ST:TTV406 | "All Roads Lead to Hallon"

Stardate 96511

The Valley Forge sends an away team to visit the Decen's irradiated homeworld of Hallon to assess whether or not they should help restore it to a state where all Decen can live there once again.

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Keliaya@anncarise steps into the astrometrics room with a PADD in hand. Lendaria@crystyll looks over her shoulder and smiles, "Hey Kelly. Wha' news?" Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "Hey Commander. I'm here to look into the Decen homeworld. I assume the Captain's filled you in?" Lendaria@crystyll nods, "Yup. Not mah field, but hopin' t'help figure things out from a biology standpoint at least!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'm here to figure out the feasibility from an engineering perspective," she steps up. "Found anything yet?" Lendaria@crystyll: nods again, turning back to the console to call up the medical data Lendaria@crystyll: "We'se found 'em t'be surprisingly resilient. Or... not so surprisingly, perhaps" Keliaya@anncarise looks at the medical data, "These are the locals who live on Hallon?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Yup, th'Halloni's got heightened immune systems; tolerance t'raw food an' th'like" Keliaya@anncarise: "Given the place they live in, I guess it wouldn't be surprising they developed more resistances." Lendaria@crystyll: "They don't got no reliance on th'irradiated environment from wha' we can tell. So projections indicate they'd only reap benefits from it" Keliaya@anncarise: "So no negative effects if we fix the radiation?" Lendaria@crystyll: "S'far as we can tell; no" Keliaya@anncarise: "The Captain will be happy to hear that, then! As will the Lorena I imagine." Lendaria@crystyll: "I'm-a guessin' tha' if anythin', th'biggest negatives'll be socialogical. Rads we can clean up; history... not s'much" Keliaya@anncarise: "Indeed...and they might have formed new social dynamics to cope with this state too. I imagine suddenly fixing things might have some impacts." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "Trust'll be a major issue. 'Fore we try anythin' they ain't gonna wanna know. When they know wha' we plan, I'd-a expect 'em to assume an ulterior motive" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suppose we, or the Lorenas at least, do have an ulterior motive with finding a neutral place for all the Families. But they're also convinced it'll be good for the Halloni overall." Lendaria@crystyll: "Lets just hope th'Halloni'll also be convinced. So wha'bout th'planet then?" she taps again, returning the display to it's planetary scans Keliaya@anncarise: "First we'll have to see what we can do to fix it..." Keliaya@anncarise steps closer, "We've only had Lorena's ship data to work off so far, all we know is the planet is pretty heavily irradiated. Our scans will hopefully tell us a little more." Lendaria@crystyll: "Figurin' th'exact cause an' nature'd be a good start" Lendaria@crystyll: "Hm, lifeform distribution's consistent wit' this kinda setup. Multiple small concentrations centred around wha' I'd-a guess t'be former population centres" Lendaria@crystyll: "Good source o' resources, generally easier t'fortify. Could almost be a tribal kinda setup down there now" Lendaria@crystyll taps some more, "General readings lookin' good; ecosystem's well establish - wildlife, flora an' fauna all within norms" Keliaya@anncarise taps on the console as well, "The Decen claim nuclear war caused this. I'm seeing large amounts of gamma radiation, but there's also significant amounts of something else." Lendaria@crystyll: "Interestin'..." she moves to a secondary console to get a better reading on the anomalous element Keliaya@anncarise: "Some of these readings are closer to photon torpedoes than nuclear warheads..." Lendaria@crystyll: "They'se had Nausicaan involved in internal affairs 'ere, right?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "From what I've heard. But there's not enough physical damage to suggest orbital bombardment with modern weapons." Lendaria@crystyll: "I'm-a try an' plot a timeframe f'all this based on th'decay rates" Lendaria@crystyll taptaps, "Definitely readin's consistent wit' antimatter detonations, but dispersal ain't consistent wit' orbital bombardment - too concentrated in certain continents" Lendaria@crystyll: "Nuclear fallout's more consistent around all regions" Lendaria@crystyll: "Timin' fits tha' given for th'civil war, around 300 years ago. Tha's long 'fore th'Nausicaans got a sniff 'ere" Lendaria@crystyll: "So given tha' timescale... hm..." taps some more, "Thought's much! Current rad levels don't add up wit' weapons grade nuclear detonations. This' likely more power source in disrepair" Keliaya@anncarise: "Then...it could be the same for the antimatter-caused radiation!" Keliaya@anncarise: "We know the Families left Hallon before the war, right? Otherwise they'd be Halloni too with having lived in this environment." Lendaria@crystyll: "Possible, though th'isolation t'certain regions still makes me wonder if they'se weaponized it durin' their conflict an' launched ground based weapons..." Keliaya@anncarise: "That's one possibility. Decen ships use the same kind of power source we do- warp cores, which means matter/antimatter reactors." Keliaya@anncarise: "If they left the homeworld before the war, it means the Decen, or some Families at least, had antimatter tech already." Keliaya@anncarise: "Nothing as powerful as modern warp cores or photon torpedoes, but it's almost certainly there." Lendaria@crystyll: "I'd-a wager just some. Might account for th'seemingly random dispersal on th'surface" Lendaria@crystyll: "Question is then... how'd we go about cleanin' this place up?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's going to be a bit more complicated with antimatter involved..