ST:TTV423 | "Big Brother"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 96897.3
A simple system survey turns into a long anticipated first meeting for the crew of the Valley Forge when a seemingly derelict artificial satellite turns out to be a Regulator monitoring station.
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Keliaya@anncarise FX | It has been half a year since the Valley Forge left Federation space towards the galactic rim in search of a previously undiscovered Iconian gateway... Keliaya@anncarise | Under the command of Captain Se'Lai, the vessel has encountered many alien beings and civilizations, overcoming adversities and misunderstandings along the way. Keliaya@anncarise | Now, the exploration vessel travels to a system with an M-class planet along their path for a simple survey mission... Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjaejG-LDAQ Eunha@turtles#8407: "I've taken a look at our long ranged scans, I'm not seeing no energy signature thought could indicate advanced civilization." Keliaya@anncarise taps her console, "Reading something on the edge of the system. Too concentrated for an asteroid belt. No energy readings either, but could be a debris field from its distribution..." Keelah@crystyll: "Alright. Mr. Fisher, take us to the anomaly for a closer look first. Continue long range scans on the planet itself" Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye aye, Captain." Kiera@falconecoose looks up from her console for a moment before looking back down while tapping away to have a look as well, while keeping an eye on the tactical systems Keliaya@anncarise FX | The edge of the system draws closer on the viewscreen. Kiera@falconecoose | Keri glances over at Sakure from the console next to her, before she checks the sensors as well as she likes to double to check Eunha@turtles#8407: "From these readings, i'd say this planet is in habited captain." Keelah@crystyll: "So, signs of a prewarp civilization then?" Kiera@falconecoose winces slightly before she looks up from the console "Dectecting a massive artifical construct in orbit, similar size to a new Federation starbase...still can't get over the size difference...> Eunha@turtles#8407: "Yes definitley pre-warp." Kiera@falconecoose: > no energy readings, possibly inactive or ancient." Keliaya@anncarise: "We're definitely looking at a debris field here too..." Keelah@crystyll: "Interesting. So we have an undeveloped civilization, but a stellar debris field and substantial orbital facility. This is certainly no simple world, speculation on how the pieces fit here?" Keliaya@anncarise FX | A mass of scattered debris begins appearing on the viewscreen as the VF nears the site of the field in the outer system. Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe this was formerly home to a warp-capable civilization that has since gone extinct, and something new's evolved here." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's not unheard of for a planet to have two intelligent species evolve at different times. It happened right in the core of the Federation with the Voth and humans on Earth." Kiera@falconecoose Keri | "That or the civilisation has reverted to a pre-warp after some event." Keelah@crystyll: "True enough. Any indicators of historical catalysms that would tally?" Keelah@crystyll: "Also a possibility" she nods Kiera@falconecoose | Keri turns back to her console while she checks the sensors to see if she can see any sign of this. Eunha@turtles#8407: "There are quite alot of ruins on the surface, a mixture of pre-warp and modern. No signs of technology." Keliaya@anncarise: "The debris field is definitely of warp-capable starships. Doesn't match any configuration we know though." Keliaya@anncarise: "Looks like they've been completely crushed to pieces. Crumpled like paper...no sign of energy scorching anywhere." Eunha@turtles#8407: "If we brought a piece of the debris aboard we could try and carbon date it?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Should be easy enough." Kiera@falconecoose: Keri | "None of the hallmark signs of an apocalyptic event that could have caused a regression." Keelah@crystyll: "Proceed with the debris for now then" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Should be a few pieces small enough to transport into a cargo bay." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Lieutenant Sana is currently on duty she could head there and run the tests if needed?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Have her standing by. Chief Oliver's beaming a piece into cargo bay 2." Eunha@turtles#8407 Taps her commbadge "Lieutenant Sana to cargo bay 2-..." gets cut off by the sound of sana yelling "I'M ALREADY RUNNING THERE!" Kiera@falconecoose: "I have a bad feeling about this...you always have a bad feeling. That is true." Kiera@falconecoose: "Hmm...this damage pattern looks like nothing I have ever seen, it looks like everything has been crushed by incredible forces." Eunha@turtles#8407 Sana: Lieutenat Sana to Bridge. Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Go ahead Sana" Eunha@turtles#8407 Sana: "I've done a very very quick analysis for you, but here's what I got: The debris I would say is no more than around 200 years old give or take a few years, also it's mostly duranium alloy, if Eunha@turtles#8407 I had to compare it to a period of time I would say this is on par with old starfleet 22nd century production capability." Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Thanks Sana, I'll let Kelly know" she taps her console some, "Captain, I'm picking up a subspace broadcast from the satellite. Doesn't read like a message, looks more like a... signal?" Keelah@crystyll looks over, brow perked Eunha@turtles#8407 scans said signal Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "There's nothing for me to decrypt or decode, just no grounds to comprehend" Keelah@crystyll: "If it's directed, can you project where it's being sent to?" Keliaya@anncarise: "There's no sign of power from that satellite. It can't be online..." Kiera@falconecoose Keri | "That is strange..." attempts to focus her scans on the satellite to see if she can get any more readings on it Keelah@crystyll: TQ: "Best I can tell, it's roughly equidistant from the core as we are, perhaps a little further rimward. Could be several sector blocks over, no way to really tell" Keelah@crystyll: "Hmm. Continue monitoring for now while we progress the investigation" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suggest we take a closer look at that satellite, Captain. It must be active, just not producing power by means we can detect." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Agreed. We have our debris sample to continue with from here, let's go take a closer look" Kiera@falconecoose | Keri rubs her hand across her chin, while she looks at her console "Hmm, not getting any more readings on the satellite at this range...and I conclude." Eunha@turtles#8407: "We could try different scans? Perhaps a multiphasic scan? Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Taking us in towards the planet." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I'm configuring one now." Kiera@falconecoose | Keri nods to Sakura "That is a good idea ensign." Keliaya@anncarise FX | Asteroids pass by as the ship moves through an asteroid belt and into the inner system. The M-class planet soon comes into view... Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://i.imgur.com/fY2P6VG.jpg Keliaya@anncarise: "That's the satellite in question..." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's in a stable but non-geosynchronous orbit of the planet." Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Picking up a second transmission, Captain. Indicators suggest a response of some kind inbound to the satellite" Keelah@crystyll looks to the viewscreen, "Any change of status from the satellite?" Keliaya@anncarise: "There's a massive surge of power coming from it now...several times that of a starbase this size!" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Unlike the duranium alloy of the previous debris this one uses a neutronium type of compound." Keliaya@anncarise FX | On the viewscreen, the 'arms' of the satellite begins to unfold... Keliaya@anncarise FX | https://i.imgur.com/nfWkCZz.jpg Kiera@falconecoose glances between T'Quila, Keelah and the viewscreen while she checks her long range tactical sensors for any incoming signatures Keelah@crystyll watches with an acute fascination. Mr. Fisher... back us off, nice and easy" To Kiera@falconecoose: No incoming signatures detectable Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Aye Captain." Keelah@crystyll: "I find it hard to believe this is coincidental and not connected to our presence. Yellow alert" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The VF begins to slowly back away from the planet... Kiera@falconecoose | Keri turns and looks at the view screen while she watches in fascination "Remarkable...it is clearly operation yet we can't read a power signature..." Kiera@falconecoose "Aye, Aye Captain. Yellow Alert." nods while she presses the Yellow alert button Eunha@turtles#8407: "Sir i've finished my multiphasic scan. I'm picking up what seems like a massive displacement wave that is being generated by the satalite." Kiera@falconecoose | Keri looks back at her console "Captain, sensors have started reading that the satalite is starting to generate power. I am reading the displacement wave as well." Keelah@crystyll: "Keep us clear Mr. Fisher. What does it appear to be targeting?" Kiera@falconecoose | Keri frowns at her console "Captain, with the readings we are getting. There is only one thing in the database that matches this...the phenomenon that pulled the USS Voyager into the Delta quad." Keelah@crystyll 's eyes widen slightly, "Then /definitely/ keep us clear. Standby to warp out" Kiera@falconecoose Keri | "It appears to the targeting something deeper in the quadrant, at least 2 sector blocks deeper into the quadrant." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "It's using different technology from the Array that Voyager encountered and it's not as powerful, but it's definitely the same type of displacement wave." Keliaya@anncarise | Fisher: "Warp drive standing by!" Eunha@turtles#8407: "Sir, there's a ship! it's been in by the displacement wave!" Keelah@crystyll: "Is the satellite bringing it here?" Kiera@falconecoose Keri | "Not reading any energy readings from that ship either." Keliaya@anncarise: "Seems so. No sign of warp signatures and it's composition is comparable to the satellite's." Keliaya@anncarise FX | The viewscreen zooms in on the ship: https://i.imgur.com/AHTSpt9.png Keelah@crystyll: "Possibly an alternate FTL transit system. Maintain distance and alert status. Tee, prepare a general greeting and offer of assistance to the arriving vessel" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's about the size of a Federation Galaxy-class. Sensors can't read through its hull." Eunha@turtles#8407: "I'll try another multiphasic scan." she starts it up Keelah@crystyll | TQ nods, "Broadcasting general hail greeting now Captain" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Response coming in. Appears to be a multi-linguistic opener. Got the UT cycling with it now" Keelah@crystyll | TQ: "Common language isolated... Lomren is consistent. Re-issuing our standard greeting in Lomren" Keliaya@anncarise FX | The message plays over the bridge comms... Keliaya@anncarise | Message: "Attention unknown vessel. You have entered a Regulated Zone. Your machinery is now under the custody of the Administration for Regulation of Technology." Keliaya@anncarise | Message: "Prepare to submit to the Judgement." Kiera@falconecoose: "That sounds problamatic..." Keelah@crystyll: "These must be the Regulators. I remember the Arshai mentioning them as the reason they had to transport the Nuhar Miner via a subspace corridor, to avoid these people" Keelah@crystyll: "If so, this is not unexpected, stand ready. Tee, open a channel" Kiera@falconecoose: "Captain! Multiple decks reporting boarders!" Keliaya@anncarise: "They appear to be using a form of matter-tachyon transportation that bypasses our shielding by going through subspace!" Keelah@crystyll snaps around, "Red alert! Lockdown all decks" Kiera@falconecoose | Keri glances over at Kiera, a look of panic on her face for a moment before she gets her emotions under control. Eunha@turtles#8407: "Tachyon build up on the bridge!" Keelah@crystyll: "Tee, warn them that we will cooperate but will not tolerate this invas-... Action stations!" Kiera@falconecoose nods as she hits the red alert button and the siren starts sounding across the ship "Afirm Captain, red alert. Lockdown initated on all decks. Premission to unlock weapon rack..." Keliaya@anncarise FX | There is a white flash of light and a figure in a full black armoured suit appears in the center of the bridge! Keelah@crystyll pulls the phaser from the compartment under her seat Keelah@crystyll trains it on the figure, "One warning; stand down and leave this vessel, and we will cooperate peacefully. Continue this invasion and we will defend ourselves" Kiera@falconecoose with the action stations command from the captain, she spins around to quickly unlock the weapon rack behind her before she pulls a phase rifle out from it Keliaya@anncarise | FX | The figure stands, looking around the bridge, "Phased energy emitters. Your technology is harmless to us. Our analysis shows that this is likely to be your command centre." Keelah@crystyll: "And you are addressing it's Captain... and you believe technology is our only form of defense then you would likely not have survived so long enough to establish such aggressive tactics. Now what + Keelah@crystyll: + will it be; friend or foe?" Kiera@falconecoose mutters under her breath but still loud enough for those at the back of the bridge to hear "I'm really starting to get fed up of advanced aliens beaming onto the bridge..." Keelah@crystyll would hear that and wholeheartedly agree Keliaya@anncarise | Figure: "You are the Supervisor here? Excellent. You have entered a Regulated Zone. You must comply with the Judgement. We will not harm your crew." Keelah@crystyll: "Then you will get your people OFF my ship. Then we can talk about complying" Keliaya@anncarise | Figure: "Very well. But do not try to escape, for your sake." Keelah@crystyll: "If we are to get along as friends, then we have nothing to flee from now, do we" Kiera@falconecoose glances down at her console while still keeping her rifle trained on the alien "Captain, reports are the boarders are leaving." Keelah@crystyll holds a steady gaze and sure aim until the confirmation comes, lowering the weapon some, "There, that wasn't so hard now was it" Keliaya@anncarise | Figure: "I do not seek to 'get along.' I am here to conduct the Judgement." Keelah@crystyll: "And as we have tried to communicate; we will comply with your jurisdiction, but will not tolerate any unwarranted breach of boundaries" Keliaya@anncarise | Figure: "There are no boundaries. Within a Regulated Zone, all technology exists by our grace and with our approval. We reserve the right to confiscate any machinery at our discretion." Keliaya@anncarise | Figure: "I am an Evaluator of the Administration for Regulation of Technology. I am here to judge whether you are capable of utilizing your technology responsibly." Keelah@crystyll: "As this is your custom, so it is ours to abide by the local customs of species we encounter as we explore the galaxy. We have nothing to hide, and I'm confident that once you get to know us, you + Keelah@crystyll: + will see that we are perfectly adept. Now, how do we proceed from here?" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "You will follow our vessel through the Regulated Zone. I will remain on board with a small group of Analysts. You will grant us access to your data storage and areas of the ship - Keliaya@anncarise: - relevant to its operation. We will observe until I reach a decision. Is there a particular direction you seek to travel in?" Keelah@crystyll nods, stowing the phasser on her belt, "We travel rimward. During your stay we will visit the astrometrics lab where you can see more about our projected course" Keelah@crystyll: "As for access, I provisionally consent. However, all members of your team will be under escort at all times. We will grant you discretionary access, but understand that some elements of our + Keelah@crystyll: + technology are considered classified to non-Federation species. We will demonstrate what we can, but will not betray classified information" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Very well. Our vessel will lead you in that direction. There may be small deviations for elements of the Judgement, but we will not take you too far off your course." Keelah@crystyll: "Deviations are not a problem. Our primary mission is exploration, so we are accustomed to such" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "I respect your desire to keep some information limited. The Regulators operate under similar rules. Under no circumstance are you to study or interact with our equipment, even to - Keliaya@anncarise: - remove a suit in order to administer medical assistance. All Regulators have sworn to safeguard technology, even if it means the cost of our lives." Keelah@crystyll: "Understood" she smiles, "Respect our boundaries, and we respect yours. Much more amenable to everyone being on the back foot now, isn't it" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "You did not attack when we approached unannounced. The restraint you demonstrated is a good start." Keelah@crystyll holds her smile, twisted slightly to one side as an entertained smirk, "We would never have reached so far in our exploration of the galaxy if we didn't know how to exercise a little restraint" Kiera@falconecoose finally moves her finger off the trigger of her rifle as the Captain comes to an agreement with the alien. Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Exploration is good. Explorers tend to possess more chance of passing the Judgement than most other visitors." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "I should make clear that the Judgement is not something you work at passing. Anything you encounter may or may not be part of the Judgement. We will not inform you. You will be - Keliaya@anncarise: - evaluated by your natural reactions in either case. Act as if we are not present." Keelah@crystyll: "Fair enough. Then I suggest we proceed with transporting your analysts over and allocating them to their escorts. I would recommend a selection of staff from our different operational departments, + Keelah@crystyll: + that you may gain a broader insight into things. Though if you have an alternative in mind, I'm happy to hear it" Kiera@falconecoose: Keri | "Captain, sensors read the satellite is starting to power down to its previous state." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "That will be an amenable arrangement." Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Our Array is returning to its dormant observational state. Every stellar system possessing an Array indicates a Regulated System. Please check with the Regulators before presenting - Keliaya@anncarise: - any form of technology in the presence of the occupants. Different systems may be limited at different levels." Keelah@crystyll: "Understood. We have similar rules as well for encounters with new species. Bring your team over and we'll get underway" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Would you like them to enter here, or do you have a designated entrance point?" Keelah@crystyll: "There is no need for further disruption to the bridge here-" she turns to the MSD behind them Keelah@crystyll points out the nearest transporter room, "-you can bring your people in here, or we can transport them over if you wish to utilize our technology as part of the process" Keelah@crystyll: "They will have to remain there under guard until their assigned escorts can meet them" Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator steps up to the MSD and examines it as well. "Your transportation technology will not be able to penetrate our vessel's outer surface. We will transport them on board. I am sure - Keliaya@anncarise: - we will have ample opportunity to observe your technology." Keelah@crystyll: "As you wish" she nods, looking to Kelly, "Ensure Chief Oliver is aware" Keliaya@anncarise nods and taps to open comms to the transporter room, "Chief Oliver, we'll have guests transporting over. They'll be using a form of matter-tachyon transportation, so don't panic when tachyons - Keliaya@anncarise: - start building up on your pad." Keliaya@anncarise | <C - Katie> "Acknowledged, Commander." Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator grows silent for a moment before speaking, "The Analysts should be arriving now." Keliaya@anncarise | <C - Katie> "We have them, Kelly." Keelah@crystyll looks back to the Evaluator, "If you wish to learn more through open dialogue - as is our custom - then you may join me in my ready room for an initial cultural exchange" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "What is a 'ready room?'" Keelah@crystyll chuckles lightly, "My office. The term - as many used on Federation vessels - come from a naval history that doesn't always carry the same context now" Keliaya@anncarise | Evaluator: "Ah yes, historical terms. A common occurance." Keliaya@anncarise | The Evaluator follows Keelah into the ready room... NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The Evaluator looks around as he steps into the ready room. It's difficult to tell what exactly he is examining, but he turns and takes in the entire room before focusing back on Keelah. Keelah@crystyll takes her natural place at her desk and skim reads reports while watching him acclimatise NPC@annpc#5570 FX | His helmet slides up and folds back into the rest of his armour as he steps up to the desk, revealing a heavy-set and bald head. Aside from the crimson red skin, everything else about him - NPC@annpc#5570 - reminds Keelah of an Orion male. Keelah@crystyll: "So there is a face behind the mask" she half jokes, gesturing to the empty seats, "Please feel free to make yourself comfortable. I imagine it will take some time to cross Regulated space, and I for+ Keelah@crystyll: + one wouldn't like standing on ceremony all that time. And I'm Vulcan!" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Evaluator nods and takes a seat, "The suit can support me if my legs are unable to, but such functions are typically not used for mere ceremonial occasions." NPC@annpc#5570: "And yes, it will take some time at your speeds." Keelah@crystyll: "As opposed to your slingshot method of travel?" NPC@annpc#5570: "The Arrays are only activated to respond to detections of unauthorized technology. Our vessels are all self-reliant and possess their own methods of propulsion." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Despite his appearance, the Evaluator's way of speaking and acting seems much closer to a strange blend of Vulcan and Andorian- a combination of stoicism and military discipline. Keelah@crystyll: "An interesting arrangment" she nods, "So first things first I guess; is there any further formality here I should be aware of?" NPC@annpc#5570: "No. You are to proceed with your operations on board your vessel as you would normally. You may broadcast messages, though we ask you do not reveal any details of the Judgement you may learn over - NPC@annpc#5570: - its course." Keelah@crystyll: "Fair enough. As we may progress beyond the range of our last communications relay, I should like to inform Command that we have entered Regulated space and may go dark on comms while we cross it" NPC@annpc#5570: "You are permitted to do so, as long as you do not deploy any relays within a Regulated Zone." Keelah@crystyll: "I assumed that would be the case, hence us going dark once we go beyond range of the relay" she smiles a little NPC@annpc#5570 | The Evaluator nods, "There will be pockets of non-Regulated space we may pass through in which you will be allowed to drop a relay at the local inhabitants' consent, provided you pass the - NPC@annpc#5570: Judgement, of course." Keelah@crystyll: "Good to know. Also interesting to think that there are pockets of non-regulated space spotted within. Presumably owing to some local arrangement with the indigenous?" NPC@annpc#5570: "Regulation is only imposed upon civilizations that the Administration deems necessary of intervention. Those who demonstrate sufficient responsibility are left to their own devices." NPC@annpc#5570: "We are not conquerors. We do not seek to expand our territory. We do so only for the common benefit of all civilizations." Keelah@crystyll: "Interesting. Have you ever found a species who once deemed responsible, later transpired as contrary to that through evolutionary change and such?" NPC@annpc#5570: "We have. The Judgement is not perfect either. There are cases in which intervention was deemed necessary after they had passed." NPC@annpc#5570: "There are also species who do not pass the Judgement, but are too little of a threat to warrant Regulator attention. They are often left to their own devices as well, if their use of technology - Keelah@crystyll nods, "That does not surprise me. Historically we have encountered similar circumstances too. It is why our own rules have developed the way they have"! NPC@annpc#5570: - does not threaten their extinction or the welfare of other civilizations." Keelah@crystyll: "I assume you at least continue to monitor such species at least?" NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "We do. In some cases, more responsible civilizations keep them in check." Keelah@crystyll: "A reasonable precaution" she nods NPC@annpc#5570: "I am not surprised to hear a civilization with your technology possesses a degree of regulation." NPC@annpc#5570: "I estimate your civilization must have expended into space for at least a thousand years." Keelah@crystyll: "It is a... variable measure. Many Federation species have been spacefaring for that long, and longer. However they only came together as the United Federation of Planets in the last few centuries; + Keelah@crystyll: + after my own people made first contact with Humanity upon witnessing their first successful warp flight" NPC@annpc#5570: "You are in a supervisory position. Is it your people responsible for unifying the species of your Federation, then?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "My people were much more... singular, historically. It was the innate drive of Humans to explore that brought all the dominant species of the region together, and their unique + Keelah@crystyll: + nature which allowed that multi-species alliance to flourish" NPC@annpc#5570: "A curious species, then. Interesting. That would explain your nature as an exploration vessel as well." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Over time, the exploration of space has become a core aspect of our lives. Though not all perhaps share the same driving force behind it" NPC@annpc#5570: "That is only natural. It is common for a civilization to become defined by one key trait, but few species ever exhibit a true universal trait." Keelah@crystyll: "One advantage of being such a broad society; with so many bringing their own unique traits, it becomes a natural 'melting pot' of sorts" NPC@annpc#5570: "Very true. It is why we allow other species who demonstrate sufficient responsibility to join the Regulators, though their presence is still a distinct minority." NPC@annpc#5570: "What of differences between your civilizations. Surely you are to come upon a number of such issues?" Keelah@crystyll: "Naturally. The early years of loose alliance between the core member species suffered numberous diplomatic disasters owing to contrasting natures, historical bad blood and the like" Keelah@crystyll: "But over time, they learned to look past their differences - even see them as benefits by bolstering one's own weaknesses by the strengths of another" NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "As we have seen in other alliances like your own. We have only encountered a few with such a diverse crew on a single vessel, however." Keelah@crystyll: "Likewise. Most multi-species groups we have encountered over time tend towards a much more singular dominant species with a few exceptions among them, much as you describe your own Regulators to be" NPC@annpc#5570: "The Administration is not an alliance. It is an organization, like a military. In theory, we accept anyone who possesses the right mentality. In practice, few outside the species who founded the - NPC@annpc#5570: - Regulators can adjust to our lifestyle and master our technology." Keelah@crystyll: "Not unlike Starfleet, if you account the number of Federation species serving on our vessels as a singular majority of course. But we do have select individuals from non-Federation species who have + Keelah@crystyll: + proven able and desiring to serve" NPC@annpc#5570: "Your Star-fleet is your Federation's primary military organization, then?" Keelah@crystyll: "When it needs to be" she concedes, "Many prefer not view Starfleet as a militaristic organization, and though at it's core that's exactly what it is, it is also as diverse as the Federation it + Keelah@crystyll: + serves insofar that it incorporates more civilian departments as well" Keelah@crystyll: "Vessels such as this belong to our core Command division which prioritises exploration and defense" NPC@annpc#5570: "You possess vessels that serve other functions?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Indeed. Starfleet operates a multitude of specialized vessels, though arguably those such as the Valley Forge who are more multi-functional are our speciality over other dominant species in + Keelah@crystyll: + our region of space" NPC@annpc#5570 nods, "Overspecialization has always caused issues, in both biological and technological evolution." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Diversity and adaptability have been key to the Federations success" NPC@annpc#5570: "A fine philosophy. I will certainly observe your people with interest." Keelah@crystyll: "And I encourage you to do so. You'll find a diverse cross-section of Federation cultures on board this ship, even a smattering of more local ones. All of which should present a fine opportunity for + Keelah@crystyll: + learning. Which does bring me to a point of curiosity..." NPC@annpc#5570: "If you have a question, you are allowed to ask myself or the Analysts. We may need to withhold some information however, particularly regarding our technology or the Judgement." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course. I am simply curious as to the effective range of this Judgement, as we are but one ship after all. So does the outcome of this pertail just to the Valley Forge, or extend to all Starfleet+ Keelah@crystyll: + and the Federation by proxy?" NPC@annpc#5570: "The judgement of your vessel will reflect on your Federation. Should you pass, we will assume that the rest of your civilization shares your sense of responsibility until we have reason to believe - NPC@annpc#5570: - otherwise. Other vessels of your civilization will be permitted to pass into Regulated Zones should your result be favourable enough, and they will not be subject to formal Judgements, though - NPC@annpc#5570: - their actions in our territory will still be scrutinized, of course." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds reasonable. Thank you for the clarification" NPC@annpc#5570: "Should you fail to demonstrate sufficient responsibility, we will dispatch a Survey Vessel to further evaluate your civilization and judge whether intervention is necessary." NPC@annpc#5570: "Many who fail the Judgement still do not require intervention. Only in cases where technology truly becomes a danger to either yourselves or those around you will we intervene." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "I'm confident that no such action will be deemed necessary on this occassion" NPC@annpc#5570: "I am afraid I am not permitted to reveal how well you do until the Judgement is complete. But since you already have your own regulations in place, it is always a good start." Keelah@crystyll: "Understandable. Well, I understand that you'll be wanting a broad overview of things on board. But if there is any particular point of interest, feel free to ask. My crew is accustomed to hosting + Keelah@crystyll: + guests so guided tours are not outside our usual remit" NPC@annpc#5570: "I will be sure to ask if I have any inquiries." NPC@annpc#5570: "I suspect our Analysts will be quick to do the same." Keelah@crystyll: "And I look forward to accomodating said inquiries. Well if there is nothing more for now, I should make my report to command" NPC@annpc#5570 nods and stands, the helmet folding back over his head, "I will need to make my initial report as well." Keelah@crystyll gives a curt nod, "You know where to find me should you have need during your stay" NPC@annpc#5570: "I shall seek you here if I need to." NPC@annpc#5570 turns and heads for the door.
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Stardate 96897.3
I had known for some time to expect this day to come. However that did not prepare for the means of it's arrival...
After moving to investigate a strange artificial satellite orbiting an otherwise unremarkable planet, we soon found ourselves subject to 'the judgement' of the Regulators. Though I frown heavily upon their brutish methods, I also respect their goals and find them a society of peculiar interest; to exist for the sole purpose of policing the use of technology is a curious evolution to the say least. Hopefully when this is all done with, we will be able to learn more about this fascinating people.
But I can not think on future possibilities for now. My mind dwells on their arrival, and my reaction to it...
After first appearing via a FTL catapult system, they moved aggressively to board the ship and help themselves to a survey of us and our technology. This very nearly ended in disaster when the leader - this 'Evaluator' transported directly onto the bridge, through our raised shields. I confess that I succumbed to flashback fear of when the Senn attempted to seize my command in a similar fashion and admit to being hasty in my defensive posture (note to self; LT Laski should be commended for her equally prompt reaction time in arming herself). The confrontation was tense to say the least - the Evaluators arrogance holding as firm as my own resolve. I still don't know how I resisted firing on sight, though I am of course glad that I was able to.
Thankfully the confrontation was resolved after pressing my insistence that would willingly comply with all requests and instructions regarding this Judgement process as long as they withdrew their forceful approach. The Evaluator now remains on board with a team of analysts who we have assigned parternship with members of my senior staff. Though I perfectly confident in my crew's ability to pass this Judgement, I fear I will not sleep so well with anxiety until this leg of our journey is behind us. This may be due in part to an unexpected meeting with Ensign Sin who came to see me once we were back underway. She informed me that the imposing sight of the Regulator vessel was among the things shown to her by the Chlasi Ascended. I have no reason to doubt the Ensign in this, which is why I remain concerned about the outcome of this Judgement. For the Ascended to present her with this warning sign suggests that we are now at a precipice; a turning point in history for our mission, if not the Federation as a whole and this entire region of space...