Season 16: Episode 2: A Night at the Opera

[Tekin Nevir]

{USS Discovery|Bridge|Ops Console}

Vila had already settled in.

If anyone would know, it'd be him. She did sometimes, late at night when she couldn't sleep because of the night terrors, did kind of feel bad for the things she'd put him through. BUT then she remembered she saved his life and it went away. Ah, you win some, and lose some.

She heard the rest of the cacophony on the Bridge-McNair sounding off with some information, and Engineering from down below. Then, Commander Lek's voice. She'd never been so glad to hear the ear-grating drawl of a Ferengi before. "Captain, keep him on the line. I can maybe put a lock on his channel," she said, head bent, and fingers flying at a speed that would put anyone else to shame.

Brown eyes rose to check her screen. Excellent!!

"I am back in, sir," she said, pressing "send" to bring the channel lock information to the others' consoles. Thank the Prophets.

[USS Discovery | Bridge]

Buck grimanced, chewing on the inside of his lip as he thought about what Kedan had to say about the quantum fluctations. At least it showed that he wasn't seeing things and such that it was confirmed by someone not on the bridge and was qualified in reading the data sent back from the probe. Though it seemed that the Captain had something to say, and for Kedan, he went:  Standby Ensign

Buck didn't like the sound of it at all, their communications were patchy at the very best and that everything seemed to be compling on. The radiation causing fluctations and degrading ship systems, main engineering being out of use and they would have to resort to docking up at the station if they couldn't find a solution.

As a friend of his back on Earth would have said, the situation was 'no bueno'.

His head shot up to look at the captain who addressed him. "Cap'n," Buck took a breath. "The star system exists with this unknown radiation, but what I can't figure is the fact that there's life. We have a planet that seems to be existing with life when it should be the exact opposite-"

Hyper-energons.

Right.

Focus.

"There have been readings of Hyper-energons, these disrupt the molecules that make up our shielding when they collide causing rapid degeneration. Probably contributing to what we're seeing with our shields at the moment."

Buck's attention shifted once more as another alert came out about an emergency call-out.    Anyone not on duty or is a free hand, please can we have people go to assist.    Otherwise, he would have to abandon his own station to deal.  Lieutenant M'nia, please provide an update as soon as you can when on scene. 

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

The Captain stood up, looking at the dark side of the planet in their viewscreen.  It was completely dark.  No signs of civilization.  It just looked like a lush green uninhabited planet.  With a station in orbit of it.  And sensors that cannot penetr-

"The shield.  That's why our sensors can't penetrate; this shielding technology protects the planet from its star.  It might not even be natural, this could have been artificially populated for all we know.  Which means it is possible to deflect this traditional tide."

The ship's alerts went off at that point; the radiation levels in the region were starting to increase.  The sensor buoys launched sparked as the radiation reached high levels, and the buoys were destroyed. The shield degradation was starting to accelerate again, but slowly.  The Captain rushed back to the science station with McNair, while he handled the power systems that had caused an issue elsewhere on the ship.

"Hyper-energons.... Chrono particles... random sub-quantum pulses... quantum frangibles!" he said, taking a step back as if he saw something impossible.  Which he kind of did.

"Are you familiar with quantum frangibles, Mr McNair?  They are theoretical subatomic particles that could have any number of unusual properties imbued into the quarks that make up atoms."

"Alright, evacuate the lower decks and shut down all non-essential systems still activated.  Divert power from the Gamma hull to reinforce our shielding on the Alpha hull.  Strengthen the deflector shielding past its safety limits and watch for microfracture on the hull.  Once these particles find an opening through our shields they will start to affect the bonds of matter; and start weakening our structural integrity."

"When the radiation levels start to drop again, launch sensor probes to act as focus points for our own sensors.  Lorut, use that same chain to reestablish the comm lock.  We have a mission the away team.  In a little over an hour and a half, we dock the ship and hope that it isn't a trap.  Understood?  Make it so!"

[Rayek trLhoell]

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - En route to Transport Site]

Tanner glanced at Ramort and nodded, "I did. Although explaining the situation was interesting." She shook her head and ran a hand through her hair, "Everything about this place creeps me out, though. I think the authentic experience these people are after is far from what they're getting. "

Her eyes roamed as she spoke, "I have a bad feeling."

