Cmdr. Evan Delano: “Welcome to Frosthome”

[Cameron O.]

(( Frosthome, Havley’s Hope ))

(( OOC - There hasn’t been much established about this planet, so I’m using the opportunity to do a little world building. I’m writing as if there are multiple settlements on the planet, and assuming this is a separate location from where the teaser takes place. ))  

:: Given Frosthome’s name and its location well north of the more temperate equator zone, Evan was surprised to find the city was surprisingly so warm, despite what the ship’s sensors had told them before beaming down. The city, the second largest on the planet, was something of an engineering marvel. Orbital phaser arrays had been used to carve a massive canyon in one of the glaciers and to drill strategic holes into the planet’s crust - both to give access to the rich deposits of rare elements, and to tap into the mantle. The geothermal heat released into the canyon provided more than enough energy for the settlement and the attached mining facilities. The glacial deposits in the soil even provided for a significant growing season. ::  

:: It was no wonder that many of the Havley Mining Corporation housed most of the executives here, along with a large number of the miners’ families. With the sheer ice walls rising in the distance, shimmering in the pale light of Havley’s sun, and the verdant green fields beneath them, there was a certain elegant beauty in the contrasts. According to the transporter chief, the temperature on the surface of the glacier was -28 degrees celsius.  Down here, it was a pleasant 19 degrees. ::

:: They had just emerged from the public transporter pad at the center of the colony and were still taking in the scene as their Andorian contact approached them. She had darker blue skin than he’d seen on other Andorians Evan had known, and was wearing an elegant black and gold dress that reminded him of an Indian sari.  ::

Sha’valak: Welcome to Frosthome. May I ask which of you is Commander Delano.

:: Evan had spoken briefly to the woman to ensure they’d be welcome, but the conversation had been by voice only. ::

Delano: That would be me. :: He gestured to the other members of his away team in turn. :: This is Lieutenant Commander Sky Blake, and Ensigns Lorian Lovar and J’Vreh.

Blake/Lovar/J’Vreh: Responses (if any)

Sha’valak: Welcome, Lieutenant Commander, Ensigns. I’m Evassao Sha’valak, head of the People Operations Division of the Havley Mining Corporation. I don’t believe we’ve ever had so many Starfleet officers here at once.

Delano: We’ll do our best to make a good impression.  

Blake/Lovar/J’Vreh: Responses

Sha’valak: The families of the missing miners have all agreed to relocate here for the time being. Frosthome offers amenities the other settlements do not, and it ensures they’ll be nearby as soon as we learn something about what’s happened to their loved ones.

Delano: We appreciate you allowing us access on such short notice.

Sha’valak: Of course. Your timing is actually quite good. We were about to house a small meeting for the family members to update them on your arrival and your captain’s agreement to help with the investigation. If you’re willing to attend, I can introduce you there.  

Blake/Lovar/J’Vreh: Responses

Delano: Sounds like we’re all agreed. Where is this meeting?

((Beryllium Room, People Operations Division Headquarters, Havley Mining Corporation))

:: A few minutes later they were standing before a crowd of about three dozen people of various races, ages, and genders. About a third of the family members were young children. On first glance, there appeared to be no real connection between the families aside from the obvious fact that all of them were missing someone important to them. The grief and anguish in many of their expressions was unmistakable. ::

:: Sha’valak gave a brief presentation about the Colonial detective assigned to the case, and about Veritas’ arrival in orbit. She then introduced Delano and the rest of the away team. ::

Sha’valak: The commander and his team want to interview some of you about your missing loved ones, if you’re willing. Please feel free to stay here as long as you’d like to enjoy refreshments and to meet with them.

:: There were a few questions for Sha’valak from the audience, and Evan found himself looking around the strangely opulent meeting room. It was clearly designed for larger corporate gatherings. The room seemed far too large for the five rows of chairs and the small table of drinks and snacks refreshments. It was also a rich room. Several paintings and elegant statues lined the perimeter, and a large chandelier glittered with glass and gemstones overhead. He wondered if they had been expecting more people to attend the meeting. ::

Sha’valak: Thank you for your cooperation. We’ll have more for you as soon as we have it.

:: The Andorian approached the away team. ::

Sha’valak: I have other duties I need to attend to this afternoon, but I’ll come check in on you in an hour or two. Is there anything else you need in the meantime?

:: Evan looked to the other officers. ::

Any: Responses

Sha’valak: Very well. Good luck.

:: As the Andorian left, Evan saw that many of the family members were also leaving. But, six or so had stayed behind and were watching them expectantly. Evan kept his voice low as he conferred with the team. ::

Delano: So… how should we handle this? Do you think we can talk to them all at once, or would it be better to interview them one at a time?

:: He wished they'd been able to bring a counselor. :: 

Blake: Response

J’vreh/Lovar: Responses

:: Evan nodded. ::

Delano: I’m concerned about the ones that left, but we can follow up on that after we’re done here. The captain only gave us three hours before the first check in. This is probably our best bet to get some good information to share before then.

Blake/J'vreh/Lovar: Responses

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Commander Evan Delano
Operations Officer/Second Officer
USS Veritas
T239007ED0