Posted by Commander Shedda Mal’athar (Executive Officer) in Main Sim - Bridge (SIM START!)

Posted by Gamemaster Amdirgol (GMT) in Main Sim - Bridge (SIM START!)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Eilah Fayth (Chief of Security) in Main Sim - Bridge (SIM START!)
Posted by… suppressed (43) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The bridge was quiet, calm as usual for when the ship was at Event Horizon. Officers sat at their respective stations, a slightly smaller crew than might staff the bridge during a mission, given the number of crew off-ship. NE Vasquez, at the back of the bridge, glanced down at his console and broke the silence. “Sir? Incoming message from Station Command.”

“Put it on the screen, Vasquez,” Mal’athar said from her chair and gave Cochrane a curious glance.

On the viewscreen, the image of one Commodore Fletcher, the Starfleet insignia framed behind her desk, appeared. “Captain,” the silver haired woman smiled, the lines on her face softening for a moment. “ Your leave’s up. I have your next mission. The Manhattan is to investigate the Arachnid nebula and research the composition and properties. Fairly straightforward.” She paused a moment, glancing down off frame, presumably at the console on her desk. “While you’re there, passing ships have gotten some odd readings, but you know how nebulae are, so take a look and see if anything’s different than expected. I expect to hear a report in the next few weeks. Any questions?”

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

Cochrane smiled at the Commodore from his position in the Command chair. “And good to hear from you as well, Commodore.” he said with a hint of humor in his voice. “But I would ask why we are having our leave cut short for, as you said, a ‘fairly straightforward’ mission.” Cochrane hated when they were told a mission was ‘steaightforward’ or ‘simple’. It inevitably led to chaos. “And so you are aware, Ma’am: I have crew that went through the wormhole. It will take a few days to get them all back aboard.”

Cochrane, CO

Shedda had the same question as Cochrane just asked. Leave was never cut short for routine.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“Good observation, Captain,” she smiled faintly. “Take the time you need to get your crew on board - efficiently, of course - but this is something Command wants a bit of a closer look on. More than one ship’s thought they saw a Vulcan signature for a moment in the Nebula - but as far as we know, none of the member worlds have explored it yet, given its distance to the core systems. It’s likely nothing, but strange enough to merit investigation.”

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

Shedda turned in her seat and looked at Fayth. She spoke softly so as not to interuot the Cochrane and the commodore. “Contact Cmdr Pierce on Event Horizon. Get a list of all Vulcan ships that have cone through the wormhole and their identification signatures.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“We’ll get on it right away, Commodore.” Cochrane said. “And we will keep you posted on what we find. Are there any governmental bodies in the area we need to contact prior to arrival? Is the nebula in anyone’s known territory?” he asked.

Cochrane, CO

“Negative, Captain. If there’s anyone that claims it, we’ve yet to meet them,” Fletcher stated. “If you do happen to encounter anyone, you’re fully empowered to begin first contact procedures.”

Lieutenant Commander Arthur Flynn
Chief Science Officer

“Aye aye, Commodore. We’ll start preparations for departure right away. Manhattan out.” Cochrane said and then turned and looked at the bridge crew. “Comms. Issue a priority recall to all personnel. Report back to the ship immediately. Science, pull all the records and reports we have on the nebula and surrounding sector. Compile a briefing for the senior staff prior to departure. Engineering, make sure all systems are ready for the trip and let me know if we got the modified s-braces for the hydrostatic stasis pod in lab three installed. If they haven’t been, you’ve got a few days to get it done. Security, make sure all crew is accounted for and assist with any delays any of our people might run into getting back.” He looked at Mal’athar and said “XO, see what you can find about any present or past Vulcan activities around the nebula.” He took his seat and then said “Ok, all… let’s get to work.”

Cochrane, CO

Kaia was in her office, compiling a progress report on the repairs when the comms came in. “Hmm! Our next mission! Quite exciting.”

