."

Marissa holds a TR-116 Rifle in her hands. "I can at least disable a Kapecki with this, and no Sir, I won't be shooting first, and asking questions later, unlike what my Klingon forbears might have chosen to do" A feral grin completed the comment.

"My recommendation is that you and I accompanied by Lt Argent should prepare for possible radiation, suit up; leaving Lt Nivran here to watch the ship. Sir, Shi is skilled in a number of specialties which make hir an excellent choice to leave alone."

Nivran acquiesces to being left behind, but hir tail twitches in disappointment. Floating through the docking tube leads to an airlock door. Although closed and unpowered, there is an emergency manual entry device—essentially what looks like a hand exerciser. repated squeezing of the grips pumps the door open, revealing a very small airlock. It takes a full minute to open the door, and another minute to repeat the cation with the inner door. Since the interior is at half pressure, there is a brief puff of wind as the two airlocks equalise pressure, and again when the inner door is opened. Once all three are in the station, the inner door can be closed, leaving the two airlocks connected.

Once past the airlock, the three crew of the Thames find themselves in a mid-sized room with rows of folding seats attached to stanchions, obviously a staging area. There is a potted plant in the corner, frozen and probably dead from the sub-zero temperature. There is little else in the room save for a toppled stack of what appear to be hard-copy magazines. The light is dim and reddish in hue.

Tricorder scans indicate the next room is in near vacuum with only trace atmosphere. Opening the doors will cause the atmosphere to equalise once more, resulting in the pressure going down to 20 kiloPascals, about 1/5 Earth-normal pressure. The next room is half-again as large and completely empty, with double doors ahead and to the left. This room also has dim lighting, obviously emergency lighting.

Marissa opened the door and proceeded the others in, her weapon at the ready.
"Argent if you would keep an active search on with your tricorder. Remember that the Kapecki do show up with some life signs.

Sir, if you would activate the door each time that would allow me to cover the room?

Any further orders, before we move on Lt?"

Argent is of course aware of what Kapecki "life" signs look like. They strongly resemble Human readings. The life readings he's getting through the interference more resemble Sosal's Saurian readings. They appear to be coming from the starboard section of the station, while the broadcast is coming from the forward section. This would seem to indicate that the suit beacon has been detached and probably linked to the station's communications array. From where the away team is standing, the way to both locations is through the doors to their left. There is a lot of stellar interference, but a comms check indicate they can still communicate with Nivran on the Thames, though even with the communicators transport locator circuitry, shi cannot get a transporter lock on them.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 14):

Irregardless of any concerns from his XO Sloane is joining the away team. Prior to leaving he ensures they have hyronalin shots avaiable for them in case their stay is longer than expected.  Also making sure they have extra in case they find any survivors on the station that need immediate attention.  Plus making sure everyone has tricoder, phaser except Swann who looks covered.

"This is a recovery mission first. Try to find and treat any survivors, then try to find out what happened. Remember our ship is right here so no need to over extend." Sloane commands.

"This is also an unknown structure, so we need to identify where it came from.  Assuming Kapecki might be involved might be jumping the gun.  But should still be prepared in case they are."

Only Nivran has been detailed to remain behind. Swann has volunteered to take point and Argent is handling the tricorder scans. This leaves Zed free to command the away team in any way he deems fit—including being with the away team on the station.

Everyone on the Away Team is well equipped with an environmental suit which incorporates gravity boots and a built-in tricorder, a phaser II and possibly a phaser III depending on preference (Swann has a curious weapon which looks halfway between a phaser rifle and an old-fashioned assault rifle), and a first aid kit. Argent also carries a portable power supply and an extra oxygen canister.


[OOC: Is the away team heading straight ahead or to the left toward the beacon and the survivor?]

Argent has noticed that the construction of the station and what furniture they've seen so far is indeed consistent with the Gamma Station, so it is quite possible that the away may encounter a Kapecki. However, the life-sign indicates something similar to a Saurian, so it's probably not a Kapecki.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:44, Mon 26 June 2017.

This message was deleted by the player at 21:50, Mon 26 June 2017.

Marissa points to the door on the left, indicating that Sloane should open it, while she covers the opening with her rifle

As Swann covers him and Argent scans, Zed begins pumping the handle. The small amount of air in the room puffs out as the door opens leaving the away team in hard vacuum. Obviously, there is a hull breach in the immediate area.

When Zed has the door open, the away team can see in the dim light what appears to be a life-support facility. Pumps flank the single door to the left of the image and a large bank of what appear to be atmosphere tanks are to the left of the half-open double door at the bottom. A crumpled space suit with the helmet attached lies on the floor to the extreme right of the image next to the tanks.


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:40, Thu 29 June 2017.

As the away team moves into the life support room, Argent examines the empty suit. It is fitted for a humanoid about 1.6 metres tall. The centre of the chest of the suit has a hole about 400mm in diametre in it, burned by acid of some sort. Scans reveal it to be an organic molecular acid. In the back of the interior is an amount of freeze-dried crusty white organic material which looks like dried cottage cheese. As Marissa stands guard she notices that many of the oxygen tanks have shiny marks on the valves where a tool has been hastily or clumsily used. A length of gas transfer tubing is attached to one of the tanks and a wrench lies on the deck beside it. A quick scan with her suit tricorder reveals that about 3/4 of the tanks are mostly empty. Zed notices that the wall beside the empty suit has several lines of graffiti scratched into the surface, the exposed tritanium ceramic glinting in his suit light.

From the Thames, Jon Clare requests a situation report through heavy static.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:41, Thu 29 June 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 20):

"Sloane here.  Making slow progress.  Signal is breaking up. Try to boost if possible. We are just in process of investigating the first room and a body we found in it." Sloane replies to the Thames.

"Lt. Argent, what species is the body and any idea where the source of this acid is?  Also what is the risk to our suits from this acid?"

While he waits for the answer he takes a closer look at the graffiti trying to determine what it says or represents.

OOC: sorry for brief absences. Work stupid busy. 

