Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alexander Cochrane (XO) in Main Sim - Briefing Room - Watchers From On High

Posted by Fleet Captain Drudoc Andone (CO) in Main Sim - Briefing Room - Watchers From On High
[snip]

Pressing a button on the table an image of a class m world came up. “..This is Rotunda 5, a class M world just within Federation space 2 days travel from here by warp 3. The Rotunda people are human like with a pre-warp culture, but recent cultural study probes indicate that may or not change soon. They have a small inter-system patrol group and science outpost on the forth moon which seems the basis for their research into FTL based space travel. Our orders are to approach the system within short range scanning range and observe their most recent efforts of FTL probes and to document on hand cultural study reports. If they crack the warp barrier it will then be my judgement call if we establish first contact. Questions?” she asked.

So many questions popped into her head. What did they look like, what were their medical experience and needs, right down to what method of FTL were they developing. “Captain, do we have of what they look like and their potential medical needs?” she asked intrigued about their new mission. She had always enjoyed first contact situations. So may things to learn about.

Drudoc nodded pressing another button on the table control. An image of a human like light tanned people came up standing between 5‘4 and 5‘10 in height. Beyond the consistent light tanned skin they could easily pass for human in most outward appearances. “..We do..” She said. “..As for medical needs though no, scans show a biology similar to humans with minor differences in brain chemistry that could hint at low level emotional connections or sensing among their own people but not others.” She explained. “..That is where medical and science will need to fill in some gaps in our knowledge..” she went on.

Cochrane looked intently at the display and, after the CMO spoke, asked “Do we have the latest cultural assessments and tech briefings, and do we know when the last probes were sent to the system? And what do we know about their sensor capabilities? We don’t want them picking us up with some new sensor technology they just developed.”

”..Last probes were there a week ago, their technology posses no signs of detecting us with essential sensor masking efforts beyond visual of someone looking out a window. Nor is there any signs of stealth capabilities beyond radar deflecting from aviation craft. Most weapons seem similar to those employed on Earth in the early 21st century. Though unlike on Earth the civilian populace rarely bares arms it seems.” She said. Showing weapons of pistols and rifles of ballistic nature all in a dark silver tone comparable in appearance and calibers of Earth based Beretta pistols and American M-16A2 Assault rifles, etc. No sign of SMGs or heavier machine guns seemed evident on the write ups curiously.

“We could probably mask ourselves by creating a fixed orbit around one of their moons.” Lieutenant Trainor stated. “If the ship was smaller, I’d suggest hooking up a dozen or so holo-emitters around the hull to disguise as an asteroid ....” Tenzing quietly let out a sigh of relief, as this assignment was going to be a cakewalk.

Roux fell into a silence, studying each of them as they spoke. She assumed any questions she had would be answered by those fueled by the others. Curiously, she wondered what would come of their questions, but she didn’t bother to ask any of her own.. yet.

Tiglath turned to Trainor. “Instead of the ship, what if we used a shuttle or runabout? The Ark Angel could stay outside the system and we could use the shuttle for closer observations?” He asked thoughtfully.

”..Starfleet would like us to remain outside the system if possible. Though there should be several large comets and asteroids we can use for concealment if we wished for system entry. We’ll make use of a modified Fulcrum scientific runabout with a cultural study lab on board in bay 4 for an away team insertions if the need arises and I decide the risk is manageable. Otherwise our observations will be by long range scans, cultural stealth study probes, and listening in on local broadcasts with your staff and performing write ups for if needed future contacts or studies..” She explained.

Cochrane spoke up. “Captain. If it is decided that we are to infiltrate for on-site assessments, I would strongly recommend that Science and Engineering sections be tasked with gaining access to any computer networks possible so that we can get familiar with the society’s history. Cultural norms can be gleaned from broadcasts, as you said.”

”…A good suggestion commander, make it happen..” She said with a nod to the CSO and CE to follow up on the suggestion.

Chris’s eyes beamed with excitement, “Ah! Old computer networks are a fun hobby of mine! Granted they’re not as efficient .. slow .. cumbersome, prone to silly things like address conflicts …” He shook his head quickly, getting himself back on track. “I’d probably just need some basic understanding of their language which I’m sure our universal translator would easily be able to pick up from the broadcasts and I should be able to remotely hop in and access any system we’d need within reason. Can probably look into the different government types on the planet and see if they’ve managed to engineer anything that could be a threat to the ship..” He sounded doubtful based on the levels of technology so far, but it never hurt to be safe. Plus his curiosity about technology drove him to want to know anything and everything they could make. Especially their plans on their attempt to break the warp barrier. What kind of engine are they using? Means of propulsion? So many answers he could find out!

”..Interestingly their appear to be two prevalent forms of FTL study, one is based on a typical matter/anti-matter reaction the other seems based on high yield fusion batteries for small scale FTL jumps. The progress of favoritism of either form though isnt known the probes observing the system before us weren’t able to make in depth computer checks without giving themselves away..” She said.

“If the inhabitants are humanoid as you say,” Sadie spoke, thoughtful, “Then perhaps we could send a small scientific team to the surface, disguised as the natives - once we have a better understanding of their culture from the computer network. I’ve found that one always gets a better understanding of a culture by being present in it than by simply watching,” she said with a small smile. She looked forward to being able to actually meet these people if they developed warp while the Ark Angel was observing them, but understood that such a situation would be the only one in which she would get the opportunity, due to her alien appearance.

”..As I mentioned insertion teams will be made by the modified Fulcrum runabout before that I want all departments to make full system scans of the inhabitants on all levels so we can best fit in.” She said.

Kalitta listened to everyone with interest. “Would it be possible to send out an inhanced bio probe to find out more of not only the people down there, but of the rest of the bio diversity. Also what kind of FTL are they attempting to use? Most FTL designs at the early stages have high radiation output. If I knew what kind of FTL they are using I can be ready for any particular radioactive poising that may occur.

”..It will be possible yes, and will be one of our first launches once we get there. As I mentioned they’re using traditional matter/anti-matter reactions and a high yield fusion batteries for shorter range jumps..” Drudoc said. “..Any more questions?” She asked.

Tenzing was even more curious about this species, especially since it could possibly lead to first contact. The OPS officer shook his head when the Captain asked if they had anymore questions. The Lieutenant thought about looking at the preliminary scans to see what they were up against.

OOC: If any one has further questions put them above this OOC line!

With no further questions to answer Drudoc summed things up, “..Alright then everyone, we got two days to prep for this mission, have your staff go over what information is on file for the Rotunda people and then go over possible study options. Once we arrive we’ll first begin with long range scans and probes to assess where they are at with their own studies. From there we may use a Fulcrum runabout to place a select insertion team for up close study..” She said.

”..Dismissed!” She said.

GM CockRoach / Drudoc Andone CO

Cochrane nodded and said “Aye aye, Captain.” and stood and looked about the room, then nodded once to himself and went to prepare the coordination of the departments.

Cochrane, XO

“Understood. Science will get to work immediately,” Sadie said before she saluted and ran off to get ready for the mission.

Sadie