While out on patrol getting familiar with his new command, Rear Admiral Shilov and the crew of the USS April respond to a civilization caught in an industrial catastrophe.
Cold Open/Prelude
Scene Traits: Starship Interior, Command Center
Admiral’s Log Stardate 79428.01
I have been recently assigned to Starbase 88, known as “The Gauntlet”. My job is to oversee the station, it’s fleet and this region of space - the Arcturus Reach. The station and the fleet are part of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, and their main objective is the furthering of the Pathfinder Project. The USS April is the command ship of the pathfinder fleet and I felt it would be a good way to get to know the ship and this region by joining them on a routine patrol through the region. So far the patrol has been uneventful, but experience tells me to always expect the unexpected, as it has a habit of turning up when you aren’t looking.
As the log ends, Admiral Shilov takes the center seat as a crewman hands him a data padd to examine. As Shilov begins to examine the padd, the ship begins to rumble. An alarm from the conn station attracts Shilov’s attention.
”Admiral, subspace shockwave approaching us bearing zero three three mark two!” a chirp statement from Lt. Moga, the Denobulan pilot.
”Shields up! Turn us into the wave to lessen it’s impact!” Barks Shilov.
Moga’s hands dance across the console as the large Ross class vessel turns to meet the wave. Moment’s later, the subspace wave hits the ship as the deflector shield’s flash under the impact. The bridge crew hold on to any surface they can as the ships rocks violently through the wave as it passes by. (Moga: Control + Conn (12) - successes (1+8) + 1 Momentum)
”Report!” Order’s Shilov.
Lt. Commander Li Yesa responds first from tactical. “All decks reporting in. No significant damage. No casualties. A few bumps and bruises, and the hull might need a fresh coat of paint sir.”
Lt. Commander Luigino Sartori responds next from OPS. “Shockwave originated from a near by star system… looks like the Moravii system.”
Shilov recognizes the system from his assignment briefing. ”That’s the home system of the Moravii. They’re currently working towards Federation membership. They’re suppose to have some sort of endless supply of dilithium.”
”Yes sir.” replies the first officer, Commander Sarah Bennett. “The asteroid belt in their system seems to rapidly regenerate dilithium crystals. It’s caught the notice of the Federation.”
”Admiral, sensor’s are picking up a Moravii vessel bearing zero four eight mark three. Looks like they were caught in the shockwave and their power systems are failing.” Reports Sartori.
”Lieutenant, set course and engage. Notify medical to be on stand-by.” Commands Shilov.
Moga lays in the course and engages the ship's warp drive. The USS April turns to it’s new course and it’s warp engines flash as it leaves to intercept the damaged vessel.
Act 1
Admiral’s Log Supplemental
We have intercepted the damaged Moravii vessel and have beamed aboard 2 survivors. One, a male, is in critical condition, while the other, a female, has suffered serious injuries. The ship’s doctor is doing everything they can to help the two survivors, but has asked to speak with me regarding some anomalous readings present with both patients.
Scene 1 (Medbay)
Scene Traits: Starship interior, ship’s medbay/surgical suite
Scene 2 (Bridge)
Scene Traits: Starship Interior, Command Center
The turbo lift opens and Shilov walks out onto the bridge.
“How long until we reach Moravii Prime?” Inquires Shilov as he makes his way to the command chair.
“We’re just entered the Moravii System. At our current heading and speed, approximately 30 minuets sir.” replies Lt. Moga.
Shilov takes his seat and turns towards Lt. Commander Sartori. ”Sartori, what do we know about this system?”
Sartori pulls up the system report. ”The system has 8 planets. Notably Moravii Prime is an M class world and there is an O class as well. The shockwave that hit our ship originated from the asteroid belt near the inner zone of the system.”
”Any idea what caused it?” inquired Sarah Bennett.
Sartori performs a Sensor Sweep (Sartori: Reason + Science (13) - success (10+17))
”Sensor reading from this distance are inconclusive. We’ll have to get closer to get better readings.”
There is a beeping from the console behind the admiral. Lt. Commander Yesa checks the console before speaking to Shilov. “Admiral, we are receiving a hail from Moravii Prime. It’s their First Minister.”
“On screen.” replies Shilov.
The passing star scape on the view screen is replaced by the visage not to dissimilar from the patients in the medbay, but older. There is a sternness to their expression.
