arriving to the discovered planetoid/away team briefing

Posted on 02/11/2014 @ 9:00am by Captain Joshua Riker & Lt. Commander E.M.H Theodor Gray & Lieutenant JG Duncan Argyle & Captain Syntron & Commander David Rogers & Lt. Commander Josh Vincent & Commander Elliago Nasaro-Myth M.D. & Lieutenant JG Grexx Aulder & Lieutenant JG Kalynda Hunter & Ensign Jessica Albera
Edited on on 02/28/2014 @ 7:36pm

Mission: From the Ashes
Location: Phoenix heading toward the unknown object
Timeline: October 2410

Captain's Log

Stardate 87751.54

 

Repairs to the Phoenix were concluded prior to working in-conjunction with our shuttle teams on the Firebird, Torch and Inferno to extract the missing Sagan shuttle and its crew from within an anomalous spheroid bubble-verse. Three of the seven crew members aboard the Sagan are still in the care of our medical teams; including the civilian reporter. The other four members of that crew were treated with mild injuries and released. They have recently been assuming duties on the ship after they have were provided with significant recovery time and cleared by our chief medical officer.

We are currently en route toward the esoteric object detected and confirm by three of our remote probes. The other probes were recalled. We intercepted them while traveling toward this unknown object. Once each probe was individually retrieved, it was tested, reconditioned to specifications,  and placed back into storage.

So far, all remote sensor readings attempted by our remaining probes orbiting this object were somehow being deflected. Therefore, we have no idea what to expect from this rogue object once we arrive within its vicinity. Nevertheless, after traveling for thirteen point three-seven days, we are approximately ninety-eight minutes from reaching orbital status with this object.

Ship sensor readings recently attempted have not been able to penetrate whatever is blocking our sensors either. Therefore, we are making preparations for the next away team mission. Although this time it will likely be on the surface of this object rather than in sector space; that is once any potential risk of danger has been ascertained and addressed.

A file of all of these events will be sent to Starfleet Command within the hour.

 

 

Captain Syntron closed his log entry and stood up from his seat. Just as he was making his way around the desk, his door chime sounded.

"Enter" the Vulcan stated as the perky, youthful ensign instantly breezed in carrying a small tray this time accompanied with a huge smile.

"Well, good morning Captain! It would appear that I'm not interrupting anything crucial at the moment."

With a sly glance, the captain immediately retorted.

"You mean other than my thoughts and my solitude Yeoman Albera?"

She let out a boisterous laugh as she set the tray onto the Captain's desk.

"And who says that Vulcan's do not possess a sense of humor?" Jessica questioned rhetorically yet sincerely as she placed a hand on her curvaceously tapered hip.

"You know Captain... I am proud of you... for improving both your resting habits and diet over these past two weeks, since the ordeal with the Sagan concluded." Jessica stated with a motherly tone; even though she was half the age of the captain.

Syntron applied his Vulcan discipline internally by refraining from nullifying her almost patronizing words with a few choice words of his own; recognizing that this human was attempting to present him with what she perceived was a complement.        

"Indeed Yeoman. Therefore, there is no need for you to..."  

Interrupting the commanding officer as she had in many of their previous exchanges, she blurted "By bringing you breakfast Captain? Oh, it is my pleasure. Since we will be approaching that object shortly, I thought to myself:

Jessica, let's get the Captain off to a good start with a nice hearty meal before he takes the center seat once again! Who knows when he'll make the time again to address his nutritional needs?"

With her rationale now established, she lifted the cover as if  on cue, and presented her handiwork.

"This time Captain, I've added some diversity into your meal. Along with a few Vulcan vegetables, I've added fruits and other vegetation from several different species. It's like a culinary trip around the Federation worlds!"

As the yeoman beamed with delight, Syntron allowed his eyes to reluctantly drop toward the tray.

After a few awkward moments, he mumbled "Well Yeoman... it is all rather... colorful."

As if that were the magic word she was waiting for, she gushed.

"Isn't it just beautiful Captain? I mean who wants to eat a meal that not only tastes bland, but looks equally as bland as well?

Syntron had learned this yeoman was full of rhetorical questions that were never intended to be answered, so he remained silent.

With a slightly raised brow he managed to reply "I can acknowledge your perspective Yeoman."

Then before he was interrupted, he added "I assure you Yeoman Albera that I will consume this meal before I leave this room. If there is nothing else Yeoman, then you are dismissed."

Her beaming smile now somewhat faded, she responded "Of course Captain."

She turned and headed toward the door. But before she left she turn and requested "Please let me know what you think of this meal Captain. I am still getting to know your taste-buds and preferences."