Rayek nodded as she confirmed reaching the other members of the Away Team.  Soon they would be gathered together.  "Thank you, Lieutenant.".  As she commented her own personal impression about the place, Rayek couldn't fault her.  He also felt ill-at-ease here.  His attention turned then to Ramort and then Lek as each responded to Lachlyn's remark.

[James Ramort]
[Erewhon | City Center]

"Yes, authentic is an interesting concept to apply to this place. They got some things for the early 21st Century right. The focus on monetary systems of exchange, most architectural details and their holographic projections might have fooled earlier sensors even. But their behaviour. It seems almost like they despise humans. Holding human slaves, allowing them to be mistreated by their Visitors. It actually makes me nervous what might happen if some of them discover some of our team are human too. This is more your expertise but is there anything we could do without our gear if things go.. sideways?"

As they entered the city centre proper, his eyes began to take in their surrounding more aware. Marking all persons with Wristbands and what they were doing. Maybe it was instinctual, but he almost was looking for them to slip up. To reveal something about this place they had missed.

The Commander's questions made a lot of sense, if they could find hints at what behaviour was expected of them, blending in and avoiding any unwanted attention would have been a lot easier.

"I will have to check the Document further. With our limited ability to perceive the script this might take a little while. If I may, the section recovered so far allows for a hypothesis to be formed already, though. They seem to value their social station a lot. Which would explain their extreme reaction to Commander Lek's perceived sleight. It also explains the need for arbitration, between individuals of societal stations enthralled in a battle to keep their stations or secure a higher one, judgement rendered by a neutral party allows everyone to maintain their perceived positions while resolving a conflict. Following from this we should try to remain polite in all matters and avoid any further situations happening at all cost.
I will begin to scan more pages of the Document to verify this hypothesis."

His mind while speaking already poking holes in this theory. How would they be able to verify each other's stations without being able to pierce through the Wristbands holo projections? How would such an arbitration be carried out? Why the need for such drastic punishments?

There were simply too many unknowns to be sure until he could scan and translate further parts of the text. Until then, he only hoped no further tense situations would arise. Especially now that their stay seemed to just have been prolonged.

Rayek considered Ramort's hypothesis.  It made sense.  Remaining polite had been intention all along but sometimes when in the presence of abuse, people tended to react emotionally and without forethought.

[City Center - Erewhon]

Unfortunately for Vila's plan, Lek had already closed the Erewhon communicator before anyone could lock on. Lek was adamant that no contract existed with the locals as there was no voice or thumb print confirmation that the away team had agreed to the terms of conditions of the locals. However, it made sense to avoid the locals to ensure there would be no complications.

"I recommend we find a quiet place out of the way of the locals and wait for Discovery to contact us. Given the nature of these people, I don't want to interact with them again."

Tanner lifted her brow at Lek's comment and a small smirk formed.

"Given your quick wit, I would suggest avoiding contact with them as well. Your sweetest setting still might cause offence."

With a glance to Rayek and Ramort, Tanner seemed to hesitate before addressing a few comments. Her eyes glanced about as if to check for ears.

"This is a business, first and foremost. The experience and how it utilizes clones makes sense financially. They are properties used to enhance as needed. People expect something when they pay for it and they won't risk mucking it up. The customer comes first. Hmm?"

"Unfortunately Lek, Starfleet mandate is not 'avoid contact with new civilizations when they don't meet our expectations and sensibilities'.  We need to be cautious however, and observe them more - all while maintaining a polite demeanor."

As he said this the group arrived at the Transport Site, which seemed to be close to the center of the Marketplace.

T'Sana addressed the gathered Away Team.  "Please remain here while the Facility Coordinator looks into your claims and the issue with the Terms of Service.  Speak my name if you require assistance."  After stating that she disappeared.

Rayek took up a position close to the main thoroughfare to observe.

[Malik Grippen]

EREWHON

(Malik, Hansen and Broadshire)
[Market Place]

The waitress, having sat down hesitantly across from him,  seemed even more uncertain at Malik's introduction but responded with her own name.  "My name's Tammy"

She looked perplexed at his odd questioning. "I'm not sure what you mean... I am human and this is Earth." she stated.  "What do you mean by Federation?"
.
.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - Library]

Rayek, hearing Ramort's request, glanced back from his spot at T'Sana's side to see if any of the other team members would move to assist the Science officer.  He noted Lek a short distance away attempting to make contact with the ship, and figured Lachlyn would be similarly distracted reaching out to Malik and the other half of the Away Team, so the Romulan dropped back and adjusted his stride to match Ramort's pace for the moment.