“Greetings. I am Admiral Shilov Th’rovoq commanding the USS April. What assistance my we offer First Minister?” Shilov stands and walks closer to the view screen, bowing his head slightly as he sends his greetings.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Admiral.” replies the First Minister. “I’ve just been briefed that two of our people are in your care.”
”Regrettably First Minister, one of the two patients didn’t survive. The other patient seems to be recovering well.”
”That is unfortunate.” The Minister sighs, closing his eyes for a moment before continuing. “I’ll have one of my aids send you the coordinates for you to return our people once you’re in orbit.”
Shilov nods. ”Also, I’d like to request that your chief medical officer comes to our ministry of health to debrief with our doctors about the situation.”
”Is there something more you need than what is contained in her reports? I can assure you that Commander Pend is very thorough in her reports.”
Shilov pushes for more information (Insight + Security (12) - success (7+17)) but doesn’t get much more.
”We would prefer an in person account of the treatment so that we can ensure the reports accuracy.” replies the First Minister.
Shilov suspects there’s more to this than the Minster is letting on but wants to keep relations smooth to ensure that Moravii Prime joins the Federation. ”Very well First Minister. I will have her accompany the patient on our arrival.”
The First Minister nods and cuts the transmission. Shilov turns to Yesa. ”Yesa, you’re with me. We’ll accompany Commander Pend. I don’t have a good feeling about this request.”
”Aye Admiral.” replies Yesa as she signs out of her station and proceeds to the turbo lift.
Scene 3 (Moravii Prime)
Scene Traits: Planet side, Hot and Arid, Thin atmosphere
Admiral’s Log Supplemental
The USS April is in stationary orbit over Moravii Prime. After returning the two Moravii from the damaged ship we encountered after being hit by a shockwave that emanated from their dilithium mines in the Moravii system, we are now waiting to hear the outcome of a medical tribunal deliberating over the actions of our Chief Medical Officer. Personally I don’t like this situation, but I have to respect the local laws and maintain proper diplomatic relations with the world. I’ve reached out to Starfleet Command and our JAG department to advise and see if there are any options I’ve overlooked.
Act 2
Scene 1 (Admiral's Ready Room)
Scene Traits: Starship Interior
Shilov is seated at his desk in his ready room. On the desktop screen there is a split view each with a different person. On the left is Tellarite Admiral Cherthish Brin from Starfleet Command and on the right is Denobulan Lt. Commander Rinix from the Judge Advocate’s General office on Starbase 88.
”I think you’re going to have to play this out.” Admiral Brin states. “Diplomatic relations are imperative with the Moravii right now as they are in a position to supply us with a 40% boost in dilithium stores for the Federation. With our growing tensions with the Klingons, we can’t afford to lose this supply.”
Rinix offers a comforting smile before chiming in. “Looking over what you’ve sent to us, their process is fairly straight forward. At this point, until the tribunal concludes, there isn’t much else to be done.” Rinix clear’s his throat before continuing. “However, my team and I will continue to devise every defense strategy we can in the off chance the tribunal decides to issue a murder verdict.”
”I know Dr. Pend did everything she could! I was THERE when the patient died!” Shilov stated. “That’s when Pend was able to isolate the unique energy signature and heal the other patient! Had we known more about their physiology-” Brin cut off Shilov.
”The Moravii have been very cagy about sharing their medical information. Maybe that’s something we can use in a possible defense?”
Rinix nodded. “My team is already working on that strategy. The scans you have of the patients from you ship is the most information we’ve ever had about them. Given how protective they are of that information, I’m a little surprised they haven’t asked you to purge your ship’s database of them.”
Shilov contemplated for a moment. ”Maybe you’re on to something Rinix. Maybe there’s something they don’t want to share with us, and it relates to their physiology.” Shilov mused.
”Tread carefully admiral.” Brin cautioned. “We don’t want a diplomatic incident. Do whatever you need to quietly and keep us in the loop. Brin out.”
Admiral Brin’s image left the console and Rinix’s image took up the rest of the screen.
”Admiral,” Rinix began, “my team will do everything they can to make sure Dr. Pend doesn’t end up in a Moravii prison. If you do find anything in your analysis, forward it to us right away so we can form a sharper defense if we need it.”
”Thank you Rinix. I’ll see to it that you’ll have any new information the instant we find anything.”
Rinix nodded and the console went blank. Shilov tapped his comm badge.
“Commander Bennett, can I see you in my ready room please.”
