Chapter Nine: Harbinger of an Unknown Origin

Chapter Nine: Harbinger of an Unknown Origin

Captain's Log

Stardate 87724.79

During our ongoing series of tests utilizing remote sensor scanning and subsequent analysis, one of our enhanced probes has detected an unusually puzzling signal. It appears artificial in nature, but we have yet to determine its source or its intention. According to the most recent Starfleet records and maps on file, there is nothing located within this specific region we are analyzing. However, it is possible that the enhanced sweeps we had just conducted detected something not present during other scans or perhaps something which was previously concealed has now been uncovered by this augmented technology.

I ordered two of the other enhanced probes that launched simultaneously to the one receiving the signal but positioned at different locales to travel at maximum warp and rendezvous with the one currently within proximity of the signal. They are due to arrive into that region in two point three-five hours to provide confirmation and backup to the original probe.      

Meanwhile, without any information regarding the unaccounted for shuttle containing the Federation reporter, I have called for another senior officer meeting to occur in the Conference Room in two hours to discuss this entire situation. We should be getting supplementary information from the additional probes and will have the opportunity to decipher our findings with our key officers present. Perhaps through these endeavors some relevant answers will be found.

Also, due to trouble achieving precise navigation after emerging from the nebula, Lieutenants Stephanie and B'Zinga Decatur have put together a task force to address glitches occurring within the flight control aspects of our computer systems. These problems could also be related to the overheating that transpired while the quantum slipstream was engaged. As a consequence,  we will remain at these coordinates while repairs are being diagnosed and a solution implemented. Afterward, these officers will be working with an engineering team assembled by Commander Rogers to focus on improving the stability and temperature control of all systems when the QSD is next activated. As this devise is currently set-up, it is probable that we only have three to four remaining opportunities for the QSD to be activated.  We have therefore arranged for their assistant chiefs to fill-in their place during the upcoming meeting.  

Concluding his log entry, Captain Syntron finished consuming his beverage and then proceeded to prepare for their upcoming meeting. There would be decisions to be made based on any details that may be revealed about this mysterious signal. Hopefully, there would be something substantial and  empirical rather than conjecture to work with... as the captain was now contending with. Nevertheless, a series of contingencies and options would need to be formulated prior to any decision. 

After almost two hours of continuous work, Syntron then engaged communications to his senior officers.

"Be prepared for our meeting commencing in ten point two-five minutes. Captain out"            

Seated in his medical command chair, Elliago Nasaro-Myth stood up as soon as the voice of the captain was heard. He activated the automatic health monitoring system of his station that was connected to every combadge of the ship so that he would be alerted through his own of any health problem occuring among the crew and then went straight for the breifing room.  As he entered, he saw that, as he expected, that he was the first to answer the captain's summon; the virtue of being the chief medical officer having little to do aboard a new ship with a new crew in perfect health during a routine shakedown cruise... and an artificial assistant on board able to do all the routine medical job for him 24/7.

After his last eventful years aboard the USS Artemis, the calm, quiet, uneventful time aboard this science ship had much appeal to him. But as he saluted his commanding officer and seated himself at the other end of the table facing directly the captain's seat, he wondered if this calm, quiet, uneventful trip was about to come to an end. he was of course aware of the probe data received and the strange absence of the civilian shuttle at the rendez-vous point; but he was also aware that Syntron, being a Vulcan, a scientist and pretty new at his command responsibilities, was very fond of  meetings even for the most routine and trivial matters; in many ways quite the opposite of their common former commander who had been an Andorian, a tactician and one to have people work for solutions instead of discussing problems.

Elliago as a scientist himself  liked this careful, paced tack of his new commanding officer. But as a Starfleet officer, he hoped Syntron would also soon come to terms with his new status and be in his command chair when it would be needed and not still in a lounge chair with a cup of tea in his hand.  

