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[[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]]

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]

Buck was always in awe of those who had pursued the medical or scientific field, their jargon and depth of what they needed to know and learn far surpassed his tactical and operations training that he had gone through at the Academy. He listened into the conversation with a non-judgemental face, trying not to think of the worst that they would have a confirmation of a complete loss of life but realistically, what Kedan and the rest of the readings were finding....Buck held that in the back of his mind for now.

Organic material.

Breen.

Species 8472. A cold chill ran down Buck's spine as he considered the ramifications of this being one of the options. A species designated by number rather than any meaningful name.

His eyes dropped to the readings of the scans brought back from the Away Team and the shuttle as they neared the Momentary. He would keep an eye out as best he could, whilst ensuring that they weren't going to become too vulnerable to outside threats that might have been using the dead ship in space as a lure. Buck looked over at the Captain, wondering how he was feeling right now.

"Aye Captain," Buck replied. "Reckon the Admiral doesn't want to send anyone out here in case it is Species 8472 , so they don't lose anyone else?"

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

The Captain gave a bit of a dry chuckle.  "Makes you comfortable, doesn't it?" he stated, shaking his head.  "That's what we signed up for - we don't have the ships or personnel to send a proper search party, so we're the investigatory bait. Old as she is, Discovery is certainly one of the best ships to handle threats on her own. Ability to be three ships at once, and not even need a fully manned crew to control the other hulls.  We'll be fine."

[USS Tereshlova docked to USS Momentary]
"Ramort to Discovery. Understood and received. We will retrieve the sample as soon as operational access has been achieved. If any of these not so good news species turn up on your sensors we'd appreciate an update for quick evacuation." 

"We have sensors to maximum and complete comm and transporter lock on you and your team.  Say the word and we pull you out.  Discovery out."

While they stood by, the sensors had a momentary period where there was just... nothing.  No ships, no energy signature, no background noise.  As fast as it was there, it was gone.  It looked like a malfunction of the sensor beam.

[[USS Discovery | Deck 10 | Science Lab 3]]

[Ensign Kedan]
[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]

Kedan had glanced to McNair at his question, but couldn't immediately provide an answer. He felt like he was all but wrestling with the science station console. Most of the scans he tried to run to evaluate the strange netting/webbing on the Momentary's hull were coming back inexplicably inconclusive (he started a sensor self-calibration on the back up system, just to rule out some kind of internal failure in the Discovery as the root cause). He could only get a clear answer on the most basic and simple of scans. "The scanners are having a hard time with this netting, but I can say that it seems to be composed of organic material, Captain."

Even just that information felt slightly chilling--statistically speaking, the presence of organic material on the external hull increased the likelihood of this being caused by some kind of encounter with hostile, sentient life and decreased the of being cause by an interaction with some rare or dangerous astrophysical phenomenon or internal systems failure. Though neither were impossible. And as a warpfield specialist he was naturally drawn towards trying to understand what could have caused a warp core failure severe enough to spread deuterium across half the solar system. He spent the time waiting for the scanners calibration cycle to finish by studying the details of the the deuterium reading in open space immediately surrounding the Discovery and the Momentary.

He forwarded the meager information about the organic nature of the webbing along with the garbled raw data down to Lt. Hayes in the labs.

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

Nevir frowned at the words from his officer about it being organic.  That certainly reduced the number of possibilities, but none of those were good, and he knew it. He shook his head in response.

"Organic is not good... make sure the lab has those scans." he stated, but it didn't take long before he got a message.

[USS Discovery | Deck 10 | Science Lab 3]

"Good suggestion," Hayes said, her tone brisk. Eager to report the theories to the bridge, she tapped her communicator.  "Hayes to bridge. We've received the data on the organic webbing and have developed two working theories. The first points to the Breen, based on their history with organic ships and energy-draining weapons. The second...Species 8472, given their use of organic structures and the difficulty we're having scanning the material. I am sending you the cooroborating material. We recommend adjusting sensor parameters to detect Breen energy signatures as well as organic matter in the system - shuttle-sized and upwards. And keep an eye out for any signs of Borg presence on the long range scanners. Additionally, we request authorization to retrieve a physical sample of the net for further direct analysis - in at least a Class III stasis container."   Hayes hastily added the last part after Trix had pointed out to her the regenerative properties of species 8742's biotech on a console in the middle of her call to the bridge.

After closing the channel, Hayes glanced back at Trix and Rajagopalan. "Let's keep working. If we're right about either theory, we'll need every piece of information we can get. We also need to find a get me at least a potential source for those deuterium readings, they must come from somewhere, lead somewhere."

Trix nodded, already diving back into the database to do further digging - maybe there was another alternative he had missed? A third option? The enigma of the Momentary was far from solved, but at least now, they had some direction. What truly lurked in the back of Trix's mind, however, was the feeling that whatever did this to the Momentary was likely still out there. Watching? Waiting? He felt the uneasy feeling drag at him like an anchor that if they weren't careful, the Discovery might be next.

Before anyone could respond, Nevir went to his chair and activated the comms.

"Bridge here." he said, listening to the two theories.  Good, the science officers had the same thought.  Bad; the science officers had the same thought.

"We are in an unknown region of space, ideally both the Breen and 8472 shouldn't be anywhere near this region, which leaves a possible third option... a new threat.  We'll make sure the away team gets your sample. Let me know if you determine anything else.  Tekin out."

"Mr. Kedan, adjust sensors to match, maximum range.  I firmly believe we don't need to worry about the Borg, but keep a watch anyways.  I would rather not be proven wrong." he stated, sitting down in his chair and hailing the shuttle.

"Tereshlova, this is Discovery.  Material on the Momentary is coming back as an unknown organic, which is known to at least two species, neither of which is good news. If you get a chance, take a sample in a class III stasis field for study."

With that, and a response, he stopped the comm without closing the channel to keep a lock on, and leaned back, fighting back the emotions in the back of his mind at the thought of a friend no longer being here. And dead in such a horrible way...