Syntron merely provided her with an affirmative nod before his room doors swooshed shut, leaving her on the outside once again; where the captain preferred that she remain.

The captain then sat down to put together his message with the accompanying files to Starfleet as he slowly picked at the tray of food left by the yeoman.

*             *             *

A message signaled from the bridge almost forty minutes later.

"Syntron here."

"Captain,"  Helm officer James Traynor immediately responded "We've reduced warp speed and are now approaching our encircling probes around the object."

Syntron closed down his terminal as he replied "On my way Lieutenant."

As the doors swooshed shut behind him, the captain stepped back onto the main bridge and fixed his gaze at the viewscreen as he approached and placed himself upon the center seat.

The planetoid was now in full-view as the ship established an orbiting path around it.

The captain then changed his gaze to the Andorian science officer now occupying the science post.

"Lieutenant, any readings from this planetoid?"

Kalynda Hunter had been trying long before the captain had arrived to accomplish this, but had thus far garnered only limited information.

"It is an enigma, Sir" she replied, obviously a bit frustrated.

"From all appearances, it is like a rogue asteroid devoid of an significant atmosphere or any signs of life. Yet there is something deflecting our sensors as we attempt to penetrate this planet's surface. I do not know what natural phenomena would cause this reaction, but whatever it is, it was enough to get the attention of our initial probe."

Syntron leaned further back in his chair.

Another conundrum to deal with the Vulcan thought to himself.

"What about just basic data, Lieutenant?" the captain then inquired.

Kalynda placed a somewhat transparent graph overlay up on the main viewscreen.

"Basic observational analysis thus far Captain" she stated as text appeared next to the planetoid.

- an oblate spheroid, rounded with a rotational bulge around its equator - Mass: approximately 943,000,000,000 billion kg - Diameter: approximately 950 km - Surface Temperature: estimated to be approximately -105°C

After observing the limited information on the viewscreen, Syntron addressed both the science officer and his chief engineer.

"What are your thoughts at this point, regarding safely landing a shuttle carrying a select away team on the surface of this odd world?"

Kalynda Hunter spoke up first.

"Sir, due to the mysterious nature of this planetoid, I would recommend first preparing and launching a class III planetary probe through to its surface.  With its terrestrial and gas giant sensor pallet along with material sample and return capability, it will be able to conduct onboard chemical analysis from the surface. It has a telemetry of 13,250 channels at ~15 megawatts. However, if it is unable to transmit the information because of surface interference, then it can be preprogrammed to utilize its vectored deuterium microfusion propulsion to launch back into orbit. We could then transmit the data directly to us and send the probe back down again if needed. It could also scout for an optimal landing site for a possible away team."

“Wait, back up a second”, David interjected. “Negative one hundred and five Celsius? What the hell’s warming that rock up? It should be around negative two sixty or so. There are no stars near enough to warm this planetoid that much.”

The cosmic background radiation within the universe is placed at around negative two hundred and seventy Celsius, or two point seven Kelvin. That was as cold as anything could naturally get in the universe. Yet, orbital stations at earth could cool to a hundred below before passing out from behind the planet and warming in the sun again. Something was not adding up here and Rogers voiced his concern to echo Lieutenant Hunter’s.

“I concur with the Lieutenant Captain. Send a probe first.”

Contemplating their recommendations for a moment, Syntron brought his gaze back to the viewscreen.

"Prepare the class III probe for immediate launch. Program it to conduct a spectral analysis as it orbits the planetoid, moving closer to the surface as it travels. After it passes through that layer of unusual haze, have it capture images of the surface. It should be concurrently transmitting data back to us throughout this process. This could also indicate at what point in its journey will transmissions cease. After it completes a series of orbital rotations, have it select a safe landing site. Once on the surface, it should run through a complete surface analysis for forty-five minutes and then engage thrusters to launch back into orbit."

"Understood Sir" Kalynda stated, after the captain had outlined steps following their thoughts and recommendations.

She then turned her attention to the chief engineer.

"Well... what are you waiting for Commander?" Kalynda Hunter jested.

"The sooner we get started on this probe, the sooner we'll all have some answers."

"I'm an engineer, not a programmer," David quipped back; "But ... I can take you to deck eight and show you how it is done if you like," he added with a smile.

With a growing smile, the Andorian called for back-up science personnel to come in and replace her at the science station. She then stood up and started toward the turbolift.

She turned and then directed a response back to Rogers.

"Well Mister Engineer... are you going to escort me down to deck eight or what?"

Then without waiting for a reply, she promptly turned about and entered the turbolift.

David imitated the Andorian’s replacement crew request, as Chief Swift had been called to the shuttle repair bay to oversee the diagnostic run on the repaired Sagan shuttle. Leaving his chair he, purposely, sauntered toward the lift.

