Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Interstellar Paleontology
Robin Hopper
// Begin Log Entry //
Chief Science Officer’s log, stardate 240102.08…
We’ve safely traversed the borders of the Eakarian Expanse and are set to reach our destination – one of the Kathesis Pact’s many transit ports – within the hour. While this isn’t a diplomatic mission, I’ve still brought along plenty of reading material and used the travel time to brush up on the local politics. The port we’re visiting is mostly managed by the local Nygean population, but officially exists in a sort of ‘pocket’ of space governed by the Pact’s “Assembly of the Oathsworn” and is defended by Kathesis Pact Navy… Needless to say, I’m keeping my PADD with me for reference. ::Sigh:: We don’t want another Paak situation on our hands.
Where was I? Oh, right! The purpose of our mission is actually one of scientific and technological interest. We caught word through a traveling Talaxian merchant that a Voth research vessel was going to be parked in the neighbourhood for several weeks, undergoing routine maintenance. What we know of the Voth from Voyager’s travels is limited – but apparently their ships utilize a novel form of transwarp travel that could be of significant value, given the trouble we’ve been having with warp field-induced benamite reactions in the space around Amity.
I’ve brought along Lieutenant Reade, who I understand has an interest in propulsion technologies, as well as Ensign Blackwood, our HCO. I’m hoping that, between the three of us, we can learn a bit about the Voth and their transwarp technology – though I’m not anticipating any sort of proper ‘exchange’. The Voth might not have been left with the greatest impression of the Federation after their encounter with Voyager, so I don’t want to push our luck!
That said, I’m eager and optimistic. We’ll see what happens!
Hopper out.
// End Log Entry //
((Type 6A Shuttle “Katraas”, En Route to Nygean Transit Port))
Robin finished recording her log, then looked up from her terminal, taking in the space ahead on the viewscreen. In the distance, she could make out a small cluster of bright objects – the transit port. Travel was limited to impulse speeds in the sector, given the high concentration of ships.
Hopper: Can we get a closer view, Ensign?
Blackwood: Response
The image on the screen focused in on the space port ahead, bringing the entire structure and the nearest vessels into clear view. It was impressive. Though not nearly as large as Amity, and clearly purpose built with ‘passing through’ in mind rather than long-term stays, it was covered in docking pylons, with craft of various sizes moving seamlessly around it. The complexity of its construction and traffic control was a testament to the organizational prowess of the Pact and its subsidiary states.
Hopper: Look at that! ::Chuckling:: And I thought the spaceports on Theta VII were bustling… Scotty, are you able to pinpoint the Voth vessel? It won’t be in our database, but if you run a scan looking for transwarp signatures…
Reade: Response
Hopper: ::Nodding:: That’ll be it, then. So, the rumours are true! How exciting.
Blackwood/Reade: Response
Hopper: I won’t lie, I was sort of hoping to see one of their “city ships” – but I’m not disappointed. I think there’ll still be plenty for us to learn.
Blackwood/Reade: Response?
She leaned back in her seat, pleased as punch about the entire thing. While they were here to hopefully learn more about the Voth’s transwarp technology, that was hardly the only interesting thing about the Voth! According to Voyager’s information, there was significant evidence to suggest that the species actually originated on Earth – descendants of Hadrosaurs that had evolved in isolation to a point where they were able to leave the planet behind… It was the sort of thing that a science fiction novelist might have come up with – but truth was often stranger than fiction! The Voth may not have accepted the “Distant Origin Theory” thirty years ago… but who knew what had happened in the intermittent years.
Hopper: Alright, hail the port and take us in. Let’s get docked and get to work!
Blackwood/Reade: Response
TBC
