[snip]

Before Glen sat down he approached Grafton again, “Commander Grafton, could you relay to the Admiral how disappointed I am that we were only given four days of R&R. We haven’t had a long leave since we were last in Sector 001, and were forced to have refit… which seems like years ago now. I was expecting a week, maybe two weeks… I appreciate that duty calls, but it is always urgent, and we are always the only ship close enough… it just doesn’t seem fair to this crew. Anyhow, if he could possibly make it so after this next mission please?”

Glen then went and sat down.

• Glen, CO

Max thought to himself, without knowing the lack of R&R since they left last since he was new, that the captain seemed to be frustrated about the short amount of time. The R&R would give engineering time, specifically Max, to get fully familiar with the Merrimack. He would love some time to get everything in order. It had been one fire after another since he arrived. He also knew there were some staffing issues and he wanted to get to know his crew. He waited for the others to arrive so he could find out what is going on for their next mission.

Lt Mullins CE

Cross overhearing the Captain’s request simple rolled her eyes thinking * As if they care !* .

Cross CMO.

Max thought to himself that the comment by dr cross was a little inappropriate. Comments like that would have never been made by Max. You never know who was listening and what might come of it. I would have thought of it by myself. But never saying it out-loud, especially when there might be an admiral or someone of higher rank listening.

Lt Mullins CE

Grafton looked to Glen as he took the seat and everyone else arrived, “..I understand your concerns Captain. To somewhat spoil things ahead you actually aren’t the first ship sent to follow up on this mission assignment. If you’ll let me explain....” He said.

Nodding to one NLt the projection screen came on nearby showing a star chart of about 8 light years. It showed DS K-5 about 4 light years from the lower left of the map, closer still to K-5 was a small Risan colony called ‘Back Washing’ known for their heavy supply of automated washing services for passing cargo and Starfleet ships on this line of trade routes. In the upper right and across the top to the left was areas marked as mostly charted but poorly and while claimed by the Federation had no colonies or the like. Between this empty space and K-5 was a large 5-6 light year spanning nebula. It was labeled ‘The Honey Pot’. Given they had operated in this region of space for some time anyone worth their salt on local gossip would know it was a nebula rich in stellar gases and minerals that were well worth scoping up. “..This as you can see it The Honey Pot. A resource rich nebula of gas and free floating minerals, as well as tiny asteroids and commentary matter. About two weeks ago six civilian mining ships were sent to gather various gases as was usual. About 4 days into their effort the SS Gas Bug under the command of merchant captain Steven Hull picked up what seemed a matter/antimatter explosion 1.4 light years within the nebula but its exact location beyond that could not be determined. An hour later as they were compiling this to send here to K-5 a low band communication pulse was picked up the message was far too degraded to make out its full intent but its signal band patterns match those used by many Risan intersystem colonial ships like those near Back Washing. We sent the USS Trudograd a Starlight class combat medical frigate to investigate they arrived on the scene reliving the merchants once their work was done and begin to search into the nebula dropping comm markers along the way to use as a relay back to K-5 here. However, after a full day the signal relaying stopped. Their last report roughly put them 3.4 light years deep into the central western region of the nebula which is known in the past to have heavy concentrations of helium, trionium, and sirillium. It’s a dangerous mixture of gases which can cause one or more to become explosive and dangerous. It’s possible the Trudograd was disabled or destroyed but such but no readings of an explosion were picked up by the station during this time.” He went on.

”..We are however, still picking up what we suspect is the Risan signal within the nebula refinements we did ourselves make us suspect the Trodograd was near the region it was originating from. Your mission is to enter The Honey Pot, locate and assist the Trudograd or its remains or survivors, and determine the origins of the Risan signal. Because of the danger of the gases Starfleet believes your Rodium armor will provide you far better protections to external threats given the nebula’s interference with sensors and making shielding in operative. Questions Captain?” He asked.

GM CockRoach