JP: Lt Cmdr Alieth, Lt Luxa Lorana & Ensign T'Fearne - There’s Maleconite In That Nebula Part 1
Luxa Lorana
((OOC: This JP is the continuation of the mini-mission started in the previous shoreleave, and occurs before the start of the "Stand off" mission, starting with this sim, and occurs immediately following this sim ))
((Cockpit, USS Rhine, Jintara Nebula, Alpha Isles))
A small science team and a lone security officer had embarked on a dangerous mission: to find a way into the dangerous and unmapped Jintara Nebula. The objective? Discover if the scans suggesting the presence of new planetary systems associated with Maleconite-rich planets had any foundation. And if so, to explore them as future outposts of the Federation and, perhaps, for the benefit of a unique teenage girl.
The Rhine's nose turned to the left, entering an area of higher particle density. For the next few minutes, they couldn't see much through the screens, and even the scanners gave erratic or even contradictory signals. The runabout began to shake, and alarm signals, red and accompanied by a high-pitched beeping sound, began to proliferate across the panels. The vibration became more pronounced, the shields seemed to flicker a couple of times, and the deflectors added their own warning chimes to the concert already sounding inside the small cockpit. The noise became so intense that the small crew were soon unable to hear each other over the rumble and the blaring of alarms.
And suddenly, as suddenly as it had started, everything stopped. The starship suddenly found itself in an open space, a sort of empty pocket in the huge mass of yellow-amber particles and radiation.... except for a pair of young, bright stars, dancing around each other in the slow, eternal dance of stellar bodies.
Alieth: :: with guarded awe:: A newborn star system.
Luxa looked at Alieth and smiled widely. It truly was a marvel. Every cadet in her science classes dreamed of this moment, and here they were one of the firsts to witness a new star system.
Alieth: Analysis of planetary systems, do any of them have any objects orbiting around them?
Lorana: A planetoid, and two moons. Still in the early stages of formation. One of the planets has a ring around it; there's too much interference for us to get an accurate reading of what it contains.
T’Fearne::: Leaning forward:: Fascinating. If these planets are still forming, we might discover some unique flora or geological activity. oO Or some unique dangers that we need to be cautious of. Oo
McVey::: calling out from her station:: Aye, It’s bonnie to see the early stages o’ planetary formation. The data we gather could gie us priceless insights intae stellar evolution.
Alieth: What about the other star?
Lorana: Much more advanced in its development. It's been enshrined in this nebula. Capable of supporting life :: eye brighten :: Commander, I'm reading raw Maleconite deposits on the surface.
T’Fearne::: Glancing at the Caitian:: I’ve read the mission report from Grus Beta Three. I understand that Maleconite ore is poisonous if not handled correctly. If we make planetfall, we should take precautions in case we encounter it.
Alieth: We need a report on the atmospheric conditions and the presence of Maleconite in the atmosphere and surface strata. If the last report is favourable, we will descend to take a closer inspection.
Lorana: Absolutely.
T’Fearne: I’ll map the radiation levels. :: dark eyes flicking back to the sensor scans:: Any indication of other visitors ever having been to this pocket?
From his station, Lyrik clicked his saurian throat, the sound echoing softly in the cockpit as he interjected thoughtfully.
Lyrik: I do not ssssee how that would be possssible. Thisss sssystem is merely a hatchling in the vastness of the univverse, sstill encased in its protective nebular nesst. The chance of anyone encountering it is sssimply too unlikel-y.
A hint of challenge laced the Bolian's tone, suggesting a desire to be contrary as he responded to the comment.
Fraslil: Well, if we found it, then it seems reasonable that someone else might have had the same luck. :: Grumbling quietly to himself :: I wish I were lucky enough to find a masseuse out here in the Jintara Nebular. :: Pausing suddenly to give his Saurian colleague a considering glance:: No, no. :: Shaking his head and continuing his scans::
The petite Vulcan looked at her screens, before her hands swept over the illuminated surface to run a wide spectrum scan.
Alieth: There are indications of complex carbon molecules, as well as suggestions of movement that do not correlate with local wind, tidal and current patterns. :: Eyes bright, face blank:: The probabilities of the existence of simple biomes is quite high.
The occupants of the Rhine busily prepared for the next phase of their mission as the shuttle floated in the serene, pocket of space. Alone, save for the dancing binary.
T’Fearne::: Cautioning:: There could be dangerous flora and fauna. We should be prepared for anything.
The commander stood up, folded her hands behind her back and looked up at the newest Vulcanoid, a slightly raised eyebrow.
Alieth: What security measures do you suggest for an away team? What equipment and personnel do you consider necessary to go down to the planet, and which should remain on board?
T’Fearne: I recommend bringing a small team, 3 or 4 including myself, equipped with environmental suits, scanners, and containment units for samples. We should also have defensive weapons ready in case we encounter hostile life forms, and maintain a comm lock with the Rhine at all times for emergency transport. :: pausing to inhale:: Away mission security procedures I recommend are—be alert for signs of danger. Remain in close proximity to each other, or at least maintain regular comm check-in. Alert the team if you encounter any possible threat. Retreat if you encounter anything hostile, and use force only as a last resort.
The Vulcazoid finished her security recommendation and took a slow, surreptitious breath, unclenched her hand from the now slightly dented PADD she had been throttling. Hoping she hadn’t forgotten anything crucial or that she had been perceived as nervous or unprepared by her new colleagues. She tried to read in the petite Vulcan CSO's dark brown gaze for any glimmer of approval or a hint that she had missed something. Nothing.
Lorana: :: to Alieth :: Myself, the Chief and Ensign T'Fearne to the surface?
McVey: Aye, I’ll gladly stay on board tae monitor the system an’ coordinate wi’ ye. I can also help wi’ the long-range scans while ye’re doon there.
Lyrik: Sssafe travels, Sssirs! May the warm sssun and sssoft sssands guide your path!”
The reptilian flicked his tongue, eyes gleaming.
The Vulcan nodded curtly.
Alieth: I concur. Get ready, we will beam to the surface in fifteen minutes.
TBC in Part 2
Chief Science Officer & 2O
USS Ronin USS-34523
E239702A10
&
Lieutenant Luxa Lorana
Science Officer
USS Ronin
A240004LL2
&
Ensign T'Fearne
Security Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14