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Indeed" Keliaya@anncarise taps the console some more, "Planetary crust is intact, and the core is stable, so it's not beyond hope." Keliaya@anncarise: "But if the radiation's still strong now, it means they probably had a lot of reactors too. Something like a deflector burst wouldn't be enough, the radiation from other parts of the planet will - Keliaya@anncarise: - just seep in eventually." Lendaria@crystyll: "So we need t'put somethin' in place that'll keep up th'job after we'se moved on" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "That's what I'm thinking. A facility or maybe series of facilities that can keep cleaning up the atmosphere. Almost like Risa's weather control network, but for radiation." Lendaria@crystyll: "If we base th'setup on a series o' initial deflector bursts. Take th'edge off, as t'were. Maybe we could figure a design usin' Decen tech 'n resources" Lendaria@crystyll: "Can't imagine the Cap'n bein' too happy if we'se gotta churn out a whole environmental control system on a planetary scale" she chuckles Lendaria@crystyll 's eyes widen slightly with a thought Lendaria@crystyll: "Th' Cap'n... Kelly, maybe we don't gotta build a whole planetwide system!" Keliaya@anncarise: "What do you mean?" Lendaria@crystyll: "So assumin' for th'moment tha' we can configure a deflector programme to calm this world down sufficiently as a start, right" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I think we can manage that..." Lendaria@crystyll: "So ya know in 'er ready room she's got tha' fish tank..." Keliaya@anncarise continues nodding along, "Yes..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Rineloricaria lanceolate!" Keliaya@anncarise: "That's a...scientific name for a lifeform, isn't it?" Lendaria@crystyll smirks and nods, quickly calling up the library file, "Common name's a Catfish 'o sorts from Earth. Seen she's got one in there" Lendaria@crystyll: "An' ya know wha' tha' little fella does?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I know of some good Earth cuisines using them...I'm no biologist but I think they eat junk or something, don't they?" Lendaria@crystyll chuckles, "Somethin' like tha'! This one spends all day scoochin' around th'inside o' tha' glass cleanin' up all th'algae an' stuff" Lendaria@crystyll: "Sooo..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wha' if we gave Hallon it's own tank sucker!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I see what you're thinking!" Lendaria@crystyll grins tapping to project a simulation on the display Keliaya@anncarise looks up to the display. Lendaria@crystyll: "S'long as we drop th'rads sufficiently up front usin' the Valley Forge's main dish, we can set a single satellite in orbit on a concentric path to systemmatically cover th'whole planet in regular + Lendaria@crystyll: + cycles" Keliaya@anncarise: "That's a great idea! Certainly more efficient than building multiple things on the surface!" Lendaria@crystyll FX | The display shows a simplified representation with sped up timings showing the orbital paths shiftings in longitude with each pass to cover the whole planet over and over" Lendaria@crystyll: "An if ya can build th'actual sucker from Decen tech - as they'se gotta maintain it an' all - then our own expenditure should be minimal" Keliaya@anncarise: "And we won't have to risk our own tech being misused by the Decen!" Lendaria@crystyll: "I'm-a thinkin' we got a plan t'take forward 'ere, Kelly!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Gotta crunch th'numbers still an' work backwards t'figure exactly how much of a shift we gotta get from the main dish first still" Keliaya@anncarise: "We do, thanks to you!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Hey, team effort 'ere!" Keliaya@anncarise: "And we'll have to figure out just how exactly to make this using Decen tech." Keliaya@anncarise: "I had people looking into their tech on the journey through their space so far, but studying is still different than knowing how to manipulate it." Lendaria@crystyll: "These Lorenas are th'more tech-savvy Decen, right?" Keliaya@anncarise: "From what I've heard and seen, all the Families are pretty good with technology. It's just that each tend to do best in a certain field." Keliaya@anncarise: "The Drascas in communications and computer technology, the Valeni in military, the Lorenas in mining and resource extraction, the Medans and Satri in...whatever they do best." Lendaria@crystyll: "Then maybe th'Cap'n can sell this to 'em as another 'buildin' bonds' thing an' get 'em all workin' together on it" Keliaya@anncarise: "We haven't quite figured out the last two yet." Keliaya@anncarise: "That's not a bad thought! We can help a little, guide them in the right directions, but if they do this together..." Lendaria@crystyll: "We ain't just flyin' in an' fixin' their problems for 'em then, but teachin'em how t'fix it 'emselves. Tha's gotta be a good thing, right?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Exactly! I think there's a good saying about this...something about teaching a Sehlat to hunt instead of feeding it?" Lendaria@crystyll shrugs with a chuckle, "Knowin' Vulcans... probably. They'se got an addage f'every logical scenario ya can imagine!" Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "And quite a few hypothetical scenarios their philosophers have thought up too!" Lendaria@crystyll: "I bet! Well if ya want, I'll have my guys crunch these numbers so we'se can give th'Cap'n exactly wha's needed" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll have mine look into Decen tech and Family specialities further. We've got scans of Medan and Satri ships, just yet to figure out what makes them stand out." Keliaya@anncarise: "Or in the Satri's case...what they have in common with the other ships..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Maybe th'Satri's speciality is bringin' all different techs t'gether" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise: "That...actually makes sense. Their ships remind me of Colonial Fleet ones, or that Scryer Network dreadnought. They do seem to incorporate things from all over the place!