ST:TTV327 | "New Horizons"

Stardate 95340

Following the revelations made by DS13 science teams, the excavation team working at the Forged Earth digsite believe they have found a means to repower the ancient Iconian facility using adapted modern technology. With many still holding fresh memory of the gate activation on New Romulus however, every step is being taken to ensure a safe and smooth trial.

Chief among these safeguards is an increase in the Starfleet presence to the system. One which sees the Valley Forge once again return to it's namesake's world to bare witness to what many hope to be the dawn of an exciting new era for the colony...

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View Prologue

T'Quila@crystyll wanders out of her quarters, almost bumping straight into the tiny Vulcan in the process, "Oh! Hello Pia" she smiles, leaning down to give the girl a friendly hug T'Emp@anncarise beams and hugs TQ back, "Hi T'Quila!" T'Quila@crystyll folds a PADD under her arm as she steps back, "And how is our favourite little lady today? Keeping out of trouble I hope. Or at least, not getting caught with it" she winks with a smirk T'Emp@anncarise giggles, "I was just going for a walk around the ship! No trouble, promise!" T'Emp@anncarise smirks, "Yeeet..." T'Quila@crystyll: "That's the spirit!" she smiles, "Well, since you're just exploring, care to join me on some errands?" T'Emp@anncarise: "Sure! What errands are you doing?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well for the moment, I just have these duty rosters to drop off to some of the NCO's for Crystyl. But you know what these guys are like, always looking for a favour!" she considers TP with a tilted + T'Quila@crystyll: + head, "You... do know what these guys are like, right?" T'Emp@anncarise: "The NCOs? I've talked to a few of them...but I probably don't know them as well as you do!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Well you've been on the ship longer than I've been born so..." T'Emp@anncarise chuckles. T'Quila@crystyll smiles, wrapping an arm around TP's shoulder to turn her around as they move off, "Well then, it's only logical that we remedy that now, isn't it!" T'Quila@crystyll holds up the PADD for them both to see, "Ok, so first stop is the MACO's" T'Emp@anncarise smiles and nods, "I'm always happy to meet more people around the ship! And find out how they all make things work!" T'Emp@anncarise examines the PADD. T'Quila@crystyll: "And I'm sure they'll all be happy to meet you too. It's like a royal visit from our very own little princess!" she smiles, giving her a gentle squeeze T'Emp@anncarise grins, "I guess I am like the princess here aren't I!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Yes, but don't ever tell your mother that I inferred her to be a Queen. We'll never hear the end of it!" she winks T'Emp@anncarise chuckles, "Your secret is safe with me!" T'Quila@crystyll emerging on the lowest of the lower decks, they find themselves in the bowels of the VF T'Quila@crystyll: (FX) T'Quila@crystyll: "So, have you never been down to the MACO dorms before?" T'Emp@anncarise: "I've passed by once I'm sure...but could be mixing it up with another one of the dorm areas..." T'Quila@crystyll smiles, "Easy done! Now, who's around today..." T'Quila@crystyll steps into the dorm (which is a lot bigger than the ready room...), "Hope everyone's decent in here..." she calls out T'Emp@anncarise follows close behind TQ, "Uhh...should I close my eyes until you say I can look?" T'Quila@crystyll FX | For the size of the dorm, there are very few people around T'Quila@crystyll smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, "Come on Pia, you're not /that/ young. Never know, may even spy something you like the looks of" she winks T'Quila@crystyll FX | To their far right, a Rigelian is the nearest. He is currently fiddling with an armour locker and looks around at the sound of TQ's voice T'Emp@anncarise chuckles, "Well I'm only technically one year old...but I won't tell mum I promise!" T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | turns with a smirk as he responds, "Come on Tee, you should know by now that /nobody/ is decent in he-..." he eyes Pia T'Emp@anncarise giggles. T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | looks back to TQ, "What, takes two of you to carry a PADD around now? Or has Crystyl got you got lugging /that/ many?" he grins, walking over to them T'Quila@crystyll rolls her eyes, "Daaz, this is T'Pia. She's keeping me company on todays rounds" she hands him the roster PADD T'Emp@anncarise waves to Daaz, "I'm just touring here! Don't mind me!" T'Quila@crystyll FX | The Rigelian looms over TP - taller than TQ and a lot bulkier - as he glances over the PADD, not overly interested in it and moreso int the girl, "So you're the Captains daughter. Hope this one+ T'Quila@crystyll: + isn't teaching you any bad habits" he thumbs towards TQ, who pokes her tongue at him in response T'Emp@anncarise chuckles, "Not at all! She's just my tour guide." She glances around the bunk, "How many people are normally in here?" T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | looks around, "Not nearly enough if you ask me. Ship's built to carry a small army if needed, we're just one detachment" T'Quila@crystyll leans to TP with a stage whisper, "Much to the other MACO's relief as they can sleep far enough away from his snoring" T'Emp@anncarise giggles at TQ and looks back to Daaz, "Most ships only carry a detachment, don't they?" T'Quila@crystyll | Daaz smirks at TQ's comment, nodding to TP, "If that, a lot don't carry any at all" T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | bows with exaggeration, "Anyway, Sergeant Daazitaet. at your service mi'lady" T'Quila@crystyll MACO2 | calls over with a scoff, "HA! More like 'willing to service'!" T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | shoots MACO2 a death stare, "Can it! You know this is the Captain's daughter?! Show some respect you filthy targ!" T'Emp@anncarise laughs at the MACOs. T'Quila@crystyll shakes her head, "See Pia, this is why we keep them locked away down here" T'Emp@anncarise: "Hey Sergeant Daa-zee-tat is treating me like a princess! Or a lady..." T'Emp@anncarise looks to Daaz, "Did I pronounce that right?" T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | laughs, "Don't mind the banter, Miss. They're harmless enough really" he smiles gently, "Close enough!" and ruffles her hair, "You can just call me Daz though, most do" T'Emp@anncarise nods, "Got it Daz!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Alright guys, as you were!" she gives a faux-salute to Daaz, "See you later Sarge. Still on for that Strategama game later?" T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | returns the faux salute, "Only if the winner buys the drinks. I learned that lesson last time with you!" T'Emp@anncarise mimics TQ's faux salute with a big smile. T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | smiles, stiffening some and giving a more respectful salute in response to TP's, "A pleasure meeting you young lady. Don't ever be afraid to come say hello if you're down here in the bowels + T'Quila@crystyll: + again" T'Emp@anncarise: "Will do!" T'Quila@crystyll gives a final wave to the MACO's before steering TP out, "Alright, on with the rounds!" T'Emp@anncarise waves as well as she is steered out, "Where to next?" T'Emp@anncarise examines the PADD, "Hmm...mid decks..." T'Quila@crystyll Daaz | leans his head, watching the pair leave. Specifically, watching TQ from behind, until distracted by a thrown boot hitting him on the back of the head from MACO2 T'Quila@crystyll: "Well, we've got a few stops to make; sickbay 2, transporter room, armoury 7, starboard hangar, lab 12..." she rattles off some of the list T'Emp@anncarise: "Armoury 7, I don't think I've ever been inside that before!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well it's no different to any of the armouries really. But then, I don't imagine you've been in any of them! Come on then!" T'Emp@anncarise: "They're new to me! I've seen the weapon compartments in ship consoles but I've never been in an armoury..." T'Quila@crystyll chats away with TP as they traverse the ship the old fashioned way, pausing at an intersection T'Quila@crystyll FX | Ahead of them is the VF's resident Intel understudy. The chunky Overlooker stands by the wall, staring it at... T'Quila@crystyll gives him a quirked look, glancing to TP and back again T'Emp@anncarise doubletakes at him as well, "Is...there something wrong with the wall?" she asks TQ quietly. T'Quila@crystyll shrugs, heading over, "Heeeey Lar... everything ok there, big guy?" T'Emp@anncarise follows TQ, examining him curiously. T'Quila@crystyll Lar | turns awkwardly, taking a few steps to do so. His expressionless face brightens into a cheery smile, "Hello green Vulcan. Yes, everything is ok" T'Quila@crystyll Lar | turns to TP, "Hello little Vulcan" in a somewhat monotonous tone, despite the bright smile T'Emp@anncarise: "Hi! Was there something wrong with the wall?" T'Quila@crystyll Lar | looks back to it, sort of, like he can't be bothered to fully turn to it again. Returning his gaze to TP, "No" he smiles T'Quila@crystyll: "Soooo... whaaaatcha doing?" T'Emp@anncarise: "That's...good?" T'Quila@crystyll | Lar nods eagerly to TP, "Yes it is!" and looks to TQ, "I am studying" T'Emp@anncarise: "Studying...the wall?" T'Emp@anncarise eyes the wall curiously. T'Quila@crystyll almost groans, "Studying what... exactly?" quickly adds, "And don't you dare answer with simply 'the wall', or I will slap that that potato head of yours!" she laughs T'Emp@anncarise laughs at TQ. T'Quila@crystyll Lar | looks to the wall awkwardly again. Yeah, he wants to answer with just that but needs inspiration, "This section of the wall panel" she smiles proudly T'Quila@crystyll: "Yes but... whhhhy...?" T'Emp@anncarise chuckles at the slightly more detailed response. T'Quila@crystyll Lar | "Starfleet wall design in insecure. There are 1672 different ways of secreting spyware into a panel like this. I am sweeping the ship to make sure these are all secure" T'Quila@crystyll blinks, "1672... per panel. And you're checking... the whole ship. One. Panel. At a time..." T'Emp@anncarise: "That's a lot of panels to check..." T'Quila@crystyll | Lar nods proudly, "I am being good!