Discoveries (Part 2 of 2)

Posted on 28 Jun 2018 @ 1:17pm by Lieutenant Lake ir-Llantrisant & Lieutenant JG Tris Shizn & Lieutenant JG Manuel Lucero & Chief Petty Officer Crispin Snow & Commander Scarlet Blake & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Commander Marisa Wyatt & Petty Officer 3rd Class Constantin Vansen
Edited on on 21 Aug 2023 @ 2:28pm

3,200 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 16 - A Far Sun
Location: The Borderlands, Pleione System - USS Schofield
Timeline: MD 03, 0800 hours

[ON]

Bridge

Lucero had commandeered a science station and started monitoring the star's banded magnetic field for the next snap that would immediately preempt the coming flare. He stood there leaning with both hands on the console; his eyes darted back and forth as his mouth echoed the lines of routine arithmetic he evaluated in his head. A small blip in the corner of the display took his attention away from the data and he furrowed his brow at it in frustration as he had lost his train of thought. A few taps and swipes later, he had switched to the output log of the ships distal molecular spectrometer, which seemed to be the source of the alert. The readings turned that look of frustration into one of confusion, then alarm. "Captain! This cepheid is valving out! First-ionization energy thresholds are already dropping in fused atoms. The magnetic field is going to snap hard and fast, at any minute now. The flare it's going to produce... I don't know if even we can handle it, let alone the people down below."

The shrill exclamations of Crewman Thero interjected once again. "Transporter Room to Bridge, it's no good," Thero declared over the communications system. "I can't get a coordinate lock on the remaining members of the away team. I just can't. This blasted stellar interference is making the targeting scanners go cross-eyed. Maybe-- I-- I think I can compensate for Lieutenant ir-Llantrisant. I can trace back the signal from his combadge and approximate a coordinate lock, but the scanners don't know where to begin with Lieutenant Franklin. I suppose, I can start beaming up every bag of bones the targeting scanners sniff out, but we might start having other problems then..."

Time was running out. They had located Lieutenant ir-Llantrisant and presumably Lieutenant Franklin from indications was still being detained at the main facility located in the pyramidal building.

Allyndra was standing by the science station and working with Snow to get a scan of the inner pyramid itself. There appeared to be a inner chamber that looked like various power connections seemed to congregate on. She was pretty sure it might be some sort of control room.

"Captain, think we have found a control center in the machine itself. The pyramid structure of the machine does not appear to have shielding, so I think we can get some engineers in to take a look. We cannot get a good lock on Lieutenant Franklin. I would suggest that we go ahead and contact the authorities and make our presence known."

Blake considered for a moment, her body tense with the conclusion she reached, having been filled in by the Away Team returners. "Blake to Wyatt, it's time to get the Kindred Spirits out of here, that star is firing up."

"Aye Captain," he responded.

Scarlet closed the comm and looked across to Allyndra, keeping her voice level as she started with the good news. "We can beam down engineers that can pass most as natives at first glance...beam them down directly into the chamber of the mechanism. Have them repair the mechanism without being discovered and without the inhabitants ever knowing about it."

"Yes Captain," Allyndra replied.

=^=Allyndra to Sandoval, take some engineers and prepare to beam into the pyramid, see if there is anything you can do.=^=

That was the best news Marisa'd heard recently. "I will get a team immediately and head to the transporter room."

Blake took a breath as she reached the bad news, folding her arms tightly over her middle. "We can't reveal our presence. They might have had past interference from an alien race, but it seems that, if anything, they see them as gods, not aliens. They're still ignorant to the wider universe and existence of alien planets and technology. We have to find a way to get Franklin back without changing that."

It was probably the most logical decision. Commander Blake was correct probably should not go in and really disrupt the society unless there was a reason to do so. "I agree commander unless absolutely necessary," she replied but then asked. "Since the inner chamber is not visible and no indication that the natives know, I would like to go down to observe the machine and be on hand in case someone gets hurt."