‘These Andorian people,’ he thought amusedly.

Eventually reaching the lift Rogers entered and stood beside the shorter woman. Addressing the computer, he ordered the lift to start.

“Deck eight.”

Although it may only be a few seconds to arrival, David thought stoically to himself that perhaps a misuse of site-to-site transport might have been called for at this particular time.

Arriving to deck eight moments later, they stepped off of the lift and walked to the lab only a few hundred meters away.

As they entered the facility, they could see that class III probe was already placed on a table by one of the crew working in the lab.

Kalynda turned to the chief engineer as she whispered "Apparently word travels fast here on this starship."

Unbeknownst to either of them, the captain had sent a message down to have this probe ready for augmentation upon their arrival. It was not only convenient, but also sent a subtle message to them that time was not to be squandered. This probe would be the first step toward unraveling the mystery that was traveling in space before them.

“Yes Miss Hunter,” David whispered back. “No doubt our esteemed Vulcan captain considered it logical to expedite our time here.”

Walking with the Andorian over to the pre-launch assembly table, Rogers walked to the opposite side of the probe as Kalynda took a stance on her side. Running his hand along the smooth casing of the probe he stopped at an access port. As he picked up a conveniently placed torque driver to remove the panel, he spoke to the science officer.

“I’ll program the flight path and you can get to your magic with the scanning and analysis details, alright?”

"Agreed" she acknowledged with a nod.

The orbital approach and landing/take-off sequences would be synchronized with the scan parameters to provide the mission specifics of what Captain Syntron wished. Orbital spectral analysis would tie in with orbital approach and circumnavigation of the planetoid while image capture during final approach orbit would select a landing site and provide visual clues as to the unusual haze blocking the surface. As the pair worked on the respective components, time passed quickly.

Ten minutes later, David closed and fastened his third port hatch after finishing the launch and recovery protocols, then looked up at the time index on the starboard wall. ‘Not bad,’ he thought to himself. Looking back over to Hunter, he inquired as to her progress.

“Need a hand with that? Or are you just daydreaming!” he added with a smile.

Looking up from her work with a bit of a devilish grin Kalynda inquired rhetorically.

"You're a bit of a jokester aren't you mister engineer?"

As she brought her attention back to her task, she added coyly "Some of us here strive for accuracy and precision over haste."

She allowed that last comment to linger for a moment before responding further.

"Given the unusual conditions affecting scanning this planetoid thus far, I am actually adding in a few back-up protocols in storing and transmitting both data and images in this probe."

David let the accuracy barb slide this time, but glanced at the young Andorian sideways with a respectful look. '

She could have been a very capable engineer, Rogers thought to himself.

She continued with the process and then rechecked her calibrations once it was concluded several times before securing the covers back onto the probe.

"There we are Commander.... I believe that we are now good- to-go with the launch."

"Agreed Lieutenant, and we had best hurry launching this beauty before the captain jumps down our throats."

Kalynda then signaled for several technicians to lift, carry and place the probe into a launch tube.

After it was loaded and secured, Kalynda Hunter glanced at Rogers as she tapped her combadge.

"Captain, the probe has been configured is now loaded and ready for launch."

Up in the center seat on the bridge, Syntron corresponded back.

"Affirmative Lieutenant Hunter... commence with the launch."

Kalynda then signaled for the probe's launch.

With a rumbling shudder the class III probe shot out of the forward tube toward the planetoid.

Up on deck one, the bridge crew all stopped what they were doing for a moment to watch the probe stream away from the ship; leaving a small vapor trail in its wake until it fled to an imperceptible size.

Then everyone resumed their duties once again.

Down on deck eight Kalynda noted "Well Commander Rogers, I suppose that it is back to the bridge for us" as she turned and exited the room and headed back for the turbolift.

Once launched,  the class III probe began orbiting the planetoid; gathering whatever readings it was able to ascertain and sending back similar information already gathered by the other three probes still in stationary orbit around the planet.

Kalynda Hunter arrived back to the bridge and immediately assumed her post at the science station.

As the probe continued slowly maintaining its revolutionary path toward the surface, the sensor readings were suddenly cut-off.

"Captain" Kalynda Hunter exclaimed "We've just lost contact with the probe!"

Syntron's attention was immediately brought to the science officer.

"At what distance did this occur Lieutenant?" he inquired.

After checking the data received from the probe, she replied "Approximately fifty-three kilometers from the surface; as far as I can determine."

With the probe now out of their control, they would need to just wait for the probe to perform its pre-programmed series of operations before returning back into orbit; provided that nothing damaged the probe throughout its procedures. Meanwhile though, there were other preparation to be handled on the ship.