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Riiiight..." pats him on the shoulder, "Well don't let us keep you, big guy. Go... check those wall panels..." T'Quila@crystyll Lar | gives another nod, shuffling around to continue staring at the wall panel T'Emp@anncarise looks to TQ, "That's going to take him a while..." T'Emp@anncarise: "A looong while..." T'Quila@crystyll backs away slowly, chuckling at TP, "Jokes on him though. There's actually 1673 per panel!" T'Emp@anncarise laughs. T'Quila@crystyll continues to move forward. NOT GETTING LOST T'Quila@crystyll: "Don't let Lar fool you though. He plays dumb like that, but he's anything but" T'Quila@crystyll pauses as they come upon an open jeffries tube hatch, "Huh..." T'Emp@anncarise: "He is intel, that makes sense!" T'Emp@anncarise glances at the open hatch. T'Quila@crystyll heads over and peers in, "Hello-aaaah!" she yelps as she is knocked back T'Quila@crystyll: zzzZZZzzz... T'Quila@crystyll slumbers peacefully. T'Emp@anncarise jumps back too. T'Quila@crystyll is knocked back to the floor and has a mess of legs and antennae crumpled up on top of her T'Quila@crystyll groans, shoving the surprise tiny mass off her, "Essex!" T'Emp@anncarise breaks into a fit of laughter. T'Quila@crystyll gets back to her feet with a friendly helping hand from Essex, dusting herself off with a frown T'Quila@crystyll Essex | "Hey! Nobody asked you to poke your head in here!" T'Quila@crystyll: "I'll show you a real poking if you make me jump like that again!" she laughs T'Quila@crystyll Essex | waves a dismissive hand/claw/thing, "Promises, promises greenie..." as he scuttles back into the tube T'Emp@anncarise continues laughing, "Not the first time I've seen him darting around from tube to tube!" T'Quila@crystyll opens her mouth to correct her poor wording after he framed it that way, closing it again with a frown before chuckling, "He is a little menace that one!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Real charmer though. No truer a gent on this whole ship I'd wager" she smiles and winks T'Quila@crystyll Essex | clickclick, "I can still hear you out there greenie!" T'Emp@anncarise grins, "Must be why Kelly likes him! She says he's one of the fastest tube crawlers she's seen though!" T'Quila@crystyll groans, rolling her eyes and promptly moving off T'Emp@anncarise chuckles and follows. T'Quila@crystyll: "That he most certainly is! Just don't let him hear you say it, if his ego gets any bigger he won't fit in the tubes anymore!" T'Emp@anncarise: "I'll keep that in mind!" T'Quila@crystyll passes by a number officers & enlisted with a friendly smile to all as they continue to walk & talk T'Quila@crystyll: "So what's new in the life of T'Pia anyway? Don't get to hang out with you as much as I'd hoped!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Not much yet! Not old enough to get into the Academy yet...but I am studying and also refining that ship design idea I had in my spare time!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Ooh nice! So how does it work for you and the Academy then? I mean, as you pointed out earlier... you're technically only 1 year old..." T'Emp@anncarise: "I think they count physical and mental maturity rather than hard years, there are Federation species that have very short lifespans so just numbers won't do..." T'Emp@anncarise: "Plus, if I pass the entrance exam, they should let me in! Normally one year olds can't do that!" T'Emp@anncarise laughs. T'Quila@crystyll: "An excellent point, good thing too really! You know I don't know if anyone ever tells you this, but - and as you might imagine - everyone on the crew knows who you are, naturally. And everyone is + T'Quila@crystyll: + so very proud of you!" T'Emp@anncarise beams, "I'll do my best to keep living up to their expectations!" T'Emp@anncarise: "And maybe someday they'll be working on ships I design too!' T'Quila@crystyll smiles, wrapping an arm around TP's shoulder, "Now there's something we can all look forward to. I'll hold you to that!" T'Quila@crystyll: "But I really mean it though. Everyone on this ship holds you dear like you're their own daughter. And as for you going off to become an officer, well I'm doubly proud of you there for doing what I + T'Quila@crystyll: + could not as a Vulcan living with emotions" T'Emp@anncarise looks to TQ, "You wanted to be an officer too?" T'Quila@crystyll smiles wistfully, "Actually when I was around your age I wanted to join the VSA" T'Quila@crystyll: "But I turned to Starfleet when that didn't work out, and... well yes, I would have struggled with the entrance requirements for SFA, so I enlisted instead" she smiles T'Emp@anncarise: "Oh...but mum made it too and she's also a Vulcan living with emotions!" T'Quila@crystyll nods, "Yes, but she is Vulcan with Vulcan emotions. My Orion side tends to... imbalance things considerably" T'Emp@anncarise: "There's a few Orion officers too, isn't there?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Indeed there are. My problem is when the two mix; I know you understand how deep emotions run for our people. Well, add to that a healthy dose of Orion 'potency' and, well... you can probably imagine T'Quila@crystyll: " T'Emp@anncarise: "Oh...yeah..." T'Emp@anncarise: "But you've done well as an enlisted so far! I think you can make a good officer if you wanted to try..." T'Quila@crystyll smiles, squeezing her hug around TP, "You sure /you/ don't have an Orion streak with a sliver tongue like that, eh?" T'Quila@crystyll: "But thank you though, it is a kind thing to say" T'Emp@anncarise chuckles, "Definitely half human the last time I checked!" T'Quila@crystyll: "And definitely your mothers daughter. Always the inspiration" she smiles as they approach the armoury T'Quila@crystyll opens the door, "Knock knock..." she calls as they enter T'Emp@anncarise looks around the armoury curiously. T'Quila@crystyll FX | The armoury is a fairly small room lined with with sealed lockers on both walls and some caged shelving in the middle forming two aisles T'Quila@crystyll FX | PO Elsa Trinity is in here, performing calibration on the weapons. She looks up, "Aah, T'Quila. Time for the rounds already is it?" T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | Steps up for a friendly greeting with TQ, a smile to TP, "And is this who I think it is?" T'Emp@anncarise waves to Trinity, "Hey!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Yes, T'Pia is keeping me company on the rounds today!" T'Emp@anncarise nods, "And I've actually never been in here before!" T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | "That so? Well good for you, T'Pia! And I should certainly hope not, very rarely are these lockups opened for any reason!" T'Quila@crystyll hands Trinity her PADD to copy the update roster while she and TP chat. Quietly watching with a smile T'Emp@anncarise: "Yeah! It's probably not a good sign if we need the armoury." T'Emp@anncarise: "But I was still curious what it looked like!" T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | "And if you ask me, it's an important thing to know. One of things nobody ever wants to need, but is damned grateful to know when they do need it!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Not... that we want to do anything to encourage the /Captains daughter/ to be picking up and playing with rifles..." she chuckles T'Emp@anncarise chuckles. T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | smiles, "No, perhaps not. But the point stands! Anyway-" she looks to TP, "-this is indeed one of the armouries. Or small arms locker, if you like" T'Emp@anncarise: "Do we keep anything else other than rifles here?" T'Emp@anncarise: "Rifles are just more powerful hand phasers, right?" T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | nods, "More powerful, and with greater range. There are more varieties than you count really! And here we keep both hand phasers and rifles, as well as other sundry items like grenades, + T'Quila@crystyll: + specialist blades and recon packs. Everything your average MACO mission could need really!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oooh this is mostly for the MACOs then?" T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | umms and aahs a bit in consideration, "Technically... no. But given the nature of their work, they will make more frequent use of the supplies here" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oooh yeah, that makes sense," she nods. T'Quila@crystyll: "Well trin, we'll leave you to it for now. Catch you later for drinks?" T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | smiles and nods, "You bet! Oh, and if you're heading by medical could you give this to Gerardo for me?" she hands something to TQ T'Quila@crystyll smiles, "Happy to help!" and waves as they depart T'Emp@anncarise waves to Trin as they depart. T'Quila@crystyll Trinity | "Thanks Tee, and great to see you T'Pia!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Great to meet you too!" T'Quila@crystyll steps back out of the armoury and continues along their rounds, "So there you go, that was Elsa. Though everyone just knows her as Trinity, or just Trin" T'Emp@anncarise: "She manages the armouries?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Oh no, that would fall under a senior officer. Trin is just running routine calibration checks on the small arms at the moment" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oooh so she looks after the weapons?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well as tactical support crew, her duties could involve any number of things. Ranging from small arms detail to ship's systems, or posted duties!" T'Emp@anncarise: "That's quite a set of duties!" T'Quila@crystyll smiles, "One of the benefits we have as NCO's; variety! The more you see of the those, and even the base crewman, the more you notice how much we work multiple areas on rotation" T'Quila@crystyll: "It's a great way of broadening skillsets, not to mention preventing monotony as some of the duties can be, well... monotonous!" she chuckles T'Emp@anncarise: "Yeah...I can imagine it would get boring if you just managed the same few armouries every day!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Indeed. The same can go for any duty though, even though more senior ones!" she smiles, "Why do you think I'm running these errands today? Certainly not part of my regular shift monitoring comms + T'Quila@crystyll: + traffic on the bridge!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oh yeah...I thought it just fell under comms, like...inter-ship comms!