LtCmdr Connor Dewitt - First Contact (Part II)
Tim
((Bridge Deck 1, USS Khitomer))
C. Dewitt: Alright… Mr Korras, open a wide-beam channel on any frequencies we believe can penetrate the nebula. Use all data we’ve got. At the very least, this won’t come across as desperation.
Korras began working on his console. Connor did not envy him doing this with the power fluctuations.
Korras: It will take a moment, I need to reroute power manually to the communication array.
Stros: I may be able to direct some power away from the tactical systems. ::Shrugging:: They aren’t much use if we do not have a target.
C. Dewitt: Do it. But keep a minimal reserve for shields. Just in case.
A. Dewitt/Semara: Response
Then, for just a moment, focused silence returned to the bridge until Lietuenant Korras reported his success.
Korras: Channel is open, sir. We are broadcasting on as many frequencies as we can at the moment.
Stros: Now to see if there is anyone out there to listen.
A. Dewitt/Semara: Response
C. Dewitt: =/\= This is Connor Dewitt of the starship Khitomer. =/\=
He paused, choosing his next words carefully.
C. Dewitt: =/\= We are not hostile. We are currently experiencing navigational and power interference within the region. If there is anyone receiving this… we request assistance. =/\=
Silence followed. Connor did not move. He did not speak, just listened.
And then it happened. The viewscreen activated and Connor immediately straightened, his focus sharpening. A being appeared on the viewscreen as the flicker resolved into a clear image. The being had a humanoid shape, but the glossy plating along its shoulders caught the light in shimmering hues. Its large eyes reflected the bridge back in fractured detail. Fine, filament-like tendrils framed its face, moving with almost deliberate grace. There was something precise about its movements.
Velithari Comms Officer: =/\= Identify yourself. =/\=
Connor did not hesitate, keeping his tone steady and professional.
C. Dewitt: =/\= My name is Conno… =/\=
Velithari Comms Officer: =/\= ::sharply:: Unacceptable. =/\=
The interruption cut cleanly through his attempt of identification and for a brief moment, Connor stared at the screen, recalibrating himself. The tone left very little room for interpretation.
Velithari Comms Officer: =/\= I will not address a male. You will present a female authority or this channel will be terminated. =/\=
Connor felt the tension tighten in his chest as the memories surfaced. The rumors and reports of a strictly matriarchal society. The implications clicked into place quickly. This was doctrine. If he would push back, that channel would probably close. And right now, that was not an option.
He shiftly his posture subtly, easing himself out of the central focus without making any abrupt movements.
C. Dewitt: =/\= Of course. ::voice lowered:: I am merely assisting the command authority aboard this vessel.=/\=
Even as he spoke, he stepped aside, opening the space in front of the viewscreen. His eyes flickered towards Ayemet and he gestured for her to move forward.
C. Dewitt: =/\= Thi… Uhm… This is Captain Ayemet Dewitt of the USS Khitomer. =/\=
A. Dewitt/Semara/Stros/Korras: Response
He made sure she was fully in view before shifting further out of the frame. At the same time, he raised a hand slightly, signaling Amelia to step into the focus with Ayemet. A second, quieter gesture followed toward Stros and Korras to reduce their visible presence. At this time the most important option was to remove distractions and present what the Aliens expected to see.
And to answer the question what changed about the nebula to allow comm signals.
Velithari Comms Officer: =/\= Acceptable. ::pause:: Stand by to talk to the Captain. =/\=
A. Dewitt/Semara/Stros/Korras: Response
The image flickered again, but did not cut. Instead, the officer inclined her head, yielding the frame to another figure. The new presence was immediately different. Connor watched the screen from the shadows and just hoped, his wife would make it through this call.
Rana: Response
A. Dewitt/Semara/Stros/Korras: Response
TAG/TBCFirst Officer
USS Khitomer
A239901CD3