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suppose that fits their raiding style of operations." Lendaria@crystyll: "There ya go see! Learned from mah Sweets; tha' ability t'make somethin' from nothin' is a special kinda engineerin' all 'o it's own!" Keliaya@anncarise: "That it is!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Well then, we'se got some work t'get done!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Thanks for the ideas! I'll make sure the Captain knows you came up with the plan." Lendaria@crystyll: "Hey, s'like I said; team effort 'ere Kelly!" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "Well I'm glad to have you to work with, Lennie!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Same Kelly!" Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | The away team beams down to what seems like a plateau near the bottom of a mountain. It's not the most lush environment, but there are plants, birds and a clear blue sky- no sign that a nuclear - Ann Carter@anncarise: - apocalypse had wiped out civilization here. Ann Carter@anncarise: <C - Katie> "Chief Oliver here. Everyone give me a suit check." Kazra@crystyll: takes out her tricorder for a cursory scan while she checks in Kazra@crystyll: <C> Meel here, systems are optimal Ann Carter@anncarise: <C> "Ensign Carter here, suit looks good." Ann Carter@anncarise: <C - Security 1> "Crewman Trac, suit is functioning well." Ann Carter@anncarise: <C - Security 2> "Grant here, all good too." Ann Carter@anncarise: <C - Trenick> "Trenick, suit is checking in fine." Kazra@crystyll: "Readings are as expected from the orbital scans at this elevation Ann Carter@anncarise: <C - Katie> "Alright, so this is one of your clear transport zones. There's parts of this planet where the radiation gives too much interference to beam out. Your tricorders should have been sent - Ann Carter@anncarise: - data on where these points near you are. Try to find one of these if you need to beam back up, if you need evac anywhere else we'll have to dispatch a shuttle." Kazra@crystyll: <C> Understood. Thanks Katie Ann Carter@anncarise: "I'm guessin' we wanna make our way down from here. Might look pretty but these rads don't make this the optimal mountain climbin' park." Kazra@crystyll: "Do we have a bearing on the nearest Halloni settlement?" Ann Carter@anncarise: Trenick checks his tricorder, "Beneath the mountain, by a river." Kazra@crystyll: "Then I suppose that's our starting point" she turns to the security escort, "Lead on, and remain vigilant. Remember; the brief said locals may be apprehensive, even hostile if threatened" Ann Carter@anncarise: Crewman Trac nods, "We'll stay alert, ma'am." Ann Carter@anncarise: The team slowly begins making their way down the mountain. Ann Carter@anncarise: Their trek is suddenly interrupted by a loud shriek somewhere behind them. The security personnel freeze and turn to observe the source. Kazra@crystyll: turns to the source of the noise Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | A massive flock of birds have been startled and suddenly take flight, blotting out the sky like a stormcloud. Soon, the source of the disturbance is visible as a huge flying reptile akin to - Ann Carter@anncarise: - a pterosaur swoops over the mountainside and grasps one of the birds in its toothed beak before disappearing back into the peaks. Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yup...definitely not a good mountain climbin' site..." Ann Carter@anncarise: Grant: "It doesn't seem to have noticed us. Hopefully we're too small to attract its attention." Kazra@crystyll: "Let us hope that continues" Ann Carter@anncarise: Trenick: "It looks like that creature likely makes its home in the mountains. We may be safer the more we descend." Kazra@crystyll: "From it at least..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah...let's keep goin' an' hope we don't run into anythin' like it." Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | As the team nears an old bridge, Kazra's notices Decen lifesign readings nearby, and they seem to be following the away team's pace, as if following them... Kazra@crystyll maintains the casual pace, "I do not wish to raise an alarm, but it appears we are being followed..." Ann Carter@anncarise: Trenick: "I see it too..." Kazra@crystyll: pauses and appears to scan local geology while sharing her tricorder readings with the others Ann Carter@anncarise: checks out Kazra's tricorder, "Not much room to throw 'em off on those mountain passes..." Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | More lifesigns are now popping up in the opposite direction as well. Kazra@crystyll: spots the new readings, "That may not even be an option, Ensign" Ann Carter@anncarise: Trac: "I see something!" Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | Over a dozen humanoid figures appear over a bend in the mountain pass behind them and advance down. Kazra@crystyll: "Easy now crewman, we are here to make contact with these people after all" Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | A series of pops crack through the air, signalling gunfire from primitive projectile weapons. Ann Carter@anncarise: Trac: "I don't think they want to make friends with us, ma'am!" Kazra@crystyll: instinctively flinches at the sounds, but holds her ground. She takes a step towards the group with her hands held out to her sides as non threateningly as she can appear Ann Carter@anncarise: "Y'sure we don't wanna take cover...?" Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | The figures advance closer, holding what seem to be makeshift rifles and pistols in their hands. A few are armed with nothing but melee weapons. Kazra@crystyll: "Doing so would only reinforce their fear that we are here for conflict" Kazra@crystyll: calls out to the approaching figures, "We are not your enemies. We come from offworld seekin the Halloni" Ann Carter@anncarise: Both security personnel stand alert, ready to draw phasers but not holding them yet. Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | The group stop in front of the away team, rifles ready. They are visibly Decen, but almost feral looking with their unkempt long hair, numerous scars and clothes that look like they were made - Ann Carter@anncarise: - directly from furs of hunted wildlife. Ann Carter@anncarise: One of them steps forward: "We can tell from your fancy suits," he waves his rifle casually at the group. Ann Carter@anncarise: Halloni: "I'm guessing you aren't Valeni, seeing as you haven't shot us yet. Lorena then, willing to talk? Well we don't make deals here." Kazra@crystyll: "We are not Decen, we are Starfleet. Travellers from a distant part of this galaxy, and friends to all Decen" pauses, "...much has changed with your kin in recent times. All I ask is that you hear + Kazra@crystyll: + what we have to say" Ann Carter@anncarise: The Halloni scoffs, "Friends with all Decen? We aren't even friends with ourselves. Talk fast, and maybe we'll let you go with the suits on your backs." Kazra@crystyll: "Listen carefully and maybe you won't need to worry about suits here ever again" Kazra@crystyll is not impressed. Kazra@crystyll: folds her arms across her chest, "Now do I have your attention?" Ann Carter@anncarise: Halloni: "This is our world. We don't need suits like you." It's unclear if this guy is just arrogant or actually don't understand the radiation will eventually hurt him too Kazra@crystyll: "Of course it is. A world that continually poisons you. Tell me, right now - at this very moment, how many of your people lay weak and feeble with an incurable sickness?" Ann Carter@anncarise: Halloni: "Well if we have your fancy tech, maybe we'd be able to help more of our people. So why don't you hand your shiny devices over, and we'll let you go without trouble?" Kazra@crystyll: "Better yet, how about we use this fancy tech to make sure /no/ Halloni suffers like that ever again" Ann Carter@anncarise: Halloni: "You want to clean the fallout? So them Colonials can come here without suits and step all over us?" Ann Carter@anncarise: He spits on the ground, "They already ruined Hallon once. Let them take their fighting to the stars." Ann Carter@anncarise: glances behind her to see more of the Halloni moving across the bridge, clearly boxing the away team in so they can't go anywhere. Kazra@crystyll: "As I said, much has changed with them recently. Yes, they want to restore Hallon to it's former glory - and have asked for our help in doing so. But this is not about territorial quabbles, this is + Kazra@crystyll: + about new beginnings. They want to declare Hallon neutral ground - a place where all Decen can meet, trade, plan... all together. As one people" Ann Carter@anncarise: Halloni: "Yeah, well there's more of them than there are us. Sure, some of them are alright, like the Satri, but most of them see themselves as 'purebloods." Ann Carter@anncarise: He scrowls: "You tell me, honestly, that you really think they're not going to treat us like some lower caste? Some of them already treat their subservient Families bad enough." Kazra@crystyll: "I am no psychic. I can only speak to what I know, and that is that they want to try. No doubt there will be challenges, but what better way to prove them all wrong than to rise from ashes and force + Kazra@crystyll: + them to see you as equals; as the family who still proudly bears the name of your people's homeworld" Kazra@crystyll: "And one who has no part in the territorial or caste arguments of the colonials. That to me sounds much more like a pureblood" Ann Carter@anncarise: The Halloni laughs, "You think we all live here as one big happy Family? We've learned the hard way not to blow each other up with nuclear bombs, but..." he trails off as his attention seems to be - Ann Carter@anncarise: - drawn to something else. Ann Carter@anncarise: Trac: "Commander, behind us!" Kazra@crystyll: looks back, then to the Halloni, "Not your tribesman, I'm guessing?" Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | The Halloni on the bridge seem to be turned the other way too, as a loud engine noise emanates eomewhere in the distance... Ann Carter@anncarise: | Then, a gunship, approximately shuttle sized, rises from somewhere below the stone bridge. An energy beam emits from a gun on its nose, sweeping across the Halloni by the bridge and disintegrating - Ann Carter@anncarise: - them. Ann Carter@anncarise: Halloni Leader: "The Hjar! Retreat! Retreat!" Ann Carter@anncarise: The Halloni in front of them turn and scatter into the mountain pass as two vehicles roll over the bridge, each with a gun mounted on their back. Kazra@crystyll: sighs, "Ok, /now/ we take cover!" Ann Carter@anncarise: The team takes cover behind the rock nearby as the two vehicles roll ahead, seemingly in pursuit of the fleeing Halloni. Kazra@crystyll: "These are not optimal negotiation conditions" she huffs Ann Carter@anncarise: Trenick: "This /is/ a radioactive wasteland." Ann Carter@anncarise: The engine noise from the gunship cuts as it lands in the distance. Kazra@crystyll: "I'm a doctor, not a tactician. Recommendations?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Can ya scan wha' their ship's made o'?" Kazra@crystyll: pulls out her tricorder, attempting to do so Kazra@crystyll: "Crude metallic polycarbonate shell. Nothing extraordinary. Power source looks like basic combustion" Ann Carter@anncarise: "We can probably take tha’ thing outta commission with the higher settin' o' our hand phasers. Tha's thing's got an energy weapon an' it can fly, which makes it the biggest threat." Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | In the meantime, a figure in makeshift heavy armour steps out of the gunship, flanked by two Decen with lighter but just as makeshift armour. Ann Carter@anncarise: (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e2/46/e3/e246e3d8bbbdafff2a35d1a9e03d2cb4.png) Kazra@crystyll: considers a moment and nods, "Do it. Preferably without injury" Ann Carter@anncarise: (Basic troops look something like this: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images/f/f5/MarkedMan.png/revision/latest?cb=20170217164249) Ann Carter@anncarise: Trenick: "Looks like there's just one pilot inside now. If you aim for the back, you should be able to cripple the engines without harming them." Ann Carter@anncarise: pops out of cover slightly and lines up a shot with her phaser before firing... Ann Carter@anncarise: The orange beam tears straight through the back of the craft and it tips over lopsidedly, smoke emanating from the engines. Ann Carter@anncarise: ducks back into cover as the three troops who exit raise their weapons and return fire. Ann Carter@anncarise: "Sounds like they're only usin' physical slugs." Kazra@crystyll: "Phasers on stun. Hold them back, I have an idea" Kazra@crystyll: pulls out her tricorder and starts fiddling, trying to get an accurate scan of the weapons so she can work out the right harmonic frequency needed to lock up the firing chambers Ann Carter@anncarise: sets her phaser back on stun as the security personnel open fire. One of them downs a regular soldier while the other hits the heavily armoured figure, knocking him back but it doesn't seem to fully - Ann Carter@anncarise: - stun him as he still clambers back to his feet. Kazra@crystyll: turns, reaching around her cover just enough for the tricorder to have a line of sight as she emits the frequency Ann Carter@anncarise: The remaining trooper fires back but finds his weapon inoperational. Kazra@crystyll: nods to the others, drawing her phaser and exiting cover as she keeps it trained on the new arrival Ann Carter@anncarise: The Decen backs away, finding himself outgunned. The one on the floor gets back up and grabs their weapon but it too is nonfunctional. Kazra@crystyll: "I would prefer not to drop you like your friends, but as you are no doubt realizing already; we are quite capable if we so choose" Ann Carter@anncarise: Instead of running away however, the armoured figure drops the weapon and takes a step to the side, standing firmly between the team and the other unarmoured Halloni. Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "You are Colony Decen, are you not?" Kazra@crystyll: sees this as protective behaviour and raises her hands to her sides, presenting a clear gesture of not aiming at him, "We are not Decen" Kazra@crystyll: makes a show of slowly holstering her weapon as she speaks Kazra@crystyll: grumbles under her breath, "If we have to go through this with every group we meet, this will become very tiresome, very quickly..." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "You are outlanders from beyond the void, then. We have heard of your kind. That would explain your hostility." Ann Carter@anncarise: shrugs, "I'm used to it, but tha's just me..." Kazra@crystyll: "Hostility? You will note that your craft was disabled only as it was a threat to us. Your pilot is quite unharmed, as are your men" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "We were not a threat to you! We targeted only the Arvild. They are a backwards people who have reverted to isolationism and banditry. They were the threat to you." Kazra@crystyll: "Yet they did not fire once upon us. I understand the hostility and mistrust you hold towards each other, and to anyone else for that matter. But surely our presence warrants explanation, no?" Ann Carter@anncarise: FX | In the background, the pilot clambers out of her cockpit and examines her downed ship in dramatic despair. Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Yes. Outlanders have never visited Hallon in the past. We have nothing of interest to them." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Some Families do to find new recruits, and most of us are happy to oblige to escape this radioactive mess. With some expcetions like the Arvild." Kazra@crystyll: "You comprehend the radioactive fallout which plagues your world then. Good, then you will comprehend our purpose in being here" Kazra@crystyll nods, "And we are working with all the colonials - together as a united people - to rectify the mistake they made here and begin to at least try and make recompense for the damage they did to this + Kazra@crystyll: + world. To your people" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Figure: "The Lorenas and the Medans have wanted to do that for some time, but they did not have the means to do so, and have been too busy fighting one another to work together to find one. - Ann Carter@anncarise: - You think you can unite them and make this happen?" Kazra@crystyll: "The colonial families are already united - even the Satri with them. It is in it's infancy, but the unity is there. They are all working together - with us - on a means to deliver on this promise + Kazra@crystyll: + restoring Hallon. They wish to declare Hallon neutral ground - free from the territorial squabbles of the colonials, a place where all Decen can stand together - united as one people" Ann Carter@anncarise: The armoured Halloni beckons for them to follow. Kazra@crystyll: glances back to the armored cars behind them, "What of them?" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "They will leave if the Arvild do not return by sundown. Come." Kazra@crystyll: nods and follows Ann Carter@anncarise: The armoured Halloni leads them onto the bridge. In the distance, the remains of a former metropolis can be seen beside a winding river. Ann Carter@anncarise: (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images/0/05/Boston_Vista.png/revision/latest?cb=20150615231344) Ann Carter@anncarise: The Halloni takes off their helmet, revealing a Decen female no older than Cedi, but with striking white hair and skin burned by radiation. Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "A hundred years ago, my ancestors defeated the other Halloni Families in that city." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "We have been its protectors since, warding off raids from those like the Arvild. With some assistance from the Colonial Families, like the impressive weapon on our gunship you - Ann Carter@anncarise: - have witnessed. But we cannot rebuild, not while under constant threat from bandits, wildlife and radiation." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "If you repair the planet and allow the Colony Decen to arrive, we can have order, true order, not this...ragged band we run." Kazra@crystyll: "That is the goal of the colonials. We will address the radiation, they will work together to maintain it's reduction" Kazra@crystyll: "They want this neutral ground to stand for something. Successful restoration here can have the potential to bring that true order not just to your people, but to all Decen" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "We have always welcomed the Colonial Families and any support they could provide." Ann Carter@anncarise: Trenick: "But what about the Arvild? They don't seem to want this planet restored." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "People do not always know what is best for them. As I said, they are a backwards people, living in the wilds and raiding us for food and supplies." Kazra@crystyll: "Perhaps when they see the restoration in progress, they will recognize the need for change?" Kazra@crystyll: "If the colonials can stabilize a presence here, they can bring technology that would negate the need to raid for food and supplies" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Some, perhaps. Others can be very stubborn, as we've learned from those we captured. They seek isolation. They are not even the worst of their types." Kazra@crystyll: "Change seldom comes easily, especially when accompained by choice over neccessity" Kazra@crystyll: "What of the other large settlements around Hallon?" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "I do not know of them all. Some cooperate with the Colony Decen, others are isolationists, and others yet are still fighting amongst themselves for which Family rules." Kazra@crystyll: "Is there any way to communicate to all at once?" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "There are broadcast channels, but we do not know if all the settlements listen to them." Kazra@crystyll: "It is better than nothing..." she nods, "I will inform my Captain of this, as I know she would want to address all Halloni before commencing the restoration as the initial action may appear... + Kazra@crystyll: + disconerting, from the view on the surface" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "There are some who see the radiation as a shield from the Colonial Families and their politics. Most of them do not understand how much it twists us and poisons us. But you - Ann Carter@anncarise: - understand, as we do, that it will be better for all Halloni, perhaps all Decen, in the bigger picture." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "You said you have gotten the Satri to cooperate as well?" Kazra@crystyll: "Yes, they are actually playing a key role in the development of this recovery effort as their expertise in merging different technologies was crutial to it's construction using Decen tech" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Then I suggest you ask the Satri to take the Halloni who wish for isolation. I have never met a member of that Family, but I am told they like to keep themselves separate from - Ann Carter@anncarise: - Colony politics as well." Kazra@crystyll: "That is our understanding, yes. Also an excellent suggestion. I know the Captain was already prepared to offer relocation to any who desired it, but the Satri could present a favourable option" Kazra@crystyll: "We will also do what we can to render medical aid to those most in need before we depart this region" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Good. Do not let those like the Arvild stop you from fixing our world." Kazra@crystyll: "For what it is worth, they seemed - from our brief conversation - quite amenable to the proposal. Apprehensive, but amenable" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Then perhaps they are smarter than we have given them credit for." Kazra@crystyll: "And perhaps - like the Satri against the other families - they simply wish a sustainable means to live. Given that, they lose the need for supply raiding" Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "Once we have rebuilt our cities, I am sure there will be enough resources for us all." Kazra@crystyll: "It is a long road, no doubt. But I firmly believe that this first step will be the biggest" Ann Carter@anncarise: The armoured Halloni nods, "I do not expect to see our city restored in my lifetime. But knowing it is a possibility now...that is a good thought." Ann Carter@anncarise: Armoured Halloni: "You may visit our city if you like. I will let them know you are not a threat. But it is a long walk...and you shot our gunship." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Sorry 'bout tha'..." Kazra@crystyll: "And a few hours ago even the thought of seeing it begin to restore was an impossible dream. As for your craft... I'm sure we can come to some arrangement for recompense" Ann Carter@anncarise: The armoured Halloni chuckles, "Don't worry about it. The craft can be rebuilt. The disruptor is intact, and that is the most valuable component." Ann Carter@anncarise FX | The approach to the settlement is long, and several times the team are startled by larger lifesigns and rustling in the vegetation around them, but most of the local wildlife seem to leave the - Ann Carter@anncarise: - unfamiliar alien visitors alone. Ann Carter@anncarise FX | On the outskirts of the city, the team comes across a small group of armed Halloni gathering around a jackal-like creature they've taken down. They stop to observe the away team as they pass, - Ann Carter@anncarise: - exchanging a few quiet words with themselves. Ann Carter@anncarise | One of them finally stands and steps up to them, "You must be the aliens our patrols reported." Kazra@crystyll: "Most likely, yes" Ann Carter@anncarise