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well... it's not a stretch I guess" she chuckles, "Though it's technically Crystyl's job as Officer of the Watch, many of us who fall within Ops will deputize and help out at times" T'Quila@crystyll: "Besides, gives me a chance to catch up with everyone I don't normally get to see!" T'Emp@anncarise nods, "And parts of the ship you don't normally go!" T'Quila@crystyll smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as they walk, "Now you're getting it!" T'Emp@anncarise follows (totally not going the wrong way...) T'Emp@anncarise: "Where to next?" T'Quila@crystyll hands TP The small object Trin gave her, "Hold on to that for me, would you? I'd hate to lose it! And remember that we must give it to Gerardo when we find him" T'Emp@anncarise: "Will do!" T'Quila@crystyll wanders into the transporter room giving a cheery wave to Katie, "Hello Chief" she smiles T'Emp@anncarise examines the object curiously before waving to Katie, "Hey Katie!" T'Emp@anncarise | Katie looks up from her console, "Hello! I almost thought you were with the Captain there for a moment." T'Emp@anncarise giggles. T'Quila@crystyll turns with a smirk, "Well I know you didn't mean me with that! Yes, T'Pia is helping me out today" she notes, handing Katie the PADD, "Nothing exciting or unxpected for you this week, I think" T'Emp@anncarise | Katie takes the PADD and nods, "Just the usual. Thanks for the delivery, T'Quila!" T'Emp@anncarise | Katie looks to TP, "Getting a feel for how things are done around the ship today?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Always a pleasure!" T'Emp@anncarise: "I just ran into T'Quila in the hall! Pretty literally..." she chuckles. T'Emp@anncarise: "But I am learning quite a bit too!" T'Quila@crystyll: "And she is doing a grand job of keeping of me company" she smiles T'Emp@anncarise beams, "Mixes things up a little from the usual deliveries!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Speaking of..." looks to Katie, "...anything we can do for you while we're at it?" T'Emp@anncarise | Katie: "Well if you see any of the software techs, tell them there's a response issue with the virtual lever function after the latest update. Or any pilots, now that I think about it." T'Emp@anncarise | Katie: "I've switched off the function for now, but some of the pilots might not have found it yet, and it's more critical for them than it is in the transporter room, except in emergencies here. T'Quila@crystyll: "Sure thing!" looks to TP, "Got a note of that one?" T'Emp@anncarise: "I think I do! Virtual lever function in LCARs, right?" T'Emp@anncarise | Katie nods and smiles, "You got it!" T'Quila@crystyll: "At a girl! Alright Katie, we should love you and leave you. On with the rounds and all!" T'Emp@anncarise | Katie: "See you soon, T'Quila!" T'Quila@crystyll gives a cheery wave and bright smile as they head out T'Emp@anncarise waves as she follows TQ out too. T'Quila@crystyll: "She's a darling, our Katie" T'Emp@anncarise: "Mhmm!" T'Quila@crystyll continues through the not-mess hall to one of the science labs. Stepping in quietly and looking around T'Emp@anncarise follows TQ's example and moves quietly, examining the area. T'Quila@crystyll FX | The Kobali Thee'lis is glued to her research station T'Quila@crystyll clears her throat T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis grunts a little and looks up, noting the pair, then looking back to her screen T'Emp@anncarise waves to Thee'lis, and pouts slightly as she looks right back to the screen. T'Quila@crystyll gives TP a reassuring smile before approaching, "Thee'lis, I have next weeks duty roster for you" T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | "Appreciated. Though why you feel the need to deliver these things in person and disrupt peoples work when it can easily be sent via digital message is quite beyond me" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well how else would I get to bask in the light of your company...?" T'Emp@anncarise smirks slightly. T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | glances over her shoulder with a grumble T'Quila@crystyll: "Besides, we have a special visitor with us today. Have you met T'Pia yet? You know, the Captain's daughter..." T'Emp@anncarise waves again. T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | pauses her work before turning fully with renewed interest in her visitors. Well, in TP, "So you are the one? Fascinating" T'Emp@anncarise: "The one and only!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Now Thee'lis, don't you be getting any ideas about 'borrowing' her for research" T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | frowns at TQ, "But that whole accelerating maturity dynamic could prove to be of great interest to my people" T'Quila@crystyll scowls back a little, "Then take it up with the people who have that technology. You're not having Pia for experiments!" she chuckles, hugging TP a little protectively T'Emp@anncarise chuckles at TQ, "Yeah I'm not being experimented on!" T'Emp@anncarise looks back to Thee'lis, "Who are your people again? I...don't think I've seen them before." T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | groans, "You are no fun Chief" looking to Pia, "I am Kobali, my people come from the Delta quadrant" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oh I think I've heard about you! Your people have an interesting way of growth too, right?" T'Quila@crystyll mutters under her breath, "That's one word for it..." T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | Shoots TQ a tired glance before smiling to TP, "Indeed we do. There are many who don't understand us, even disapprove. But it is who we are, and more enlightened individuals can even + T'Quila@crystyll: + appreciate what our way of life offers" T'Emp@anncarise nods, "I've heard about it from my dad and Trenick, they were both on your homeworld. But I will read up on it and try to learn more!" T'Quila@crystyll Thee'lis | smiles, "Well my dear, if you do so and want to learn more then feel free to come see me any time you like" she shoots TQ a glance, "No experimenting, I promise!" T'Emp@anncarise giggles, "That I will!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Alright, well on that note. We'll leave you to your work" T'Quila@crystyll leaves that as her farewell to the Kobali as she moves to exit T'Quila@crystyll: "For the record, I don't have any problem with Kobali or how they are created. Just something about her rubs me up the wrong way..." T'Emp@anncarise: "She's a lot like those scientist Vulcans...you know the logical ones that are really into studying things..." T'Quila@crystyll chuckles, "Sounds just like my mother actually!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Really?" she chuckles. T'Quila@crystyll nods, "Oh yes! She is quite the traditional Vulcan in fact. Don't be fooled into thinking otherwise because of your impression of me" she smiles T'Emp@anncarise: "My grandmother is a pretty traditional Vulcan too. Even though mum isn't!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Oh right, I recall talking with your mother once on the subject when we first met. We deduced that both of our mothers would have gotten along... amicably" T'Emp@anncarise: "I think they would!" T'Quila@crystyll: "And here's our next stop, sickbay!" steps in, looking around T'Emp@anncarise | Amidst the usual medical-uniform clad personnel, one crewman with gold shoulders stands out as he taps away at the sickbay's main console, plugging in a few isolinear chips. T'Emp@anncarise looks to TQ excitedly, "I think we found a software tech for Katie!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Seems so! Come on then, let's see to that first before he gets away!" T'Quila@crystyll closes in, sneaking up behind him before slowly leaning in and resting her chin on his shoulder. Sneaky as it looked she was of course careful not to make him jump, "Looks important..." she whispers+ T'Quila@crystyll: + with a smile T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon: "Ah, hello T'Quila! I am just applying de latest software patch for our EMH. Or applied really. De patch is done, but I am running diagnostics to make sure everyting works properly." T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon: "We don't want to have to fix it when it is actually needed." T'Quila@crystyll: "Very true!" she smiles, stepping back, "And that makes this perfect timing as my special helper here has a new assignment for you!" T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon looks to TP, "Oh, is dat de Captain's daughter?" T'Emp@anncarise smiles, "That I am!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Katie wanted me to let you know that the last LCARs update introduced an issue with a...virtual lever function I think." T'Emp@anncarise looks to TQ for confirmation. T'Quila@crystyll smiles and nods, "She was concerned that it may also impact the shuttle pilots if the small craft received the same update. May warrant a closer inspection sooner rather than later" T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon nods, "Tank you for bringing dis to my attention. I will see if I can find the issue right after I finish here, and roll everything back to before the update if dere is no easy solution." T'Quila@crystyll: "Great, thanks! Need a hand testing the EMH while we're here?" T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon: "If you want I can turn it on and you can interact with it while I observe how its programming is behaving. Real interaction should be more accurate than de simulations." T'Quila@crystyll: "Happy to help! About time I got to meet him too" she chuckles T'Quila@crystyll looks to TP with a smile, "Computer; activate the Emergency Medical Hologram" T'Emp@anncarise: "I've never actually met one either!" T'Emp@anncarise waits for the EMH to come online. T'Quila@crystyll EMH | ripples into view in the middle of the room, "Please state the nature of the-..." groans, "Crewman, what have I told you about... fiddling with my holomatrix!" stares at Simeon T'Quila@crystyll EMH | promptly looks himself over to make sure he's all there. Oh yeah, real improvement over the Mk.I this guy... T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon: "I am only uploading de latest patch. Noting too extreme, just following