"Based on this distance Lieutenant, how long until the probe completes its mission and arrives back into orbit?

"If all goes accordingly Sir,  the probe should be back in orbit in just a little over seventy minutes."

"Acknowledged Lieutenant."

Syntron called down to the main shuttle bay on deck twenty-one.

"Grexx Aulder, shuttle bay" came the response.

"Lieutenant, how are preparations going with the shuttle?"

"Sir, we have the USS Wildfire just about ready for departure. You'll just need to let me know if there is any additional equipment or materials that will be accompanying the away team. We are also preparing two of the other shuttles; in case they are needed too."

"Understood Lieutenant. You will get that information prior to departure. Captain out."

As he closed the channel Syntron realized that he needed to begin assembling the away team now, in case the conditions were cleared with any data received from the probe when it returned back into orbit.

He then addressed the Ops officer.

"Grab your PADD Ensign Valerous, I need you to note and then follow-up by meeting with each of the following personnel for the upcoming away mission.

As she grabbed her PADD and signaled to the captain that she was ready, he immediately began rattling off their names and positions that were already stored in his mind.

"Commander Riker, Lieutenant Commander Josh Vincent... and inform him that he will need to select two other security officers to accompany him,  science officer Lieutenant Kalynda Hunter, astrophysicist  Lieutenant Anita Muller,  geologist Ensign Ryan Phillips, CMO Doctor Nasaro-Myth, and lastly... chief flight control officer Grexx Aulder and helmsman James Traynor."

As Adalia Valerous finished entering her notes into her PADD, the captain concluded.

"Inform them that they are to begin their preliminary preparations, but regardless of  their status, they  are to meet in the conference room in forty-five minutes from now for a debriefing."

"I'll get right on this Captain" she declared, as she began by first meeting individually with those officers currently attending to duties on the bridge and whose ears had already perked-up a bit at the mention of their names mere moments before.

Walking out of the weapons locker Riker adjusted the now uncomfortable collar.  The new polyweave armor he was field testing felt awkward against his skin and under his uniform, but having worn armor on my occasions Riker decided to get used to wearing it before having to risk a combat situation.  Rolling his shoulders and adjusting his collar again Riker headed towards the briefing room.

Vincent was sitting as his desk and had just finished reading the limited data that was available on the planetoid that they were headed to when he looked at his clock and realized that he was late for the away team briefing. He quickly set his PADD on the table, stood, and hurried out of his office.

((conversations/preparations from the main PCs & NPCs???)) ((anything else? 2-21-14))

(Then the briefing about to begin)

Captain Syntron was seated at the end of the conference room table forty-minutes later adding data into his Command PAAD as the first bridge officer arrived.

The Andorian science officer politely acknowledged her commanding officer with a simple "Captain" and a nod before she seated herself at the table.

Prior to the meeting, the captain had called her into the Ready Room and informed her that he was appointing her acting chief science officer for the remainder of the mission. What he didn't mention was that the diminutive trill that he had previously placed in that position struggled trying to attend to her duties and operate in that position of authority.  Stephanie Decatur finally came to the captain and begged him to release her from this obligation. All that she wanted to do was supervise the nanotechnology aspects that she designed that was being implemented throughout the ship systems. She felt that this was demanding enough of her time. Deep inside though, she just felt uncomfortable being in a position of authority; especially aboard a large science vessel like the Phoenix. The captain agreed and released her from the obligation, to her great relief.

Meanwhile, the captain had been keenly observing the manner in which Lieutenant Kalynda Hunter carried out her duties throughout the shuttle rescue, even though she was on the Firebird. After the rescue was complete, Syntron put her on as the primary science officer on the bridge to see how she conducted herself in that position. After witnessing her level of competence first- hand, he spoke candidly to his executive officer Josh Riker about this Andorian science officer.

He informed her that Kalynda was assertive,  confident, creative and exceptionally knowledgeable in fields of science. She was the one to actually find the Sagan in that bubble-verse and had worked out the process to communicate and eventually open up the opportunity to rescue the crew of the shuttle.

When offered the role of science chief prior to this meeting,  Kalynda showed no hesitation whatsoever. In fact, she immediately embraced the chance to take on this vital role on this state-of-the-art science vessel.

Rogers, carefully juggling three PADDs and a coffee, entered the conference room and made his way to his by now customary seat to captain Syntron's left. It afforded him a view out of the window at the expanse of receding stars, when allowed the chance. Setting the items down, David nodded cordially at Kalynda and addressed his Vulcan captain.

"Sir. The probe is due in about thirty minutes. I would like to be in main engineering monitoring her drive characteristics when it emerges back on sensors."