Their guide, T'Sana, noting this drop back slowed her own pace by a quarter to make traversing the City Square less of a challenge for the distracted officers.

[Ensign Lilly Hansen | Erewhon | Market Place | Café]

"A very good choice! I will be back with your Item in a couple of minutes."

Lilly nodded and begun to look around, It was a nice place, But what got her is, Why take their commbadges?
"Your Affogato, enjoy! If we can fulfill any more requests or you require anything else please let me know and we will strive to fulfill your every wish."

"Thanks" It looked good, now it taste good. Lilly took a bite. Yep, It was good, Interesting, She might have to get the recipe. She quickly finished and got up and went to Malik.

"Sir, I feel we should try to find out where the rest of the away team is"

[Erewhon]

Malik raised an eyebrow at Tammy's response. "I see. Well thank you Tammy, but I must take my leave."

He stood and joined Hansen to rendezvous back with the commander. They appeared tense, Lek most of all. He wondered what had happened.

"Sir, these humans believe they are all on Earth and haven't heard of the Federation. I've yet to meet a human who wasn't aware of this, something appears to be off."

[Lek]

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - En route to Transport Site]

Rayek nodded as she confirmed reaching the other members of the Away Team.  Soon they would be gathered together.  "Thank you, Lieutenant.".  As she commented her own personal impression about the place, Rayek couldn't fault her.  He also felt ill-at-ease here.  His attention turned then to Ramort and then Lek as each responded to Lachlyn's remark.

Rayek considered Ramort's hypothesis.  It made sense.  Remaining polite had been intention all along but sometimes when in the presence of abuse, people tended to react emotionally and without forethought.

"Unfortunately Lek, Starfleet mandate is not 'avoid contact with new civilizations when they don't meet our expectations and sensibilities'.  We need to be cautious however, and observe them more - all while maintaining a polite demeanor."

As he said this the group arrived at the Transport Site, which seemed to be close to the center of the Marketplace.

T'Sana addressed the gathered Away Team.  "Please remain here while the Facility Coordinator looks into your claims and the issue with the Terms of Service.  Speak my name if you require assistance."  After stating that she disappeared.

Rayek took up a position close to the main thoroughfare to observe.

[Erewhon - En route to Transport Site]

Lek was surprised by Rayek's push back. Lek thought the information they'd gathered was self evident. Rayek was no longer his close friend from Challenger, he was different and it was clear that things were never going to be the same. However, Lek just couldn't let the matter pass unchallenged.

"Sir, we not only have evidence that would disqualify these people from Federation membership, what we have seen would justify a full system interdiction. I fail to see what further information we need. Given how touchy they are I believe ending further interactions is the more prudent course of action."

Lek then waited to see what Rayek would do. He'd made his point as forcefully as he could. He now had to accept whatever decision his former friend made.

[James Ramort]

"Mcnair, it's m'nia. I'm on site. Think I can bypass the bad circuits and get the door open. I shut down the power to the area so it won't get any worse for now. I'd really like medical on hand when we get him out. Don't know how badly he's hurt."

[Dr. Phlome]
[USS Discovery | Deck 12 | Access Corridor 14]

The Denobulan rushed to her feet as soon as she heard the call over comms. There had been multiple wounded from the effects of shorted out system all over the Ship but none in critical condition so far. At least none that had their way back into sickbay yet.

It seemed this now had changed on Deck 12. Grabbing a large medkit in one hand and another traume kit in the other, she ran out of Sickbay to the nearest Lift. Once inside, shoving two confused looking crewmen to the side and ordering.
"Computer, Emergency Medical Overwrite. To Deck 12 as close to Access Corridor 14 as possible.", the computer following by pushing past the usual speed limits on turbo lifts and taking some reserved lanes through the scaffolding of the ship, reserved for Emergencies or important personnel.

Arriving at the site, she left the lift without looking back. The two people behind her would have to find their way to their original destination without her. It mattered not they might be late, every second could decide if a person died or lived here.

Once in the Access Corridor, she took quick note of the situation. Kane's hand seemed to almost have merged with the conduit. Another two women in golden uniforms stood around his pain twisted form.

Paying no mind to rank in this second she quickly ordered: "Lieutenant, I will stabilize his body, once I have him cut off the remaining power flow to the conduit on my mark. Crewman, please grab the head and neck and stabilize them so he does not suffer additional head trauma any further than he might have already."