His thoughts were interrupted with a response from Starfleet, which Never ordered to be put on the main viewer, creating a box in the middle of the view of the ship and the face of Admiral Kirsten Clancy.

"Admiral Clancy, we found the Momentary, she is adrift and lifeless.  I've sent a team to investigate."

"Captain Tekin, have you confirmed loss of all hands?"

"Not yet, ma'am, but there are no lifesigns registered.  No atmosphere in the shop at all, and no power."

"Your report mentioned something on the ship?"

The Captain glanced at the Ops officer and nodded, and another box opened next to the Admiral with a view of the broken ship.

"Its some sort of organic netting, or webbing.  Computer doesn't recognize it, but there are two known species that use organic materials, Breen and 8472. There is also a gash in her secondary hull."

"We've had no reports of Breen activity in that region, and the computer should have read something if it was them.  8472 shouldn't be anywhere near this quadrant, and last report from Admiral Janeway stated there was no concern from them after their most recent encounter.  If it is Species 8472, then we have no idea what may have changed in the 20 plus years since Voyager's last contact.  Keep us informed of what you find.  And good luck, Captain." she stated, before closing the channel.

"I don't like this..." he stated, sighing and shaking his head. "Keep our position.  And let me know the moment something reads on the scanners."

[[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]]

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]

"I see it too, not sure what this is."

Webbing, why did that make his spine feel like ice? What was webbing doing in space? How did it relate to the gash in the ship.

There were plenty of crystalline materials that could be formed by the mixture of gases and minerals mixing when the ship were to be impacted by a body moving through interstellar space. Usually these formations would be larger and more chaotic in strucure, form spikes and dislocated nexuses. A web might hint at a simultanous release of energy from the grid. Closer analysis might uncover the structures to match the with the powergrid of the ship underneath.

"Aye Sir!"

"Ensign Dupont, Lieutenant M'Nia, Officer T'Rea, please report to the Shuttle Bay." 

"Lieutenants Soreka, Michael, Lorut, please join me too, " turning around he saw Lieutenant McNair just enter the Bridge, "Perfect timing, Lieutenant McNair, please take over the Ops Station."

Having called for his team, he went for the Turbolift. The Shuttlebay his destination.

[USS Discovery | Deck 10 | Shuttle Bay]

Looking as his team assembling around him, his mind was spinning. The mystery of what happened to the Momentary still everpresent in his thoughts.

"Glad to see you all assembled here so quickly. We are on a mission to find out what has happened to our fellow Star Fleet Colleagues. We don't know what has happened to their ship but we found it in pretty bad shape. Most of you have probably already seen the images by now. Given we don't know what caused this damage and the ship's atmosphere and life support systems are unstable, please all suit up in environmental suits, also keep your phasers ready, in case we find out these damages were more artificial in nature."

"And if any of you have any theories as to what might have caused this, feel free to share them, same if you spot anything suspicious."

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]
"I'm not reading any breathable atmosphere in the ship," T'Rea reported to the bridge with a quietness to her tone that managed to convey her solemnity even as her expression stayed carefully composed. She was sparking with curiosity to understand what had occurred here, but she took a moment to let the gravity of the situation sink in. The Momentary's records showed a crew compliment of nearly a thousand souls. Each of them was a whole person with family, friends---now all lost. The death of her own youngest child had driven her here: to deep space, to the Discovery, and if there was one thing she had learned from Yiluv's passing, it was the grief was better faced in the moment then pushed aside to be dealt with at some undefined 'later'.

Ensign Kedan's mouth was set in a thin line. "There's no power left either--not even emergency power." He too understood the ramifications for the other ship's crew, but quickly moved on, magnifying the view of the ship on his screen "I'm having a hard time making out the composition of that... net." He didn't have a better word for it at the moment--and while he was young, he was experienced enough to know when to ask for support.

"Ensign Kedan to Lieutenant Hayes, I'm sending you some images of of some kind of webbing that seems to be on the Momentary's hull. I haven't been able to get anything meaningful on the scanners yet. Can you have the team down there look into it?" he requested to the Science department's defacto head.

[USS Discovery | Deck 10 | Science Lab 3]
Lt. Emily Hayes had spent much of the last few hours managing the anxious uncertainty of the Science Department's less experienced members, and now she was ready to put them to work. "Ensign Ch'Rehllan, come have a look at this," she called over to the newly arrived Andorian with a gesture at her terminal, now displaying several images of the listing Momentary and it's strange formations on the hull. "Have you ever seen anything like it?"

[USS Discovery| Deck 10 |Shuttle Bay]
The only sign of surprise T'Rea had displayed at Commander Ramort's request to report to the shuttle bay was a blink, and she made quick work of handing off her portion of the station to Kedan. He had momentarily put a hand on her shoulder in a gestures she interpreted as encouraging, and then she had followed the rest of the XO's chosen group into the lift.

It was strange to turn left towards the shuttle bay instead of right to the labs when they exited on Deck 10, but such thoughts were quickly brushed aside by Ramort's welcome speech. Environmental suits were familiar--she'd used them often in the course of post-doctoral research, where she'd established and maintained harsh environments setups for the study of plant ecology. Phasers were decidedly less familiar, and she strapped it on somewhat awkwardly when it was distributed to her by Lt. Soreka.

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

He nodded as Ramort called for an away team and headed for the turbolift.  Nevir considered taking a seat, but instead opted to stand as the officers changed out around him to replace the called officers for the away team. He stood staring at the drifting husk of a ship he knew, and a Captain he feared was gone. He would be lying if he said he didn't feel the chill going down his own spine.

"Ops, cancel hailing frequencies... if there isn't even power in the reserves, even if they had comms it wouldn't be working. Keep long-range scans active and keep locks on the shuttle and away team when they leave. Send a message to Starfleet, let them know we've found the Momentary and are investigating.  Likely all hands lost due to an unknown incident."

