Stardate: 60616:2300
Title: Faked Injury
Author: Executive Officer Abigail Winters
Time: Current
Scene: USS Relentless
The orbital drop had been fun and the team arrived back on the Relly with a new
energy. Abigail now sat on the bridge watching a nearby display panel as it
plotted the course to their destination. Having shared her research about sector
814a with the Captain they had agreed they would approach cautiously.
As 814a came into view Alex came out from his Ready room and took his seat on
the bridge. Earlier when Abby had shown Khavok the information he had told her
that he had been part of the campaign that had been fought on the only habitable
planet in the sector called Parsus. The XO wanted to ask him more about the
experience but he seemed disconnected and not as approachable as he had been
earlier.
Abby could only imagine what fighting a battle on Parsus would be like. The
temperature during the day was damn hot and at night it was freezing. Lots of
rocky outcrops meant that it was great for getting a good advantage point but
rubbish if you were trying to approach an enemy that was already using the
leverage.
Leaving warp the Relentless glided effortlessly forward slowly passing the first
uninhabitable planet. The readouts showed a toxic atmosphere and a planet
surrounded by a field of asteroid debris. The ships sensors bleeped a gentle
warning that we should maintain our course without venturing closer.
A piece of debris left the orbit of the planet and flung itself at the hull of
the Relentless. There was a minor jolt and a flurry of activity as the damage
was accessed but it was inconsequential.
"Captain," The communications officer said, "We are receiving a transmission."
Abby glanced at Alex he didn't seemed surprised by the news
"Play it." The Captain ordered.
{This is a Federation broadcast. All ships are ordered to leave this sector
immediately}
As the recording ended the Captain asked the communication officer to get a lock
on the location where the message was being sent from and ordered Abby to join
him in his office.
"What are your thoughts?" There was no preamble to the Captain's question.
"I think something is happening on the planet and I think that was why the USS
Rover was warned off three years ago"
"I agree. We need to get down to the planet. We need some kind of proof."
They both knew that the message was the only warning they were going to receive.
"How about. No it won't work," Abby finished slightly embarrassed.
"Go ahead Abigail any idea would be good at this point," The Captain encouraged.
"Ok what if we faked injury." Abby paused not sure of the logistics of her plan.
"Go on," Khavok said leaning back in his chair.
"Well they can't refuse us permission to land if the ship is damaged," Abby
hoped this was the case anyway.
"And how do you plan to make the ship look damaged." Alex liked his brand new
shiny ship - new and shiny.
"We could vent plasma and send out a distress call. Then once we land we can
have a nose around while it is being 'fixed'." Abby finished and waited for
Alex's verdict.
"It's a good plan. You coordinate with the CEO and CSO and I'll make it so that
we are in a position to land on Parsus."
========================
Lt. Commander Abigail Winters
Executive Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
========================