<snip>

Suddenly another ship dropped out of warp almost right on top of the Challenger and the smaller playful ship. This one was several times larger than the Challenger and by extension the little thing running around. When the larger ship appeared the warp signatures scanning obviously picked it up along with every other scan. The thing was a massive version of the smaller ship but looked like it had been cobbled together from many other spacefaring vessels. In fact detailed scans would show a type of spider shaped droid scurrying about its surface.

When it dropped out from warp on all frequencies a major blast of audio was broadcast on all channels. It sounded very much akin to a mother scolding a child. You didn’t have to be a biologist or engineer to pick up on tonal qualities after all. Soon after the blast the Challenger picked up that the larger ship was targeting the smaller one as a tractor beam was powering up.

GM Wombat

Kyle had to drop to one knee to counter the agonising sound. Once he corrected himself, the Chief of Security got back to his feet and checked his console, “Do we follow the ship Captain?”

-Lieutenant Junior Grade Kyle Anders: Chief of Security-

Emmy had been about to acknowledge the counselor’s statement when the view screen exploded with activity. She watched with fascination at the event, even managing to not cover her hears at the ridiculous level of sound, with a small tilt to the corners of her lips creeping onto her face at the biological similarity playing out in front of them. As the ships departed, she shook her head at Anders. “Be sure to document the contact, but I don’t think there is anything else we need to do here,” she remarked, her voice softer than normal as she departed the Bridge.

Davis, CO

Vanessa watched the captain’s retreating back, lips pursed. “Curiouser and curiouser,” she mumbled, then tapped a finger to her lips. She glanced at Lieutenant Anders, then at the empty center chair and a grin slowly crept across her face. She crossed to the chair and sat, a hand on each arm rest, and leaned back, wiggling to find the most comfortable spot.

“Nice view,” she said, looking out across the bridge. “Still doesn’t feel right though,” she remarked, rising. “Go ahead and let Commander Holmann know he’s cleared to return to the shuttle bay.”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS