A big briefing

Posted on Mon Jun 24th, 2019 @ 8:34am by Captain Taliserra Tigran & Lieutenant JG Binea & Lieutenant Commander Radak & Lieutenant Mikoto Misaka & Lieutenant Seleya & Lieutenant JG Jasad Yuvek & Lieutenant Anthony Edwards Ph. D & Lieutenant Helena Wells & Ensign Brendon Watanabe & Ensign Daniel Franklin

3,149 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: The science of stars
Location: USS Wolff - Observation lounge
Timeline: 9th March 0900hrs

ON:

Five minutes before the start of the briefing Taliserra left the ready room and crossed the bridge heading towards the observation lounge, the officers and crew she'd requested attend the briefing would be along shortly. Replicating herself a tea she sat down and awaited their arrival.

Seleya arrived shortly after the captain priding herself on always being early. She grabbed a tea from the replicator in the observation lounge, greeted the captain and sat down. She pulled out a data PADD and brought up a blank note screen.

"Good morning doctor Seleya," Taliserra said greeting the young Vulcan.

Seleya gave a nod, taking advantage that they were the only two there. "How are you feeling?"

"Both of us seem to be doing better now, thank you for your help," Taliserra replied.

"I have seen the levels go up but I will monitor just in case for another day or two. If you feel anything out of sorts please come to sickbay."

Taliserra smiled, hopefully now she wasn't going to need the doctors services again. "I will doctor, don't worry."

Lieutenant Commander Radak was the next to arrive. He wasn't exactly sure that he was ready to move on to the next assignment. Hopefully, it would be something less stressful than a crew-eating virus. He took several deep breaths before he entered the briefing room, nodding to the captain and the doctor, before taking a seat, data PADD in hand.

Voss was next, wearing the standard uniform plus an engineer's tunic, a small celebration of his promotion, however grim the cause. He took a seat. "How's everyone today?" Like HG, Voss's spirits were high, they were exploring, it was what he'd joined the fleet for.

Radak nodded to the people joining them as a way of greeting.

Jasad sat at the table and awaited the arrival of the remaining officers. He had been monitoring the engine's output, considering the strong radiation that was coming off of one of the planets within the system. Despite the odd name the crew had given the planets, Jasad himself had found one of the planets particularly interesting. However, he was not a science officer, so he looked forward to hearing the briefing on the probes' collective findings.

With Sika's death Binea returned to running the ops department so a few minutes after she saw the Captain head to the observation lounge Binea joined the other arriving officers, she took a seat next to Lt Voss.

"Lieutenant," Voss greeted Binea as she sat next to him.

With about three minutes to spare before 09:00 Anthony was the first Science Officer to arrive grabbing a coffee on his way to the table. “The others shouldn’t be long Captain, we all left at the same time.”

Edwards was right, a moment after Edwards, Ensign Brendon Watanabe slipped into the room with a nod. A quick scan of the room told him it was going to fill up fast, so, low man on the totem pole that he was, he took a spot by the wall without complaint. After all here he was sitting in with the senior staff!

Another buoyant offer strolled into the lounge, Ensign Brendon Watanabe the ship's stellar cartographer. He gave the room a nod of greeting then took a spot by the wall, to let the senior officers get the chairs.

HG entered humming a tune from an old Earth animated cartoon from 'Snow White' called 'Heigh Ho'. It seemed appropriate as she might actually get to work at something fun. "Good day, everyone!" she said cheerfully and took a spot against the wall.

Daniel snuck in behind HG, he was easy going and like the rest of the science team. From what his boss had told him there would be plenty for him to do as a Anthropologist during the time. He expected HG would get some more time to play with her device too. He had caught her phasing out a couple of times.

Touma entered the observation lounge closely followed by Mikoto. They both took their seats at the table.

Eli, now back on duty, slinked in as one of the last. He found a seat near the back. The hole that Taya's death had left in his life was still very much there. He greeted those who greeted him but still he stayed back as much as possible.

"Now everyone is here," Taliserra said after clearing her throat to get everyone's attention. "What do you and your people have for us Anthony?"

Standing, Anthony made his way to screen that changed to show the current view on the Bridge viewscreen, which showed the sun and just barely the Q class planet. “Early scans are showing the L class was inhabited at one time. They also show the M is exactly what we have been expecting, strongly inhabited. For anything more we will need to get closer. The Q shows very little in the way of surface habitation. As for the stellar activity Ensign Watanabe is our expert on that.”

Watanabe stepped up to the screen, tapping buttons on the side and brought up an image of the star. "The star of the Goldilocks system is a cepheid variable class," he offered, a nod to Wells who first suggested it. "And is in an extremely active period right now. This means we're likely in for solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Also, she is putting out a lot of radiation. Which likely rules out any transporter use to the surface of Papa Bear." Watanabe cleared his throat. "The first planet."

Voss looked up. "Send me the data?" he asked the Ensign. Then to the rest he said, "I'll see if we can tweak the settings to cut through it."