”Aye Admiral.” came Bennett’s reply over the comms.
A moment later, the doors to the ready room parted and Sarah Bennett strides in.
”Commander, any update on our analysis of the Moravii?” Shilov inquired as he motioned to a chair opposite his desk. Bennett sat down before delivering her report.
”Our team hasn’t uncovered much more about the Moravii physiology. However, we have made a interesting discovery about the energy pattern. According to our comparison of our ship’s sensor sweep of the system and that of the USS Larkin which was here 6 months ago, we’ve noticed that the presence of the energy pattern has been significantly reduced, particularly around the dilithium mines. I would postulate that the recent explosion had something to do with that.”
”Interesting. Have we gotten any information about what caused the shockwave?” inquired Shilov.
”Our preliminary analysis indicates the likely result of a piezoelectric effect. It would be consistent with…” Bennett trails off as she takes the padd she’s holding and punches in some commands before passing it to Shilov. ”There’s more dilithium present now than during the previous visit from the Larkin. It’s almost as if they were growing dilithium.”
Shilov’s brow furrows in concentration as he examines the padd’s information before remarking, ”The Federation haven’t encountered something like this since the event in the Selcundi Drema sector around 4 decades ago. If I recall correctly, the dilithium was already present, not growing.”
”We’ve done a level 3 sensor sweep of the system and no other planetary bodies have any dilithium present. There should be no further risk to the ship.” reported Bennett. ”Thank you comman…”
Shilov begins before the ship rocks violently. Shilov tries to grab the desk for stability, (Shilov: Fitness + Conn (13) - fail (15 + 15)) but fails to grab the desk quickly enough and is tossed back and hits his head on the bulkhead behind his desk. Bennett had quicker reflexes and after the shaking subsides, rushes over to Shilov to help him up. The red alert klaxon goes off. Getting his sense clear, Shilov heads for the bridge with Bennett right behind him.
Scene 2 (Bridge)
Scene Traits: Starship Interior, Command Center
Shilov strides onto the bridge and moves to sit in his command chair. Bennett takes her seat to Shilov’s right.
”Report.” Shilov commands the bridge crew.
”Most decks have checked in. Only some minor injuries reported.” responded Li Yesa.
”We have an integrity field issue with the warp core.” reported Luigino Sartori.
Shilov tapped the comms panel on his chair’s sidearm.
”Engineering, have you identified the cause of the warp core issue?” inquired Shilov.
”It appears that the dilithium crystals in the dilithium chamber are starting to multiply Admiral.” responded Lt. JG Belevia Couture in her native French accent. “I don’t understand how this is possible. I’m going to have to shut down the core while we investigate the issue. We will have to run on battery power for the interim.”
”Understood.” replied Shilov.
The lights on the ship dim as emergency lighting activates. (New Scene Traits: Emergency Power, Warp Core Offline)
”Lt. Sartori, I have a feeling that this might relate to the Moravii dilithium mines. Put a team together and analyze the mines, the energy signature, and the records from the sensor records from the Larkin. There has to be some kind of connection here. See what you can find.” orders Shilov.
Satori nods and secures their station before leaving the bridge.
”Commander Yesa, get me the First Minister.” Shilov continues.
Li Yesa taps on the comms console from behind the Admiral’s chair and a moment later responds
“I’ve got him sir. On the main viewer.”
The First minister appears on the main view screen.
”Admiral, what can I do for you?” The First Minister inquires with a neutral expression.
”We are experiencing a strange phenomenon with our dilithium crystals. Given you world’s experience with dilithium crystals, I was wondering if you’d be able to assist us in understanding this phenomenon?” requests Shilov. (Shilov: Presence + Command (14) - success (11+18))
The First Minister narrows his gaze at the Admiral. “I can’t spare any personnel to go to your ship, but you can send us what ever information you have and we will examine it for you.”
”Would it not be more prudent to send someone to collect information in real time to help asses our situation?” pushes Shilov (Shilov: Presence + Command (14) - success (1+15))
The First Minister sighs. “You are persistent Admiral. I will send over one of our dilithium specialists to collect the data first hand.”
”Thank you First Minister. As our ship is currently operating on back-up power, we will send down a shuttle craft to pick them up and ferry them back to the ship. Please forward rendezvous coordinates to us and we will coordinate the pick up.”
The First minister nods and then ends the transmission as the view screen returns to the orbital view of Moravii Prime.