Casting only a quick glance at the other two to see if they followed his directions, she prepared some hyposprays and began to inject Kane with some potent sedatives.
As she prepared to give them the signal to cut the power and grab hold of the Petty Officer he realized something.
"I don't think any of you can separate that panel from the rest of the wall? I don't think we should separate him from it while he is still merged with it?"

[M'Nia]

[Dr. Phlome]
[USS Discovery | Deck 12 | Access Corridor 14]

Once in the Access Corridor, he took quick note of the situation. Kane's hand seemed to almost have merged with the conduit. Another two women in golden uniforms stood around his pain twisted form.

Paying no mind to rank in this second he quickly ordered: "Lieutenant, I will stabilize his body, once I have him cut off the remaining power flow to the conduit on my mark. Crewman, please grab head and neck and stabilize them so he does not suffer additional head trauma any further than he might have already."

Casting only a quick glance at the other two to see if they followed his directions, he prepared some hyposprays and began to inject Kane with some potent sedatives.
As he prepared to give them the signal to cut the power and grab hold of the Petty Officer he realized something.
"I don't think any of you can seperate that panel from the rest of the wall? I don't think we should seperate him from it while he is still merged with it?"

"Doc, I'm an engineer. Can I separate that panel? You better believe i can. As for power, not much there anyway. I cut off the power as soon as  heard. I just restored enough to open the door. Say the word and I'll have it all shut down!" M'nia said with a flick of her tail. The caitian engineer was very confident. "I agree about separating him from it right now doc. Bess to do that in sickbay with the proper equipment."

[Rayek trLhoell]

EREWHON

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - Transport Site]

[Erewhon - En route to Transport Site]

Lek was surprised by Rayek's push back. Lek thought the information they'd gathered was self evident. Rayek was no longer his close friend from Challenger, he was different and it was clear that things were never going to be the same. However, Lek just couldn't let the matter pass unchallenged.

"Sir, we not only have evidence that would disqualify these people from Federation membership, what we have seen would justify a full system interdiction. I fail to see what further information we need. Given how touchy they are I believe ending further interactions is the more prudent course of action."

Lek then waited to see what Rayek would do. He'd made his point as forcefully as he could. He now had to accept whatever decision his former friend made.

From his watchpoint, Rayek turned to regard his friend, as Lek pressed the matter.  The Ferengi engineer had been terse and surly since the start of the mission.  It was clear he hadn't wanted to be a part of this from the beginning, and Rayek wondered if it was affecting Lek's objectivity.  Still Rayek valued the man's opinion - more often than not, Lek knew what he was talking about.

However, in this - a First Contact encounter - determining that an entire species was not worthy of further observation or contact after a single encounter - less than an hour on the planet, was a bit much for the Romulan.   It seemed arbitrary.

"Yes, I agree the situation is rather sensitive given the miscommunication regarding the Terms of Service.  However, that is all the more reason we need to observe and investigate further,  perhaps there are things we don't yet understand about their culture which explains their behavior.  First impressions are not always correct.  My orders stand, we will continue to observe and interact politely with them while we wait for Discovery to call us back.  For all we know, keeping our distance and ignoring them might be considered rude and offensive.  We don't want to risk that."

His attention then turned to Malik as he returned.

[Erewhon]

Malik raised an eyebrow at Tammy's response. "I see. Well thank you Tammy, but I must take my leave."

He stood and joined Hansen to rendezvous back with the commander. They appeared tense, Lek most of all. He wondered what had happened.

"Sir, these humans believe they are all on Earth and haven't heard of the Federation. I've yet to meet a human who wasn't aware of this, something appears to be off."

Interesting.  That was certainly something they wouldn't have learned if they had 'kept to themselves'.

"Thank you, Commander Grippen.  That's useful to know."

Given that this was a First Contact, it made some sense that the Erewhon people wouldn't know of the Federation... they were at the edge of explored space... but it didn't explain how they could then know about Earth at all.  Nor why the facility owners would create an entire tourist attraction in the guise of an Earth city?

He had so many questions.   Why copy Earth? And why that particular time period?  Where did they get their original DNA material? Did the Erewhon people even know they were clones?

Rayek could objectively understand why those who ran the facility would lie to the clones about their location and status.  Authenticity seemed to be valued here.