Kalem slipped quickly into his suit. It was one thing that he had learned while being a fighter pilot to do at a fast pace. He also pulled out his phaser and made sure that it was set to stun.

Probably not going to need it. but better to make sure I'm not going to accidentally kill someone because I didn't check it.

He sat down at the flight controls and started his preflight. A few moments later after everyone had boarded the shuttle he activated the coms

"Discovery control, this is Tereshkova. Ready to leave the barn"

Kalem waited for the authorization to leave and head out to the derelict ship.

"You are clear to launch.  Good luck and don't take unnecessary risks.  Start with investigating the hull damage and unknown material."

"Helm, maintain position.  Extrapolate its course and see where it's drifting too."

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge | Science Station]

Even in the wake of Ensign Kedan's department-wide notification about their search-and-rescue mission, T'Rea was relatively surprised when he summoned her to the bridge. In the months since the Erewhon incident the enlisted officer been called up to assist on the bridge time and again, but it was still far from a standard occurrence.

On the other hand, she had noticed a increased air of familiarity from both Ensign Kedan and Ensign Rajagopalan since their teamwork under pressure during that crisis--something that she herself wasn't completely immune to. There was a sense of trust that simply went deeper than it had before or than it did with the rest of the ship's scientists. And both officers had written commendations praising her sensor analysis capabilities, which had contributed to her promotion to Petty Officer 3rd class... So perhaps Kedan's request she join him on the bridge in their current situation wasn't so surprising after all.

She offered Kedan a respectful nod as she entered the bridge and took her place at the console besides his to help coordinate sensor sweeps.

"Received," she acknowledged respectfully (though she had indeed already been viewing the same readings on her own screen prior to Lorut's statement, trying to verify what she was looking at before announcing it to the bridge at large). "I can confirm elevated levels of deuterium--it appears to be a trail as opposed to to a single, stationary source. There's hydrogen as well, but it will take a minute before I can verify if it's naturally occurring or not.". After all, hydrogen was all but ubiquitous in stellar medium, and there was no shortage of that in the S-TBMT4-23 system, though in this case the Ops officer's instincts seemed to be proven correct.

"Scanning for life signs," T'Rea affirmed the captain's orders, even as Kedan spoke simultaneously.

"Checking status of their emergency power grid, sir," the Benzite ensign notified.

Both he and T'Rea leaned forward intently over their consoles, and Kedan also simultaneously tapped the department-notification button with his left hand, sending a prewritten ping to the rest of the Science department to be prepared to drop anything they might be currently working on in case they were called upon to assist. If it really came down to it, all the scientists on the ship had up to date first aid and crisis response training that could help supplement the medical department in a pinch...

{USS Discovery|Ops Console|Bridge}

No kidding. Still, she sighed, but nodded.

"Aye, sir," she said. He knew that the likelihood of finding anyone or getting a response was nil, right?! They had a better shot of Vila herself being elected Queen of France. She issued the hail, and waited.

"Nothing, but I'll keep monitoring it," she said. "Anything else?"

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]

Seeing the Momentary simply hang in space, dark and without any indication or life, made his stomach drop. If Deuterium was leaking, whatever damage they had sustained could not have been superficial. At least their inner tanks would have needed to be rupture, hinting at deep structural damage.

If their crew was still active, they should have switched to back up power at least, stabilising the ship's systems enough to at least keep the lights on.

"I don't like the look of this, please also focus the scans for any energy signatures."

"Ramort to Engineering. We found the Momentary handing in Space, traces of Deuterium in the space around the hull. Please assemble a team of Engineers and gather your tools, we might be required to render some hands on assistance." 

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

"Stand by to try again Miss Lorut." he stated, acknowledging what she was getting.

Tekin had by now stood up, looking at the floating ship that seemed to have aged decades despite it being less than a 3rd of the age of the vessel he stood on. He was trying to understand why while listening around him. The news was not good from any of his officers.  No response to hails, no lifesigns detected, or unable to be detected.  Warp core was cold and power reserves seemed to be drained. Lifesupport was non-existent. A relatively newer vessel looked like a dead relic.

A sensor beep went off before he could speak, and as it gave its message, the ship had listed enough for the Captain and the rest of the bridge to see what it was pointing out. A gash in the ventral hull, it looked like it was large enough for a couple of decks and several sections.

"A possible explosion? But that shouldn't completely kill the ship.  It shouldn't even completely kill the deck. Wait... computer.  Enhance section 16-Kilo and magnify." he ordered, and a section of the saucer was highlighted and zoomed in. There was light glinting off it from the star, and there he could see why it looked aged.

"Ramort, do you see that?  There is some sort of netting material all over the hull." he stated grimly, shaking his head.

"Assume the worst; Number One, get an away team suited up and take a shuttle over.  Investigate the ship and see if you can enter.  We don't know if that material will hamper transporters and I do not want to find out the hard way."

[A]

{A bit later}

The Captain had returned, and she was getting satsifactory returns from her people. After tr'Lohell's departure, she was the de facto Department Head, though she had little interest in pursuing a command position at this time. Anything that kept her out of the action was, in her mind, boring, and lesser.

She nodded, and followed it up with a verbal response.

"Yes, sir," she said. She pressed a different button, expecting much of the same data she'd been getting all day. She had never stopped the earlier scans, just ran them peripherally, as they weren't paramount to the current goings-on.

However.

She raised her head.

"Sirs...I am sending this to you. I am picking up faint hints of leaking Deuterium or...something and increased levels of hydrogen...at the far ends of the System." She looked up and met T'Rea's eyes. "Lt. T'Rea, I will send this to you, too," she said, telling the system to do such.