”Mr. Moga, please see to the shuttle pick-up of the specialist. Notify me once you are prepared to dock so I can meet them. Hopefully they’ll be more open to talking about this phenomenon.” commanded Shilov.
Moga nodded “Aye sir.” and departed for the shuttle bay.
Scene 3 (Shuttle Bay)
Scene Traits: Starship Interior, Shuttle Bay, Emergency Power, Warp Core Offline
The shuttlecraft enters the bay and comes to a rest in it’s landing zone. Shilov and Bennett approach as the back hatch opens and lowers to the floor. Lt. Moga walks down the ramp and is followed by a Moravii Woman. Shilov recognizes her immediately as the female patient they saved from the damaged ship.
”Welcome aboard, or should I say ‘Welcome back aboard’” Shilov says as he greets the Moravii Specialist.
”Thank you Admiral. I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself or to thank you and your crew for saving my life earlier. My name is Mira.” Mira bows slightly to Shilov. Shilov returns the gesture. ”The First Minster told me you were having an unknown issue with your dilithium crystals. I hope I will be able to contribute to resolving the issue.” offers Mira.
”I’m sure you will be very helpful.” replies Shilov. “Though I must confess I’m surprised how fast you have recovered. We don’t know much about Moravii physiology. Your injuries would have had one of our officers on bed rest for at least a week.”
Mira smiles a weak smile. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m fully recovered. But I am still fully capable of carrying out my duties.”
”It seems an odd choice to be only able to spare someone still recovering from their injuries.” commented Bennett.
”My station in society is not as high as others, therefore I do not always have the luxury of deciding when I need to perform my duties.” replies Mira.
Just then, the ship shakes violently once more. Everyone is thrown to the ground. The lights flicker and then go out leaving the whole shuttlebay in darkness with the exception of the light coming from the inside of the recently docked shuttlecraft. (New Scene Trait: Partial Darkness)
Shilov taps his comm badge. “Engineering report!”
Belevia Couture responds “Admiral, I don’t think we’re dealing with some natural phenomenon. After we discovered that there was an energy field present in the dilithium chamber similar to what we’ve scanned in this system and from the two Moravii patients, we tried to neutralize it using a similar process Commander Pend used earlier and the energy field reacted by emitting some kind of EMP which disrupted the ship’s energy grid. I’ve got teams dispatched now to effect repairs.”
”Are you saying you think this energy field is some kind of life form?” inquires Shilov.
”Based on the reaction to our attempts to dissipate it, yes.” Couture replies.
”Maybe that explains why the dilithium crystals in this system seem to be growing. A biproduct of this energy field.” adds Bennett.
Shilov turns to Mira to inquire. “Do you know anything about this?”
Mira tries to hid her expression of shock, but quickly realizes she needs to be honest. ”Yes Admiral. It is a lifeform native to our solar system. We call them the Dalrah.”
Realization hits Shilov. “That’s why Pend is going through this tribunal. They’re trying to ascertain if she knowingly murdered a Dalrah.”
”The Dalrah are a very closely guarded secret of our people. Particularly because most would not understand our symbiosis with these creatures.” Mira added.
”You used to be paired with one. My apologies as we didn’t know when we tried to heal you from your injuries.” lamented Shilov.
”You could not have known. And your doctor’s tribunal is more due to my peoples reverence of these creatures than it is for due process. It is one of the highest crimes to injure or kill a Dalrah.”
Shilov looked to Bennett. “We need to save this creature before it harms itself or damages our ship further.”
”Agreed.” replied Bennett.
Shilov and the group made their way to the corridor but the door did not open at their approach.
”Seems the door is out of order.” commented Moga.
Bennett tried the manual override but the door is seized.
Shilov turns to Moga. “We can use the shuttle’s transporter to beam us to another part of the ship.”
Moga nods and they make their way onto the shuttle. Shilov inputs the automated transporter routine commands as they step onto the transporter pad. (Shilov: Control + Engineering (13) - success (7+8))
The glow of the transporter beam envelops the 4 members of the group as the vanish.
Act 3
Admiral’s Log Supplemental
After learning about the Dalrah from Mira, we have been able to piece together what’s been going on aboard the April. I’ve tasked chief engineer Couture with developing a safe way to get the Dalrah out of our ship’s dilithium chamber. Meanwhile, I will be having a conversation with the Moravii Prime’s First Minister to explain what we’ve learned and to see if I can put an end to Dr. Pend’s tribunal.