Like now; there was a civilian crew missing. They should have been up and about actively searching for them, especially with all those souped up sensors and sensor probes now available. As he thought about it, the Deltan started to understand why so few science officers became starship captains; mixing careful thoughtfulness and dynamic assertiveness in one living being was indeed a rare combination.

But this was Syntron's ship. He was the one to decide what, how and when things would be done. And so, Elliago sat and waited for the word.

David did not need to reply to the Vulcan captain's summons as he was already on his way to the bridge as the announcement came through his comm badge. He had just left Ensign P'Trell's office and so continued on his way. The Andorian P'Trell was the assistant chief operations officer, and Rogers had been keeping tabs through him on the ships communications status. David wanted to be sure there was nothing amiss with the Phoenix's comms, either sending or receiving, and had gone to Garvex in order to have him assist in checking the diagnostics on the ship's communications arrays. They were fine, so whatever had disrupted the rendezvous with the shuttle had nothing to do with the Phonenix.

Passing quickly through the swooshing turbo lift doors, Rogers crossed the bridge and made his way directly to the briefing room. With a nod to the ship's doctor David took the first seat to the left of Captain Syntron and placed his PADD on the table in front of him, greeting the pair as he did so.

"Good day Sir's."

Captain Syntron looked up from his command PADD just as Doctor Nasaro-Myth followed almost immediately by chief engineer Rogers enter the conference room.

After greeting them both, he glanced at his chronometer and saw that there was still seven point three-five minutes until the meeting officially occurred. Subconsciously, he appreciated both their punctuality and attention to details working within their respective departments. However at this moment, he gave no indications of such thoughts.

He placed down his cup of tea and the PADD on the desk as he waited a few moments for the other officers to arrive. Although he was keen to begin the discussion immediately, he tempered this inclination recognizing that he would wait until either the remaining officers arrived or the scheduled time passed.

Moments later, the door swooshed opened and in walked the persistent Yeoman Albera, full of energy and exuberance. Seeing the glass of tea placed on the desk in proximity to the captain's side, she turned her attention to the other officers awaiting for the meeting to commence.   

"Gentleman" she inquired in a light and inviting tone "May I offer either of you a beverage before this meeting begins?"

"Klingon warrior drink, if you please," shot back Elliago with a smirk, looking forward to see how the young yeoman would respond to that.

With a mischievous smile and a wink, Jessica noted without a pause "One prune juice for our dashing doctor" and then turned her focus to the chief engineer.

"Anything for you Commander?" the Yeoman asked coyly.

The door opened with a swoosh and in walked Commander Riker.  Nodding to the Captain he took his seat.

"I apologize for the delay Captain I was with the security teams."

Gesturing to the PADD Riker continued.

"Lieutenant Argyle will be unable to attend as you might have been aware sir with the security checks and system work.  I will be giving the security portion of the brief Sir."

With his introduction and security updates ready Riker nodded to the other officers and sat waiting for the actual meeting to start.

David nodded at Commander Ryker as he entered, and waited politely as the XO addressed the captain, before responding to Jessica's query with a mischievous grin.

"Yes, thank you Yeoman. I'll have a Romulan Ale please."The young woman, nonplussed, responded promptly and without hesitation whatsoever.

'This ship has no such beverage onboard Commander. Please try another beverage Sir.'

Knowing full well that Romulan Ale would not be available, Rogers revised his request.

"A coffee please. Black."

With a alluring smile the Yeoman noted "You got it Commander" and then shifted her attention to the first officer that had just join in.

"And what about you Commander Riker. May I fetch you a beverage as well?" Jessica asked with a dazzlingly provocative grim.

"Raspberry juice"

"You got it Sir" Jessica responded and smiled as she turned and sashayed toward the replicator. 

Sipping the freshly supplied hot coffee, David set the cup back onto the table beside his PADD and was about to ask the captain about the late shuttle rendezvous when his comm badge chirped an interruption.