Kalem slowly turned his head to look over at Lorut. His eyes held no emotion his face was dead still. No one of the same rank as him would ever have gotten away with talking to him that way, if not on the bridge and in front of command officers. He expected the XO to come down on the Ops officer. But instead he thanked her and went about his business. Kalem knew Lorut would be a problem. There was nothing he could do about it though in front of higher ranking officers.

After some time

Kalem heard the order and started his own scan. His was mainly navigational information, however just to prove a point he had added the environmental data as well. The sensors pinged and just as he was about to start speaking he heard Lorut speak up.
Kalem smiled to himself and snickered a little. Lorut had just proven what he was saying earlier. Kalem knew that he had to keep himself in check. If he gave Lorut just enough rope, she would probably look like she was controlling, combative, and argumentative. She seemed to be a photon torpedo ready to go off.

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

In truth, he was dreading what they would find. A missing ship rarely ended with good news. Even though he knew Reynolds was a good Captain, he was relatively inexperienced. The best-case scenario is that the ship's comms were down.  The worst?  They would find debris. If even that. He already had all the information from Starfleet, including last log, but they didn't really hint at anything. So hearing his ops chief speak was a bit of a relief.

"Helm, alter course, full impulse." he ordered, glancing at Ramort.  His look said it all... he was worried.

And he had every right to be, an hour or so later when they reached the trail and followed it.  It didn't take long at all for them to find her.

She was lying on her side, slightly angled upside down. There were no lights; even the nacelles were dark. The only way to know it was the Momentary was the shape of the Ross-class and the glint of the hull from the system's star, which showed the name of the ship.

"Lorut, hail the ship.  Start scans.  She's dark."

[USS Discovery | Deck 1 | Bridge]

The door of the lifts opened with a silent wush before him. Hydraulic systems releasing their pressure working as intended. Fully able to seal the doors in case of a loss of power or atmosphere.

Since getting the news of his promotion, he had begun to notice these small details about the ship. His mind keeping a running list of details and constantly checking for things he had missed. The new responsibility that had been placed on him, a constant thought in the back of his mind.

The Bridge was filled with Officers and specialists from various departments. A routine working flawlessly. A slight feeling of pride was blooming in his chest. After all the upheaval of the last months, he was happy to see they still were able to hold onto their mission.

Walking past the stations directly adjacent to the Turbo lift, memories of him working the science station himself came back to him. Good times burying himself into streams of sensor data and completing radiological studies and astronomical scans.

Without another thought, he crossed the last meter to this chair. A grand panorama presenting himself on the main viewer. Blueish glowing nebulas forming a landscape around the ship. Twisting in on themselves, they formed towers, forests and deep lakes, filled with young stars instead of merely reflecting the night sky-high above them. Sights like these were just what they were out here for. Finding what could not be found anywhere else.

Seeing their new Flight Chief taking his station, the same time, he wanted to get his input on these new scenes.

"Those are a lot of stars out there, any interesting close by?"

As he was still contemplating the beauty of the surrounding expanse, a ping on his PADD drew his attention. The identification clearly stating the message to be a priority communiqué from Star Fleet HQ.
Inputting his personal access codes, he decrypted the message:

From: Star Fleet Command
To: USS Discovery Command Personnel

Update of Mission Parameters - Priority One
Contact to the USS Momentary has been lost 48 Hours ago and could not be re-established. The USS Discovery is to proceed to the Momentary's last known position and investigate and render assistance if necessary.
Star Fleet Command, San Francisco.

Reading through the update to the mission, he sighed, of course his first mission as First Officer could not simply be a charting and scrying mission.

"Captain, we got new Orders. This just came over subspace."

Handing the PADD to the Captain, he went ahead informing the rest of the Crew.

"Helm, download the last flightpath we have on record for the Momentary and set a course for where they should have been aproximitly two days ago. Operations and Science, please prepare and coordinate a potential search grid. Tactical we might be looking at a potentially hostile situation, please give me an update on the status of our shields, we wouldn't run into any problems with all the nebulas around us."

Kalem tapped the chief on the shoulder and settled into the Helm position.

"Aye, Sir."

He started a computer search for the location needed and then a navigational sensor sweep. He was glad he did because there was a nebula that had a similar radiation reading to the one in Erewhon.

"Ops, we might need those special shields we had installed for the Erewhon system's radiation. I'm getting a similar reading from one along our path.
I would hate to have a similar situation occur to last time we ran into it."

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

A dry chuckle came from the Captain at Lorut's response.  "I'm glad I'm not the only one questioning time.  Maybe its a Bajoran thing..." he stated, turning back to the viewscreen just as the doors opened and he saw his newest First Officer take the bridge.  It was going to be big shoes to fill; Rayek was someone the Captain served a long time with. But in truth they knew command changes were nearly inevitable. Especially considering that it was the senior officers that were vastly reduced after Frontier Day.

"Welcome to the Bridge... Number One." he stated, nodding as he looked back at the screen, until his focus was interrupted by a signal coming in.  A quiet one, which was already concerning.

"The Momentary?  That's Captain Reynolds's ship." he added, shaking his head. Luckily he didn't need to give the orders; Ramort was already on top of it.

"Mr Ramort, take the Bridge, I'll be in my ready room." he stated, standing up and walking towards his office.  As part of protocol he had to try to make contact with Starfleet command.

[not]

{Ready Room|USS Discovery}

Vila rolled her eyes. She, for one, was happy to never see the Ferengi ever again.

"That's STILL running from your problems," she noted. SHE ran into problems, though. Perhaps there was some sort of happy medium?! There must be.

"They won't courts martial me. I'll ask too many uncomfortable questions they have no good answers to. That said, Captain, if I agree to spend a night in the brig, and see the Counselor, can I go already?" She sighed.

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Discovery]

Lek stopped at the door to add.

"You really are compelled make an ass out of yourself. When you need to know my business, I still won't tell you, now how about, to use the hyoomon expression, you go piss up a rope? You vile excuse of a sentient being."

Lek then moved out of the range of the door and it closed behind him. Crossing the bridge, he entered the turbolift and headed for his quarters to pack.