Lieutenant Kaia
Chief Engineer USS Manhattan

“Aye Sir,” Mal’athar stood from her chair and moved to one of the auxiliary stations at the back of the bridge and initiated a link up to the Event Horizon computer. She input her access code and made the request for the present and past Vulcan activities around the nebula. As well as records of all Vulcan ships that had come through the wormhole in the past year.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

The report began compiling immediately: there wasn’t much, as expected given the relatively small time the Federation had had access to the region. There were no recorded missions within or near the nebula, but the following ships had passed by in the past 12 months:

T’Naras
Vri’lar
Kalhas
Soval

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

Scott began to work on pulling the records quietly with not so much as a peep. As the data danced on the screen in front of him he simply said “Of course sir”, his voice blending in with the background hum typical of starships.

~Scott Smith, Science Officer~
The data began pouring in - there was plenty of surface level information but beyond what everyone on the bridge already knew, there was very little new information. Most interesting was that a higher than average number of small anomalies had been reported in the sector, but it wasn’t all that unique even among explored space in that - after all, an average necessitates results higher than average.

Shedda requested the mission briefings, flight plan, and crew rosters of all the ships. As well as the design specifications for each.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

The requested data came through with only a small delay, compiling on her console. T’Naras, Vri’lar, and Soval had all been tasked with pushing into unexplored space and cataloguing it, while Kalhas was to begin in-depth study of an area of space on the far side of the nebula, about 100 LY out. All were fairly small top of the line science vessels, with crews of 80 to 120.

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

Cochrane watched as the preliminary mission work began; and then pressed his comms button on the arm of his chair and sent a message through the ship and to all assigned personnel wherever they were. =/\= Attention all hands, this is the Captain. I regret to inform you that all shore leaves is cancelled and all personnel are to return to the Manhattan immediately to prep for immediate departure. All hands on board, begin inventories and systems checks. Cochrane out. =/\=

Cochrane, CO

Scott worked to compile the report, blossoming quickly to 15 pages going into detail on each and every anomaly in details that seemed to surpass the level found in the initial report yet when read had nothing new to add and also had the same effect as a gentle lullaby sung softly by a choir of the most bland angels. He continued to work and write, ensuring that each detail would be communicated in the most milquetoast way possible.

~Scott Smith, Science Officer~

It took some time and quiet grumbling from the junior personnel, but in due time inventories and green lights on all systems began coming in. “All stations reporting onboard and ready to depart, sir,” NE Vasquez reported. “All further preparation can be completed underway.”

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

“Four Vulcan ships have been through in the last 12 months. T’Naras, Vri’lar, and Soval had all been tasked with pushing into unexplored space and cataloguing it, while Kalhas was to begin in-depth study of an area of space on the far side of the nebula, about 100 LY out. Crews range from 80 to 120 people,” Mal’athar reported from the auxiliary station.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“Close the docking hatches,” Eilah told his security department, “Issue an all recall to the crew, then help get everyone back on board by assisting cargo and transports.”

~ Fayth, COS

The next few days passed uneventfully, even if they were filled with a flurry of activity as personnel were recalled from all over. But soon enough the Manhattan was ready to depart.

“Everyone checked in?” Cochrane asked the Comms officer, who responded with a nod of her head. Cochrane smiled and leaned back on his chair. “Helm, set us a course for the nebula.” Cochrane said to the helm officer. “Take us out, three-quarters impulse.” “Aye aye, three-quarters impulse.” The rocking clamps released and the massive ship began to drift slowly away from the station, turning it’s bulk and moving further away into space. “Station cleared, ready for warp, Captain.” the helm officer said with a Harley concealed glee in his voice. Cochrane grinned slightly and said “Well, alright then… All ahead, warp factor seven.” Cochrane replied and he then felt the ship vibrate slightly more than usual and the science vessel leapt away from the station and disappeared.