Scarlet considered it, unable to stop a slight frown as she shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. "I don't want to risk it," she said quietly with a shake of her head. It would also mean losing her Chief Medical Officer and First Officer into the deal.

Allyndra was a bit disappointed, but she could understand that the less people they had down there the better. She did have an idea though. "Lieutenant Lucero," she turned to look at him. "You mentioned a native that you had contact with. Do you think that native could help guide close enough to where Lieutenant Franklin is?"

Manuel stood up straight from the console he was hovering over and turned to Allyndra. He put his hand to his mouth for a second, clearly thinking. Then he nearly smacked himself for almost forgetting.

"Ah, yes. Tanian. He's an agent of the security office where we were being held. He would definitely know were we could find her. Hell, he was probably her interrogator." He looked down, as though realizing for the first time that he was still disguised and out-of-uniform, then looked back up to Allyndra. "Would you like for me to accompany you, Commander?"

"I think we should keep our presence to a minimum and I would stand out quite easily. Again, I think mostly native or easily concealed as native to get close. I believe that Lieutenant Sandoval mentioned a doctor as well that you two stayed with that knows you are aliens?"

Manuel nodded. "Yes, a Doctor Lensher. His office isn't too far from the pyramid itself. I don't know how well he knows the inner-structure of the temple or its security facility, but he definitely knows of it."

Allyndra nodded. "Have dermal transponders implanted so we can easily track you and get locks on you and gather a team to go find our missing crew mate. Try to be subtle as possible, but get our person back understood?"

A somber look passed over the lieutenant's face. "Aye, Commander." Manuel paused for what seemed like a very long second. "We'll get her back." He quickly made his way around the bridge to grab two others to accompany him. They needed to get down there before it was too late.

After that matter was settled and put into motion, Ens. Shizn turned from the Helm slight looking at Aalyndra, hoping to catch her eye and said, “Commander, would a diversion of some kind help with our situation? It might be a way to limit their security around the Pyramid.”

"Not a bad idea, perhaps a power failure or similar," Allyndra nodded.

Ensign Shizn stepped away from the Helm to the science control panel. After verifying a few details on the power system on the planet near the pyramid the Andorian stood and turned, “Commander, I have located one of their local power distribution hubs. A low yield phaser hit would take it out without too much structural damage.”

"And can it be done without them seeing a light from the sky?" Allyndra asked.

Tris thought guiltily for a second as he stepped back to the Helm before responding cautiously, “No, I’m sure the phaser beam at any amperage would stimulate the particles in the atmosphere, which would be visible.” He then looked to Tactical then to the Commander, “But, if we went lower into the atmosphere and used a tightly focused sonic repulsive beam from the deflector dish, it might do the same damage.” His eyes flicked to the Tactical Officer and back to Allyndra a couple times in high hopes of a good response.

Manuel was ready to head to medbay for the quick subdermal implant. His mind was focused on the nature of the old star and the tendency of cepheid variables to self-stabilize by producing paradoxical electromagnetic radiation in pulses that rarely reach a few meters beyond their surface at normal levels, keeping them capable of sustaining life. At least until they're ready to die... He was almost to the turbolift when he had a flash of an idea that stopped him just shy of the doors. He turned quickly on his heel to face Tris and Allyndra.

"How about a rotating EM pulse?" The lieutenant said suddenly. The two shot stoic looks at him in light of his random interruption. "Sorry," he backpedaled slightly at the realization of his rudeness, but nevertheless continued before the idea left him. "We could configure one of the Schofield's peripheral energy matrices to emit a rotating EMP at a controlled alternation of low-amplitude E1 and E3 pulses. The sensitive tech of the pyramid on-planet would probably be hardlined by the protectors to protect against EM pulses while it interacts with the star, but the domestic power infrastructure is not likely to be so protected. Its invisible, remediable, and prevents damage of the more essential bits of tech in the pyramid. If the natives ever wonder about the power-failure, they would probably blame it on some minor pre-flare activity from their temperamental sun... Prime directive remains intact."

