Ensign S’jenes - Discovery
James hassell
(( Stellar Cartography – Deck 9 ))
The nebula continued its slow, staticky churn across the holographic dome, each wave of interference rippling through the room like distant thunder. Ensign S’Jenes adjusted one final sensor filter, watching the data degrade from almost readable to utterly useless in a matter of seconds.
S’Jenes: ::softly to himself, recording into the duty log:: The object remains a mass shadow without confirmable surface readings. Probability of naturally occurring formation remains… inconclusive.
Before he could refine the estimate, the chirp of an incoming transmission cut across the low hum of the lab. The Commodore’s voice filled the room.
Rajel: =/\= Rajel to the following officers, Yirah, Lystra, Perax, Foster, S’Jenes, Eze, Mec. We have discovered a surprise planet in the nebula and are going to send two away teams down. We do not know what will await us prepare accordingly. You'll go down by shuttle and will need EVA suits that are being prepared. Cade, I want one medical officer per team; send Maramox and either you or Ellie for the other team. I'll meet you in shuttle bay in half an hour for a brief and tasks. =/\=
S’Jenes straightened instinctively, eyes briefly flicking to the holographic mass-shape that had consumed his focus.
S’Jenes: =/\= S’Jenes here, acknowledged. I will prepare and report to the shuttle bay within the allotted time. =/\=
As the channel closed, he exhaled once…controlled, minimal, but undeniable. Discovery. Uncharted territory. This was the part of Starfleet he had always considered… invigorating.
He secured the console, the holographic nebula dissolving into darkness around him. His steps were measured as he crossed to the equipment alcove built into the lab’s curved wall. From within, he retrieved:
— A Type-II phaser, checking the charge
— His tricorder, verifying calibration
— A fresh power cell pack, just in case
The tricorder chimed its readiness. The phaser hummed quietly as he holstered it at his hip.
S’Jenes: ::to himself:: Unknown planetary conditions. EVA suits required. Atmospheric irregularities likely. Probability of high particulate density… considerable. Fascinating.
He slung the equipment satchel over his shoulder and stepped into the corridor, the door whispering shut behind him. The lights of Deck 9 seemed brighter than usual, or perhaps it was simply the contrast after hours immersed in the nebular gloom. His pace quickened—not hurried, but purposeful.
As he made his way toward the turbolift, he allowed himself a brief dip into the emotional undercurrent of the ship. Anticipation. Concern. Curiosity. All of it brushing lightly against his senses like distant echoes. His own focus held steady.
S’Jenes: ::entering the turbolift:: Shuttle bay.
The lift hummed downward, carrying him toward whatever waited inside that hidden sphere suspended in the nebula’s heart.
Half an hour.
Plenty of time to be prepared.
(( Shuttle Bay – En Route ))
S’Jenes adjusted the strap of his satchel and mentally reviewed the possible geological and astrophysical anomalies that could produce a concealed planetary body. The list was short. None of them were comforting.
But all of them were interesting.
Science Officer
USS Constitution-B
C240209S12