'Andrew to Rogers. Sir, we have a ... slight ... problem in the main computer bay.'

David responded, glancing at Syntron for permission to interrupt their fiesta.

The captain subtlety nodded an affirmation to his chief engineer.

"Go ahead Lieutenant."

'Sir, Lieutenant's Decatur, er, both of them, are here. The main core seems to be stuffed with nanites. CSO Decatur has pulled all main warp propulsion offline in order to bypass the computational subroutines the little buggers were processing.'

"Ok Sean. So that's a slight problem. But we weren't going anywhere. What haven't you told me?"

'Well commander, it seems that, while assisting the chief of science, COO Decatur had started a level one diagnostic on the main and secondary computer core's to ascertain if any problem had arisen from the nanite flood. Nothing there so far, but neither chief can leave the core's while this unusually high speed, nanite enhanced diagnostic is ongoing.'

Looking at the commander and captain to either side of him, David noticed their slight curiosity towards the development being described, so David proceeded to grill lieutenant Andrews.

"Are you saying the diagnostic is not working Lieutenant?"

'No! Not at all sir. The main core is diagnosing the secondary core. But the secondary core is simultaneously running it's diagnostic on the main core! Both chief's are, I would say, diagnosing the diagnostics. While they are running on both core's. I'm to tell you to tell Captain Syntron that they cannot leave here until the dual diagnostics have completed. And then they'll have to double check and verify the results.'

Glancing at the stoic Vulcan, Rogers responded accordingly.

"Understood Lieutenant. I'll inform the captain of their delay."

As the channel quietly closed, David looked once around the table and back at Syntron.

"Most ... unusual captain," was all he could say.

Syntron nodded slightly as he responded.

"I assigned both Decaturs to put together a task force to address glitches occurring within the flight control aspects of our computer systems. Apparently, they have discovered part of the problem already Commander. I notified replacements for them to report here..."

Just as the captain was informing his senior officers, in walked two Andorian crew members. The science assistant CSO Kalynda Hunter followed closely by the assistant COO Garvex P'Trell. They each nodded as they quickly sat down on opposite sides of the conference table, indicating that they were ready to proceed.

The captain then wasted no time commencing with this meeting.

"As you are all aware, the type-9 personnel shuttlecraft Sagan carrying the Federation Reporter Ashlyn Scott missed the appointed rendezvous approximately  three-point-two hours ago. Despite all attempts to hail this vessel or ascertain its whereabouts, we have thus far been unsuccessful. Based on a projected path from the Starbase to these coordinates,  we have mapped out a linear pathway to retrace its probable route. It would appear that this route also intersects with an area from which we emerged from the nebula. At this point, this will be our first targeted area."

Syntron displayed a projected holographic map of the area with a dashed line lighting the projected path and  a green colored area over the area from which the Phoenix exited the nebula.

"We will immediately send a search and rescue team via our shuttles at the conclusion of this meeting. Suggestions for personnel recommendation and other related concerns are hereby open for discussion."

The Vulcan then coolly awaited useable input from his senior officers.     

"Captain, in view of what happened to this huge ultra-high-tech ship in this same sector, we must assume the worst. I recommend at least a three-man medical team with as many stasis containers that can be crammed in the rescue vessel... and bioreviving equipement in case of direct exposure to open space," then said the Deltan chief medical officer. "This of course with the standard heavy trauma portable kit to deal at a first stage with possible radiation poisoning, burns, concussions and severe traumas associated with a damaged spacecraft in space. This means that we should take a course back on their plotted trajectory... And if we can't, we would then have to use the largest auxiliary craft available on board... or at worst  a squadron of shuttles."

He stood up and his hand went to his combadge but paused as he looked straight at his commanding officer.

"Time is of the essence, Sir. I can order the needed personnel and equipment immediately to join me."

"Agreed" Syntron confirmed. "Ready your team and all essential medical equipment and converge down in the main shuttle bay on deck 21 as soon as you are able."