Allyndra listened to the proposal and nodded. "That would work, Mister Shizn if you would work with Mister Snow and get that done." She turned to Manuel and said, "We, and yes I mean myself, and you and two others are going to get our people. It will only take me a few minutes to look passable enough."

Manuel gave a look of acknowledgement. "Yes, Commander. I'll be heading to medbay; I should be back to the transporter room in no more than ten minutes." With that, he sped off to the turbolift that he'd abandoned earlier.

Ens. Shizn looked to Snow and gave him a confirming nod. He felt together they could make the rotating EMP happen.

Snow beckoned him to the secondary ops panel. Any pulse in atmosphere would produce reactions that the pilot would have to compensate for. The strength and speed of pulses would be his call. "One big, or lots of smaller ones?" A big one would mean there could be in and out of possible detection range much quicker, but might produce more difficulties for helm. Smaller ones would keep them there longer and risked more detection. Either way, with no cloaking device, it would be up to the Andorian to get them out of the way.

Tris looked at the situation grimly. He finally said, “I know detection is an issue, but I think the rotating EMP would have the greater desired effect. I looked at the atmospheric conditions. There currently are high clouds that will block any spectator’s view. I think that is the best option.”

"Lots of little ones it is," Snow turned back to his panel. "This won't take long sir."

Allyndra pressed her comm badge, =^=Lieutenants Chiya and Vansen please report to transporter room one in ten minutes.=^=

She again turned to Tris, "We will let you know when we need the blackout."

“Understood,” Shizn replied to the Commander.

Constantin frowned as he looked around before grimacing. Okay. So either he had the quickest field commission ever or, and it as much more likely, the Commander hadn't realised he was enlisted. In which case, he hoped he wouldn't disappoint. He suspected he would though, because an enlisted didn't have the training that officers had. =^=Yes ma'am=^= he replied and headed for the transporter room.


1200 Hours

Reports were coming in from scanners that the flare had suddenly subsided and the star was seemingly settling into a more stable pattern.

=^=Allyndra to Marissa, whatever is going on the star is stabilizing. As soon as we have our people back we will beam you guys out.=^=

"Wonderful. We've reestablished communication between the pyramid and the facility in the sun. The panel is restoring from backup, but it will need a special team to make sure it continues to work properly."

=^=Thank you, we are sending down a team to go to rescue, stand by.=^=


1225 Hours

=^=Schofield this is Allyndra. We are in the city and heading to the doctor's residence. Stand by please.=^=

"Very good," Scarlet replied from her seat on the bridge, frowning as she stared at the screen, as if it would help her see what was going on down there. She was literally perching on the edge of her seat, legs crossed and elbow leaning on an arm rest. Her hand held on to her knee to stop her fingertips tapping. She hated being stuck up on a bridge in situations like this.....she wanted to be down on the ground, finding their crew, bringing them home safely. She shook away an image of Lake in their last meeting. He was vulnerable at the moment, whether he admitted it or not. "Bring our people home, Allyndra," she added firmly, her voice tight with having to leave it to her.

Shizn turned in his Helm chair to look at Snow, hoping for a confirming nod. He really wanted this to go off without a hitch.

At OPs 2, CPO Snow gave the desired signal, hand hovering over the pre-programmed settings for the EMP pulse. "Ready when you are, Ensign. Just say the word."

Shizn looked to Commander Blake, “With your permission Sir.” He then looked to the communications officer, “Open a line to the Commander.”

“The line is active Sir,” The Comm Officer stated.

“Schofield to Commander Warraquim,” Ens. Shizn began, “We are ready here Sir.”

=^=Allyndra to Schofield, we are in place...now=^=

Several things had to happen in sequence for what they had planned to actually work. They had already lowered the ship’s position, but now Shizn had to bring the Schofield steeply down to 50,000 feet above the desired location, at which time also wanting to keep the starship hidden above the clouds and out of sight.

Upon achieving the defined elevation Shizn called out, “Mr. Snow, if you please.” Meaning for him to activate the Rotating EMP.

