Lt. Cmdr Stros - Vulcan Inquisition
Nathan Richards
((Secondary Research Site, “Wandering Stone”, Sixth Moon))
The starship crossed through the facility’s sensor grid as it came closer and closer to the sixth moon. Defense systems engaged, masking the lifesigns of those in the facility and putting the station into a low power state in hopes of deterring visitors. But it didn’t seem to work as the ship grew closer. This time sending out a signal or message that seemed to interact with the “cave” system beneath the facility.
The Vulcan standing at the main console in the empty command center slowly tapped the screen to keep tabs on the approaching vessel without bringing more attention to the facility. His eyebrow raised when he realized it was a Federation vessel. There was a crackle from the old communications equipment as a message began to come through.
Ukinix: =/\= This is the USS Independence-B to the facility on the sixth moon of Imza-4521-G. =/\=
Brows now furrowed, the Vulcan officer brushed some of his long (admittedly too long) hair from his face as he continued to watch the vessel grow closer. It was now visible on the viewscreen. A Defiant Class starship, Registry number 1776. USS Independence-B assigned to Amity Outpost by order of the United Federation of Planets Diplomatic Corps.
Ukinix: =/\= Look, we’re not stupid, we can see you, you know. Look. =/\=
oO Sight does not denote intelligence.Oo
There was a brief pause before an image appeared on the station’s viewscreen. An image of the facility on the moon’s surface.
Ukinix: =/\= Seriously, last chance– don’t make us come down there.
The Vulcan shook his head before tapping at the console once more to open the channel. The viewscreen pictured changed to the bridge of the Independence. Sitting in the center chair was none other than Commander Wil Ukinix, Amity’s Firs– no, Commanding Officer. Recently promoted.
Stros: =/\= That will not be necessary, Commander. =/\=
Stepping more into the dim light of the command center, Stros put his hands behind his back.
Stros: =/\= Our facility automatically engaged our defense systems when you crossed our sensor grid. =/\=
Ukinix: =/\= Right. And you are? =/\=
Stros nodded slowly. Of course, how could he forget? While he might know who Commander Ukinix and most of the Amity crew were, they had no idea who he was.
Stros: =/\= Lieutenant Commander Stros. Head of Technological Research and Development for the “Whispering Wall” facility. ::Looking around the command center briefly:: And “Wandering Stone” it would seem. =/\=
Another figure showed up on the viewscreen, a Vulcan female…No. Not quite Vulcan.
Aitas: =/\= Second Secretary Aitas, Cultural Affairs. The Diplomatic Corps are quite interested in hearing just why multiple facilities were established without proper procedure. =/\=
Stros: =/\= I can assure you, Second Secretary, We are here on orders from Starfleet Command. But I’m sure you aren’t here solely to cite us for some violation. =/\=
((OOC: Since Comms tags were not continued, I’ve gotten permission to interject more comms tags and continue the conversation.))
Ukinix: =/\= Response =/\=
Aitas/Moore/Miller: =/\= Response? =/\=
Stros: =/\= I’m sure you sent an away team down to the “Whispering Wall” facility. And I’m sure you have discovered the “Interlink” project, correct? =/\=
Ukinix: =/\= Response =/\=
Aitas/Moore/Miller: =/\= Response? =/\=
Stros stepped closer to the viewscreen, his face still a blank slate of emotion.
Stros: =/\= Then I implore you, Commander, to help my team. An unknown vessel took control of our facility during tests of the “Interlink” system. They began to scan and download our entire database. Including all of the information on you and your crew, Commander. =/\=
Ukinix: =/\= Response =/\=
Aitas/Moore/Miller: =/\= Response? =/\=
Moving even closer to the viewscreen, his face almost giving away the urgency that he felt beginning to boil over.
Stros: =/\= There is one more thing, Commander. The– =/\=
The viewscreen suddenly switched back to it’s view of the gas giant, and the small Defiant Class vessel. Stros stood there for a moment, his brow furrowed and lips pursed.
Stros: Not now.
He quickly made his way back to the console, looking over the readings. Interlink had been activated. That meant… He needed to get his team out. And he knew exactly how he was going to do it.
He tapped a few times at the console, weeding through the Interlink file system before he came across the controls he wanted. No…needed. After a few moments of getting everything together, the message to his team, the coordinates of the Independence, and the access he needed, He hit the “execute” button. There was a pause as the system worked, anticipation building with every passing second.
Computer: Coordinates locked. Standby.
Stros: I hope you don’t mind a little company, Commander.
A bright light enveloped Stros as the transporter kicked on. The dark, empty control room shifted and faded away as Stros’ own molecules were transformed into energy and sent through the buffer. It was all so quick and painless that the average transport user could never tell it was happening. But for Stros, time ticked by stressfully slow. He had always preferred shuttle travel to transporters, but one could not choose in times of crisis.
The bright light fluttered slightly as voices filtered through the ringing in Stros’ ears. (Or, what in theory were his ears.) Some familiar, others not. The light began to fade as his body was finally being put back together aboard the bridge of the USS Independence-B.
Miller: If our comms are being tracked, I recommend moving to Starfleet secure channel 1050. This channel is usually only used in extreme situations, but this mare warrants the cause. :: To Aitas:: Does the FDC have a secure comms line that we can tap into as well?
Aitas: Response
Moore/Ukinix: Response
It seemed like it all took forever. Each molecule being put back in their place. Had anyone really thought about whether or not each one was put back exactly where it went? Would one molecule out of place really make much of a difference? A molecule from one's ear could be swapped with, say, one from their butt cheek. Would anyone really know?
Miller: Commander, should we contact Stros again? When he first appeared, our comms started having micro glitches.
Ukinix/Aitas/Moore: Response
Finally, his vision began to clear from the bright light. He got his first real look at the bridge and the crew that manned it. The coordinates had been slightly off, it seemed. That or the Independence had moved roughly eight or nine feet from where they had been. He stood at the rear of the bridge, out of line of sight of the bridge crew.
Stros: You and your crew seem to have a penchant for the unnecessary, Commander.
Ukinix/Aitas/Moore/Miller: Response
As head turned to look at the sudden Vulcan Inquisition, Stros offered a smile to the faces.
Stros: Hello there.
Ukinix/Aitas/Moore/Miller: Response
Stros: ::His smile fading to a more “Vulcan” posture:: I hope you do not mind a few stow-aways, Commander.
Ukinix/Aitas/Moore/Miller: Response
TAGS/TBC…
Lieutenant Commander Stros
Head of Technological Research and Development
Whispering Wall/ Wandering Stone
A239905NR1