The Halloni nods, "They say you're here to help, and we're to let you into the city as long as you don't cause trouble. There's not much established rule around here, just basic things - Ann Carter@anncarise: - don't attack our people, don't take our stuff, don't damage the buildings because most of them are already falling apart." Kazra@crystyll: "Nice and simple, I like it. You don't need to worry about us, though. What you hear is true" Ann Carter@anncarise | Halloni: "Good. As you can probably see, we need all the help we can get here." Kazra@crystyll: "Not for much longer" she nods Ann Carter@anncarise | Halloni: "If that's the case, then we'll owe you quite a lot. The main settlement is just ahead. Don't stray too far into the uninhabited ruins, nature's reclaimed a lot of it." Ann Carter@anncarise | He motions to the dead predator on the ground to make his point. Kazra@crystyll: "Understood, thank you" Ann Carter@anncarise FX | As expected, the settlement is mostly built around the destroyed structures of the old city. The area is unwalled, though turrets can be found on the ledges of taller buildings, some using - Ann Carter@anncarise: - disruptor technology, some conventional projectile and even a few non-automated ones which need to be manually fired. Ann Carter@anncarise | Guards in the same lighter version of the makeshift armour patrol the settlement. A pair seem to be tailing the away team, making sure they don't misbehave. Ann Carter@anncarise | The further they get into the settlement, the more non-armed people there are, workers assembling equipment from junk and trying to maintain the collapsing structures, or farmers who have - Ann Carter@anncarise - transformed parks and rooftop gardens to house crops. They give the Starfleet team either suspicious or curious glances, but generally keep their distance. Ann Carter@anncarise: "When people ain't got an abundance o' resources, they gotta adapt to make up for it." Ann Carter@anncarise: "This place's a pretty fine example." Kazra@crystyll: "Their resourcefulness and resilience are admirable. Something I hope the colonial families look closely at with the respect it is due" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah, they did good for themselves here with wha' they had to work with." Ann Carter@anncarise FX | A Decen child runs up to the group despite her parents' best attempt to grab her. Ann Carter@anncarise | Decen Child: "Are you from the colonies? Can you take us with you? Please?" Kazra@crystyll kneels to greet the girl Kazra@crystyll: "Well hello there sweetheart, what's your name?" Ann Carter@anncarise | Decen Child: "Njala. One of my friends went to Lorena with his family last year. Can we go too?" Kazra@crystyll: "I'm afraid that's not up to me Njala. But we are going to do everything we can to ensure everyone gets to be where they want" Ann Carter@anncarise | Her mother runs up and grabs the child, "My apologies. She's been stuck with the idea of being whisked off to a better life in the colonies ever since the Frega Family was recruited by Lorenas." Kazra@crystyll stands to address the mother, "No apology is needed. We aim to help everyone just as I said. Be that in relocation or aid and support here once the cleanup is underway" Ann Carter@anncarise | Mother: "Cleanup? You're actually here to rebuild the city, then?" Kazra@crystyll shakes her head, "Not exactly. I refer to the atmospheric cleanup - the radiation. That is our first priority. From there, we are helping guide the colonials in a long term restoration of Hallon" Ann Carter@anncarise | Mother: "You can do that? The Lorenas said they didn't have that kind of technology." Kazra@crystyll: "They don't, exactly. But we do" Ann Carter@anncarise | Mother: "What Family are you from?" Ann Carter@anncarise | Trenick: "I don't think the civilians have gotten news of us yet..." Kazra@crystyll chuckles, "We are not Decen, we are outlanders from beyond the void. Our family is called the Federation" Ann Carter@anncarise | Mother: "Actual outlanders...we've only heard rumours about you..." Kazra@crystyll: "I would not pay too much attention to such rumours. We are not the same outlanders your kind previously encountered" Ann Carter@anncarise | The mother nods, "And you can clean up the air?" Kazra@crystyll: "It will take time, but yes. And the colonial families will all be returning to help you rebuild as well" Ann Carter@anncarise | Mother: "That is amazing! Thank you! If there's anything we could do to help..." Kazra@crystyll: "Just keep doing what you're doing. Your efforts here can't go unnoticed; don't let people forget the hard work put in by all Halloni in surviving and making a life here" Ann Carter@anncarise | The mother smiles, "We'll keep that in mind. Say thank you to the outlanders, Njala!" Ann Carter@anncarise | Njala: "Thank you!" Kazra@crystyll chuckles, "It was a pleasure meeting you Njala, be well" Ann Carter@anncarise | Njala waves as her mother carries her off. Kazra@crystyll waves back, "That. That right there is what makes all of this worthwhile" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah. Might be some holdouts with those isolationists, but seems most folks are eager to get this place fixed up." Kazra@crystyll: "I still wish there was more we could do to help them. But even if I retired my commission and remained here on my own it would be more than my lifetimes work" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Maybe we'll get a chance to come back here an' help more. It's still not too far from Federation space after all." Ann Carter@anncarise | Trenick: "I think we have enough information to report back to the Captain for now. Unless you want to see more of the city?" Kazra@crystyll: "No, I think it is about time we provide feedback. Hopefully by the time she arranges a broadcast to inform the other settlements of our plans, word will have spread some anyway" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Hope so. They got small atmospheric craft an' radios after all."