 Having thus explained the one PADD, lying face up beside his coffee, that swirled a static conical pattern being swept by a pair of oscillating, thin blue line's, David sat down and nodded at the sweep diagnostic on the PADD.

"Just feeding the main sensor to this sir. When the probe reaquires us, i want to know quickly if its trajectory has changed from what I programmed."

The door to the briefing room wooshed open and Commander Riker walked in nodded to Captain Syntron and headed straight for the replicator in the back of the room.  Pressing the button Riker spoke up.

"Water athlete variety two."

Grabbing the metallic bottle out of the replicator Riker gulped down some water, adjusted his collar and headed towards his seat.

((arrival of the remaining officers i.e. add you own entrances and seating arrangements))

(Briefing continuing in conference room today 2-19-14)

Doctor Nasaro-Myth then arrived with his trademark warm smile and glinting purple eyes on his handsome face.

"Sorry for showing late, Captain, Ladies and Gents and all transgenre species... But we had to make sure our recovered patients did not bring back with them any unknown pathogen or effect harmful to life as we know it. Searching for the unknown does take some time... but you know how it is..."

And with a wink, a seated himself at his prefered place facing the commanding officer from the opposite end of the long, curved table.

Nodding to the doctor Commander Riker responded.

"I understand doc you had your hands full"

Lt. Commander Vincent fixed his uniform before entering the briefing room. He walked through the door and took a seat at the nearest open chair as the captain acknowledged the doctor.

“Oh good, I’m not the only one running behind,” he thought as he got comfortable.

“Sorry for running late everyone, I lost track of time reading up on this planetoid,” he said.

((any others??? XO & Sec/Tac for example? 2-21-14))

Once all the members of the away team had arrived and was seated, he proceeded getting the meeting under way.

"As we await detailed information to arrive from our planetary probe once it re-enters orbit" Syntron began "we can at least begin preparing for the probable away team mission on the surface of this planetoid. This will entail a full-crew aboard the Wildfire shuttle covering a range of specializations; which is why each of you are now gathered here. We can also anticipate harsh environmental conditions among other potential hazards."

Looking around at the assembled team, the captain then conveyed to each of them "While I fully realize that one accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions, I would nevertheless like each of you to inform us of your ideas and intent regarding this mission."

"Well as far as medical considerations go, this is rather simple. All away team personnel will be in full EVA suits because of the outside conditions so contamination risks are exceedingly low. Accidents are still possible however so people should be careful not to rip their clothing."

His friendly smile faded a bit as he looked more directly from the rest of the officers assembled to the captain at the opposite end of the table.

"Captain, I do not understand why you want to risk using a shuttlecraft for this mission. I may not be an Exec, but to me this is highly inefficient and opens a lot of unecessary risks, including but not limited to; navigational hazards, crash landings and very slow deployement and retrieval of personnel and material, multiplying risks to away team safety in case of danger or emergencies. Vehicles should be used when transporters are inoperative or too risky to employ, not the other way around. "

He could feel that Syntron was at least mildly surprised by his objection of command decisions; be it of it's very voicing or it's content... or both... now that would have required more than his natural empathy to figure out. But he knew the Vulcan to be a man of reason so he finished his recommendation nevertheless.

"Transporting down further add the benefit of computer molecular examination on both their way out and their way back in, safegaurding in the best possible manner against any foreign element being introduced aboard. Moreover, a transporter alcove is easily isolated with a forcefield in case of any detected unknown agent and this agent can be isolated and removed in beam transit for safe containement, study and disposal."

Elliago's smile returned, albeit slightly crooked.

"In simpller terms, Captain Sir; why jump down and risk a broken leg when we can use the stairs?"

Throughout their many missions together Syntron understood from where the doctor's question was emanating. He was a diligent doctor and a trusted officer who always offered a voice of reason, a clarifying question or moments of humility and compassion. This was no exception.

Leaning forward slightly, Syntron responded to the CMO's suggestion and inquiry.

"If I were to extend your analogy Doctor, it would be most difficult to walk down a flight of stairs if I had no way of knowing where the first step began."

The captain allowed the metaphor a moment to sink in before proceeding with his explanation.

"Despite our many attempts to penetrate the surface of this planetoid with both orbital  probes and ship sensors, we have thus far been unable to complete even a  basic scan of its surface. Therefore, we have no coordinates to lock a transporter onto. We could transport someone a thousand feet or more above the surface or inversely they could end up merged into a solid object within its surface. If we did either of these, we currently have no way of even knowing the outcome."

Suppressing a barely perceptible grin, he then emphasized his point.

"I'm not sure Doctor that we would have many volunteers willing to step onto a transporter pad under those conditions."