regulation." T'Quila@crystyll EMH | "Regulation indeed... we'll just see about that. Anyway, we have work to do!" he looks TQ over as the one who summoned him, "Well, you look a little green but my guess is that you're supposed + T'Quila@crystyll: + to be this colour. So clearly you're not the emergency" he turns to TP, looking her up and down, "Did this one shrink? Now that's a problem I can get my teeth into..." T'Emp@anncarise: "No I'm supposed to be this tall!" T'Quila@crystyll chuckles, watching the EMH hustle over to a console and begin research, "Relax doctor, there is no emergency! Just a systems test for the Crewman's patch update!" T'Emp@anncarise chuckles as well. T'Quila@crystyll EMH | pauses, turning around again, clearly a little dejected, "Oh, well... can't you go make her shrink now after I started my research" T'Quila@crystyll rolls her eyes, "No doctor! Don't be so mean!" hugs TP T'Emp@anncarise chuckles, "And don't make me grow any more either! I already grew fast enough as it is!" T'Quila@crystyll Kazra | Walks out of her office, stopping and staring at the EMH, "Oh no, who let him out this time..." T'Quila@crystyll holds her hands up as 'innocent', "Just helping with a systems test here, Commander!" T'Quila@crystyll EMH | turns and deathstares at Kazra, "You..." T'Quila@crystyll Kazra | shakes her head, "Forget it beardy. Computer; deactivate EMH" T'Quila@crystyll EMH | "What, wait no I-..." ripples out of view T'Emp@anncarise laughs at the EMH's sudden deactivation. T'Quila@crystyll: "Poor guy..." T'Emp@anncarise: "Yeah...he really wants some patients doesn't he!" T'Quila@crystyll Kazra | "/Not/ poor guy. That thing is a menace! Last time it got out, it tried to rearrange the entire medical cupboard because it didn't approve of my organizing in there!" T'Quila@crystyll Kazra | winks to the pair and goes on about her business T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon: "Well, everyting looks good. Tanks for de help! I will look into de lever issue right away." T'Quila@crystyll: "Thanks Simeon. Don't get too carried away with your work now, I've got a strategama rematch with Daaz later" she grins T'Emp@anncarise | Simeon: "Ooh, I'll be sure to finish in time to observe!" T'Emp@anncarise | He waves to the two as he sets out to do LCARs bug fixing. T'Quila@crystyll smiles and winks, giving a little wave as they cross sickbay to find Gerardo T'Quila@crystyll: "Still not got to wearing that cute little nurses outfit the boys bought you then, Gera?" she chuckles as they near, he having alreayd seen them because of the whole EMH thing T'Emp@anncarise: "Isn't his uniform already a nurse version?" T'Emp@anncarise looks between the two confused. T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | turns, shaking his head with a smirk, "Tee, I doubt even /you/ would wear a skirt that short on duty!" T'Quila@crystyll grins, then pouts, "Too bad... I still say seeing those legs on display would help your patient turnaround" T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | scoffs, "Oh yeah, by scaring them all away to the other sickbay! Anyway, who's this; new recruit?" T'Quila@crystyll smiles, looking to TP, "You could say that..." T'Emp@anncarise chuckles, "I'm just a helper! Oh and Trin had something for you!" T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | "Oh?" he turns more, giving her a curious look T'Emp@anncarise hands him what Trin gave her, "Here you go!" T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | beams excitedly, taking the small box-like object, "Ooh, another one already. Fantastic!" he holds it in his palm and taps the side, a little rotating holo-figure of a sports personality T'Quila@crystyll: "Huh... so what, Trin's like a black market dealer in these things or something?" she chuckles T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | grins, "Nah, she has family back home who she sees regular. Found out I collect a while back, but never get the chance to go home so often as I don't really have anyone there. So whenever + T'Quila@crystyll: + she gets a care package from home, her brother grabs a new one for me!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Aww... you two are so sweet!" T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | flushes a little, stowing the figure away, "Yeah, well... um..." T'Quila@crystyll chuckles, patting him on the shoulder, "Oh, you know I'm only teasing. It's really great though!" T'Emp@anncarise laughs. T'Emp@anncarise: "I've heard of things where people bring stuff for one another when one travels to a place the other usually doesn't!" T'Emp@anncarise: "It's a pretty common agreement among friends as I understand it!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Friends... riiiiight" she smirks T'Quila@crystyll Gerardo | flushes a bit deeper, turning back to his console, "Yes, well... *ahem* thanks for the roster, and the um, souvenir..." T'Emp@anncarise giggles. T'Quila@crystyll grins resting a hand on his shoulder, "Don't work too hard now Gera!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Ready to move on? We have one last stop" she asks, looking to TP T'Emp@anncarise nods, "Mhmm! Where to?" T'Quila@crystyll: "Right this way!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well that was a bit of fun now wasn't it!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Definitely! And we got our side errands done too!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Indeed we did! Aah, here we are. Holodeck 3" T'Emp@anncarise: "Who are we looking for?" T'Quila@crystyll FX | The holodeck is offline, just the classic black/gold gridded room. At the far end is a small pink antennae'd alien, fiddling inside an open wall panel T'Quila@crystyll grins and points, "Her..." T'Quila@crystyll: "Hey Sexy" she calls out with a grin as they head over T'Emp@anncarise waves as she heads over. T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | jumps a little and bangs her head on the inside of the panel, crawling out, rubbing at it, "Dammit Tee, I thought you said you'd stop calling me that!" T'Emp@anncarise laughs. T'Quila@crystyll laughs, "But it suits you so well! Anyway, you asked - I didn't agree" she winks T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | shakes her head, "I still can not fathom Starfleet's obsession with 'nicked-names'..." T'Quila@crystyll: "All the more reason to keep it up. Just doing my part to help you acclimatize is all, see!" she smiles, "Anyway, I have next weeks roster for you. And this is T'Pia, she's helping me out today" T'Emp@anncarise: "Hi! Uhh...that might be a weird nickname to say..." she chuckles. T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | stands with a smile, "Don't you go picking up her nasty habits now! J'Saex will do just fine!" T'Emp@anncarise: "J'Saex it is then! Is that also a shortened name, or is that your full name?" T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | "Full name! My people aren't really ones for multiple names, or long winded ones, or 'nicked' ones..." T'Quila@crystyll smirks T'Emp@anncarise: "You're Olelian, right?" T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | smiles, "That I am! See, this is why I love serving on this ship; you guys are about the only ones familiar enough to recognize one of us!" T'Quila@crystyll J'Seax | "Before coming here, it was more common for people to think I was an albino Andorian or something..." T'Emp@anncarise: "I think mum was there for first contact with you!" T'Emp@anncarise: "And a lot of diplomacy afterwards too..." T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | "I do believe so, yes! Not that I was privvy to such things, mind. I'm just a simple holotechnician!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oooh that's why you're in the holodeck, you work here!" T'Emp@anncarise: "I was wondering how T'Quila knew you were going to be in here..." T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | nods proudly, "Yep! My people are pretty good when it comes to holotech, and I've been working with Mia here to learn more about Starfleet tech too!" T'Emp@anncarise: "I think it was your people's tech that helped Mia too, wasn't it?" T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | "It was! She told me /all/ about it, at least twice!" she giggles T'Quila@crystyll laughs, "She does like sharing a story that one, doesn't she!" T'Emp@anncarise giggles, "She definitely does!" T'Quila@crystyll: "So yeah, nothing special anyway. Just the usual rotation for you I think. We should get off and leave you to it, can't have folks being without their holodeck now can't we!" T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | smiles, "Well, thank you Tee for bringing this. And it was lovely meeting you T'Pia, hopefully we will see more of you around!" T'Emp@anncarise: "It's good to meet you too! Maybe you can teach me about holotech, or your people!" T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | "It would be my pleasure! See you girls around!" T'Quila@crystyll leans in and hugs J'Saex farewell, "See you, Sexy!" she smirks playfully T'Emp@anncarise giggles at the nickname as she waves to J'Saex. T'Quila@crystyll J'Saex | giggles as well, giving a final wave before turning back to her work T'Quila@crystyll: "Well Pia, that just about wraps up the rounds for today!" T'Emp@anncarise: "Thanks for showing me around and meeting people I haven't met before! It's been very fun!" T'Emp@anncarise: "And helpful for them I think!" T'Quila@crystyll smiles, "Aww, I'm glad you enjoyed it! You were certainly a help to me, made the time go /so/ much quicker having such fun company!" T'Quila@crystyll: "And yes, I thought everyone would enjoy meeting you!" T'Emp@anncarise beams, "It's been some very nice meetings!" T'Emp@anncarise: "And I learned a bit more about how everything on the ship works too!" T'Quila@crystyll: "Well, you feel free to come join me whenever you like! Or any of the other guys we met, they all seemed eager to see you around more!" T'Emp@anncarise: "I'll seek them out around the ship when I have time!" T'Quila@crystyll: "At a girl! Well, enjoy the rest of your wandering day. And if you want later, 2100 hours in the mess hall; come watch my game with Daaz" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oooh yeah, I'll be sure to be there!" T'Quila@crystyll: "See you later then!" she beams, giving her a friendly hug goodbye T'Emp@anncarise hugs TQ back, "See you later!"

