Initiations
Posted on Mon Jun 3rd, 2024 @ 1:10am by Captain Zseeq & Lieutenant Commander Sotra & Lieutenant Commander Melanie D'BrooNi- Haistro & Lieutenant Jorik & Lieutenant Zhi'rev
1,194 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Rebirth
Location: Bridge, USS Saratoga
Timeline: 2401-05-03, 04:35
Captain's Log, Stardate 78334.2:
Through the work Commander Sotra and Lieutenants Jorik and Zhi'rev the Saratoga has traced the source of the distress call to an M class world on the outskirts of the Maelstrom Sector. I've authorized an away mission to investigate.
Captain Zseeq stood near the viewscreen of the Saratoga watching as the alien world made its appearance on the viewscreen for the first time. To mask their approach the Saratoga had entered into orbit above the planet's moon as not to fear the locals as, despite the usage of a long-range probe, all the indications were that they were a species new to faster-than-light propulsion due to the rudimentary design of their satellite.
As the rocky moon passed below the Saratoga and the Earth-like planet appeared before them, the Captain returned to his chair.
Zhi stared at the images on the main screen in open awe and excitement. "I've never had the opportunity to meet a new species for the first time," he spoke up, "but how are we going to do that without scaring the locals? With all this radiation, surely we should wear protective gear?" He'd love to get down there but, "and what about the probe we picked up?"
"Doctor, what are your thoughts on an away mission to the planet's surface?" The Captain asked, curious about his Chief Medical Officer's opinion. "Can we safely proceed to the surface?"
"We need to get more information on the radiation. How strong is it? What type is it? Can we send a probe down?" she asked.
If and when an away team travels to the planet I would recommend certainly environmental suits and going by shuttle rather than transporting because you don't want anything interfering with the re-materialization process," Mel said. "You need to send either myself or one of my doctors to ensure the correct dosage of a drug that can counteract whatever radiation is down there is administered sir. Assuming we can get more information. Also exposure down there needs to be limited so I would suggest rotating away team members."
Sotra stepped up to the Captain, sliding a PADD from her hand into his and with no emotion she shook her head. The analysis of the iconography, although definately a language and despite its similarities with the ancient Vesuvian cultures, was still undecipherable by the ships Universal Translator or Linguists specialists.
"It remains another piece of the mystery."
Looking at the planet on the viewscreen before him, Captain Zseeq turned back toward the Bridge crew and walked toward the stairs that led to his Captain's Chair. Standing between the Helm and Science stations though, the Captain looked down at the Helm, "Standard orbit, please, Ensign Chambers."
"Standard orbit, Aye Sir," the Human woman said as she tapped at the flight controls.
The Deltan Captain of the Saratoga crossed his arms, "There's a lot of unknowns with this mission, that's for sure, but I think that we're facing more and more questions the longer we take to launch a full investigation of what's going on." He paused a moment, "Normally I'd agree with sending a probe, but waiting for an analysis of the probe data may prove too long. Besides, there's no guarantee that the signal wouldn't be lost."
"Exec," he looked at Sotra, "prepare an away team. Yourself, Zhi'rev, Jorik, and Doctor D'BrooNi-Haistro will travel by shuttle to the surface. Ensign, notify shuttlebay that I want the Matthew Perry ready for departure in 15 minutes."
"Yes Captain," the Ensign said as she typed on the Operations console.
Zhi's expression was one of pure delight as he was now dividing his duty time between the bridge and the ancient probe in the shuttle bay. He did however cast the CMO a look of genuine concern. "Given the radiation levels I assume EV suits are a requirement?" He asked before giving her a once-over. "Your symbiont... what are the dangers to it? Do you require additional protection?"
"Yes to Radiation suits and my symbiont don't worry. I know how to keep an eye on D'BrooNi," she assured him.
The Helm Officer looked up from her console and turned toward the group, "Commander Sotra, Shuttlebay reports that the shuttle will be ready in about ten minutes. Crewman T'Pral has been assigned as your pilot," she internally smirked realizing that the away mission was, except for the doctor, all Vulcan.
"Understood" the First Officer returned coolly as she started for the turbolift but stopped part way and turning to look at the Doctor.
Mel stood up. "I'll just grab a few bits from Sickbay and meet you all in the Shuttlebay." The crewman's face had not missed her. One Trill and 4 Vulcans. Two traditional as she knew them, one emotional and one unknown. This was going to be an interesting ride she thought.
"I need to gather some equipment as well," Zhi said, "and I need to reassure my daughters just in case we're not home in time to tuck them in."
"Permission to check out a single phaser rifle for use on the away mission, Commander? There are a number of unknown factors on the surface and Starfleet regulations state that Type-III rifles are an acceptable armament for Security in that circumstance." Jorik wasn't planning on going down without at least his Type-II, but having the additional firepower of the Type-III would be suitable for protection purposes if they need it.
"I agree," Zhi spoke up, "though I'd prefer to be armed as well. Perhaps not a rifle, but a phaser at least." He looked towards the XO, all but hoping she'd agree with the security chief.
"If you feel that Phasers are warranted on this mission, then please proceed so long as the Exec agrees," he looked at the XO for her to give confirmation. "However, if you feel that heavy weapons are required, I'd suggest only that the Lieutenant be armed with the Phaser rifle. The rest of you should maintain Type 1 phasers since they're a bit more inconspicuous." The Captain would actually lean toward a Type II at most, but he was not going to challenge the recommendation unless Sotra did.
He did realize that he had essentially made Sotra the bad guy in this, but he trusted his XO's decisions and judgment.
Sotra considered a moment, given the radiation levels it would be unlikely they would encounter anyone or anything dangerous but it never hurt to be prepared.
"Agreed. A single one, standard type two for the other away team members".
"Excellent," the Captain agreed. "Let's get you out there so that we can find out what's going on."
"Yes sir. Away team to assemble in the main shuttle bay, depart in twenty minutes". She looked to the Science Officer. "Minimal amounts of equipment please Lieutenant. We will need to remain mobile on our initial assessment."
"Obviously," Zhi deadpanned, "I'll just take a science kit which I can carry all on my own. I recommend all take a tricorder. The more readings we get, the happier I'll be in studying them."
The Captain nodded, "Excellent suggestion, Lieutenant. Let's get you all on the road. Dismissed."
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