Elliago smiled.

"That would be right now, Captain Sir."

Turning to his first officer, the captain commanded briskly "Commander Riker, notify our chief flight control officer Grexx Aulder to immediately begin preparing shuttles and flight crews."  

"Aye Captain"

As  the captain was speaking, Yeoman Albera carried the tray of replicated beverages and surreptitiously delivered the requested glass to each officer without interfering with their discussion. Just as quietly she then slip out of the conference room.

"Sir, if I may suggest ... the doctor should take the Firebird. She's checked out, fast and well armed if there is trouble. Also her transporter's reset are faster than the shuttles, should rapid transport be required."

Syntron pondered the recommendation of the Captain's yacht for a moment. This vessel was mounted in a recessed docking port in the underside of the primary hull rather than in main spacedock on deck 21. He understood that at times a situation may be dealt with by the captain of a starship that does not require the entire ship to accompany him or the ship itself may have a more important mission to accomplish or circumstances to be addressed onboard; like what they were now contending with aboard the Phoenix.

In any case, he recalled that the Captain’s Yacht is a long-range craft that is capable enough to function without its primary vessel. Facilities include six sleeping bunks and a comfortable passenger cabin. A replicator and flight couches provide for the needs of the passengers and a modified two-person transporter allows for swift beaming of personnel or cargo when needed. These capabilities would be beneficial since the amount of time required to locate the Sagan was unknown, as was the condition of the crew or the vessel itself.

In addition, there would be enough room for the doctor to set-up a viable triage en route to their search and rescue coordinates. Also, with atmospheric flight capabilities, this vessel could allow it to land on planetary surfaces if needed; not that there were any such known options nearby.

Acknowledging first to his chief engineer, Syntron turned his focus toward his chief medical officer.

"This is a prudent recommendation Doctor. Have your team convene there immediately."

The Deltan ignored his drink and walked at a brisk pace to the conference room door, tapping his combadge.

"Nasaro-Myth to sickbay; Doctor Gray, we have a medical emergency abroad. You'll be in charge while I'm gone. Now here is who and what I need immediately at the Firebird's docking port..."

The rest was lost as the door wooshed shut behind him.

His swift exit might have ruffled a few protocols about staff meetings and officer behavior; but Elliago, like all the former officers of the USS Artemis, was one who would not sit and talk when it was time to act. Being able to walk and chew gum at the same time as he said, borrowing form some obscure ancient Human proverb, was by now too much ingrained in him from his last tour of duty to be relinquished just with a change of command; especially when lives were on the line.

Hence why he did not enjoy staff meetings much in the first place. And so, he was gone with the first hint of his commanding officer giving the word.

The captain then addressed his executive officer once again.

"Commander Riker, apprise  chief flight control officer Lieutenant Aulder of the change of primary ships to the Firebird for our medical team. Security teams can accompany them in the other shuttles."

"Aye Captain.  This will be the first away mission for many involved in their current position.  I will take much care to follow all protocols to the letter Captain, but..."

Pausing for a moment the Commander rubbed his hands together

"Some thinking on our feet and on the moment training might be required."

"To expedite this process you will need to prepare your team while you are aboard the Firebird Commander" the captain noted. 

As he looked around the table at the remaining senior officers, Syntron inquired "Any other thoughts or considerations regarding this mission?"

Looking over the PADD in front of him Riker glanced around the table one final time before speaking.

"Captain as I said when I arrived I will be briefing the security portion of the meeting.  Lieutenant Argyle will be keeping all security teams on a level two alert and watch rotation.  This will post more armed security personnel at high security areas of the ship and lower minimum allowed response times for any security reaction force.  Lieutenant Argyle recommended to me to keep a posted watch in the weapons locker similar to the ships armorers that were required during red alert status.  I agreed and the new watch rotation reflects this position"

Thumbing through more information on the PADD Commander Riker looked down, took a sip of his raspberry juice, cleared his throat and continued.

