| Stardate: 92673.4 | Report Submitted: CMDR Sivath | Delivered to: 38th\Command |
The USS Asimov was dispatched from DS13 to explore POI D-2764, a solar system proximate to the lost civilization 38 has been studying in the Doza Sector. En route to its destination, Asimov's sensors detected another ship on an intercept course. The vessel was identified as a cargo transport originating from the vicinity of the derelict starbase discovered at D-2483. Its owner, Rathal, was an entrepreneur who offered to upgrade Asimov's EPDN in exchange for "gel". When Rathal learned that I had no gel to trade, he departed.
Spoiler: >>>Transcript: Initial contact with RathalShow
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> Hello Aliens! Newcomers! Greetings and welcome to the region!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Unidentified vessel, I am Cmdr. Sivath of the Federation starship USS Asimov. Whom am I addressing?
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> I am Rathal! Owner and Operator of Rathal's Mobile Miscellany Emporium. We offer the best deals on the widest variety of tech and things in the quadrant! We even have a newcomer's discount. 13% off your first purchase! I see you're still using plasma-based power conduits, boy-oh-boy, do I have the Deal Of A Lifetime for you!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Greetings, Rathal. Tell us more about this deal.
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> For the low low price of just sixty liters of gel, we can overhaul your entire ship's power transfer system. Best price in the quadrant, and you'll find no finer power converters, this side of Tosche Station.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> The Federation is new to this region, Rathal, and not yet familiar with its customs. Tell me more about this "gel" you use as currency.
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> You mean... You don't have any gel?
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> It is probable that I do not, but without clarification I cannot say with certainty.
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> Bah! Well it's... It's gel. How do you not know what gel is? You must be from far away. You'll learn. BUT! When you DO find yourself some gel. Remember: Rathal's Mobile Miscellany Emporium is the place to buy. Anything you could ever want, we have or can find. Good luck!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Thank you, Rathal. We will not forget.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Unidentified vessel, I am Cmdr. Sivath of the Federation starship USS Asimov. Whom am I addressing?
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> I am Rathal! Owner and Operator of Rathal's Mobile Miscellany Emporium. We offer the best deals on the widest variety of tech and things in the quadrant! We even have a newcomer's discount. 13% off your first purchase! I see you're still using plasma-based power conduits, boy-oh-boy, do I have the Deal Of A Lifetime for you!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Greetings, Rathal. Tell us more about this deal.
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> For the low low price of just sixty liters of gel, we can overhaul your entire ship's power transfer system. Best price in the quadrant, and you'll find no finer power converters, this side of Tosche Station.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> The Federation is new to this region, Rathal, and not yet familiar with its customs. Tell me more about this "gel" you use as currency.
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> You mean... You don't have any gel?
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> It is probable that I do not, but without clarification I cannot say with certainty.
<UNIDENTIFIED: RATHAL> Bah! Well it's... It's gel. How do you not know what gel is? You must be from far away. You'll learn. BUT! When you DO find yourself some gel. Remember: Rathal's Mobile Miscellany Emporium is the place to buy. Anything you could ever want, we have or can find. Good luck!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Thank you, Rathal. We will not forget.
Following this encounter, Asimov proceeded to D-2764, where its sensors detected 11 planets, 2 rated M-class. Initial scans indicated the presence of city structures, but no life signs. However, the planetary survey was cut short by a distress call received from Rathal. Asimov set course for the signal origin.
Upon arrival, Asimov found Rathal's ship heavily damaged by what appeared to be an internal explosion in or near its aft cargo bay. Fires were detected aboard, along with 7 life signs out of an original 34. Transporter lock and extraction was achieved for 6 occupants; 1 perished before lock could be achieved. The survivors were sent directly to sickbay, where 2 more would succumb to injuries before Asimov could make port.
Spoiler: >>>Transcript: Distress beaconShow
<LCDR JINSOO> There is evidence of fire onboard sir.
<CMDR SIVATH> Notify me the moment we are within transporter range, Lt. Kermit.