He then leaned back as he prepared to continue.

"If however, our class III probe is somehow able to unlock the inscrutability of this surface, then the transporters would be a consideration. That is once we tested the process with various items that were able to be freely transported down and back again without harm. Until then, we will plan to use the shuttle as our means for safely reaching the surface."

Syntron then awaited any other concerns or considerations to be expressed by his chief medical officer.

"Well that is exactly what I said; Shuttles make sense only when we can not transport down," grinned the Deltan. "But wouldn't it be safer to try first to send a locating probe? You know, kind of what we did in medecine before the invention of scanners; send in a simple signal emitter to send back something to safely lock on to? It would be much less risky than sending a in blind a vehicle full of people."

He turned to Rogers as he finished.

"Not trying to tell you how to do your job, you tech gurus," he said with a wink. "I'm just concerned with the unduly risk we might be putting people into."

He then turned back to Syntron, this time with a serious expression on his handsome face.

"And if we send them in without any chance of transporter back up, it means that if something goes wrong, we might not be able to help those people in time if something suddenly goes wrong. And we are all seasoned officiers here; we all know that, in similar circumstances, something always goes wrong."

"Well thus far Doctor" Syntron noted, "We sent our class III planetary probe configured for this intention, among its other features, embedded within it to relay information about this enigmatic surface to us. Unfortunately, we lost all contact with the probe at approximately fifty-three kilometers from its estimated surface.  Even that distance itself is uncertain. It is one of the primary objectives of our science team when they arrive, to ascertain what exactly is blocking all signals to or from this planet."

He then looked around at this impending team.

"The only backup that we'll initially have is the probe itself; which can be sent to relay information from orbit to the surface, and then from the surface back into orbit by the away team itself. Other than that, Lieutenant Auger has two other shuttles prepared as back-up as well. We will have a secondary team assembled and prepared if needed."  

"Well I'm glad I'll be sitting this one out then," grinned Elliago. "just make sure you have the means to send enough pieces of them back up if I need to patch anyone together again."

The Deltan was joking to hide his worries. Having crewmates injured was not something he looked forward to, even less making death certificates. He liked his job best when he had nothing to do except pester his commanding officer. He just hoped that this would be one of those times.

Listening to his fellow away team members Commander Riker understood their concerns.  Listening patiently he looked around the table and spoke up.

"The fact is that we have no idea what to expect here.  We can send probes and scan until our grandkids die of old age and that does not change the fact that this kind of mission has never been attempted before."

Looking towards the doctor Riker continued.

"We are bringing our best and brightest and are going to be ready for as many variables as we can factor in.  If your concerns come up doctor the call will be yours.  I am leading this mission but I will not for a second pretend to have half the medical insight you do.  Just keep us alive and it should be smooth sailing."

Looking around the table Riker addressed the other members of the team.

"For security reasons I am going to want everyone carrying a phaser, I am also going to want at least two rifles and a contingency weapon.  Engineering, ops and security you are also going to be scanning constantly and reporting on anything out of the ordinary."

Riker adjusted his collar and took another swig of water from the bottle in front of him.  Placing the bottle down Riker cleared his throat and continued.

"We have a mission here but this can also be a learning experience and I am going to want everyone to come home alive, in one piece and hopefully no worse for wear.  We all have our concerns and if anyone has anything else to say now would be the time."

"Wait a moment here... " said Elliago. "Are you saying that I am to be part of this... jolly venture into the unknown aboard a tin can thrown out there in a pond we know nothing about?"

As the two officers spoke, the captain was attentively listening while engaging something on his Command PADD.

As they concluded, Syntron gave a subtle bow of his head to his executive officer for expressing his overall intention for this mission while also demonstrating his aptitude for leadership.

The captain then took a moment and carefully scrutinized his assembled team before speaking.

"What was true 142 years ago in Starfleet still applies to our missions today. Like Captain Kirk from yesteryear, I too could order each of you to participate in this mission to the surface of this unknown world. But like Kirk,  I am not. Because Doctor Nasaro-Myth is right in pointing out the enormous danger inherent in any adventure involving our crew on the shuttle craft into the unknown; such as this enigmatic planetoid. As both Doctor Nasaro-Myth and Commander Riker indicated, there will be risks involved in this mission. However, as that former Captain pointedly stated well over a century ago..."

At that moment Syntron engaged his PADD which activated the viewscreen with an image of the aforementioned former startship captain from the year 2268. It was an image of James T Kirk, former captain of the constitution-class USS Enterprise during one of their many renowned missions. Accompanying the image was simply a quote.