Argent is able to determine that the occupant of the suit has been pulled from the suit, but skin traces indicate a reptilian micro-scaled dermis. The white crust's origin is unknown, but the reptilian skin debris is consistent with a lifeform similar to Saurians. The acid is fluoroantimonic acid—definitely capable of affecting the Starfleet suits and contact with the acid will result in a lethal puncture at minimum. Aside from the acid damage, the chest of the suit has been torn apart and there are traces of polarised silicon and protein-polysaccharides in the damaged areas, indicating the source of the acid may be a lifeform.

Further examination reveals that a few drops of the acid have eaten half-way through the decking and revealed the interior surface of the hull structure.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 22):

"Pulled from the suit, hmmn?" Marissa takes a quick look but keeps her attention and her rifle pointed to cover the other two exits from the room.

"Argent, is the chemical remaining similar in any way to the insectoid lifeform that you encountered at Gamma base. And is there sufficient trace amounts to be able to determine which  exit the creature took the Saurian through.

Lt Sloane I strongly urge you to reset your Phaser to kill. Anything capable of doing this is no friend of ours and the interference from the sun could diminish the effects of your phaser to begin with.'

The hybrid Lt sets her rifle to full auto, and prepares for the worst.

In reply to Lt Marissa Swann (msg # 23):

"You are all assuming we are encountering a species we are familiar with.  I must remind all of you this may be a first contact, we can't go in with the intent to kill.  Lt. Swann you may keep your weapon on kill since you are covering us, but everyone else should be on heavy stun.   The federation is not a shot first ask the body questions afterwards." Sloane reminds everyone

This message was deleted by the player at 21:42, Sat 01 July 2017.

"Aye aye Lt. "

Marissa answered promptly, turning back to cover the exits, but her thoughts were not in agreement

  I hope he is right, but anything that does what we see here, is more likely to eat you than speak to you. He is going to need to talk faster than my trigger finger

Argent's readings indicate that the white crusty residue is the remains of flesh dissolved by the acid, which has burned halfway through the back of the suit and punctured the oxygen cell. There is no indication of the direction whatever secreted the acid went, probably indicating it has some measure of control over its secretions. The traces in the suit do not seem to be from the insectoid, though detailed readings were not possible through the stasis booth. The readings do suggest that the occupant of the space suit was partially dissolved and then sucked out. Argent does notice however that the scratchings on the wall are in the Finori script, which the tricorder can now translate. The messages speak of ‘the ghost’ and ‘the voice on the radio’, but mostly just repeat ‘it’s coming’ over and over again.


Visually scanning the doorways, Marissa notes that the single door to her right (left side of the image, towards the aft of the station) is securely closed while the double door ahead has one side open. The central room is therefore also in hard vacuum and the dim lights in that room are flickering, making noticing any motion harder. Peering into the central chamber, she can see it is comparable to a bridge, with consoles in all four corners and a command station in the centre. There is a set of double doors in each wall. The one in the aft wall is closed, the one in the forward wall toward the beacon transmitter is completely open with a computer bank visible inside, and the one dead ahead is partly open. The room beyond is dark, the only light available being the flickering in the command room.

Marissa'a eyes narrowed, her focus was primarily on movement. Putting a finger up to her lips and using standard starfleet small unit handsigns(Anyone trained for an away team should know them )she signaled that there were 3 doors. The one on the right: Closed.
The one on the left:Open. and the one straight away: Partly open just like this one was.

She signalled Argent to put his tricorder on silent mode and keep it in his non weapon hand, so he could hold his Phaser in the other.

She intended to move in to the right and cover, while she suggested that Sloane do the same on the left.( So that each of them had a clear view of the door nearest the other as well as the one where the beacon was coming from. )

 Argent was to stay in this door and watch his tricorder for movement

"On me" she whispered and moved in.

Just waiting on Zed and Argent for feedback. Tricorders indicate the beacon is through the open double doors towards the forward end of the station. There appears to be no movement in the area, but the skin is still crawling on the back of Marissa's neck anyway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:43, Sun 02 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 29):

Sloane acknowledges back with hand gestures he will follow and take the left side.  He preps his phaser, ready to quickly change the setting if the need arises.  He waits for Swann to single she is proceeding.

[OOC: So, what's the plan? Go for the suit beacon or for the survivor? Note that with the suit beacon removed, the survivor will have no communications. Taking the beacon unit to the survivor, it will likely be possible to communicate with him/her.]

This message was deleted by the player at 23:25, Sun 02 July 2017.

I have looked over the previous posts
I can see where the beacon is, but I don't see where we know the location of the survivor relative to where we are?

The survivor's location is till not precisely known, but you tricorders estimate that he/she is somewhere in the yellow area. Since the survivor is in a hard vacuum, coupled with the surmise that the beacon is a dismounted suit comm unit, it's certain that he or she is wearing a suit. Current scans indicate that the survivor is not in good health, possibly from dehydration, malnutrition and/or anoxia.

This message was deleted by the player at 11:46, Mon 03 July 2017.

Marissa signs to Sloane: Beacon first We go right left as before and Argent goes to the outside door and keeps his attention on the room we are currently in, so the enemy doesn't get behind us.

OK?

The next room hold only several computer banks and a partly open double door into the communications array. The suit beacon is quite obvious, lying as it is on the deck connected into an open panel on the antenna  array by a cable. The cable attaches by a simple bayonet mount and is easily removed. The distress call broadcast stops and is replaced by the same distress call from the suit beacon. Once Zed and Swann have rejoined Argent, who has skill in communications, he is able to decypher how to turn off the signal.

Marissa moves down to the edge of the door which affords her a view, and allows her to cover for Sloane crossing over to the other side.

Once he is in position they call Argent down to put his back to the wall beside where Sloane is( Directly down the map from where he is now, looking upward

So Sloane will cover into the next southerly room and Marissa will move in quickly; rifle at ready to determine if there are threats, before waving Sloane to come through.

If she sees something other than a Saurian, she will fire.