Watanabe nodded. "Yes, sir," he said. "We're going through the probe data now, if you want to send someone from engineering to join us..."

Voss nodded. "I'll send up the chief."

Lt. Yuvek studied his PADD for several moments. "If the solar flares and ejections are as strong as the probe indicates, then we'll need to use a transport that can handle the fluctuations. I recommend dispatching the Volga Class shuttles to take any personnel to the surface," the Helmsman said. "The metaphasic shielding would be perfectly able to handle the strain without fear of more complicated systems being affected," he added.

HG still was helping hold up the wall, interjected in the slight pause. "I am guessing that my boss will be happy. Probe indications are that there is a pre-warp civilization on the second planet out. A good test of the bracelets I am thinking as well, as he will get to do some language studies."

HG was still wearing her little invention and held it up. "These are personal quantum phase devices. What it does is push ones component molecules into a new quantum phase such that basically you are not visible nor interactive. I have come up with a way to handle the blockade effect such that it is stable. My boss was worried that we would all become our own Pegasus ships but that is because the device could not handle the blockade build up. Without handling that, the system becomes unstable transitioning between phases which is what happened there." She touched the device and in a moment or two one could see the wall behind her and then she simply vanished. Another moment or two and she shimmered back.

Voss stared with wide-eyed fascination as HG faded out and back in again. He looked like it was taking him considerable effort to stay in his seat and not rush over to take a closer look at the device on her wrist. "Dr. Wells that's amazing," he said. "I mean the blockade effect has been the chief stumbling block for phasing tech well, since the Pegasus. And what's the power requirements like..." he began before he realized where he was and cleared his throat. "I'd love to take a look at one of those before the mission."

Watanabe boggled as well, though he kepts his questions to himself. Rank and all of that.

Daniel smiled at the rest of the crews reactions to Hg's phasing device, his was very similar when he first saw the device.

"Power requirements are small enough that it fits in this and figure about eight to ten hours depending on what one is doing." HG replied. She would be damned if she let most anyone get too close a gander at the device.

"Huh," Voss said. "Would love to go over the specs sometime."

Elijah studied the data. He looked up at Seleya's voice. He was still a little off from their encounter earlier that morning.

"I suggest any away teams have at least one competent medical member on them. I can assemble a list by skills if required." Seleya made notes for herself.

“That is a very good point Doctor Seleya,” Anthony said, agreeing with her. “We have more information, Captain, but it has just come in.”

Taliserra listened as the barrage of different points of conversation flew between the assembled officers. "Let's bring it down a little, people. One planet at a time... Jasad, as we can't use the transporters near there, would you pilot an away team down to the class L planet?

The Cardassian shifted his chair back towards the Captain. "I can pilot an away team just about anywhere." He said self-assuredly. "I just need to know who is going with me and what the mission parameters are. I'm still concerned about the source and strength of the radiation coming from the planet." He said.

"Anthony, how long do you estimate it would take for an effective survey of that planet?" she added, switching her gaze across to him.

“Between gathering, collating and transferring the information to the ship's library computers, I would expect the L class planet to take about two to three weeks, depending on if the team finds a form of intelligent life, Captain,” Anthony said.

"That's good," Taliserra remarked, two to three weeks was within their deadline. "Medically, would an away team be able to remain planetside for that period?" she then added.

"Anyone going to the Q class planet will likely need environmental suits as it appears to have entered, or nearly entering, the cooling period. That said, by the end of that time the team there might feel like they have been sleeping in a tent in the middle of an arctic snowstorm by the end of it," Anthony said. “The team on the L class will need radiation shots to protect them from exposure. Aside from that, the L Class will be bearable, if slightly uncomfortable, temperature wise. So, the L Class will be the main need for Medical personnel.”

Seleya tilted her head. "I agree. I would suggest that all ship staff get a shot to prevent radiation absorption as a precaution. Those who will be going to the class L would need double and thus will require two treatments. Might I also suggest, Nurse Payton to go as medical. He has a lot of experience with class L planets and is skilled at a high level."

Anthony had no knowledge of his friend's experience with L class planets, but he knew it was needed to get Hunter out and working again. Yes, it was a horrific time and Hunter could only be suffering it even worse. “I would agree, it would be a good time for Payton to get out there again.”

Seleya sighed. "Yes there is that part of it too."

Listening to the conversations Taliserra tapped a few things on her PADD then looked up at the officers. "Jasad, Brendon, you'll be in charge of the away team for the class L planet pick the remainder or your team and co-ordinate with ops to sort out your equipment."

Smiling Watanabe replied, "Yes ma'am."

"Understoond," The Helmsna said.

Radak listened quietly, looking at his PADD on occasion. He had to admit to himself that he wasn't all that interested in planets. Although, the thought of meeting another species for the first time was very intriguing. He didn't wish to interrupt though and knew that he would probably be leading one of these teams. For now, he waited patiently.

"Now the M class planet. Do you think we should set up a full duck blind facility for the observation?"

“Having a duck blind would be a good way to restrict the use of HG’s phasing device, it would provide a rest, work area planetside, rather than having to come up at the end of each shift,” Anthony said.