I must point out that the possibilities, the potential for knowledge and advancement is equally great. Risk... risk is our business! That's what this starship is all about... that's why we're aboard her!

Syntron then gazed around at the members of this away team before continuing.

"However, if any crew members sitting here are unwilling to travel to this surface for any reason, then you may abstain from this aspect of the mission without consequence and a replacement will be chosen to fill-in that position."

The room became suddenly silent.

Based on his statements, the captain could hear that his CMO was understandably hesitant on traveling down to the surface for all of the reasons he expressed. Even though the Deltan would be best suited for ensuring the safety of this away team,  in this instance, Syntron knew that a choice be given to everyone; including his CMO.  

What the captain did not know however was that Elliago had once been trapped for thirteen days alone aboard a shuttlecraft; well, not exactly alone since there had been a Tellarite with him. But to a Deltan, a species of innate collegial community of intense sensuality and sharing no other could fully comprehend, the Tellarite could have been a stuffed toy after but a few days. Isolation and solitude were torture for one of his kind and it was something he had never experienced before, being born and raised on a Galaxy class starship crewed mostly by Deltans and then to the Academy and onward to starbases and capital ships... until that faithful trek escaping the newly discovered Azimuth Horizon anomaly. After that ordeal, he had almost resigned from Starfleet and had come back only after months of therapy on Delta IV... and only because there was a major galactic crisis and a long time friend had needed him.

And now he was committed; of his own free will. He had kept his oath to serve as well as the higher one to do no harm and to his best prevent it.

Doctor Nasaro-Myth sighed and shook himself. Only one word came out from between his lips pressed in a tight smile.

"Oh, joy."

The captain knew by those two simple words from his CMO that he would not shirk from his medical duties despite any personal reservations. As long as the Vulcan had know the doctor, Nasaro-Myth never had dodge his responsibilities, nor would Syntron expect that he ever would. They had almost lost their lives on more than one occasion aboard the Artemis because of their diligence in their positions and to their duties.

“I’ve already been trapped on one shuttle this month and I can’t imagine that happening twice, so count me in,” Vincent said. “And don’t worry Doctor, I’ll keep you safe.”

"Remember those words," Elliago shot back with a smirk to cover his uneasiness. "When the bulkheads will start rupturing, I expect you to put your butt up to plug the hole."

With the option established and offered but not taken by any team member sitting in the conference room, the meeting proceeded.

After waiting an appropriate amount of time for any other responses, the blue-skinned Bolian jumped into the conversation next.

Still waiting for some other possible input/participation here... 2-21-14))

((XO Riker)'s input... who should be leading this away team!)) Thanks!

((Josh Vincent & Company input)) ((still waiting 2-24-14))

The blue-skinned Bolian jumped into the conversation next.

"I'm Lieutenant Grexx Auger. I will be your pilot on this mission. This human sitting next to me is my co-pilot Lieutenant James Traynor."

Traynor just smiled and nodded as he was introduced.

"It will be our job to get all of you from the Phoenix to the surface and safely back again."

Looking at the Bolian Riker spoke.

"At my last command I developed the reputation as the best pilot in starfleet.  You teach me a thing or two down there and I owe you a drink"

Simple and to the point, that was all that was offered from their flight team.

Pulling a few strands of light brown hair off of her face, one of the human science officers spoke up next.     

"I am astrophysicist Anita Muller. I will be bringing environmental tricorders and a collection of other portable devices and scanners to try to determine what is blocking our sensors, along with taking readings of any possible particles or other natural phenomena existing on the surface of this planetoid  and beyond."

Somewhat nervously, the science officer besides her began to explain his role after the astrophysicist concluded.

"Greetings everyone. I am very honored to have been chosen to participate in this mission."

Then after calming himself a bit, he continued.

"I am Ensign Ryan Phillips, a planetary geologist. My specialties are geophysics and geomorphology. Therefore, this is quite an opportunity to be among the first Federation scientists to step foot on this unusual planetary surface."

He paused for a moment as he worked to regroup his thoughts.

"I will endeavor to gather samples to determine the chemical composition of any rocks or minerals present on the surface and attempt to date them as well. I will also study any visible landforms to make a hypothesis regarding the processes that may have created them. Depending on the composition of the surface and any possible obstructions, I will also try to complete an analysis of its interior." 

As he concluded, the Andorian scientist continued the flow of introductions with her own piece.

"I am Lieutenant Kalynda Hunter, and I will be coordinating all of the science activities just described, and probably more, during this mission. It will be our intent to fill-in as many missing pieces as possible regarding this object and its origin and bring them back to the Phoenix , along with samples, for further analysis."