Moving into the next chamber, Marissa and Zed find themselves in what is obviously a maintenance workshop. a single door on the left side of the map is open, and partly open double doors are ahead, lit only by the flickering light from the central command chamber. Zed carries the suit beacon in one hand and his phaser in the other. Large pieces of equipment, some recogniseable as lathes and other machine tools while others are unrecogniseable, dot the room. Through the door ahead, suit lights shoe a pair of consoles with seats. The darkness broken only by flickers from the door behind and the beams of the suit lights begins to close in on them like something out of a haunted house. Marissa almost feels she can hear creaking floorboards and rattling chains. She shakes her head to clear her nerves.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 39):

Looking at the map in its shown orientation Sloane will work his way down to the wall on the right side of the door, assuming Marissa will do the same on her side.  Keeping his eye open to any movement as he moves.  He will wait until Argent joins them to scan into the next room.

As he moved forward he will try to see if he sees anything through the open door.

In reply to Lt Zedrick Sloane (msg # 40):

Marissa agrees, but cautioned Sloane to not extend his arm, or weapon past the plane of the door, so that whatever may be in there cannot grab or spray Acid.

She too will look from her new perspective, and if a likely target presents itself, she will fire.

Zed and Marissa proceed as Marissa suggests. The room is clear but unlit, so they enter cautiously. Argent stands just outside the door, scanning in case anyone is following. The next room is the centre of three in the starboard wing of the station. The forward section is open and suit light beams reveal four consoles and an observation chair facing a large window. The room they're standing in is a sort of monitoring room with a pair of computer banks and two consoles. The aft room has closed double doors. Marissa's and Zed's tricorders reveal the life form to be in the aft room, but the life signs are very low, suggesting that the survivor is unconscious and near death.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Thu 06 July 2017.

The life signs strengthen slightly. The survivor is obviously coming back to consciousness or perhaps just awakening. It begins to move very slowly toward the door.

This message was deleted by the player at 14:51, Sat 08 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 43):

" So if the survivor is in there, either he/she is a captive, or the creature that ate through the suit and whose acid is eating through the decking is elsewhere.

We need to be very cautious Zedrick.

Argent be watchful, if anything moves either in line of sight, or is picked up by your tricorder, holler for us. Got it?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:52, Sat 08 July 2017.

The door begins to open slowly. Whoever is in there, they are opening the door.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 46):

"Cover me Lt"

Marissa moves up to gain a look at who is coming out and more importantly who might be behind them

"Stay vigilant Argent, this could be a trick to get behind us"

She will level her rifle from about 8 feet.

When the door is open about one centimetre, the away team's lights reflect off a helmet visor. A gloved hand with three fingers and a thumb comes up to block the blinding light and the door opens more swiftly, as if the person in the room is pumping faster. As soon as the door is open about a third of a metre, the figure squeezes through and raises both its hands in front of its eyes, palms outward. The suit is the same as the acid-damaged, but where that one was dark blue, this one is dull yellow. The helmet visor is dark and the face inside cannot be seen. The Starfleet officers can see that the gloves on the space suit are specifically designed for the three-fingered hands, and there is a space on the chest-plate where the beacon has been dismounted. The figure sways and falls to the deck, apparently in a faint. There is an empty pistol holster on its left hip.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 48):

"Lt Can you scan the room? Don't want any surprises."

She will watch the opening and the prone figure, confident that Argent has their back.

Her rifle is at the ready

The room is empty, a mirror image of the one at the other end of the side structure. Meanwhile, the prone figure is in obvious distress, possibly dying. Its life signs are fading drastically.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 50):

Marissa shoulders her rifle, and moves, picking up the prone figure.

"Shall we go? Can't treat him here with no atmosphere. And no transporter, we're gonna have to hoof it"

[OOC: Sorry for the absence...]


After running his cans of the other suit, he, of course, informed the others of his findings.

"Presumably it is a creature that secretes  acid that attacked the occupants of this ship/station," he says. "It would also appear to be able to attack with surprise, though I cannot say how it does it."

He sets the scanner for wide area, for motion, but he realizes that if the creature can turn invisible or something, the motion detect won't register its presence until--possibly--too late.

He also tries setting the tricorder to detect the acid, though it may have the same trouble as the motion detect. On the other hand, the creature might drool or something, thus making its acid detectable.

When they find the survivor, Argent tries to get a reading of the creature within with his tricorder.

"Hmmmm," he muses. "Perhaps the creature was attracted to the beacon, which is why this person removed it."

He constantly looks around, trying to spot anything. He's hoping that his 'cat senses' might pick up something, even through the suit.

He follows after the others.

As Argent scans the survivor, he quickly determines that the alien is suffering from extreme dehydration, severe malnutrition and the onset of anoxia. He (or she) will die withing mere minutes without oxygen. Luckily Argent has brought along an emergency oxygen supply, which has a universal adapter to fit pretty much any suit. It turns out to be compatible with the fittings involved, and the life signs stabilise once oxygen flow is established. Once Argent has him (scans reveal him to be male) out of danger of suffocation, he is also able to determine that the alien has not been exposed to the acid, which does indeed show up on scans.

Argent's First Aid skill (listed as 1, but is almost certainly 1 (2)) would indicate that he should get the patient to a sick bay as soon as possible. Even getting him into the Thames will allow administration of liquids, nutrition and medications to combat his symptoms. There appears to be a patch as on Federation suits to allow a hypospray injection, so it is possible to give him a shot of Tri-Ox Compound.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Mon 10 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 53):

"Okay let's work our way back to our ship.  On the way out let's try to get a copy of the logs to see what happened here.   Be careful that whatever killed the first person isn't between us and our exit out of here. We can't afford to let our guard down" Sloane replies.

Proceeding back through the darkened room to the command centre with its flickering ceiling lights (I'm assuming that Swann is taking point since her rifle requires two hands, ans that Zed and Argent each have an arm of the survivor draped over their shoulders, as  Phaser IIs can be fired one-handed) and beyond, Marissa sees that the door they'd previously closed behind them is open. She fancies she sees movement up ahead, but with her eyes dazzled first from moving from near darkness to the flickering strobe-like lights and finally to the soft yellow glow of the lit rooms, she can't be sure what she saw, if anything. The tricorder on her suit's wrist is not picking up any life signs, but it does seem to indicate movement up ahead. Then, in the airlock she sees a brown chitinous arthropod about the size of a large dog, moving away from her. Unfortunately, the creature (whatever is is) is in the boarding tube which, tough as it is, will not stand up to weapons fire.