Voss perked up at the mention of a duck blind. "It'd should be doable. We've got all the needed equipment, my people could get one up and running pretty quickly."

"We can prefabricate the parts on the ship and beam them down but we'll need the away team to find a suitable spot for it first." Binea said speaking for the first time in the briefing. "And ideally at night until we get the cloak generator online."

“My thought precisely, one of those non Preliminary surveys that the probes have sent back to us from Goldilocks is that there are some mountains with some really good ledges and trails up to them. One or two with a nice rocky upthrust the will keep anyone taking a quick walk the stretch the legs won’t be observed. The main thing for which we choose is what can be built there.” Anthony said.

"If I may, from the preliminary there is one with a lake nearby including what appears to be a small shrine that is visited regularly. From both the blind and personal observation we might get a bit of insight into the people and get a decent language sampling as well. It does mean that we will have to be more careful in comings and goings even with the bracelets as the holographic projection will still shimmer with our movement." HG said and moved forward to indicate a spot on Anthony's map.

Smiling Anthony added, “As well as a load of hopefully fresh drinking water though we will need to test that first before we just rush in, it will also reduce the supplies we need to bring down if it is deemed fit for drinking.”

Seleya, who'd been silent up until now processing spoke up, "I can have water kits ready so that even if the water is not palatable it can be made so."

Taliserra smiled. "Good, Anthony, Jason. Between you take charge of the away team for class M planet. Miss Wells, while I can't order you to go I know that you have a great interest in this planet and the device you've created will come in handy so I would like you on this away team."

"Yes captain," HG nodded. It was nice of the captain to say that but technically just because she did not hold official rank, due to the nature of the assignment to a starship the agreement was that she would be considered to be subject to bonafide orders.

Seleya closed her data PADD and got ready to hit the ground running. Her eyes briefly rested on Alexander. She was hoping to have a word with him right after the meeting.

Radak looked over at Taliserra. "Captain, do you wish for me to lead an away team as well?" he asked. "I volunteer." He wasn't all that science inclined, but he was interested in getting off the ship for a minute and stretching his legs. Maybe it would help him clear his head.

Taliserra nodded slightly. "Okay, you can lead the third team to the class Q planet." She turned to look at Touma. "Touma, you lead the science side of the team."

"Aye sir" Touma responded.

Radak nodded, his face a mask of Vulcan seriousness. "We will need environmental suits if the planet is in its cold phase, which I believe someone said earlier."

"I believe we have some fitted for colder environments," Touma said. He looked over at Mikoto who nodded in agreement.

Seleya sighed. "Will we need any more medical staff?"

Elijah chimed in, "Or tactical?"

"I believe one from each department for each team should be sufficient," Taliserra answered. She didn't want the teams too big, a bigger team meant more risk of detection by the natives, even though the scans didn't show much life on the other two planets and more supplies needing to be crammed into the shuttles.

Anthony nodded, his wish was for both extra security and someone with medical knowledge, over his knowledge of first aid. “I wholeheartedly agree, Captain. The more people that go to the L class planets the more that will need to be inoculated and having a bit more security would be good too.”

"I volunteer to join a team if I'm needed," Mikoto said. She didn't want any special treatment due to her condition at the moment. Plus, only her, Touma, the doctor and the captain knew about her pregnancy at the moment.

"I'd prefer to have you remain onboard Mikoto, this is unknown territory for us and anything could happen," Taliserra replied though she knew that Mikoto would know that was only a small part of the reason.

Mikoto nodded. "Aye Captain," she replied simply.

Seleya was ready to go. She would call Hunter as soon as she got to sickbay.

Elijah felt a bit left out not going on the away team. He did, however, want to talk to Seleya. This morning... they had to talk about this morning. He was close to the door and just waited for the go ahead to leave.

Radak nodded. "Thank you, Captain. Doctor, I will need a medical orientated team member. Is there anyone you would suggest? I will take your recommendation."

"I can assist if you'd like," Seleya said.

Taliserra looked across the assembled crew. "After we dispatch the teams I will keep the ship near the 3rd planet, we'll investigate the sun a little more, try and figure out why it's emitting so much more radiation than normal." She sipped at her tea before speaking again. "Is there anything else?"

She waited only a moment for a response before speaking again. "Then you're all dismissed, assemble your teams, get them briefed and get your gear together, I'd like to have the teams out by this afternoon."

OFF:

Captain Taliserra Tigran
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Radak
Executive Officer

Lieutenant (jg) Anthony Edwards Ph.D
Chief Science Officer.

Lieutenant Mikoto Misaka
Chief Tactical Officer

Lieutenant Touna Kamijou
Assistant Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant Seleya
Chief Medical Officer

Lt. JG Elijah Alexander
Assistant Chief Tactical / Security officer

Lieutenant (j.g.) Jasad Yuvek
Chief Helmsman

Lieutenant Jason Voss
Chief Engineer

Ensign Brendon Watanabe
Stellar Cartographer

Civilian HG Wells
Scientist

 

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