"As for me sir all injuries and damages to ships personnel have either been treated or have been worked around.  A full alpha watch roster has been updated and ship readiness is back to 100 percent.  I have personally overseen the final maintenance operability check of the weapons in locker one and all gear is prepared and ready for the upcoming away mission."

"Excellent Commander Riker. While other aspects of our ship are brought back into the same status, be prepared to lead the away mission team... following the remainder of this meeting. Perhaps to expedite this process, you will need to select and divide your team into the two shuttle teams that will accompany the Firebird and train them remotely from the Firebird. It may not be an idea method, but it will conserve valuable time."

Then turning toward the Andorian science representative, Syntron expounded his expectations for her role on the mission.

"Lieutenant Hunter, you will accompany Commander Riker as our science representative. You will need to utilize the enhanced sensors onboard the Firebird to detect any familiar or anomalous readings that you are able to detect that could assist in picking up a trail on this lost shuttle. As you are undoubtedly aware, you can also tie into all resources available on the Phoenix as needed."

Reflecting for a moment on the multitude of mysterious circumstances related to the shuttles missing status,   the captain continued.

"Because this shuttle may have crossed paths with the nebula or some other related phenomena, ordinary procedures may not be sufficient. You may need to be rather... unconventional and experimental in your approach.  In addition, you will need to coordinate your efforts with your flight control officer Lieutenant Grexx Aulder as your search progresses."

"Understood Sir. I excel at unconventional thinking." the apparently eager young scientist confirmed with a hint of a smirk emerging on her blue-tinted expression. "And I look forward to the challenge of finding this lost shuttle and its crew."

Looking at her male Andorian counterpart sitting on the opposite side of the table, the captain then addressed this assistant chief Ops officer.

"Lieutenant P'Trell, you will coordinated the preparation for these shuttles, including overseeing the requirements of all materials  personnel involved. Once you have ascertained that everything is in place, then you confirm with commander Riker to give the order for launch."

"Yes Sir, I will see that this process is conducted swiftly and efficiently. I will notify you the moment that the shuttles have launched."

With the preparations and goals quickly established among the senior officers, the meeting was summarily adjourned as the crew dispersed to follow through on their respective obligations.

The meeting thus concluded, Rogers stood and prepared to head back down to main engineering. There was still the incoming data to diagnose from the far probes, plus various observations on ships status to inquire on. That part was taken care of when David entered the bridge and spoke with the engineering officer operating the main bridge console, Chief Petty Officer Lucy Kennedy, of alpha shift.

“Yes commander,” she replied to his query. “Aside from the main and secondary computer diagnostic program, all other systems are functioning normally.”

Nodding acquiescence, David progressed further across the bridge and entered the port turbo lift.

“Deck fourteen.”

As the lift traveled, Rogers contacted his second, Lieutenant Sean Andrews. As his assistant chief, Andrews was leading the Beta shift, but David knew the attentive young officer would be nearby the main computer core over watching the diagnostic being conducted by the Lieutenant’s Decatur.

“Rogers to Andrews. Sean? How goes it?”

As expected, Sean's answer was prompt.

“Commander. They are just about completed their own checks on the diagnostics. I expect a report within minutes.”

As the lift doors slid apart to deposit him on the main engineering deck, Rogers strode toward his office and simultaneously replied to Lieutenant Andrews.

“Understood. Have it forwarded to me in my office.”

Taking a moment to replicate another cup of hot coffee, David took his accustomed chair behind his desk and brought up displays on the last few hours reports. The main core in the other room pulsed its rhythmical tune through the corridor, and David could almost feel its power waiting through the soles of his boots on the deck. Studying the reports, David built up a quick synopsis of the Phoenix’ status, minus the computer report. He knew Captain Syntron would want an update soon. Hopefully, both the chief’s of science and operations reports on the dual diagnostic would be ready before that request arrived.