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room]

"Alright, that's ENOUGH!" the Captain shouted, probably loud enough for the rest of the Bridge to hear, and he was standing at this point, his face nearly red.

"Vila that was completely uncalled for. That kind of behavior wasn't tolerated on our planet, and its not tolerated here. Lek isn't 'running away'.  Had you listened to what I was saying, you would have heard exactly why he requested a transfer, and know that it had nothing to do with the previous mission."

"You ARE going to see the Counselor regularly, and you ARE going to spend the night in the brig for this conduct unbecoming of an officer.  You will then go through the Starfleet code of conduct and make sure you follow EVERY tenant. I was going to tell you that yes, I already submitted a report to the Federation Council, as has always been my duty.  Now, Vila, you are dismissed, and if you aren't in the Brig in a half hour I will call security. Lek, you are still dismissed.  Both of you out of my office."

Captain's Log, Stardate 79969.5

Discovery has been sent to the farthest reaches of the Typhon expanse.  Not much is known about this region of space so near the center of the galaxy.  Only a few vessels have ever made it here, and its only real claim to fame is the source of the initial Borg attack decades ago.

With recovery efforts still underway to get the Federation back to where it was before the last Borg attack decimated the fleet, Discovery is searching for any threats still out here, especially if the Jupiter cube wasn't the last one in existence.

With the hopes that this remains a quiet mission chasing shadows, this gives my crew a chance to adapt to new changes, like a new first officer and a new chief engineer....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

Nevir raised the mug to his lips and took a drink of the warm raktigino as he looked at the latest sensor sweep.  Just another round of... nothing.  He almost wished he had the same luck as the Enterprise.  A temporal loop, graviton waves... something to justify their ship being all the way out there.

"Prepare another Class 5 probe. Launch when ready. And tell me its still today." he said, shaking his head.

[Captain's Ready Room - USS Discovery]

Lek stood at the position of attention and did not speak. He knew thus was not a two-way conversation. This was a 'take your lumps and enjoy it' situation. However, he could still express his thoughts silently.

"Thing is, Captain's pretty much on the latinum regarding how I had behaved, but I not a diplomat and that was a well known fact. He should have followed his lobes and stayed on the ship, which was where he was actually needed given what happened while he was gone."

When the Captain finished speaking, Lek risked a short reply.

"I believe it is best for me to go. Excelling at anything requires you love what you do and I can't honestly said I love being here any more. It has been an honor to be your Chief Engineer. I hope my replacement serves you better than I could."

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room]

The Captain sighed.  It was obvious he was disappointed, but nevertheless, he nodded.  "I respect Rule of Acquisition number 58: There is no substitute for success.  If you no longer feel you can succeed on Discovery, then I won't stop you from finding that path. Alright, then Lieutenant Commander Lek, I hereby approve your request to transfer effective immediately.  You can disembark when we reach Solaere station and from there decide where the winds take you. May the Prophets guide your path." he added, invoking his own culture.

"You may either resume duty until we reach Solaere, or appoint your temporary successor.  I would also request a list of candidates to fill your role if you have any personal recommendations.  Its been an honor serving with you, and being your Captain. Mr Lek, you are dismissed."

With that, he turned to Lorut, the last one he needed to make sure was addressed.

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

"Thank him for what?! Stopping me from rescuing the others? Not everyone is out there, Captain," she said.

"I was TRYING to get the rest of the crew. The others are safe. They call it...what's the word? Relegation? Delegation!" She said, snapping her fingers. "I think they put some kind of gas or something in here. My head hurts..." She sighed. "I am sorry."

She nodded. She understood. She would've been much harder on her, actually.

"Understood. May I see medical first? I'll take a guard," she said. She followed him out to the main holding area, and then to the ship.

She knew things had gone wrong. She had started out so well, but she didn't know how to STOP the overwhelm. She was just...stuck in the cycle.

[Erewhon Station - Holding Cell]

The Captain held his composure to what his officer was saying but was firm in his decision.  He didn't reply to her, but nodded, following her out until a security officer was able to take over and walk with her.  Finally, he headed for the airlock... choosing to avoid the transporter this time.  He needed the time to walk and mull over how he would deal with this situation.

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Main Bridge]

He couldn't avoid a check with the medical team as they somehow found him after he boarded, so he at least made it to the Bridge fully whole and intact.  He walked over to his chair and sat down, looking over the displays.  It would see that the Erwhons were indeed good to their word, as Discovery was 100% across the board.  The ability to make such microscopic repairs on a ship they had never encountered before was fascinating, if a little disturbing.