Cochrane, CO

It didn’t take long for the ship to arrive - only a matter of a few days.

“Sir,” NE Bell reported from the helm, “We’ve arrived at the near edge of the nebula. Dropping to impulse.”

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

“Bring us to five hundred thousand kilometers and hold position. Science, began high resolution scans and prepare a probe for deployment.” Cochrane said. “Any other ships in the area?”

Cochrane, CO

“None that we can detect, sir,” reported NE Vasquez. “We’re alone out here.”

Kaia stood on the bridge, looking at the viewscreen. “It’s beautiful,” she commented, tilting her head in curiosity.

Lieutenant Kaia
Chief Engineer USS Manhattan

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

“Of course sir, please allow for 2-3 minutes for the sensor sweep to be completed. I shall prepare the probe while the scan takes place.” Scott said, his voice dry and tone similar to that of slightly wet cardboard. He tapped away at his console, beginning the high resolution scan and configuring the probe.

~Scott Smith, Science Officer~

“Lt. Kaia, when the scans come in, if there is anything that could interfere with scans or communications, get started on adjustments to compensate.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

Bumping for everyone
(OOC: Oops! Sorry!!)

The scans went off without too much trouble - there was some interference from the nebula and the scan quality degraded at shorter range than it would in empty space, but this was normal and to be expected. It might be possible to enhance this result and reduce interference somewhat, but so far communications were fine and the probe should be able to get better results farther out.

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

“Aye, Captain.” Kaia responded, and got to making micro-adjustments on the equipment as the scans came in. It was only a 1% increase in fidelity, but it was still an increase. “Scans are coming in. Results are expected for a nebula of this composition, so far.”

Lieutenant Kaia
Chief Engineer USS Manhattan

“All right. Begin preliminary analysis and launch the probe. Keep an eye out for any other traffic in the area.” Cochrane said.

Cochrane, CO

“Nothing but us out here, Captain.” Faith reported from his station.

~ Fayth, COS

As the probe continued deeper into the nebula, the readings were normal and expected…at first. After a little while with results coming back and being dutifully catalogued, the science station began beeping quietly but persistently, alerting to a notable departure from normative readings for this type of nebula, as well as from preliminary scans. There was a sizable mass a ways in, much larger than a rogue comet or asteroid, though not the scale of a unexpected stellar mass. The most likely conclusion was a planetary body of some sort, though the probe was too far away in its flyby to get more detailed results on exactly what sort of planet it was.

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

As the readings came in and were reported by Science, Cochrane furrowed his brow. “A planet? … You don’t say…” he muttered. He looked back at the tactical station. “Mr. Smith. Prepare another probe and set a course to give a flyby. Not close, but see if we can get an idea of composition and class. Mr. Faith, prep a surveillance probe, shall we?… Just in case.”

Cochrane, CO

=^= Fayth to Deck 18 Torpedo bay. Prepare a class 5 surveillance probe and load it into the deck 19 foreward topedo launchers.=^= Fayth said into the Comms at the Captain’s words.

A few minutes later a reply came from the bay =^=Probe readied and loaded, Cmdr.=^=

~ Fayth, COS

The second probe’s data came streaming back before long - it was definitely a planet. Specifically, an M-class planet, about 102% the size of Earth and with a similar makeup, though it was a bit dryer and hotter than the capital world. It also appeared to be the source of the reports of Vulcan signatures - the probe’s readings included partial Vulcan registrations, though incomplete enough to make exact identification impossible.

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

Mal’athar watched the probe data come in. The scientist, the intrepid explorer in her was eager to announce the readings, but part of command was giving the crew the chance to do their jobs. Jumping the gun could destroy an officer’s confidence.