This message was last edited by the GM at 04:01, Tue 11 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 55):

" I see a multi legged, large mouthed creature in the boarding tube. TRy to see if Clare can beam you out"

Marissa drops to one knee, taking careful aim.

Clare responds that this far in the solar atmosphere, the ionised gasses are corrupting the signal too badly. He'll try beaming over a test module, but he's not too certain of his chances. Marissa can also see liquid dripping from the creature's circular maw, causing the decking to sublimate into the vacuum. The creature is obviously the source of the acid.

Moments later a test cylindre appears in a sparkling column of energy and disappears back into the swirl of energy. Clare reports "No go, Lieutenant. The results would be one hundred per cent fatal. Sorry. What's the problem? I'm reading the three of you and your survivor."

This message was deleted by the player at 00:30, Wed 12 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 57):

"There is a large arthropod which secretes deck eating acid in the boarding tube, and we are unable to get past. Stand by.

Lt, what if we slid or rolled the beacon over to where it is, after we tell John to lock onto it. When it reaches the bug, we signal him to transport it, and anything around it into space?"

In reply to Lt Marissa Swann (msg # 59):

"We should be ready to beam in out but it might be intelligent and a 1st contact situation if it is.  We just can't kill everything to make in convenient" Sloane points out. "Lt. Swann make sure Clare is ready to execute your plan. Do you think it has seen us or is it more interested in getting to our ship."

Sloane taps his comm badge "Sloane to the Thames, get someone to the airlock with an assault phaser, if that creature gets in take it out."

Nivran replies, "Already there, Lieutenant. I am armed with a Type III compression phaser rifle."

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 61):

Sloane is a by the book sorta guy, oh well I can get used to just about anything I guess

"Well then LT, how about we simply store it in the Transporter buffer? Then no one needs to be risked."

"I'm afraid I wasn't clear enough for you, Ma'am. It is not possible. The signal was corrupted. Just leaving it in the buffer won't change that. The bits of data making up the signal are corrupted in the dematerialisation process." He is respectful, but Marissa can detect an edge of frustration in his voice. "If you want to kill the creature, sure. I might as well beam it into space on wide dispersion. It won't be any deader."

Meanwhile, the beastie shuffles on its multiple feet, a small string of acid drool hits the deck, pitting it.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 63):

"Apologies Lt Clare, I was speaking to Lt Sloane.

 However, if we don't do something to get it out of the boarding tube,it's acidic nature could damage it and then we're all in trouble.

And given the frail nature of the only certifiable sentient we have found here, time is of the essence."

[OOC: Waiting for a response from Zed.]

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 65):

OOC: Crazy week at work. Back now.

"Can we use a beacon to lore it out, or replicate the beacon with one of our tricoders.  If we get it out of there then we can safely get our patient out of here and make our next plan from safety." Zed replies.

"If that doesn't work then we will need to try and communicate with it, but we are at a disadvantage there, it is blocking our escape route and we don't know its intent, or even if it is intelligent or not." He continues after a moment of thought.

"Thoughts"

The survivor seems to be conscious again and is clawing at the suit beacon which is hanging from a utility strap on Argent's environmental suit. Fumbling, he manages to connect the wires to the jacks on his suit. A croaking voice, as from vocal cords unused for too long, comes over the comm signal, "Chamax—great danger..." The suited figure points at the beast. "Energy weapons... no good. Refractory shell... disperses beam. Must... use..." The voice fades out in a burst of coughing. The cough is wet and rasping—a bad symptom.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 67):


"Chamax—great danger..." The suited figure points at the beast. "Energy weapons... no good. Refractory shell... disperses beam. Must... use..." The voice fades out in a burst of coughing. The cough is wet and rasping—a bad symptom.

"Well that settles it for me Lt Sloane.

 LT Nivran, do NOT open the hatch,I repeat,  Belay the order to open, your weapon will not work on it..

Lt Sloane we have no atmosphere, with no way to communicate. Either order the transporter to lock, or I will open fire. The away team and most importantly in this case, the survivor will not survive, if that thing isn't dealt with.

Sir I appreciate your concern for first contact, but this is a lethal situation, and as First Officer your safety and that of the crew are paramount for me.

Please give the order sir"

Lt. Clare has been listening in on the comm channel. "I'll try to beam it into space on wide dispersal, then," he says. There is a flicker of transporter activity, but the creature remains in place. "Shit. No lock, but I have another idea." The entire boarding tube is enveloped in sparkling energy and the chamax disappears. "I just beamed the area inside the tube out using a physical lock on our own door and everything for two metres," Clare announces triumphantly."

The Thames' airlock door opens, allowing the away team to enter. The survivor is unconscious again and has to be carried in. The survivor is quickly stripped of his suit and hooked up to medical life support systems and monitors. It is a sickly looking Finori, gaunt and seemingly moulting, shreds of transparent dead epidermis hanging loosely from its skin. Its breath is harsh spastic, at least until the life support takes over and it falls into a deep natural sleep.


This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 19:01, Sun 16 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 69):

"Get the survivor to sick bay, once he is able to be debriefed let me know." Sloane orders.

He turns to a Swann, "After this mission we need to talk."

As Argent sees to the Finori, Clare advises Zed ans Marissa that he thinks the Thames can tow the station to a stable orbit around the star so that it can be inspected and/or salvaged. "Why waste a good resource?" he asks. "It looks like it can be refurbished. There's only a few areas where the hull has been compromised."

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 71):

"Agreed. Do we think once we get this to a stable orbit and away from the Dyson star we can scan to make sure no other of those creatures are on board." Sloane asks

"Otherwise we will still need to make sure that thing didn't have a mate or little ones." He adds after a second.

This message was deleted by the player at 00:29, Tue 18 July 2017.

In reply to Lt Zedrick Sloane (msg # 72):

"Lt, may I remind you that they are undetectable. If they're gonna reclaim it for the Federation, they'd better send in a squad of Marines first."

[OOC: Sorry, guy, I'm in the hospital with an attack of pancreatitis. Not a great deal of fun, but at least they have Wi-Fi, so I'm not completely out of action.]