Most important of all, was that they had yet to see or meet with the species that actually ran this facility.  Who were they?  What were they like physically if disguises were needed to pass as human?  And did their morals and behavior typify their species, or was this facility an aberration?

Yes, he needed more information; and secluding themselves wouldn't accomplish gaining anything.   However, they had been asked to wait in the Transport Area.

[Lek]

EREWHON

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - Transport Site]

From his watchpoint, Rayek turned to regard his friend, as Lek pressed the matter.  The Ferengi engineer had been terse and surly since the start of the mission.  It was clear he hadn't wanted to be a part of this from the beginning, and Rayek wondered if it was affecting Lek's objectivity.  Still Rayek valued the man's opinion - more often than not, Lek knew what he was talking about.

However, in this - a First Contact encounter - determining that an entire species was not worthy of further observation or contact after a single encounter - less than an hour on the planet, was a bit much for the Romulan.  It seemed arbitrary.

"Yes, I agree the situation is rather sensitive given the miscommunication regarding the Terms of Service.  However, that is all the more reason we need to observe and investigate further,  perhaps there are things we don't yet understand about their culture which explains their behavior.  First impressions are not always correct.  My orders stand, we will continue to observe and interact politely with them while we wait for Discovery to call us back.  For all we know, keeping our distance and ignoring them might be considered rude and offensive.  We don't want to risk that."

His attention then turned to Malik as he returned.

Interesting.  That was certainly something they wouldn't have learned if they had 'kept to themselves'.

"Thank you, Commander Grippen.  That's useful to know."

Given that this was a First Contact, it made some sense that the Erewhon people wouldn't know of the Federation... they were at the edge of explored space... but it didn't explain how they could then know about Earth at all.  Nor why the facility owners would create an entire tourist attraction in the guise of an Earth city?

He had so many questions.  Why copy Earth? And why that particular time period?  Where did they get their original DNA material? Did the Erewhon people even know they were clones?

Rayek could objectively understand why those who ran the facility would lie to the clones about their location and status.  Authenticity seemed to be valued here.

Most important of all, was that they had yet to see or meet with the species that actually ran this facility.  Who were they?  What were they like physically if disguises were needed to pass as human?  And did their morals and behavior typify their species, or was this facility an aberration?

Yes, he needed more information; and secluding themselves wouldn't accomplish gaining anything.  However, they had been asked to wait in the Transport Area.

[Erewhon - Transport Site]

Lek took in Rayek's response and held his tongue. Cloned slaves was all he needed to see. There really wasn't another way to see these people, but if Rayek wanted to gather more information, that was his choice. Lek would pass on learning more figuring the 208th Rule of Acquisition covered this situation.

"Aye Sir."

Was the only answer in the face of an order. He would however not put any actual effort into gathering any useful data.

[James Ramort]

[USS Discovery | Bridge]

Buck grimanced, chewing on the inside of his lip as he thought about what Kedan had to say about the quantum fluctations. At least it showed that he wasn't seeing things and such that it was confirmed by someone not on the bridge and was qualified in reading the data sent back from the probe. Though it seemed that the Captain had something to say, and for Kedan, he went:  Standby Ensign

[...]

[Ensign Kedan]
[USS Discovery | Deck 10 | Forward Sensor Module Control Chamber]

"Standing by, if you need anything else from me, call upon us!" 

Climbing out of the small room, he began to make his way back to the Lab Section. If he could be of any use, it would be there with the sensors as much fixed as possible for now.

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - En route to Transport Site]

Rayek nodded as she confirmed reaching the other members of the Away Team.  Soon they would be gathered together.  "Thank you, Lieutenant.".  As she commented her own personal impression about the place, Rayek couldn't fault her.  He also felt ill-at-ease here.  His attention turned then to Ramort and then Lek as each responded to Lachlyn's remark.

Rayek considered Ramort's hypothesis.  It made sense.  Remaining polite had been intention all along but sometimes when in the presence of abuse, people tended to react emotionally and without forethought.

"Unfortunately Lek, Starfleet mandate is not 'avoid contact with new civilizations when they don't meet our expectations and sensibilities'.  We need to be cautious however, and observe them more - all while maintaining a polite demeanor."

As he said this the group arrived at the Transport Site, which seemed to be close to the center of the Marketplace.

T'Sana addressed the gathered Away Team.  "Please remain here while the Facility Coordinator looks into your claims and the issue with the Terms of Service.  Speak my name if you require assistance."  After stating that she disappeared.