Nevir waited for the engineering team to board, and then ordered their new design to be connected and engaged.  He then ordered the ship to prepare for departure and had the helm pull them away from the station, making sure to pick up the shuttle.  Then it was time to exit, and luckily for them, the engineering team's idea did in fact work.

~~~~~~~~~

Captain's Log, Supplemental.

We are set course for the nearest starbase to make sure there are no lasting effects from the unusual stellar radiation the ship sustained. This new shielding technology will be thouroughly tested and refined, but what my Engineering team did was nothing short of a miracle.  I only wish my Chief Engineer could have been part of this development.  Instead, while we head off to the unknown, I have to deal with disciplinary actions... and transfers....

[Epilogue]

[USS Discovery - Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room]

The Captain was standing behind his desk, holding a PADD in his hand, as he addressed the two senior officers in his room.

"There are no more fragile eggshells to walk than in a First Contact situation. Normally in such a situation, I would have handled it personally, but in my absence I expected my senior officers to know how to act, no matter how intolerable or disgusting the environment they are exposed to.  The Prime Directive is not just about not interfering with pre-warp development, but also respecting and not interfering with the cultures of other worlds.  Now maybe those things were human beings, or maybe they were not, that was never for us to decide, and certainly not our place to pass judgment.  That goes to the Federation Council; we just submit the report, and wait to hear instructions after their own assessment. You saw how advanced their technology was, Lek, did you consider that you could have put the ship in danger? And you, Lorut, didn't know what they were dealing with, and your actions jeopardized negotiations to get us out of this situation. A Captain who can't control his senior officers, let alone his crew."

He sighed and slumped back in his chair.  "You two have something very much in common.  You come from cultures where distrust was essential for survival. Assume the other side has ill intent and prepare for it, or you lose everything you have.  You're both cautious, and I respect and support that, but when to action and when to hold it in is essential for being Starfleet officers."

"Now, Commander Lek... before I could even finish my report you send me this." he held up the PADD.  "I understand there have been some... personnel... issues since the recovery, and I know a lot of officers are feeling it.  You've been a fine Chief Engineer, and I hope you can realize that.  We have disagreed, we've butted heads, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.  So if this is what you truly want, I will grant it with full recommendations for any assignment you are looking for. This will be in your record, but I don't want this last mission to define your service to this ship and crew."

"Lorut... you have potential.  Prophets you have potential.  And I know you are haunted even more directly by the past than most Bajorans going into Starfleet. I feel like we were making progress.  But I understand if you too want to leave the ship."

[Greetings crew of the Discovery. I am pleased to report that your ship has been fully repaired and clear of the hazards of this system. While normally we would urge you to stay until the solar cycle wound down, I have been cleared by the administration and your Captain to allow you to return to your ship. We hope you enjoyed your stay!]

[Erewhon | Reception | Exiting the Facility Manager's Office]

It was a longer negotiation that he expected, but the results were good for both parties. The Captain finally left the office to join with his command offices.

"Prepare the crew for departure.  I have to go visit the station's security office." he stated, as he was directed to where he was supposed to go.

{Erewhon Station|Holding Cell}

Vila was equally unmoved. With a fire in her eyes, she shot back.

"Tell him, with due respect-which isn't much right now-that I will NOT allow him to sacrifice himself. And if he makes any more "suggestions," I will airlock him myself," she said. She had a feeling her words would not be delivered in that way. "Unless it's a direct order, he's to stand down. You can do with me whatever you wish-and it's your funeral if you touch me-but he has a family, a job, a life. I don't." She said. "So he can take his "wishes" and shove them down his throat," she said.

"So what'll it be, Hologram Man?" She asked, meanly.

[Erewhon Station - Holding Cell]

"You should thank Hologram Man, and the Erewhon in general. You lucked out for both of our sakes," he stated, showing up from the doorway.  He walked over and stood in front of her, his arms crossed.

"I gave you one order, Lorut.  Just one.  Keep the crew safe and together. And while I am trying to get our remaining senior staff released I get told that you have broken both my order and the rules of the facility.  Do you have any idea what kind of position that puts me into?  Especially in a First Contact situation?" he stated, nodding to the hologram.  The imprisonment was disabled.

"Miss Lorut, you are confined to your quarters until we exit the system.  I will have to have a talk with you later about this incident.  Luckily for you, I am also able to leave.  You are dismissed." he stated, solemnly.

Back with the rest of the crew, the hologram that first greeted the crew appeared at the airlock to Discovery.

"Greetings crew of the Discovery.  I am pleased to report that your ship has been fully repaired and clear of the hazards of this system.  While normally we would urge you to stay until the solar cycle wound down, I have been cleared by the administration and your Captain to allow you to return to your ship. We hope you enjoyed your stay!"

[Fleet Applications - Join Here!]

Greetings!  I am the science instructor for Shadowfleet.  I have prepared your Science ATC here.

[[Erewhon Station - Facility Manager's Office]]

[Erewhon Station - Facility Manager's Office]

Two tentacles slapped the ground percussively numerous times before the Facility Manager spoke. "Your willingness to accept responsibility for your officer's actions is noted, and appreciated, Captain.  However, before we deal with that, I believe you had some questions."

The Lyssarian used a tentacle to change the scene on the viewscreen.  It now showed an aerial view of town.
"Erewhon, is a recreational facility catering primarily to Lyssarians, though a few neighbouring species - from the Delta Quadrant as you call it - have visited on occasion.  Transmissions of your 21st century Earth have recently fascinated my people so this facility was built to highlight that.  The 'clones' as you call them, are artificial life that we grew in our labs, based on a detailed study of the Human species genetic structure, which we removed the whhrreee from and then programmed to specific tasks.  They were designed to mimic Human life, but they are no more real life than holograms or animatronics."
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Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

Running in a restricted area with a phaser rifle.  Yeah, that certainly sounded like Lieutenant Lorut.
Mouthing his reply back he answered back to the security officer.

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant.  Thank you.  The Captain is aware and will secure the officer's release.  Do keep a watch to be sure no others make the same attempt. tr'Lhoell out."

He tapped behind his ear to close the commline and then looked over to Ramort who he noted was looking discreetly through his tricorder.  He hoped that meant the Lieutenant understood his message earlier.  His glance then moved to Lek, whose demeanor was still of one who wasn't going to back down - even if it meant the Captain had to take responsibility for his actions.

Rayek kept his attention roving between the Captain and the Lyssarian's conversation; Lek - making sure the Ferengi didn't worsen the situation with more of his opinion; and Ramort - waiting for a reply to his query.