View Episode

Keelah@crystyll FX | Arriving alongside USS Pegasus in the FE System to rendezvous with the Attar, VF hosts a short debrief with the excavation team lead - Prof. Lycas Keelah@crystyll | LCDR Lendaria has also joined from the dig team, as has much of the VF senior staff Keelah@crystyll | In addition to regular faces however, ADM Torin of the Deep Space Exploratory Corps is also present to oversee things, as well as senior representatives from the Alliance Dyson Initiative Keelah@crystyll FX | The senior dignitaries hover towards the back of the room, seemingly content to oversee and not participate for the moment Keelah@crystyll looks around the gathered faces, settling on Timo with a smile, "It is good to see you again Andrej, and to see you've been keeping busy here" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Smiles in remand to Keelah, streching his hands a bit on the table:"Oh, the pleasure has been mine, believe me, Keelah. The Attar is just doing what it has been meant to do. Finally, I may add." Keelah@crystyll smiles to that sentiment, "Indeed. Which brings us on to today's big event." she shuffles through some PADD's on the table before continuing Lycas@annpc#5570 taps his PADD a few times before setting it down to focus on the conversation around the table. Keelah@crystyll: "As you should all be aware already; the Professor's team has been making steady progress on the excavation of the Iconian facility located on Newfrika" Keelah@crystyll: "Thanks to recent discoveries made on the ground by joint Attar/Kassandra teams, this progress included what - I believe was later confirmed - is the main control room for the gateway Keelah@crystyll | Lennie nods to the affirmative, "Aye Captain, tha's right. Translated th'texts mahself" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan arches a brow Keelah@crystyll nods, "Further to this, research teams back on DS13 made the intriguing discovery regarding the nature of the facility. Particularly it's relationship to the local geology. Professor?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "As many of you may already be aware, Forged Earth uses a rather unique fuel source the locals call Element One, or Eon for short." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois looks at the professor attentively, though he already know what he's speaking about, ofc Lycas@annpc#5570: "Ensign Sorik's study has determined that Eon is indeed, as theorized by some of our team, a byproduct created by the Iconian facility's processing of local dilithium." Keelah@crystyll: (available on everyone's PADD's: https://argo.enjin.com/forum/m/6618775/viewthread/32658095-science-report-newfrika-geological-sample-analysis/post/137396272#p137396272 ) Lycas@annpc#5570: "With this information at hand, we were able to comprehend the processes used by the Iconians and repower the facility using our technology." Keelah@crystyll: "Now, I don't know about the rest of you. But I was not at New Romulus when they played with activating a gateway there. But even I am aware of the severe repercutions felt as a result of that" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods, almost solemnly:"This is not something to take lightly. What do we know about the portal itself? Possible destinations? Previous uses?" Keelah@crystyll looks from Timo to the Prof Alistair Nimitz@natthaan looks between the three Lycas@annpc#5570: "Unfortunately we don't have any information on where it may lead. Our archaeologists believe this facility might have previously been used as a refinery or other form of energy generation facility." Lycas@annpc#5570: "Anything using technology will need a power source of some description, and so the gateway could connect to any number of places across what was once Iconian controlled territory. There's no hints - Keelah@crystyll | CMDR Kaol (Romulan lead from Alliance Dyson team) pays particular interest at this point Lycas@annpc#5570: - we can gather from the site itself. The only way to find out may be to activate the gateway." Keelah@crystyll: (and yes, I promoted him. He did good work there!) Keelah@crystyll: "If my theoretical understanding of Iconian gateway tech is correct, it is possible for any one gateway to connect to any other?" Keelah@crystyll | Kaol nods, "From our limited understanding to come out of studying the Solanae spheres; yes Captain, we believe this is the case. Though we have encountered gateways which - through damage we are + Keelah@crystyll: + still not able to repair - seem to become 'locked' to a single destination" Keelah@crystyll dips her head lightly, "Thank you Commander" looking back to Lycas, "So Professor, I have already reviewed your preparations and found them to be satisfactory with all required safeguards in place. + Keelah@crystyll: + If anyone else has questions or concerns, now is the time" she looks between her fellow CO's Alistair Nimitz@natthaan shakes his head "Pegasus will be standing by in case we accidently start another invasion." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Well, I think that's the least we could do. There's no need to remind the dangers of such an operation." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. That is why we are all here. All three starships, as well as a reinforcing contingent from the FEPD will be standing by on yellow alert in orbit" Lycas@annpc#5570: "We are able to deactivate the gateway on-site or remotely, should it lead to anywhere we would not like to make a connection to." Keelah@crystyll: "Not just for the risk of anything coming through, but in case of any hint of increased seismic activity caused by the activation - per the New Romulus incident - we will all be standing by for + Keelah@crystyll: + emergency evacuation of the ground teams as well" Keelah@crystyll: "That said Professor- " she nods to his input, "-I see that mining explosives have been set around the cavern as well. So in the eventuality that the gateway opens to a source of danger which may + Keelah@crystyll: + somehow be able to force it open beyond our control, we can evacuate and bury the site if it comes to it" Lycas@annpc#5570 nods, "That is our contingency plan in the case of a worst-possible scenario." Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin nods quietly to the discussion of thorough contingency planning Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "In that case, torpedoes could work as well." he nods:"Though I prefer to think they will not be needed." Lycas@annpc#5570: "I've also suggested the medical teams stand by for treatment of any contagion up to and including Borg nanites. If it leads into Borg space, a single nanite may be enough to compromise the system." Keelah@crystyll: "That is also an option if it comes to it, Captain" she nods to Timo, "But we would prefer to use the local detonators first as this is still a valuable mining colony for the Forged people. To + Keelah@crystyll: + dessimate it from orbit would cripple their economy. A political situation I prefer not to lay at the Federation's fleet today" she smiles Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "So no Phaser lances, got it." Keelah@crystyll: "Still! Contingencies and worst case scenarios aside, we have learned our collective lessons from previous tentative 'playing' with Iconian gateways in the past. Lessons were learned, and costly. But+ Keelah@crystyll: + the Iconian threat itself is gone now. At the very least, it is disassociated from our present activity. So Professor, what is your plan for the trial activation?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "If the gateway is activated without incident, we will first deploy drones through for a brief look at what is beyond. There's no guarantee anything that goes through will be able to travel back, - Lycas@annpc#5570: - and the other side may not present a survivable atmosphere for some biological species." Lycas@annpc#5570: "Once the drone returns and we receive its data, then we can start planning the next step and whether or not it is prudent to send an away team across." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Sounds reasonable. So we're not looking to make any giant leaps here, just testing the water as it were. Does anyone have any more questions before we reconvene on the ground?" Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin looks to Lycas, "Professor, what is your method for the drone recon? Are they being despatched on a time recall?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "We have several plans in place. The drone will be equipped with a transmitter that, in the scenario that the gateway does allow two-way access, should be able to instantenously send its findings - Lycas@annpc#5570: - back. Failing that, it is programmed to return on either a timer or upon detecting any potential hazards. In the scenario that the gateway cannot be used to return, the drone is also equipped with - Lycas@annpc#5570: - a subspace communication system that will try to send its findings to the nearest comm buoy, like any communication message." Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin nods her acceptance of this, "Thank you Professor" Keelah@crystyll looks around one last time, "Well if that is all, how about we go make history?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie grins excitedly Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Smiles:"Hoping that history will not make us." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed! Alright then, time to shine Professor" she smiles, indicating the door as she rises and starts to gather her notes Lycas@annpc#5570 gathers his PADDs and stands as well. Keelah@crystyll FX | The main control room (central area oocly) is a hive of activity as one might imagine Keelah@crystyll FX | The gateway is under heavy guard, but otherwise sits quietly and inactive in the next room (Forcefield to exterior) Keelah@crystyll FX | Lennie disappears off to join the activation team, helping with last minute discrepancies Alistair Nimitz@natthaan has his rifle slung on his back as he walks around the perimeter with the other guards Keelah@crystyll FX | Many of the VF (npc) crew are also in attendance, as well as FEPD & previous Alliance dignitaries Lycas@annpc#5570 steps into the main control area. A lieutenant steps up to him. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "So, this is it." he comments quietly as he looks around Keelah@crystyll excuses herself from the group after receiving an a glance from ADM Torin suggesting she wanted a word Lycas@annpc#5570 nods, "The 'moment of truth' as your people call it, I believe." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Lieutenant: "All systems are green, Professor." Lycas@annpc#5570: "Backup power in place as well?" Lycas@annpc#5570 | The Lieutenant nods: "All set up." Lycas@annpc#5570: "Excellent work. Stand by the power control post. Monitor it at all times until I say otherwise." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Lieutenant: "Understood, Professor." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Looks and listen attentively as the professor oversees preparations Lycas@annpc#5570 | The Lieutenant walks off and Lycas makes his way to the two security officers closest to the gateway, both equipped with phaser rifles. Lycas@annpc#5570: "Status of the demolition charges?" Lycas@annpc#5570 | Security: "We've set them at critical junctures designed to collapse this entire area and any tunnels leading into it." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie - working a console near the group - looks around, buzzing with excitement at all the new activity Lycas@annpc#5570: "Well done, Petty Officer. Maintain your vigil." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie fixates curiously on one of VF's NCO's and nudges Nimitz, "Hey Cap" she upnods towards the NCO, "She look Romulan t'ya?" Lycas@annpc#5570 steps up to another enlisted with gold shoulders. Keelah@crystyll FX | The NCO in question is indeed green skinned. /very/ green skinned, and with pointed ears Alistair Nimitz@natthaan glances over at the NCO being pointed out Lycas@annpc#5570: "Are transporter locks being maintained?" Lycas@annpc#5570 | Enlisted Engineer: "Aye, Chief Oliver's got a stable lock on all of us right now from the Valley Forge." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "She looks more Orion then Romulan.." Lycas@annpc#5570: "Good. Let me or any other officer know if that changes." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan gesters to his own forehead since T'Quila is missing that Lycas@annpc#5570 | Enlisted Engineer: "Will do, Professor." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie narrows her eyes, "That's some ears for an Orion though... maybe a bit o' both...?" she ponders curiously Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "It is not unheard of. I once had a tactical officer that was Half Klingon and Half Vulcan." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie perks a brow, looking back to him with a 'seriously?' expression, "Huh, bet they was fun at parties!" Lycas@annpc#5570 steps up to Kelly, who is working with two enlisted engineers and one science ensign on a large drone. Lycas@annpc#5570: "Status of the drone, Commander?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "I don't know.. never actually got the chance to find out, I had to give her a dishonorable discharge from Starfleet.." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie scoffs, "Figures..." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly stands, "Ready whenever you are, Professor. We've just run through a test of all its systems, even had Mia check through it earlier." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Are you sure you don't want to equip it with a phaser emitter? Even as a cutting beam, it could be useful." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Mhmm... last I heard, she's out by Klingon space working for a Ferengi." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Huh... well, good f'her then!" Lycas@annpc#5570 shakes his head, "We do not want anyone who may be on the other side to misinterpret our intentions. If the drone is blocked or destroyed, it is a smaller incident than sparking a potential - Lycas@annpc#5570: - interstellar war." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Still silently follows the professor and listen to what he's saying Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "Well if there's nothing else to add, it's all good to go." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly taps her PADD and the drone rises from the ground, hovering. Lycas@annpc#5570: "We should be ready for activation. Stand by to send the drone in." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "We'll wait for your mark here." Keelah@crystyll looks over as ADM Torin points out the drone movement and stands with her to rejoin the others Alistair Nimitz@natthaan takes a step back away from the 'spash' zone Lycas@annpc#5570 heads back to the centre with the main control panel. Lycas@annpc#5570: "All preparations are complete. We may activate the gateway." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Then, since we are here...." Keelah@crystyll looks to Torin as the senior officer, who nods the confirmation to proceed Alistair Nimitz@natthaan unslings his rifle from his back just in case. Keelah@crystyll smiles excitedly, barely containing herself from sharing the heightened emotions of the dig team just now Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: looks perfectly calm. Perhaps a bit too much...which, together with his eyes, may betray his true feelings and emotions. Lycas@annpc#5570 also looks calm. But he's a Vulcan. So that's expected. Keelah@crystyll FX | With the Admiral's approval, the team hustles into action. Chatter rising across the room, but a clear stream of professionalism as everyone is clearly well rehearsed for this Alistair Nimitz@natthaan is totally expecting a Goa'uld to step though the gate Keelah@crystyll FX | As power levels rise, the facility hums to life Keelah@crystyll | Lennie: "Readouts look good, compression matrix is holdin' steady. Ya good t'shunt power to th'gate, Kelly" Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly nods, "Shunting power to the gate." Keelah@crystyll FX | The cavern around them rumbles lightly as the mass of energy is pushed to the gateway. Dust and small debris rain down, but nothing so large to be concerning Keelah@crystyll FX | And after an eternal split second... the gateway flashes into life! Keelah@crystyll | NPC's hustle around the drone, preparing it to launch. Others can be heard confirming the data feed from it, as indicative from the large display on a console near the group Lycas@annpc#5570 steps forward and looks over a central control console, silently monitoring but not touching the interface. Keelah@crystyll FX | With all prep done, one of the npc's announces that the drone is departing and it soon heads off towards the gateway, disappearing through the threshold Lycas@annpc#5570 calmly taps the interface a single time to check its feed. Keelah@crystyll FX | There is a brief interruption to the drone's feed, but it quicly re-establishes and the static filled image on the screen slowly clears, while console run overtime pulling sensor feeds in Keelah@crystyll FX | The image appears to show something not entirely dissimilar to the Solanae Alliance HQ, for those who ICly are familiar with the look of the place Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "That's a Dyson Sphere.." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "But where?" Keelah@crystyll | CMDR Kaol nods, silently observing still Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Or perhaps some other kind of Iconian installation..." he murmurs. Keelah@crystyll | Lennie calls over her shoulder, "Still trying to get a fix on the drone's transponder..." Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "All the Iconians are on Iconia now.. except one.." Keelah@crystyll FX | As the drone idly floats around the other side, showing a broad view of the place. The area it's in suddenly darkens... Lycas@annpc#5570: "Their technology is still spread out across the galaxy, and perhaps even beyond. It is likely this may be an abandoned installation." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "May be an ancient structure..." he nods at Lycas. Keelah@crystyll: "What happened there?" she looks to the screen Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly looks to the drone managing NPCs, "Is there an issue with the drone's feed, or is that its environment?" Keelah@crystyll FX | A few sudden flashes obscure the image feed. Then it suddenly cuts out while the image jars sharply like the drone suddenly dropped Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Looks like it's occupied.." Keelah@crystyll: "That's one word for it..." Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "There's been energy discharges from the other side of the gateway!" Keelah@crystyll | CMDR Kaol, "The Solanae sphere was guarded by automated defenses when the Alliance first discovered it..." Keelah@crystyll FX | An obscured static'y image returns from the drone. It is on it's side, on the floor and facing the gateway on the other side Keelah@crystyll FX | The image shows Solanae defense drones pass overhead and begin targeting the gateway! Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Shut down the gate." Keelah@crystyll: "Do it!" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan thumbs his phaser setting as he prepares for it to come though Lycas@annpc#5570 | Engineering Lieutenant: "Cutting power now!" Keelah@crystyll FX | The power cuts and the gate closes Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Any residual energy?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie shakes her head, "Nothin' came through Cap'n!" Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Yes...there's a feedback loop running through the system now. It doesn't seem to have taken emergency shut-down well..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I suggest to begin the evacuation of all non-essential personnel." he says very calmly, eyeing at Nimitz. Keelah@crystyll FX | Panic rises around the room as the systsems appear to overload. Consoles begin sparking before the cascade finds a weak spot... Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods as he taps his comm "Pegasus Actual to all ships, begin evacuations." Keelah@crystyll FX | Too late! A storage tank over on onde side blows, numberous npc's thrown about from the blast including the previously noted NCO... Keelah@crystyll FX | With the built up energy discharged, monitoring systems clearly show that the danger passes as everything settles back to the state it was in when the group arrived Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois Meanwhile, he prepares his phaser....before he sees the scene:"Quick, medical!" Keelah@crystyll recognizes her officer who was caught in the blast and rushes to her side Lycas@annpc#5570 | Kelly: "Extra power seems to have been unloaded. We should be good now, but...let's not try that again." Keelah@crystyll FX | Emergency teams respond quickly and rush around to the aid of the few injuries Alistair Nimitz@natthaan taps his comm "Evac hold." Keelah@crystyll taps her combaddge, "Keelah to Valley Forge, lock on to T'Quila's combadge and beam her direct to sickbay!" Keelah@crystyll FX | T'Quila is beamed away while the minor injuries are triaged by the teams on site Lycas@annpc#5570: <C - Katie> "Chief Oliver here, we have her. Transporting!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois is reaching Keelah while hearing the others. He turns on Nimitz:"Captain, I suggest we proceed with the evacuation all the same for those whose presence here is not essential." Keelah@crystyll: "Hang on Captain..." she looks around, "Professor, what's our status?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "As your Chief Engineer said, the additional energy has been dispersed. I forsee no immediate danger." Lycas@annpc#5570: "However, the feedback has inflicted significant damage to the already ancient systems of this gateway. I do not believe we can repair it once again." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "In other words, are you telling us we'll not be able to open it again?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "The gateway itself is still operational, Captain, but the control systems are completely destroyed." Keelah@crystyll: "So... that's it then?" Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Perhaps for the best..." Lycas@annpc#5570: "The gateway can still be activated from the other side. We are simply left without the means to control it." Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin, "Not so fast Captain's... Professor, would you be so kind as to recall the video feed from your drone?" Lycas@annpc#5570 nods and taps his console again to replay the feed. Keelah@crystyll watches closely as the Admiral scrutinizes the feed Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin, "There! roll it back to time index 14.1 and freeze" Lycas@annpc#5570 rewinds and pauses at the exact point the Admiral asks for. Keelah@crystyll | CMDR Kaol steps closer, a curious brow perked as he looks to see what Torin sees Lycas@annpc#5570 looks to the feed as well. Keelah@crystyll FX | The image is from where the drone was circling the room on the other side. It is facing towards the large open 'shutters' that look out beyond Alistair Nimitz@natthaan folds his arms Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin: "Could you please magnify grid... E11 and ehnance?" Lycas@annpc#5570 taps the console again, magnifying the image. Lycas@annpc#5570 taps one more time and it clears up. Keelah@crystyll FX | The image focuses through an open shutter and shows what appears beyond Keelah@crystyll: https://intl.startrek.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2019-01/44a2e0804995faf8d2e3b084a1e2db1d.jpg?itok=wsQuII_i Alistair Nimitz@natthaan: "Well... that's a Dyson sphere alright." Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin narrows her eyes on the screen, "Not only that Captain... that is a gateway. A ship sized gateway at that, if I'm not mistaken" Keelah@crystyll | CMDR Kaol looks and nods, "That does appear to be rather similar to the one in the solanae sphere, yes" Lycas@annpc#5570 nods, "These are far more rare than the smaller ones like what we have here." Keelah@crystyll gives Torin a curious look Alistair Nimitz@natthaan nods "So you want to find that gate?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "But it is there. And not here." he comments, turning on the admiral:"What are you trying to suggest, sir?" Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin, "Where there is a gateway, there is a means of accees. Professor, you suggested that this gateway could still be controlled from the other side, correct?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "Correct. And the large gateway, from what we can see at least, appears intact enough to be reactivated." Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin smiles and looks to Lennie, "You were in the process of tracing the drone's transponder, where did it end up?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie shrugs a little, "Didn't get a final fix on it. Wherever it were... it were far. Signal were trackin' rimward, beyond any mapped region. Tha's why it were strugglin' t'track I think" Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin nods, "So..." and looks around, "...we have a bearing, no distance exactly. But a bearing... and a fixed point at the other end which could link back here" Lycas@annpc#5570 steps over to Lennie to look at the tracking data. Keelah@crystyll gives her another look, "Admiral, are you suggesting what it sounds like you are?" Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin gives a faint smirk, "That depends Captain, what does it sound like?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Like....sending a ship out there?" Lycas@annpc#5570: "The large gateway is certainly inactive at the moment. Our current gateway connections do not link to anything on this arm of the galaxy." Lycas@annpc#5570: "If we are to access it again, we will likely have to cover the distance physically." Keelah@crystyll | ADM Torin grins and nods to Timo, "Exactly that Captain! This is what DSEC exists for. We can send a mission in the direction of the tracked signal. Once the mission locates that sphere, they + Keelah@crystyll: + would be able to activate the gateway from that side to return home, and re-establish control over this gateway" Keelah@crystyll | CMDR Kaol, "I hope you don't presume this to be a Starfleet only undertaking, Admiral?" Keelah@crystyll ADM Torin smiles, "Like I would ever be so presumptuous, Commander. Quite the contrary in fact, I believe the Alliance's experience at the Solanae sphere will be invaluable to such a mission" Keelah@crystyll: "This all sounds very grand and all, bu-..." is interrupted by a chirp from her combadge and steps away with an apologetic look Keelah@crystyll: *comms chatter...* ..."What?!" her tone sounds a little exaserbated, "How much did she lose..? .....A donor? But..." *sighs*, "...I can only ask..." Keelah@crystyll looks to the others rather sheepishly, "It appears that my officer was rather badly injured in that blast and lost a lot of blood. I don't suppose any of you have an Orion on your crew...?" Keelah@crystyll | Lennie perks up besides Lycas, "Whas'at now?"! Lycas@annpc#5570 looks to Lennie, then back to Keelah, "There is an Orion right here, Captain." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: To Keelah:"Not that I'm aware of, Keelah...." he says, before turning to the very obvious observation by Lycas. Keelah@crystyll looks to Lennie, eyes widening, "Please, I hate to even ask, but my officer is in a critical state and requies a blood transfusion. She is part Orion which induces complications for synthesis..." Keelah@crystyll | Lennie holds up a hand, "No need Cap'n f'tha' talk. I'm-a on mah way!" she hurries off, tapping her combadge and beaming up to the VF Keelah@crystyll returns to the others, "Whilst I appreciate there is a lot to review here, I must tend to my officer" she nods to the collective group, stepping away herself for transport Lycas@annpc#5570: "I will remain here for the moment to salvage what data we can." Keelah@crystyll FX | -/\- TO BE CONTINUED... -/\- --------------- -/\- CONTINUED ON DS13... -/\- -------- Keelah@crystyll FX | Door chimes (for real this time!) Amiri@dandin384: "Enter." Amiri@dandin384 stands to greet the Captain. "Evening, Captain." Keelah@crystyll steps in, hovering attentively before the desk, "Admiral" Amiri@dandin384 motions to one of the chairs. "Feel free to take a seat." He says, reseating himself. Keelah@crystyll: "Thank you, Sir" she smiles slightly, settling in to a seat Amiri@dandin384: "I've spoken with Admiral Torin from the Deep Space Exploratory Corps. She's requested Valley Forge for a mission relating to the gateway you folks have been dealing with." Keelah@crystyll nods, barely hiding her smile, "Yes, we spoke a little at the activation test. It was she who first noticed the exterior gateway on the recording in fact. The spark for this whole idea" Amiri@dandin384: "The orders will be made official shortly, but I wanted to speak with you face to face first. This will mean a transfer to another Command, after all. I'd like to give you enough time to make all+ Amiri@dandin384: the necessary preparations for that before you depart." Amiri@dandin384: "How much time do you think you'll be needing on that front?" Keelah@crystyll: "I appreciate that Sir. Though I've long been grooming my crew for longer range exploration, not all will be ready for sucha distant journey. I imagine a few days, a week at the outside, to allow + Keelah@crystyll: + sufficient time for everyone not remaining on board to disembark, and for those remaining to see to their affairs" Amiri@dandin384: "I concur. Be sure any crew that wishes to remain put in the proper requests with personnel. I know you'll likely have a lot of work to do, but consider the next week a good time to take some leave.+ Amiri@dandin384: They Valley Forge will be stood down for the following week, so there will be time for most of the crew to get some R and R in." Keelah@crystyll nods, smiling, "I appreciate it, Sir. Stars know I'll need the time to see to my own affairs too. I'll be leaving my husband behind after all, and my daughter leaving her father... So yes, + Keelah@crystyll: + lots to do on and off duty. But that's why I have an XO after all!" Amiri@dandin384: "Indeed. That's all I had for you, Captain. If anything comes up please contact me." Keelah@crystyll gives an affirmative nod as she stands, "Thank you, Admiral. For this, and the time we have served under your command. The 38th made the Valley Forge what it is, made me the officer I am today. We + Keelah@crystyll: + might be moving on, but in a sense this will always be our home" Amiri@dandin384 smiles. "The chance to make a new home awaits. Remember what was, but look forward to the new adventures that await." Keelah@crystyll smiles warmly to that with a final affirmative nod, "Words to live by Admiral, farewell" Amiri@dandin384 nods in departure.