Once the Thames is clear of the star's corona, Dyson Base congratulates them on their rescue of the Finori, however Commander Samson recommends you consider him a prisoner until otherwise instructed. She orders the Thames to place the station in a solar of 75 million kilometres. She will send an away team to explore and assess the station for reclamation. She's been after Starfleet to assign her an orbital facility for months. It'll be a lot easier to just assign a crew. As per Lt. Swann's concerns, Dyson Base's 6-person Rapid Reaction Team under Petty Officer 2c John Howard Patton II, at age 30 a 12-year veteran with 3 tours of duty who has just completed his Advanced Tactical Training. The Thames will be in the lead, after their in-routine and meeting the rest of the crew.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Thu 20 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 75):

"Let's be sure we have someone assigned to our guests at all times, and tell me when he can talk."

Once Sloane gets to a terminal he will look at what information is available about the Finori.

Library Entry: Finori:

Finori are a humanoid reptilian species presumed to come from an alternative continuum in the Terran year 5654 CE, in a political entity known as the Third Imperium. At last record, the Sons of Yaskoydray are at the station on the gas giant Komesh, Boughene system, Regina sub-sector, Spinward Marches Sector, Third Imperium. The faction of the Finori which corrupted the programming of several Kapecki Replicants and caused the attack on Dyson Base, killing 6 Starfleet personnel and destroying 2 Runabouts some seven months ago, on SD 52415.75.

The Sons of Yaskoydray were the designated heirs of Yaskoydray, the Grandfather, who created the String of Pearls, as well as several dimensional pocket universes and several megastructures such as the one you are now in. The Sons of Yaskoydray number fifty and are second-level clones of the Grandfather. At least one more faction of the Finori, loyal to Yaskoydray and calling themselves The First-Born also exists.

Physically, the Finori are a gracile species standing 1.5m tall and massing about 50kg. They are hairess and possess a micro-scaled epidermis. They have four somewhat elongated digits on each limb, their hands having three fingers and a thumb. They lack fleshy lips and possess large eyes. They appear to have descended from a species very much like the troödon regarded as being the most likely Cretaceous therapod to evolve intelligence had the K/T Strike not happened.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:20, Thu 20 July 2017.

Library Entry: Farl:

Subject identifying himself as Farl is one of the leadership of the Finori faction The Sons of the Grandfather, a breakaway faction who have attempted to seize control of the Grandfather's dominions. Since his capture on SD 52439.05, he has been uncommunicative and passive in his resistance. He has been held in the Freeman's Island brig since his capture a short period before The Kapecki attack.

Far is an adult male Finori, 1.515m tall and massing 49kg. He speaks Federation Standard English adequately well with a heavy accent but it is Security's estimation that this is a put-on and he is actually perfectly fluent. Farl is of well-above average intelligence and should be regarded as a dangerous opponent possessing considerable martial arts skill. He has remarkable mental discipline and psionic interrogation measures have garnered little information. He does evidence a seething hatred for Yaskoydray and Möbius and a general contempt for humanoid lifeforms other than his own species.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:46, Sat 22 July 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 78):

After reading the reports Sloane says, "This appears to be some one by the name of Farl, we have held him before, let's get him back to a secure brig.  We neither have the manpower or resources to hold him here for an extended period of time.  Saying that let me know as soon as he can talk, I might be able to play the naive card and hear a tale wear he might slip up."

Turning to comms Zed adds, "Inform Dyson Base who our guest is and request where they want us to deliver him to."

Dyson Base replies, "Faith, sir, I'm afraid you're incorrect. Farl is in our brig—got him right on my screen an' security confirms it's acshully him in there. I think you're fallin' for the old Terran fallacy that all furrinners look alike. Still, the Commander says to take all precautions, as we don' know which side your boyo might be on. The CMO says that whoever's doin' yer medic work is authorised to administer 30 units of Sonambutril and administer oxygen by breathing mask. Continue to monitor his vitals and hydrate the patient."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Fri 21 July 2017.

Nivran suggests that the library computer simply gave you the general data on the species, followed up by the individual data on the single Finori on which it had data. "Computers are maddeningly literal." Nivran is your security specialist as well as engineer, so shi'll go back and assist Argent with the prisoner.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 81):

So after the others head back to look after the 'prisoner', Marissa 'asks' Clare to give her and Zedrick a few minutes.

"I'm well aware that you have issues with my priorities in dealing with the Chamax, however, I did not order Clare to use the transporter, I simply advised you as your eff O to do so, and he chose to take it as an order.

So he should not be blamed, I am content to take responsibility for my actions.

Before I joined Starfleet I was a Sergeant in the Terran Marines, and I resigned and went to the Academy because I had seen too many instances where ground forces couldn't save people, while the Fleet could.

But I also see Fleet officers put in situations where their training and experience are not appropriate to the moment, because they're unprepared for that time when they must take immediate and personal actions that involve taking life, to save life.

Vulcans have a saying, much like a racial prime directive.'The good of the many outweighs the good of the few, or the one', and in this instance I recommended action to save the many.

I perceived that you, Argent and the prisoner were in danger, and that any action directed at the creature might not be enough. Even my weapon wasn't guaranteed to succeed.

Sir, this was a no win situation if you truly believe that the Chamax was sentient, but you knew we were, and that the one we rescued was.

What other choice was there?"

She sits back in her chair, a calm look on her face, "I have no problem if you want to write me up on my choices, but for me, the bottom line is that all the people that I KNEW were sentient are alive and well.

And I am going to sleep exceptionally well tonight"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Sat 22 July 2017.

In reply to Lt Marissa Swann (msg # 82):

Once Marissa is done Zed waits a moment before starting. "Yes Lt. Swann  you are responsible for the away teams safety. BUT I disagree with both the treat level and how rapidly you acted.  The creature had not made any direct threat to use, showed a potential of intelligence by going to our airlock instead of going for us as easy prey.  Blocking our pathway is not actively moving towards us. We never made an attempt to even communicate with it.  It may have BEEN a Sentient being who was just defending itself or maybe running from the Finori.  We will now never know. May I remind you of the Horta, now a member of the Federation.  When first encountered they were thought to be tunnelling creatures attacking miners, not protecting their eggs from attack. We dont just beam something into deep space for convenience, having that ready as a backup plan is one thing, but acting on it without exhausting other avenues is unacceptable.