When he noted Ramort's finger tapping on his chin... Rayek's attention focused on that.  He deciphered the tapping, but was a little uncertain of its entire meaning.

CONSEQUENCES: HOLDING, FEES, CONDITIONAL MEMORY REMOVAL IN EDGE CASES

Memory removal?!  That was concerning.. and what constituted an 'edge case'?

Rayek wondered which would be applied in this instance.
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A part of the blank white wall became transparent and Vila saw on the 'view screen?' the image of the guide that had first greeted her on Erewhon.

"Lorut Vila.  Lieutenant Junior Grade.  You are being held for trespassing in a restricted area.  Your Captain has accepted responsibility for your transgression and thus will be held accountable in your place."

[Erewhon Station - Facility Manager's Office]

The Captain looked at the Erewhon in front of him with interest. There was a frown before he spoke. "I hope you understand that Earth being a founding member of our Federation there are likely some strong opinions about having beings that frankly look and act like humans.  We have only recently dealt with artificial sentience and rights to those beings who surpass their 'programming'.  We have developed artificial beings of both the positronic and the photonic variety. We initially treated them much like items with a function, but those who naturally gained sentience forced us to confront the idea that even created beings may have rights to themselves.

"Now, unfortunately the term you used that you said you removed from these human-like beings did not translate, but I assume for a culture as advanced, it is something akin to sentience that was prevented.  Either way, such a thing is not for myself or my crew to judge and especially not to condemn.  I personally will admit I am hesitant to accept this explanation from you, and I certainly share the concerns poised by Mr Lek, and I'm sure by Mr tr'Lhoell and Mr Ramort, but that stated, clearly we do not know enough information to render judgement.  I will tell you that as part of our procedures, we will report our findings about you and your world, and leave it for our Council to decide the proper course of action.  That is unless you specifically request no contact, which under the circumstances I would find very understandable."

Then of course, it was the issue of the other officer who had violated the First Contact protocols, and the idea that he was now on the hook for two officers's actions was weighing on him. So much so that he didn't realize he was in silence.

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

There seemed a huge pause as the Lyssarian watched the Captain for a reaction after answering his question about the purpose of the facility.

Rayek glance to his left to study the Captain's expression but even for him it was hard to tell what the Captain thought.

The Lyssarian turned its red glowing eyes upon each of the officers in turn before returning to Captain Tekin.

"So, Captain Tekin Nevir, what shall it be?  What do you deem is a suitable recompense for your officers' actions?"

His dive into protocol and proper compensation was finally interrupted, and he realized he allowed himself to think too long.  He glanced to each side of him at the officer, and sighed.

"You have been able to get a full understanding of our ship, supplies, and culture.  I would request two things before I answer you.  One, following our negotiation I will request to personally visit and handle Miss Lorut. And two, I wish to discuss it privately and request the away team be allowed to return to my crew, especially as senior officers to make sure no one else decides to embarrass myself or Starfleet."

[[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]]

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

Lek was relieved to see the Captain, but when he too seemed focused on making 'First Contact' the center of the conversation and that his welfare was inconsequential. When asked directly by the Captain, he figured his response would determine his future in Starfleet.

"Sir, actually this entire event started on our arrival. Before we could get our bearings, we were transported from the station to the planet, with all of our equipment taken from us. Shortly after arrival, we witnessed a feemale guest berating and abusing a worker over a trivial mistake by the worker. I stepped in to defend the worker. At this point, the 'guest' got offended and demanded recompense. At this point I told her the I didn't owe her anything. I will admit I didn't phrase this delicately and I do regret speaking in such a manner. However, at the time I did not know they locals clone hyoomons and use them as slaves and that the feemale's behavior was considered acceptable.

"Our holographic guide told us that by transporting to the planet we had agreed to their contract. As a Ferengi, I am intimately familiar with contracts as per the 17th Rule of Acquisition. We were transported here without seeing their contract, we could not be bound by it as it requires both parties consent to the contract.

"It was at this point we were informed their contract was posted on the wall where we arrived. However, we then discovered that their ink was not visible to anyone in the away team.

"Since I could not see the contract, I could not consent to it, thus the contract is void. If the locals would just accept this simple fact and allow us, or specifically me, to go, this entire matter would be resolved."

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]
The hologram matrix flickered briefly because of the intensity of the radiation that buffeted barrier that now protected Lorut and her shipmates on the station.  It remained steadfast in her path despite the secondary weapon.

"I am a hologram; your weapon will have no effect on me.  However, if you discharge your weapon on this station, you will be transported by our automated security system to a holding cell and sedated to await your own judgement."  It answered her question plainly before attempting to defuse the situation by offering some assurance.  'Your people' are not being harmed.  They are in a meeting with the Facility Manager presently.  Go back and await your Captain's return."
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[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

Rayek remained silent and composed as the Captain spoke about the strict policies regarding First Contact.  The Romulan refrained from commenting that its intent was to protect 'unprepared' civilizations from the danger of Federation personnel introducing advanced technology, knowledge, and values before they are ready.  This Lyssarian civilization was anything but unprepared - its facility had welcomed their ship.

Hearing the Captain state 'the blame falls on me',  Rayek looked to his superior sharply, wanting to deny the Captain's statement and claim the fault as his own.  He should have had better command of the Away Team and prevented Lek from getting involved in the first place.  Though at the time of the incident, Rayek had felt much the same way as his friend - he too felt the woman was in the wrong for beating the groundskeeper.  If not for Lek speaking up first, it could have been him who was being the one judged by the Lyssarian.

Rayek glanced towards the Ferengi beside him as the Captain called for Lek to speak.  A slight wry twist caught at his lips as he noted that the Captain was wise enough to specify to not be insulting or judgmental...  if only he had been smart enough to add that as a clarifier to his own request when he had Lek say 'hello' earlier.

The Lyssarian Facility Manager listened unobtrusively as the Captain explained the Prime Directive and the standing policy to have the commanding officer assume responsibility for his subordinates' actions.  This last part seemed to catch Wrrhssrw's interest; its' gaze red-lit eyes focusing on the Captain steadily even as offender began to speak to give his explanation.