View Epilogue

Lendaria@crystyll FX | TQ is lay unconscious on the operating bed Lendaria@crystyll wakes groggily on a nearby biobed, sitting up... gingerly NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra taps away at one of her medical consoles. NPC@annpc#5570 | One of the nurses notices Lennie waking up and wraps up what she's doing before moving over. Lendaria@crystyll groans a little, looking around NPC@annpc#5570 | The nurse approaches Lennie's biobed, "How're you feeling?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Eugh... like I went ten rounds wit' a rabid targ..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Nurse nods, "It was a pretty heavy transfusion. The poor chief lost quite a bit of blood, but she should be stable now, thanks to you." Lendaria@crystyll looks over towards TQ, "So... she's-a gonna be alright... right?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Nurse: "The doctors think she'll make a full recovery. She's definitely made it through the worst." Lendaria@crystyll sighs with relief, "Well then tha's all wha' counts. Poor thing, that were a helluva a blast... Oh, Goddess wha'bout everyone else?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Nurse: "T'Quila was one of the worse hit. Everyone else here is recovering well. Some will be back to duty in a few days, others might need a week or two of rest." NPC@annpc#5570 | Nurse: "There's one or two the other ship has taken in, since they were their personnel. From what I hear, these were all fairly minor injuries." Lendaria@crystyll: "Eugh, I feel I can sympathise wit' them needing a couple weeks bedrest!" she wobbles a little, steadying herself on the bed and taking a sip of water from a glass on the side NPC@annpc#5570 | The nurse chuckles, "You deserve some rest for sure, and you'll need some after what you've been through. Dr. Meel wants a word with you though, but no rush." NPC@annpc#5570 | Nurse: "If you're feeling up for it now, I can get her for you." Lendaria@crystyll: "Oh she did...?" sounds cautious at hearing that, "Well, uh... sure, I guess..." NPC@annpc#5570 | The nurse nods, "She'll be right with you, then." Lendaria@crystyll returns the nod, shifting nervously while she waits. Doctors wanting words is never a comfortable thought... NPC@annpc#5570 | With that the nurse heads off to poke Kazra, who leaves her desk and approaches Lennie a few moments later. NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Thank you so much for your donation. The Captain said you didn't hesitate for a moment to agree, and speed is usually of the essence when responding to emergencies like this." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra smiles: "So thanks to you, our best comms officer is alive and recovering now." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "I ain't no medical type, but I'se knowin' enough biology t'appreciate tha' expediency" Lendaria@crystyll flushes a deep green briefly, "Well, y'know... jus' glad t'help a fellow officer an' all..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Well, we appreciate it nonetheless, and I'm sure she'll be very grateful when she wakes up as well." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "But from what you said, I...don't suppose you know her, do you? T'Quila that is." Lendaria@crystyll smiles, "Think she'll be out long? Would be nice t'say hello to 'er proper an'..." gives Kazra a funny look, "Orions ain't s'rare we all know each other y'know" she chuckles, "Though I'll admit, + Lendaria@crystyll: + spotted ya girl there earlier in th'day an'were curious 'bout 'er. Figured her for a Rommie at first, what wit' them ears an' all. But ain't no Rommie I ever seen wit' such a pure green flesh!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Orions aren't the most common in Starfleet, though I'd certainly not expect you to know her based on that alone. I was asking because...according to your bloodwork you two have quite a - NPC@annpc#5570: - few genetic markers in common. A lot more than two people who might have had a recent ancestor in common, and that's not even factoring in T'Quila's Vulcan genetics." Lendaria@crystyll blinkblinks, "I'se must be groggier than wha' I thought. 'Cause it sounded like ya sayin' we'se related somehow there..." shakes her head, sipping more water NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra nods, "It certainly seems that way. From the shared markers I'd say you two likely share a parent." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Maybe cousins, if some of the same genes coincidentally managed to get passed down, but that's a lot more coincidence than the other explanation." Lendaria@crystyll goes wide eyed, staring towards TQ on the other bed, "...shared a parent..." looks back to Kazra, "Ya mean...?" seems she can't even bring herself to say it NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra nods again, "That's how it looks. You're half-sisters." Lendaria@crystyll blinks again at hearing the words, staring ahead into nothing before taking another looooong sip of water Lendaria@crystyll sets the drink down and hops off the bed, still a bit wobbly but stable enough, and moves over to TQ NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra follows her over, "Watch your step. You might still feel a little dizzy after the transfusion." Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha's... mah ruri...?" she tilts her head, looking at TQ's peaceful form NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "I...assume that means sister?" Lendaria@crystyll nods silently then answers, "Literal translation's sister, but th'term's more f'like... adopted family, those'f us wha' grew up t'gether like." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Ah, I think I follow." Lendaria@crystyll smiles gently, a tender fingertip reaching to brush TQ's hair from her face, "She ain't just ruri from wha' ya say, blood's more. Is real... Goddess, I have a sister?! Who is she?" she looks back NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "She's one of our most senior communications personnel, often works bridge shifts. From what I know she's good friends with the Captain, both of them being Vulcans who embrace a more - NPC@annpc#5570: - expressive lifestyle. Apart from that, you'll have to ask the Captain or some of the enlisted aboard the Valley Forge. They probably know her very well." Lendaria@crystyll: "So she's part Vulcan? Never know momma had a thing for th'ears... wait, s'it even possible t'know which parent?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Well, we know T'Quila's mother was Vulcan and her father was Orion. That's accessible to all officers on her files." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "There's a bit more I might be able to infer from her records, but you know the rules about patient confidentiality. You'll have to ask her yourself when she wakes up." Lendaria@crystyll blinks, going wide eyed again as she turns back to TQ, "But tha' means... it ain't momma we share..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I never knew who mah father even were..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "It's likely you share a father, yes. Or a grandfather, in the unlikely scenario that your father had an identical twin who as a result shares the same genetics as him." Lendaria@crystyll: "Goddess..." shakes her head in wonderment NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "Perhaps she would know more about her father, once she wakes up." Lendaria@crystyll nods mindlessly Lendaria@crystyll: "Look Doc, I figure that'll prolly be a while still but, mind if I hang'ere until then? Thought f'a long time I'd-a lost all mah family, now..." she looks back to TQ and smiles fondly, "Now I know + Lendaria@crystyll: + tha' ain't so" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "You're welcome to do so. You can keep the bed you were on for the moment too. Of course, you might have to give it up if we get too many patients, but I'm sure it won't be that long - NPC@annpc#5570: - until she regains consciousness." Lendaria@crystyll: "If s'all th'same t'you..." she smiles, crossing the room Lendaria@crystyll nabs the nearby stool and returns to the surgical bed, parking it by the side and perching herself on it, "I'd-a rather stay right 'ere!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "That's good as well. Are you sure you wouldn't rather lie down a while? You could probably use it after the transfusion, and I don't think she'll be awake for a few hours now at least." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra: "I can have a nurse wake you if anything changes." Lendaria@crystyll shakes her head, "I promise I'll-a go lay down if I start feelin' it. Jus'... kinda need t'be 'ere now I think" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra nods: "I understand. Don't tire yourself out too much, okay?" Lendaria@crystyll smiles and nods, "Don'tcha worry Doc, I'll-a be a model patient for ya still, promise!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra smirks, "You better be. I don't want to tell your sister something happened to you while she was out now!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kazra turns and heads back to her office, leaving Lennie to accompany TQ

View AAR

SUBMITTED: Stardate 95340 FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential

LOCATION:Newfrika, Forged Earth System

MISSION:Activation test of recently unearthed Iconian Gateway.

OUTCOME:Test successful, complications arose preventing further trials for the immediate future.

KEY PERSONNEL:

ADM Torin CAPT Keelah (USS Valley Forge) CAPT Nimitz (USS Pegasus) CAPT Timoreev (USS Attar) CMDR (Prof.) Lycas LCDR Keliaya LCDR Lendaria

NARRATIVE:Per the recommendations and collective findings from the attached reports, we convened in orbit of Newfrika in the Forged Earth system alongside USS Attar & Pegasus to effect an increased Starfleet presence in the system as part of the activation test contingency planning. With concerned parties - including observing dignitaries from Starfleet & Dyson Command - gathering on board the Valley Forge for a full mission brief, Professor Lycas proceeded to thoroughly outline the contingency planning put in place before detailed the planned test to involve first sending a drone through (upon successful activation).

With preliminary concerns addressed from all parties, we reconvened at the unearthed Iconian facility where the Professor's team was tending to final preparations before the test. Pulling personnel with previous experience from the New Romulus gateway activation and subsequent service within the Solanae Sphere paid dividends here and in combination with the Professor's meticulous work in integrating Starfleet power supplies led to a smooth and successful activation of the gateway.

Following the initial stability checks, the drone was sent through and almost immediately began feeding telemetry and sensor data back to the monitoring stations on this side of the gateway. My fellow CO's and I joined the observing dignitaries in the main control room at this point to observe the live feed from the drones on board camera. Though the visual was limited, it appeared to be within a form of Solanae structure similar to that seen within the Dyson Spheres, if not within another actual sphere. The feed was regrettably short lived however, as the drone's presence triggered automated defense systems on the other side of the gateway which damaged it irreparably. The defense systems appeared to trigger a cascading overload in other side of the gateway - going from the limited remaining sensor data from our drone - at which point we ordered the gateway shut down.

This was completed successfully, although the emergency shutdown triggered a brief surge of energy feedback which overloaded a number of systems. Several personnel received minor injuries when a storage tank exploded, and CPO T'Quila of my own command was critically injured (at the time of writing this report she is set to make a complete recovery following the aid of DS13's LCDR Lendaria).

Once the situation was confirmed safe again, we proceeded to review the data received back from our drone; Admiral Torin requesting a closer scrutiny of the visual recording to begin with. Professor Lycas obliged worked with the Admiral to identify a distant anomaly captured on the feed. This was identified as a full sized gateway (akin to that found in the Jouret system) and visible some distance away from the area which our drone had entered the uncharted area. LCDR provided the last known telemetry from the drone, which was still in the process of tracking far beyond currently charted regions of space, and confirmed it to be on a fixed bearing rimward from our location on Newfrika.

Professor Lycas also reported at this time, that the overload which affected local systems at our end of the gateway had caused extensive damage to the control system itself. He informed us that the degree of damage was - at least - beyond our knowledge of Iconian technology to repair, if it was indeed possible at all. However he confirmed that the gateway itself appeared unaffected, and the damage was limited to it's control system. This led Admiral Torin to engage in postulation as to the feasibility of reactivating it from the other side, if a ship were to travel there first and use the observed larger gateway to return.

RECOMMENDATION:Although the final close of play status here was far from desired, the Professor's team remain optimistic with potentially months - if not years - worth of archaeological research to proceed with at the Newfrika site. In conjunction with Captain Timoreev's ongoing survey of the system, I believe both projects have already proven to be of great value both to Starfleet and the Forged Earth colony. Revelations regarding the local fuel source 'Element One' and it's relationship to dilithium present a significant opportunity for cooperative technological R&D working with the colony here, which can only - in this officer's opinion - lead to even stronger diplomatic relations.

With regards to the gateway itself, I fully concur with Admiral Torin as to this being an opportunity of exploration that is worth the relatively long term investment needed for a mission such as this to proceed. Even if the starship gateway proved ultimately to be incapable of sustaining a return trip from the unknown area, the possibility of establishing a Starfleet presence in this new region presents equal opportunity both for Starfleet (and the Alliance as a whole, per previous such ventures with Solanae establishments) and the Forged Earth colony as the site at this end of the connected gateways.

ATTACHMENTS:

//95126.1Se'Lai_Investigate_Unearthed_Technology.aar//

//95268.2Timoreev_Archaelogical_Investigation.aar//

//95313.6Sorik_Newfrika_Sample_Analysis.sar//