"Make sure you follow all necessary protocols of containement and examination before and during transfer within the ship," advised the Deltan CMO. "There are several known forms life that can survive, even live in such inhospitable environements; therefore more so with unknown lifeforms. Erre on the side of caution, please.  And do not forget all away teams must undergo mdeical checking following a sortie to ensure that you don't bring back any surprise with you, EVA suita notwithstanding."

Kalynda Hunter nodded as she began a response.

"Understood Doctor. We have our protocols already in place. It was one of the areas we were addressing just before we arrived to the meeting."

Then with a genuine smile the Andorian added "It is one of the many reasons that I am reassured by your accompaniment with us."

"Well... at least that makes one of us," grumbled the Deltan. But he winked at her.

Kalynda then inquired "I would assume that you will be bringing all the medical equipment needed to conduct such biological tests and ensure precautions are invoked in addition to what my team does? Plus all the medical necessities required to keep us healthy in such a potentially harsh environment?"  

"I guess we will use a cargo shuttle then," offered Elliago with a good humor he forced on himself. "But I.m no engineer so don't expect miracles. The best medecine is always prevention so, take care of yourself please. All of you."

Then with a grin she noted "If coldness is the only hazardous condition that we have to contend with, then I will be a very content officer on this mission."

"You would," grinned the CMO.

As a variety of discussions in the meeting forged ahead a bit more informally among the members of the away team, they were suddenly interrupted by voice the Ops officer on the main bridge coming through the communications systems.

"Captain, the probe just arrived from the surface and has resumed orbit once again around the planetoid."

"Acknowledged Ensign Valerous." Syntron responded "Keep tracking the probe for the time being."

When the bridge signaled about the probe returning David slid his telemetry PADD around closer and studied the data forthcoming from the probe. The programmed flight appeared to be well within the toleration he had set for it so he nodded to himself satisfactorily and resumed his position on his chair.

Using her science PADD with speed and precision, Kalynda jumped back into the conversation.

"I am getting some preliminary data from the probe Captain... including some images"

She then connected her PADD to the main viewscreen in the conference room.

The screen then lit up with its first image from this planetoid.

It was a hazy view of an apparent large volcano-like mountain near what appeared to be a series of deep valleys.

Everyone just stared silently at the unusual surface image; especially for an object of this small size.

"What is driving these features?" the planetary geologist Ryan Phillips muttered out loud.

Then they slowly studied each of the remaining images as they were presented, one-at -a -time, until there were none remaining.

"What about any data from surface samples?" the captain inquired at the conclusion of the last image.

Kalynda slowly shook her head.

"For some unknown reason Captain, there is no such data being transmitted. Even the number of captured images is far less than we anticipated."

Looking around at the members of the way team, she uttered "Something is still interfering with our instruments"

Thinking pragmatically, the captain then concluded.

"Regardless, we will therefore use what is available"

As they collectively sorted through the limited data, it was determined that there should be no problem getting the shuttleto and returning from the surface. Once this was established, they all focused on where they could possibly land.

Based on limited data and images from the probe, the away team eventually came to a consensus and established three primary landing sites and marked them out on the composite map they created onscreen.

1st: a smooth basin-like area away from all obstacles for initial sampling and testing

2nd: a base with a small flat surface beside an enormous mountainous region

3rd: a plateau between a deep valley and rugged mountain region

Afterward, they agreed on attempting these landing sites sequentially; moving onward as each region's investigation was deemed sufficiently complete by the team.

The navigators would use the images from the maps and the available data to find these locations once the shuttle began its slow decent toward the surface of the planetoid. They would record and cross-reference their own findings into a coordinate system to enable them to navigate from site-to-site, while keeping a comprehensive record of their journey and findings along the way.

After the entire team spent the next twenty-five minutes finalizing the details of the shuttle mission, the captain announced an inquiry to them all.

"Is there anything further that we need to address here together before I bring closure to this meeting?"

Syntron gazed around to see if there were any respondents.

((Any input?))

The captain then declared "Launch of the Wildfire will commence in forty-five minutes. All team members check-in with Commander Riker and the flight crew when you arrive to the shuttlebay. Confirm that all required gear is accounted for and secured in the storage area until the shuttle has landed."

As Syntron then stood, he turned to his chief engineer.

"Commander Rogers, verify that you can reprogram the class III probe to repeat its landing on the surface. If the response is not confirmed,  retrieve the probe once again and manually reset the landing parameters. We want that probe down on that surface prior to our team arrival. Afterward, be certain to provide Lieutenant Hunter with the sequence of steps required for a manual override in case the probe has any type of malfunction on the surface. That probe may be our only initial means of communication between the ship and the away team on the surface."

Syntron then turned back toward the team.

"This briefing is hereby adjourned."

 

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