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

Scott watched his console and as the data streamed in he said with a tone reminiscent of beige carpet and the passion of a slightly damp newspaper, “Hmm. It appears the second probe has transmitted its findings. The object is indeed a planet. M-class planet, to be precise. Slightly larger than Earth, I see, a scale of 102% , if the data is correct. Composition appears to be comparable to Earth’s as well, although with a… drier and warmer climate. Ah, and there’s something else. The probe detected some unusual readings. Possibly Vulcan in origin, though further analysis is required.” He said to the bridge as the probe finished transmission.

~Scott Smith, Science Officer~

“Cmdr Fayth, launch the surveillance probe. Let’s see what else we can find out. Lt. Smith, continue launching your probes to scan the rest of the nebula. Let’s make sure we aren’t chasing ghosts,” Mal’athar ordered. “Lt. Kaia see if you and Lt Smith can clean up the signals. Compare them to the Vulcan signatures we have on file for the ships that came through the wormhole. Let’s see if we can identify who might be down there.”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

Kaia nodded along, then began to call up the database of vulcan signals to start comparing.

Lieutenant Kaia
Chief Engineer USS Manhattan

None of the signatures matched what could be made out of the one from the planet, though there wasn’t much to go by - it was a badly degraded signature, even after enhancement. Extending the search field to all active Vulcan ships, the closest match was the Saketh, a Suurok-class ship dating back to the 22nd century, nowadays only a ceremonial and museum ship, though it was inexact.

Cochrane sat up a little straighter in his chair. “Vulcan? All the way out here? Huh…” and he started mentally running scenarios through his mind. “Mr. Fayth, launch the surveillance probe. Comms, tap into the second probe and see if you can pick up any kind of chatter at all; but specifically look for automated distress calls. If there is a Vulcan presence

Cochrane, CO

Cochrane, CO

The second probe was picking up chatter, but there was no distress call among it. Instead, what came through was a garbled mess of signals. A quick algorithm later, it was clearly distinguishable as being a variety of audiovisual communications and broadcasts - comparable to Earth c. 2030.

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

“Captain, the closest match is the Saketh, a Vulcan vessel from the 2100s. The Saketh is a Museum ship,” Kaia spoke up. “The match is… inexact. It is likely not the Saketh, unless the Saketh has altered its signature quite a bit.”

Lieutenant Kaia
Chief Engineer USS Manhattan

Cochrane stared at the main screen for moment and then said “Okay. Helm, set a course for the planet, but hold position at five hundred thousand kilometers. Mr. Fayth, make sure we aren’t seen by any space-based surveillance.”

Cochrane, CO

“Aye, Sir, probe launched. Sensors at maximum,” Eilah said, watching the sensors for anything that might come up on them.

~ Fayth, COS

As the surveillance probe swept closer to the planet, detailed data feed began coming back. There was orbital architecture in place around the planet - primitive architecture, but it was unmistakably present. There didn’t appear to be anything outright surveillance-oriented, although undoubtedly any culture at this level of development would have the ability to see to the distance the ship would be at. The data from the second and third probes suggested that the side of the largest moon facing away from the planet might be a decent place to hide - it would likely block visual contact entirely, and hide most of the passive energy signatures and radiation emitted by the ship. It was a bit closer than Cochrane’s order - about 420 thousand km - but might be more concealing than a farther position in open space.

Gamemaster Amdirgol
GMT

The turbolift doors opened, and Ben stepped out on to the bridge. Since hearing that they were chasing a Vulcan ship signature, he had been in Sickbay making sure the appropriate medical supplies were available, and synthesising the necessary consumables such as Vulcan blood plasma.

Lt. Hudson
Chief Medical Officer

Shedda was watching the data come in. “We’re going to have to do more than keep our distance. We need to find somewhere to act as a surveillance blind.” She turned to look over her shoulder. “Suggestions?”

Cmdr. Mal’athar, XO

“Yes, actually,” Eilah said, looking at the reading. “Position us behind the moon. We’ll be closer, but hidden from the orbital structure.” He looked at the XO and Captain.

~ Fayth, COS