View Log Entry

SUBMITTED: Stardate 96511 FILED BY: CMDR Meel SECURITY: Level 1 - Open

LOCATION:Lorena Sector

MISSION:Reduce Hallon ambient radiation levels to manageable levels ahead of re-population by Decen families.

OUTCOME:Mission success

KEY PERSONNEL:

CAPT Keelah CMDR Meel LCDR Keliaya LCDR Lendaria LTJG Trenick ENS Carter

NARRATIVE:

Working from LCDR Lendaria's technical study (attached), I led an away team to the surface of Hallon with the goal of establishing contact with the indigenous Halloni and effectively communicating our intentions. The theory being to afford them every opportunity to file protest and to forewarn them of what could be perceived as disturbing environmental changes without the appropriate knowledge to hand.

Due to the radiation levels at lower elevations, we had to transport down to a mountainside plateau and approach the identified population centre (determined by comparative size & population to be the most dominant) on foot. We were quickly intercepted by Halloni who were naturally apprehensive of our presence, though seemed optimistically amenable to my description of the proposed renewal. This dialogue was cut short however by the arrival of a more heavily armed force from a rival 'tribe', as could best be perceived by our away team. Forced into defensive cover, I acted on the advisement of our security escort and ordered ENS Carter to disable the newly arrived gunship with a phaser blast (having determined it's construction to be primitive by Starfleet standards and unable to withstand energy weapon discharges). The ship was disabled and we were able to stun most of the other aggressors, although the leader wore additional protective armoring which prevented the same.

I took the opportunity of balance at this time to engage the new arrival in dialogue, with results similar to the first group we encountered (who by this time had fled into the hills). It soon became apparent that this second group belonged to the settlement we sought to make contact with and the first were a smaller group of hillside raiders. This leader proved to be far more knowledgeable as to the deteriorating condition of their world and seemed eager to embrace our proposal, even after our less than optimal first meeting. We were escorted back to the settlement where we were granted the opportunity to walk among the civilian population and engage with them. Apprehension was naturally high, though once properly explained our intent was welcomed. We also learned of an old broadcast system still in place around most of the planet and provided the details back to the ship so that CAPT Keelah could publicly address the remaining tribes as to our intent.

Following the Captain's broadcast, the Valley Forge moved into position to perform the initial atmospheric cleansing. Reduction in radiation levels was not as great as anticipated in some regions, though the overall average was marginally better than expected. With the initial cleansing complete and a further broadcast of reassurance to the planet (given the startling visual impact on the atmosphere as witnessed from the surface), the Decen built 'Catfish' satellite was deployed and set on it's polar trajectory.

RECOMMENDATION:

Forecasts for the satellites performance remain optimal. Whilst I am aware that we are preparing to depart this region, I believe that it will be 2-3 days before we break orbit while we provide continuing support in the initial operational period and to the recolonization effort. During this time I would like to deploy medical teams (calling in all trained and able standby support crew) to locations around the planet in order to provide initial radiation treatment to the worst suffering. Further to this, I recommend establishing these medical triage facilities in line with evacuation centres as it already known that not all Halloni wish to remain. With the Valley Forge resuming it's course, we will pass close enough to Satri territory that evacuated Halloni could be rehoused there. Additional security escorts will be necessary to reinforce any ground teams as Hallon remains in a volatile state of flux, despite the agreeable intent of the majority.

ATTACHMENTS:

TSR: Hallon Cleanup