Rayek took up a position close to the main thoroughfare to observe.

[James Ramort]
[Erewhon | City Center | Landing Site]

Hearing the Commander's Words, he wondered: What exactly were the limits of their mission. He was growing more and more sure he would write a full report for the bio ethic panel of the Star Fleet Science Panel at this point, but none of that would actually help anyone on this station.

"Declearing the system of limits might be out of the questions, but we should inform the Diplomatic Corps not to send Human Envoys. Given their questionable relationship to their own humans."

[Erewhon]

Malik raised an eyebrow at Tammy's response. "I see. Well thank you Tammy, but I must take my leave."

He stood and joined Hansen to rendezvous back with the commander. They appeared tense, Lek most of all. He wondered what had happened.

"Sir, these humans believe they are all on Earth and haven't heard of the Federation. I've yet to meet a human who wasn't aware of this, something appears to be off."

Not even knowing what the Federation was? That should not have been possible. They hadn't left behind the border region too far behind and their reputation should carry further than the confines of their own jurisdiction.

Unless of course the aliens deprived the humans of any kind of basic information. Especially strange considering to which lengths they had gone to create an environment that resembled earth so closely.

"I wish we could get a chance to talk to one of the humans here without any supervision. We don't know what tech is in these bracelets and a microphone is not out of the questions. I am sure they could shine some light on what is happening here."

[Rayek trLhoell]

EREWHON

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - Transport Site]

[Erewhon - Transport Site]

Lek took in Rayek's response and held his tongue. Cloned slaves was all he needed to see. There really wasn't another way to see these people, but if Rayek wanted to gather more information, that was his choice. Lek would pass on learning more figuring the 208th Rule of Acquisition covered this situation.

"Aye Sir."

Was the only answer in the face of an order. He would however not put any actual effort into gathering any useful data.

The Romulan bit back a sigh at the Ferengi's less than heart-felt response to his order.

Oh well, now Rayek knew that it was a bad idea to coerce the Chief Engineer into leaving his precious engines.

[James Ramort]
[Erewhon | City Center | Landing Site]

Hearing the Commander's Words, he wondered: What exactly were the limits of their mission. He was growing more and more sure he would write a full report for the bio ethic panel of the Star Fleet Science Panel at this point, but none of that would actually help anyone on this station.

"Declaring the system of limits might be out of the questions, but we should inform the Diplomatic Corps not to send Human Envoys. Given their questionable relationship to their own humans."

Not even knowing what the Federation was? That should not have been possible. They hadn't left behind the border region too far behind and their reputation should carry further than the confines of their own jurisdiction.

Unless of course the aliens deprived the humans of any kind of basic information. Especially strange considering to which lengths they had gone to create an environment that resembled earth so closely.

"I wish we could get a chance to talk to one of the humans here without any supervision. We don't know what tech is in these bracelets and a microphone is not out of the questions. I am sure they could shine some light on what is happening here."

Ramort's 'wishing' gave Rayek an idea.  Rayek looked over to his friend.  It was moments like this that he was disappointed that the Ferengi brain was unreachable to telepathy.  "Lek, any chance you could work a miracle from the 21st century tech available here?" He tried not to state outright that he wanted the engineer to jury-rig a signal jamming device, in case they were being monitored at the moment.

The idea had an additional benefit other than provide them an opportunity to speak to the locals undetected - having something 'hands-on' to do might just improve the engineer's mood. 

[James Ramort]

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

[...]

The ship's alerts went off at that point; the radiation levels in the region were starting to increase.  The sensor buoys launched sparked as the radiation reached high levels, and the buoys were destroyed. The shield degradation was starting to accelerate again, but slowly.  The Captain rushed back to the science station with McNair, while he handled the power systems that had caused an issue elsewhere on the ship.

[...]

[James Ramort]
[Erewhon | Landing Site]

While still considering the state of their mission and continuing his scans of ever more pages of the stack of paper that made up the Terms of Service in his hands he suddenly felt something shift in his surroundings.

It was just a moment. A fleeting splinter of time, so short it became almost inconceivable. But it had happened. He was sure of it.

He had been looking down at his tricorder to see how the progress with the current scan was coming along when he could have sworn the lighting changed. From the edge of his field of vision, he believed to have seen the sky changing colour. From a beautiful rich blue to a greyish green. Not longer than it took his brain to receive this information did this impression last.