However, that attention turned to Lek the moment the Ferengi stated that he regretted speaking in such a manner.

At last, some slight sign of remorse from the offender.  It wasn't the required apology or recompense; however, it was an improvement.  The Lyssarian waved several tentacles in the Ferengi's direction in response.

After the officer finished speaking, the manager turned towards the Captain once more.

"Do you have any questions?"

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

The Captained listened intently to both his own officer and the next question from the Facilities Manager.  Things were... unusual... to say the least.  He could see things from Lek's point of view, and the passionate part of him agreed.  But he didn't get Captaincy by giving in to his passions and not looking at things objectively.  It's why many of the upper brass were former Science and Engineering officers.

"They way I see it, there are three main concerns: who this facility is built for, the acessibility of your facilities's terms and conditions, and finally the treatment of both guests and... for lack of a better term: servants."

"I am curious about the first one most of all.  From what I have been told, this facility is very reminiscent of a 21st century Earth, and apparently you even have real, if not cloned, human beings.  Is this a fascination of your people?  And is this facility primarily geared towards your own recreation?"

[Erewhon Station - Restricted Administration Area]

The automated security system took note of the arrival of those attempting to stop the one individual but their attempts seemed futile as the female barreled on past the holographic guard and rounded the corner.  At that point, transporters locked onto her biosignature and the female Starfleet officer was transported into a small blank white, upright oval space with no apparent door or window.  It was like she was trapped in the inside of a standing egg that was only a few feet taller than her.  The sound of hissing seemed to fill the 'egg' as a sedative was administered to the holding cell.

Back at the restricted area, the large humanoid looking hologram adjusted his position to prevent the other three from following the woman.

"This is a restricted area.  Turn back to the Reception Hall or you too will be sent to a holding cell."
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[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

A long series of whistles sounded from the Facility Manager's chair.  Unfortunately, the Universal translators hadn't been provided with enough language context to be able to translate the incoming message.  However, it didn't take long for the Lyssarian to inform the Captain as to the content of the message.

"Captain, I've just been informed that one of your crew has ignored our restricted area warnings, and is now being sedated and kept in a holding cell "

Before his question could be answered, of course something had to happen.  And he didn't need to know who to figure it out.

"Lorut.... Prophets." he said, groaning and shaking his head.  His crew was going to get him killed.

"My specific orders were to keep the crew together and keep them from going down to the surface.  That should have been an easy enough order. And this one was definitely under my direct command.  I'd offer my own brig, but our ship is likely still irradiated.  Do what you must with her, and again, I am forced to take full responsibility for her actions."

Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
[Erewhon | Administrative Area | Waiting Room]

Rayek looked to Lek but by this time the Ferengi engineer had already begun complying.  He would have forwarded this information on but the Captain had already closed the comm.

Rayek followed Lek into the Administrator office where things went from bad to worse with Lek's bold statement.  Rayek felt way out of his depth with this mission.  Lek wasn't the only one who didn't want to be here anymore.  The Romulan could feel a massive headache forming as he listened to Lek and the Lyssarian each try to justify their cultural beliefs.  Rayek at this point wanted nothing to do with either of them... but duty required he stay.

The Lyssarian slid a pair of tentacles against the surface of what appeared to be its chair and suddenly Captain Tekin appeared.
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The room now contained 4 Federation officers facing one Lyssarian, who was 'standing' on three of its tentacles, three others rose to wave above its head as it greeted the Captain.

"Thank you Captain Tekin Nevir, for allowing us to meet.  I am Wrrhssrw" the name sounded like a series of whistles. "I am the Facility Manager of Erewhon.  I am not a government representative of my people; however, I am the only lawful authority on this station and planet so it falls to me to greet you on behalf of Lyssaria."

The tentacles lowered and Wrrhssrw 'sat' upon it's oddly shaped chair.  A second later four human designed chairs appeared in the office facing the Lyssarian.

"Please sit while we talk.".  It gestured with a single tentacle towards the chairs and waited for them to sit before continuing to speak.

Rayek, who had taken a standing position the right of Captain, waited for the Captain to sit first before taking the seat beside his.  He faced the Lyssarian politely, while occasionally glancing towards Lek to be sure he didn't react with more paranoia to this request to sit.

After a moment, regardless of who sat or not,  the Lyssarian spoke. "The situation is that your officer confronted one of my Guests in an insulting manner - an offense on Erewhon.  He claims to be not responsible because the Terms of Service was not agreed to because of a misunderstanding of your visual range - something that will be rectified on our part hereafter.  However, the fact remains that I have a Guest who by our rules is owed reparation; a sincere apology at the least, though monetary compensation is also usually included.  In addition, he has repeatedly slandered our culture, claiming we are making up false accusations to gain money, constructed a weapon in my waiting room under some belief that we mean him harm and has claimed hereafter to petition your Federation to withhold further contact from my people.  I do not want this one incident to poorly represent all of Lyssaria; so, I turn to you, as his Captain, to be make a fair judgement on his behaviour.  If you deem his actions acceptable, I will abide by this and will refund our Guest their full amount in attempt to pay their reparation."

[Erewhon - Facilities Manager Office]

Well.. that name was going to be a challenge, but he didn't say as much.  Right now he was feeling dread... dread at the initial report from his first officer about his second officer and chief engineer.  And dread at the information that was about to be presented.

"First, let me state that I regret the situation has come to this.  We came to this system because we were curious why this planet appeared so lush when the rest of the system was irradiated, and when we didn't detect any lifesigns, we assumed the station had been abandoned.  The automated holograms did not give reason to doubt that assessment.  We have strict policies and procedures when it comes to First Contact with a new race, and those policies may have prevented this incident from happening in the first place. Still, the situation should have never happened regardless." he stated, shaking his head.

"We have a core tenant, the Prime Directive, which forbids interference with another's culture.  There are very few exceptions to that Directive, and in the spirit of it, officers are required to respect the culture of the host world, even if they do not agree with it.  Likewise, we also have a standing policy that any action taken by an officer is the responsibility of their commanding officer.  Which means no matter how serious the issue, the blame falls on me."

"My First Officer informed me that the issue started with my officer giving a lewd remark about this Guest you mentioned?  Mr Lek, would you like to explain the situation in your own words? Objectively, without insults or judgment."