Sloane pausing for a second but puts up a finger indicating he is not finished "As for other choices, maybe once we knew we could beam it out if it threatened us, maybe letting me try to communicate with it would have been a good starting point. We were not at a no win situation yet. We still had room to retreat, which perhaps would have drawn it away allowing for backup, we may have been able to communicate, WE had options. I will note this in my mission logs that I felt you acted hesitantly but this time I will not put anything in your record.

Sloane then relaxes a bit and say "Lt. if you want a long successful career in Starfleet, remember we don't shot first and ask questions later. Yes we have a big stick but we only use it when necessary. And I will gladly let you use it when we get to that point."

In reply to Lt Zedrick Sloane (msg # 83):

Marissa'a expression remained neutral throughout Lt Sloane's reply, and when he was done, she leaned forward in her seat.

"In a different environment and not needing to get a critically injured person some medical care I would agree with you 100%. Let me state in point form my reasons why this situation did not allow for your solution.

1 We were in a Vacuum, and with no Telepath, we had no way to communicate with it.

2 The creature either spits or secretes Acid capable of eating through both our suits and the decking; which in this case jeopardized the airlock to our vessel, as well as anyone who approached it attempting to communicate.

3 We needed to get the prisoner to medical care immediately and could not transport him.

4 I did NOT order Lt Clare to transport the creature I simply suggested to you that we decide soon how to deal with it, and he overheard the conversation and used his own initiative and judgement.

But that said I do not believe in a shoot first policy, or I would not likely have been assigned here to such a sensitive exploration.

You have my word, going forward that I will hesitate to use force, unless I feel we have no other alternative.

In reply to Lt Marissa Swann (msg # 84):

OOC: I thought the room with the airlock back to our ship attached to could support atmosphere, that meant closing the door behind us and one escape route. But we had option for the good old hello to the creature that might have worked.

IC

"Your points are well founded but the creature had not made an aggressive move towards us yet.  Potential vs. Actual risk is the big question.  Preparing to be able to beam it out would have been a plan if the risk became reality.  Our difference here is that you acted before the potential threat became an actual threat."

"For now I will consider the matter closed.  You are dismissed Lt." Sloane finishes hoping Swann realizes this discussion is done and they will agree to disagree.

The station is quickly placed in a stable orbit and secured. The Thames arrives at Freeman's Island and Dyson Control says, "Welcome to Dyson base, Thames," says the same person the crew had been talking to earlier, with a sprightly Irish lilt. "CPO Sean O'Grady, Operation Manager, speaking. The landing facility has just been modified to take your Atlantic class Runabout, so ye're free to approach and land. Commander Samson will meet you in the hangar bay. Dyson Base out."

The Thames settles onto the landing pad and quickly sinks into the bowels of the hangar bay, doors closing overhead. The Thames is lowered into a huge chamber with a number of Danube class Runabouts parked in two rows. The elevator pad touches down and O'Grady's voice comes over the communications system, "Please place power on standby and wait for the tractor beam to park your ship." The Thames lifts a metre off the pad and begins to rotate then back into a parking spot. O'Grady says, "All clear. You may now cut power and the ground crew will do your post-flight checks. Welcome aboard, Lieutenants."

Climbing down from the aft airlocks, the crew is greeted by a tall Human brunette and an equally tall female Andorian. Standing with them is a tan Caitian. The brunette strides forward, "I'm Commander Delilah Samson, the CO. These are LCdr Thoma, my XO and LCdr M'Rel, my CAG. Yoy must be Lieutenant Sloane. I already know Lieutenants Merawdr and Nivran, but please introduce me to the rest of your crew—Lieutenants Swann and Clare, I believe?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:01, Thu 27 July 2017.

M'Rel sidles over to Argent. "So," he says, "What do you think of Sloane, Swann and Clare? How's Nivran working out? And what do you think of the new ship?"

After initial greetings M'Rel continues, "I understand you discovered a station orbiting Dyson. Unmanned aside from your survivor, I gather," gesturing to where Dr. Adonidas and a medical team are removing him from the Thames, overseen by Security Chief Gavak and the RRT NCO, PO2 Patton who is carrying a Phaser rifle.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 87):

"Commander Samson, this is my Conn officer Lt. Swann and this is Lt. Clare.  Permission to come aboard" Sloane replies.

OOC Forget Lt. Clare's position and I'm guessing the proper request for the Dyson Sphere/Base is to come aboard

"And yes ma'am we were able to get right to it before even arriving here with the station orbiting Dyson and finding the one survivor." He adds.

"Welcome aboard, Lieutenants. Looks like you're off to a running start. Let's hope your survivor can give us some information about your station." She gestures to the turbolift. "We'll do your quick in-routine and debrief you all."

Up on the ground level, Samson leads Zed, Marissa and Jon to the briefing room. On the way, she makes small talk, "So, that's an Atlantic class Runabout—our first, and one of the first dozen off the assembly line. How does she handle?"

She seats everyone in the briefing room. LCdr Thoma takes her position at the briefing screen. She begins, "As you know, we've had a busy first year here at Dyson Base. We've had a confrontation with the Romulans, an attack by Kapecki controlled by a breakaway faction of the Finori, the discovery of a crashed Klingon command module, First Contact with several populations inhabiting the Sphere and, most recently an upgrade and expansion to our facilities. 2376 is going to be the year that Dyson Base comes into its own, mark my words."

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 89):

During the walk to the briefing room Sloane replies, "She handles great, I'm sure our engineer will be even fine tune the Thames even more.

After listening to Lcdr Thoma "LCdr, Based on us getting busy before arriving and listening to everything that has already happened I'm excited about this assignment and helping to explore this incredible facility."

"Once we are settled what are our first orders." He goes on and asks.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 89):

OMG it's a travelogue!  She didn't say anything aloud, given that her first impression with her new CO was on very rocky ground.

Biting her tongue was not a skill she had mastered, but thankfully the speech was not long, and Marissa held on without wisecracking even once.