Looking at his crewmates, he believed to see them like he knew them to be below their holo images for a second. Shirts replaced with clean star fleet uniforms, leis replaced with polished golden and silver pins instead. Features not really human coming forward on the Commanders faces.

But the moment came and went again. Everything was back to normal. Ramort really questioned if he was loosing it.

Trying to reassure himself, he asked the others:

"Please tell me I wasn't the only one who just saw this?"

[Ensign Kedan]
[USS Discovery | Deck 10 | Stellar Cartography]

Having entered a Labspace that hopefully would allow him to get better access to the Probes data and more direct computer access, the Stellar Cartography seemed like a logical choice.

The large room was dominated by the giant holo-screen on the far side of the room. The walls adorned by more screens and smaller workstations. Long collums of raw sensor data from all over the hull of the ship converging in this location to be reconstructed into a high definition display of the system they were currently in.

The door had barely closed behind him that he heard a loud alarm noise. Radiation warning flashing on most screens now. The Ensign barely focused on them as he saw something else, something very strange.

The planet, covered by an impenetrable shield, glitched for a second, for lag of a better word. Its invincible dome loosing its form for what the computer recorded as only half a second, before takings its unbreakable form again.

"Kedan to Bridge, not sure if you just saw this, but the planet just glitched. Something seems to be going on other there." 

[Lorut Vila]

{USS Discovery| Bridge}

Vila was working quickly to keep the systems up and running at minimum power and to turn off anything and everything unnecessary. She hoped no one was in the showers because there goes the non-essential water storage system.

She got Kedan's ping from Science. "Sir, Science has a communique," she said, making Kedan's words public. She then brought up a view of the planet's system on the view screen.

"RAS!*" She said. She made a small face, but only Tekin would understand the curse. "He's right. What is HAPPENING?" She turned to McNair. "When you're finished with what the Captain asked you to do, let's see if we can run some decoding stuff and see if we can recreate that," she said. A quick algorithm would bring up a fake planet with the same parameters. It might tell them what's happening. She clicked on her Comms.

=/\=Ensign Foucher. Did you see what Science reported=/\=

She tensed, her flight/fight response kicking in. Danger.

*Ras is the Bajoran word for "damn".

[James Ramort]

"Doc, I'm an engineer. Can I separate that panel? You better believe i can. As for power, not much there anyway. I cut off the power as soon as  heard. I just restored enough to open the door. Say the word and I'll have it all shut down!" M'nia said with a flick of her tail. The caitian engineer was very confident. "I agree about separating him from it right now doc. Bess to do that in sickbay with the proper equipment."

[Dr. Phlome]
[USS Discovery | Deck 11 | Access Corridor 14]

"Ok, I will count down from 3. On three please cut the panel. I will stabilize his arm to prevent it from .. tearing.

3
2
1

NOW!"

On her mark, she grabbed Officer Kanes arm. Preventing it from crashing down as the panel came off.

[Lek]

EREWHON

(Ramort, Lek, Tanner & Rayek)
[Erewhon - Transport Site]

The Romulan bit back a sigh at the Ferengi's less than heart-felt response to his order.

Oh well, now Rayek knew that it was a bad idea to coerce the Chief Engineer into leaving his precious engines.

Ramort's 'wishing' gave Rayek an idea.  Rayek looked over to his friend.  It was moments like this that he was disappointed that the Ferengi brain was unreachable to telepathy.  "Lek, any chance you could work a miracle from the 21st century tech available here?" He tried not to state outright that he wanted the engineer to jury-rig a signal jamming device, in case they were being monitored at the moment.

The idea had an additional benefit other than provide them an opportunity to speak to the locals undetected - having something 'hands-on' to do might just improve the engineer's mood.

[Transport Site - Erewhon]

Lek looked unconvinced. He was a great engineer, but this was going to be a stretch given the completely unfamiliar technology.

"I can give it a try, but since they took my tool kit, it's going to be a challenge. As to jamming these things, can't you just adjust the frequency to be out of phase to the others so that the feedback will keep them from being able to pick up anything. "

[M'Nia]

M'nia cut the panel. She had come prepared. It didn't take all that long to get it cut. "Ok doc. Panel cut. Anything else you need or that I can do for you?"  The caitian asked. he wasn't very knowledgeable about medical matters. Anything engineering, now that was her specialty. Her tail flicked back and forth as she waited for the answer.