Snow shifted the power draw to the deflector shield a fraction, and it started to thrum, building up to the right frequencies. A heartbeat later, it popped like a bubble and the wave rolled out into the upper atmosphere. The storage banks filled again, and then the next wave popped, and another and another, each of differing wavelength, filling the atmosphere with enough EM radiation that anything electric above a thousand feet would struggle. Anything above ten thousand feet wouldn't survive.

=^=Allyndra to Schofield, Mister Vansen will coordinate. If you can, there is a civil defense system as well. Set those sirens off along with the black out. He will give you the timing=^=

”Understood,” was the Helmsmen’s only reply. He kept the ship in a relative position as the pulses continued.


1313 hours

"...Yeah," Crewman Thero said, as if she were in the middle of a conversation. She nodded as she spoke, bouncing her high ponytail from side to side. "...Yeah," she said again, her boisterous voice filling the empty transporter room. All ten of her fingertips pressed up against different contacts on the freestanding LCARS panel positioned between herself and the transporter platform. As if each individual finger had a mind of its own, she completed separate, and yet orchestrated, system inputs to operate the transporter system.

Speaking to herself and, perhaps, to any ghosts haunting the Schofield, Thero said, "I think I'll be happier when that friggin' sun has burned itself out. I'll be happier when that sun is dead..."

When she said, "Energizing," pillars of sparkling light rained down from the overhead. Each glittering abomination against the laws of nature coalesced into members of the away team, rescued from the planet below. "...Oh," Thero said, sounding surprised, "You made it?"

Allyndra was glad to be back on board but not looking to the next month or so while her wings grew back out again. That was always an itch somewhat painful exercise.

Manuel immediately headed for his suite without a word. He desperately needed to get out of those heavy clothes, prepare for a nice sonic washdown, and just head back to the labs in wait of whatever new crazy hell was coming their way.

Given the vacant expression in his eyes, and the lumbering manner of his footsteps, Lake ir-Llantrisant attempted to follow the away team off the transporter platform on the humanoid equivalent of auto-pilot. He wasn't consciously aware of who did it, but someone turned him back, and guided him to the central pad on the transporter platform. Lake heard a murmur of discussion and then the melody of the transporter effect, as he was beamed directly to Sickbay.

Marisa beamed up a short time later. She wished she could have spent longer in the pyramid--and on the planet. There was so much she still wanted to learn, but her time was not her own and the ship could not stay in this sector much longer. They'd done more than expected, and she was ecstatic that they'd managed to fix the pyramid and save the planet. And she had more data than she could have hoped for to sift through. So, all-in-all, it was a very successful mission.

She headed for her quarters to change--and carefully pack away her outfit to wear again.


Bridge - 1330 Hours

Heading to her seat on the bridge, Blake took the chair, holding on to the arm rests. She was still uncomfortable with having to let the events on the planet play out without getting her hands dirty to bring their people home. It was something in her that she had found difficult to shake over the years. She knew she had to just live with it. "Helm, take us back to the Avondale shipyard."

“Yes Sir!” Tris replied excitedly, “Breaking orbit now, going to full impulse.”

The starship banked up and away from the planet. Shizn began to make inputs on the Helm console. “Setting course for Avondale shipyard, Warp factor 6.” With a final single ‘tap’ of his finger, the stars on the forward viewscreen seemed to freeze for a second, then streaked out and past the ship as the Oberth Class vessel engaged its warp field and began to streak across the galaxy one last time.

[OFF]

--

Allyndra illm Warraquim
Acting Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer
USS Schofield

CPO Crispin Snow
Operations Officer
USS Schofield
[PNPC Derani]

Lieutenant Lake ir-Llantrisant
Chief Counselor
USS Schofield

Ensign Tris Shizn
Helmsman
USS Schofield

Commander Scarlet Blake
Acting CO
USS Schofield

Crewman Draia Thero
Engineer's Mate
USS Schofield
[PNPC ir-Llantrisant]

Lieutenant JG Manuel Lucero
Asst. Chief Science Officer
USS Schofield

Lieutenant Marisa Sanadoval
Chief Science Officer
USS Schofield

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