As soon as it ended she sauntered over to Cdr Samson, her hand held out to the Base Commander.

"A pleasure to meet you Commander. I am looking forward to exploring your sphere. Is this the base the Kapecki assaulted? That must have been a difficult time?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Sat 29 July 2017.

In reply to Zed's inquiry, Samson says, "Well, first order of business once Dr. Adonidas has seen to your examinations, which it seems will have to wait until tomorrow morning given that she's busy with your Finori survivor, will be to check out your station. You'll be joined by the remainder of your crew, including your Xenotech expert Tony Gazzo and our Rapid Reaction Team led by PO2 Patton. Then, you're scheduled to look over an indigenous settlement discovered by the USS Cuyahoga a week ago. Lt. Rai has dubbed the natives the Vanara after a mythical race of ape-men from Hindu myth, since they are somewhat simian in appearance. After that, you'll be accompanying our new Klingon Medical Doctor to assess BortaS City's Klingon inhabitants. That should keep you busy for a good while. Meanwhile this afternoon Lt. Gavak will run you through your security in-routine. I'd like you and Lt. Swann to remain behind while Gavak processes Mr. Clare."

A burly Tellarite steps into the room. "Mr. Clare, this way if you please," he rumbles. Clare leaves with him.

Samson nods to Thoma, who follows them out of the briefing room. "I've been reviewing the Thames's logs and your suit recorders. There seems to be a little friction between you. This does not bode well. I much prefer my crews to be smooth, well-oiled machines. We had quite enough drama between Lt.s Dul and Kurasa last month, and I'd like to avoid any more. Lt. Swann, you replicated an unauthorised weapon on the Thames—not only one that isn't in your TOE, but one that was rejected for Starfleet issue. I do not expect this to happen again. Our TOE has been carefully vetted for maximum efficiency and efficacy. Please turn this TR-116 over to Lt. Gavak after this meeting. Lt Sloane is senior officer on the Thames and you are to keep him informed so he can command effectively. Mr. Sloane, your thoughts?"

In reply to Cdr Delilah Samson (msg # 92):

Sloane turns to Thoma and replies, "LCdr Thoma, Lt. Swann and I have already discussed our first mission together and now both understand each other's approach much better.  We will soon be running like a well made watch."

After saying this he keeps an eye on Swann to see her reaction.  More to see if they still have a problem or if he can chalk the first away mission to growing pains.

"I will also make sure my crew stays within the Starfleet regulations.  I made a mistake letting Swann use the TR-116, thinking she had authorization.  I should have verified before letting her use on a mission." He goes on to say.

When giving this command Zed had told himself that when stuff goes wrong that blame would stop with him, and praise would go to the crew members that deserve it.  Everything else could be handle in private.

"Thank you, Mr. Sloane. I trust things will go smoothly from now on. While out-of-the-box solutions are sometimes necessary,they should be used when by-the-book methods fail. I'll speak to Mr. Clare about chain of command and when to question orders for clarification. In the final analysis, you as CO are responsible for everything that happens on your watch." She raises a hand. "I'm not saying you have to micromanage your crew, but you do need to learn to read each other's intentions. It'll take some time to learn each other's personalities. Part of becoming a well-tuned machine is polishing out any rough spots in the gears, and that of necessity involves some measure of friction. Just—keep it to a manageable level. Take Commander M'Rel, for instance. True, he is... unconventional, shall we say. People tend only to judge him by his successful unorthodox methods. What they fail to see is his efforts to use conventional methods before trying some of his more... colourful... tactics. Now, this 'chamax' does appear to have been a non-sapient animal, so the net effect was the same as would have been attained had more traditional attempts to deal with it been tried. However, we must always keep in mind the case of Janus VI. The Horta seemed a ravening, murderous beast bent on the destruction of the mining colony, but in reality was a fully sapient mother protecting its eggs. That could well have been the case here, but thankfully it wasn't. Lt. Swann, I understand your early training was military in nature. However, you are now a Starfleet officer and often aggressive tactics are in conflict with Starfleet ideals. Anyway, that's all for now. Ms. Swann if you would be so kind as to remain behind. Mr. Sloane, you are dismissed, I believe Messrs. Merawdr and Nivran are meeting your crewmates in the flight briefing room. Directions are available from any LCARS console."

In reply to Cdr Delilah Samson (msg # 94):

Swann sat up in her chair as if expecting to get a command level reaming once Sloane was gone.

This message was deleted by the player at 19:58, Wed 02 Aug 2017.

After her brief talk with Samson she ran to catch up with Sloane

" Lt, Are you and I alright, Sir?"

In reply to Lt Marissa Swann (msg # 97):

"Yes Lt. we are fine.  Interesting the same example I used was mentioned again.  My biggest concern was how quickly you thought we were out of options. But what is done is done and lets move forward.". Sloane replies.

"Since our physicals are not until tomorrow  lets get settled and see if we can meet our other crew members.   No time to waste, because once we are cleared for duty I'm sure we will be sent out." Zed adds with a smile. "Oh and off the record I had no issue with the TR-116, but don't let anyone else know.  We will just need to find you a suitable replacement within regulations." He adds with a grin.

The Flight Operations Room is at the far end of the building, near the access to the landing pad. Next to a holodeck for flight simulations is a large square room with several rows of seats facing a briefing screen. M'Rel is there with Nivran and Argent, along with a Human male Lt.(jg) in Engineering gold, and a short dark-haired Human woman in Sciences blue, also wearing Lt.(jg)'s pips A tall alien woman with turquoise skin and long tentacles projecting from her occipital skull is talking to them. As Zed and Marissa take their seats, Jon Clare steps into the room. "Miss anything?" he asks.

"Nope," replies M'Rel with a grin. "Sloane and Swann just got here, so we're ready to go." He steps behind the podium. "Lieutenants Sloane and Swann, and jaygee Clare, these are your new crew. You already know Argent and Nivran, and the two jaygees here are 'Fast Tony' Gazzo from Sigma Iotia II, your Technical Assessment Officer Talja Gröen from Earth, your Astrosciences Officer. The civilian lady is Dahlakino, a refugee from the Finori captured by them in another reality in a Galactic Empire which is caught in a major civil war. She'll be working with Tony, as she knows a fair bit about robotics and alternate propulsion systems. Zedric Sloane from Alpha Centauri IV is your Commanding Officer, Marissa Swann of Earth is your First Officer&-mdash;you'll notice that she's part Klingon—and Jonathan Clare, also from Earth, is a sciences officer." [OOC: Jon's player has not yet turned in his sheet, so I don't know his specialty.]

