Ensign Herrick: Strange Readings Down Under
Mark P
OOC: Not sure if someone is playing Frolotdesh but I’m happy to lean in))
((Mining Office - Continued))
As the nebula continued to slowly gnaw closer towards them, Engish and the York crew had been trying to identify viable options to protect the colonists. Strategically placing explosives in a dilithium mine, evacuating via ship and shuttle, having the ‘Oumuamua carve them up with phasers, manipulating the shields and even detaching the full habitat structure and floating it into space.
Each option had multiple pros and cons to weigh and as they considered their options, the power fluctuated yet again in the office. As the group quieted, the only sound that broke over the station’s white noise was a faint clicking sound within the lamps.
Kel: These power fluctuations, what's causing them? When they occur it looks like the nebula can move forward more quickly.
Engish-go-ondesh: We’ve been trying to figure it out for days. We just can’t trace the source.
Corelli: If the power fails during our plan, that would be... suboptimal.
Herrick: ::nodding in agreement to Corelli:: oO Suboptimal seems like a rather positive spin on the rug literally getting pulled from under our feet Oo
Richards: Response
Kel: We need to shore up the power system.
Corelli: Agreed. We also might get a better understanding of cutting the colony loose. Where is the power system?
Richards: Response
Engish-go-ondesh: I can show you where?
Kel / Richards: Responses
Corelli: Excellent, lead on!
Engish-go-ondesh: Sure thing, this way.
The crew followed Engish out the door and into the poorly lit street. The lamps felt more like an aesthetic choice compared to Starfleet’s utilitarian bright white lights. Josh saw his leader look up and followed suit. The emerald and gold swirling clouds entered his gaze, and he was transfixed by the magical atmosphere it created. He got a nudge from behind to get going.
((Mining Lift, Viamatellum, Central Tholus - Esh-o Colony))
The TINFOIL crowned individuals and one large Esh-o made their way onto the platform that would bring them to the power source. Most would have described the space that remained as comfortable — but with the nebula’s effect worn off, Josh felt his claustrophobia set in.
As the lift started to descend, the distraction of the new sights, strings of lights, and the rock face passing provided enough stimuli to minimize any visible effect.
Corelli: Remarkable equipment here. How long has the mining facility operated?
Kel / Richards: Responses
Engish-go-ondesh: They’re slow but reliable, we should be there in just a few minutes.
Herrick: What’s that they say… slow and steady wins the race?
Kel / Richards / Herrick: Responses
Corelli: No, I can see the bottom, I think.
Engish-go-ondesh: This way.
Josh had, perhaps a bit too eagerly, pushed his way out of the lift. He took a deep breath of air, which he immediately regretted. It had felt good to get out of the enclosed space, but his nostrils had taken in a heavy dose of an offensive scent from the mining chemicals. The group followed the lumbering Esh-o forward a short distance until they were greeted with two large doors.
As Engish activated the servo control, they made a beastly sound as they opened. This appeared to be one of the larger shafts from the holographic specs; 90% of the other shafts were not much taller than the standard Esh-o and Josh could see some of them branching off from this main corridor.
The shafts glowed from the pulsating green- and blue-colored coil-based shielding. The fizz of the protective cover sounded occasionally; the sound of small falling debris being diverted from falling on the miners.
Engish-go-ondesh: ::pointing towards the horizontal shafts:: Those feed power out to the habitats and mining operation.
Kel / Richards: Responses
Corelli: Right, that makes sense. So we need to take it all in one go. Have there been any strange sensor reading in the tunnels recently?
Engish-go-ondesh: I think so? ::looking over to another Esh-o:: Mr. Frolotdesh can you help these gentleman out?
Frolotdesh / Kel / Richards / Herrick: Responses
Corelli: Well that explains it. Zet.
Kammus listened to the story and couldn't help but think flying insect like people would be the Zet. They had to be. Who else would apply Ferengi business practices and underhanded physical violence to influence power and financial gain. If it turned out circumstantial the Zet were involved, they should probably be blamed anyway.
Frolotdesh / Kel / Richards / Herrick: Responses
Corelli: We need to work fast. Lets get a detailed map of the mining work done, enlist the help of any willing miners to place explosive charges, and prepare to expertly carve a sizable chunk of this rock away. We probably can utilize the existing technology to reinforce the power conduits in these key areas. Josh, Anton, could you look over the core reactor for any signs of damage?
If the core was intact, it was simply a matter of patching up the intermittent power fluctuations.
Frolotdesh / Kel / Richards: Responses
Herrick: Aye, Chief. Er… Which direction is the core in?
Frolotdesh / Engish / Richards / Corelli / Kel: Response
As the pair went off in the direction, following one of the miners who had been assigned as their ‘way finder’, Josh looked at the smooth and stripped sidewalls of the mine. Since this had been one of the first areas they had dug, it was now fully harvested and used as their underground base of operations.
After two minutes of walking through various tunnels, Herrick had appreciated the wayfinder. They had known where they were going like it was the back of their hand, whereas the newer ensign had taken out his tricorder to leave virtual breadcrumbs in the event of an emergency.
They approached another large set of double doors and the Wayfinder activated the panel. Again the doors parted with a sound that made Josh feel that they were a step away from never opening again. The wayfinder paused, holding out his arms to prevent Richards and Herrick moving forward.
Wayfinder: What does Aphris have in store for us? This is very strange indeed.
Richards: Response
Wayfinder: There are usually 5-6 people in this room all the time; to keep the power levels stable. But, I don’t see anyone here.
Richards: Response
Josh looked at his tricorder, there was something strange on the scanner that the tricorder couldn’t make out. It looked like it was moving slightly, but behind the reactor core which blocked it from their site.
Herrick: (quietly) Lieutenant, look… ::handing over his tricorder::
Frolotdesh / Engish / Richards / Corelli / Kel: Response