Swann responded to Sloane's grin and his suggestion regarding the rifle. "Since my training was with the 116 I think, should it ever be needed, I'll just use it and ask for forgiveness; though the circumstances that necessitated it's use are unlikely to reoccur, and I am better with a Phaser rifle anyway. But that is something I will bring up in my report to Samson.

You must like having a 'by the book' CO"
She quipped as they entered the briefing room.


Marissa scanned the group . M'Rel looked like an officer who enjoyed what he was doing, perhaps a touch more relaxed than the 'Type A' officers she was meeting so far, An Iotian was an interesting addition; he'd have lots of colorful adages and habits.

Talja looked like a solid young officer, keen and likely quite capable; and then her eyes locked onto the alien, Dahlakino.

Marissa made the rounds, shaking hands and introducing herself arranging the order so she could finish with the Civvie.

"Miss Dahlakino,call me Marissa; it is a pleasure to have someone with a unique perspective joining us, I hope you will feel free to express your opinions, and never assume that there is any such thing as a stupid question.

I presume you are hoping to be able to return to your home?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

The turquoise alien regards Marissa. "I'm pleased to meet you, Marissa. I'll do my best to provide sage advice. As for getting home... I don't know. I'm told that the Federation has done some research into interdimensional travel, and Commander M'Rel has some experience, but apparently this research has been spotty and irreproduceable at best. I'm not... 'holding my breath', as your saying goes."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Sun 06 Aug 2017.

In reply to Dahlakino (msg # 101):

"Lts. Gazzo and Groen, and Dahlakino, I am looking forward to working with all of you." Sloane acknowledges.

"LCmdr M'rel, I'm interested in hearing what our first mission will be?"

M'Rel announces, "It is my pleasure, by order of Commander Samson, to award Ms. Dahlakino, late of the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire, the provisional rank of Lieutenant, junior grade in the United Federation of Planets Starfleet." He produces a small jewel box with a provisional rank insignia [OOC: the oblong pin worn by Maquis members of the Voyager crew] and a Starfleet commbadge. He places the commbadge on her left breast and the insignia on her right collar, shakes her hand and steps back. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Dahlakino."

Dahlakino thanks M'Rel and turns to the crew, a huge grin on her face. "Gee, I never expected this—it's a great honour and I'll do my best to serve to the best of my ability!" She hugs Talja and shakes hands with everyone.

Crew of the USS Thames II

M'Rel continues, "We have more to celebrate. Talja has just earned a promotion, which Cdr. Samson bestowed on her six days ago; and her sister Greta who has been missing aboard the USS Challenger ever since the second Borg attack on Sector 0-0-1, has been recovered along with her ship and is currently being debriefed. They were trapped in an alternate timeline where the Borg had assimilated the Earth, and waged war on the Borg, assisted by many races for two years before defeating them and finding a way home. To that end, we're having a party and dinner to celebrate at 1800 tonight. Dress is casual."

Talja beams. No-one on Dyson Base has ever seen her this happy. She's most often been depressed unitl the news came in. "Danke schön, mein herr," she says to M'Rel with a wide grin. "De nada," M'Rel replies. "Bar's open," he adds, waving everyone to the replicator station in the corner which is usually only used for raktajino during flight briefings.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:27, Mon 07 Aug 2017.

Once everyone has their refreshments, M'Rel continues with the briefing. "The first order of business is to continue checking out the station you discovered. Tomorrow afternoon, after you've done your in-routine, you'll proceed to the station's new orbit and proceed with surveying it and making certain there are no more of these 'chamax' aboard. The technical people are currently busy checking all your tricorder records and the transporter logs from the Thames to enable you to detect the creatures—we hope."

He stands and indicates the screen. "Once that is done, you'll be checking out a settlement of simian sophonts discovered a few days ago by the USS Cuyahoga. The inhabitants are very similar to the Pan, a Federation species similar to Earth chimpanzees. Here's an image of the village."


"...And one of the natives."


"They seem to have a pre-industrial agrarian society with black powder weaponry and riding animals similar to horses. Lt. Prashanti Rai of the Cuyahoga has named them Vanara, after a race of ape men in Hindu mythology."

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 104):

"Sir did the Cuyahoga make first contact, or is this the first contact mission?  And what do we know about them, are they tribal, what sort of political structure do they have?  Are they considered hostile or friendly? What can we expect as their reaction to us arriving?" Sloane is quick to question, excited for his first real mission here.

"The Cuyahoga merely observed the Vanara village. You won't be doing a First Contact, though—you'll be doing an in-depth scouting mission. Dr. Arapet, a Pan social scientist has been given the provisional rank of Lieutenant and will be joining you on the mission. He'll be arriving in a week from Starbase 21." He indicates the viewer which displays an image of Dr. Arapet.


"Arapet will be part of a new duck blind mission to observe the Vanara, and any First Contact will be left to his discretion. As noted, the Pan are very close to the physiognomy of the Vanara, so with minimal makeup he can be made to resemble them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Tue 08 Aug 2017.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 106):

Busy, I will post over the weekend

The next day, February 07, 2366, the new crew members go through their in-routines. Marissa's physical was conducted at Starbase 21, so she is excused from Dr. Adonidas' physical. Zed and Jon pass without any problem, and all three pass their security checks speedily. Since one of the Thames's duties will be to investigate Kapecki and Finori outposts within the Sphere, Marissa as the Thames's XO is assigned to liaise with Security Chief Gavak and Intelligence Officer Talbot. Marissa spends the time with Talbot getting briefed while she waits for Zed and Jon to complete their physicals. Argent and Nivran use the morning to check Talja, Tony and Dahlakino on the Thames itself. After lunch, with the in-routines completed, the crew all meet in the hangar to begin the mission to the station to check it out.

To be continued in The Station...