<LTJG KERMIT> Almost there...
<ENS T'LHOELL> It's hard to get accurate scans on lifesigns while we're in warp, sir.
<CMDR SIVATH> Understood.
<LCDR JINSOO> There are two more ships on an intercept course with Rathal's ship, sir. Probably responding to the distress call as well.
<CMDR SIVATH> I should like to know more about them.
<LTJG KERMIT> Dropping out of warp... now.
<ENS T'LHOELL> Sir! There's only about seven lifesigns left out of the original twenty-four!
<CMDR SIVATH> Can they be beamed aboard?
<ENS T'LHOELL> Gah! Six now.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Captain, if there are scavengers in the area, they may take this circumstance as an opportunity.
<CMDR SIVATH> Lt. Cmdr. Jinsoo, damage report.
<ENS T'LHOELL> Oh wow. There used to be thirty-four crew. Six now. Can we help them?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> We are in transport range, and we have a lock.
<CMDR SIVATH> Beam all survivors directly to sickbay. Lt. Cmdr. Augustus, alert the CMO of incoming casualties.
<CMDR SIVATH> Notify me the moment we are within transporter range, Lt. Kermit.
<LTJG KERMIT> Almost there...
<ENS T'LHOELL> It's hard to get accurate scans on lifesigns while we're in warp, sir.
<CMDR SIVATH> Understood.
<LCDR JINSOO> There are two more ships on an intercept course with Rathal's ship, sir. Probably responding to the distress call as well.
<CMDR SIVATH> I should like to know more about them.
<LTJG KERMIT> Dropping out of warp... now.
<ENS T'LHOELL> Sir! There's only about seven lifesigns left out of the original twenty-four!
<CMDR SIVATH> Can they be beamed aboard?
<ENS T'LHOELL> Gah! Six now.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Captain, if there are scavengers in the area, they may take this circumstance as an opportunity.
<CMDR SIVATH> Lt. Cmdr. Jinsoo, damage report.
<ENS T'LHOELL> Oh wow. There used to be thirty-four crew. Six now. Can we help them?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> We are in transport range, and we have a lock.
<CMDR SIVATH> Beam all survivors directly to sickbay. Lt. Cmdr. Augustus, alert the CMO of incoming casualties.
Immediately after recovering the survivors, Asimov was joined at the site of the wreck by two more scavenger ships of similar construction and condition. Asimov made contact with Captain Coplee of the Vari, who seemed initially willing to believe that Asimov was innocent of wrongdoing. However, Asimov detected a power system failure in the accompanying transport, which shortly thereafter exploded. Asimov, caught by surprise with its shields down, suffered minor hull stress on its fore and port sides.
The Vari mistook this unfortunate disaster for a hostile action. There is no evidence at this time that Asimov caused the explosion, but Coplee was unwilling to listen to reason. The Vari turned to flee.
Spoiler: >>>Initial contact with CopleeShow
<CMDR SIVATH> Hail the new arrivals.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Aye sir. General hailing frequencies open.
<ENS T'LHOELL> These ships are roughly the same as the first one.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> The recently-arrived ships are attempting to hail the damaged vessel. They *are* receiving our hail, sir.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Unidentified vessels, this is the Federation starship USS Asimov. We are here in response to a distress call. State your intentions.
<CMDR SIVATH> Are all the survivors incapacitated? It would be useful to have a representative to consult.
<VARI: COPLEE> This is Coplee, of the Vari. What happened here? Did you do this?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> They were unconscious, sir, after transport.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> My name is Cmdr. Sivath. I did not harm this vessel. My sensor readings indicate that there was some sort of catastrophic explosion onboard. I have beamed survivors to my ship for medical treatment. I ask again that you state your intentions, Coplee of the Vari.
<CMDR SIVATH> Continue scanning the wreck. I doubt we will be allowed to study it for long, so let us make the most of the time we have.
<VARI: COPLEE> We came to help our allies. Return our people and we will leave in peace.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> I have not been able to detect the ship's log beacon, if indeed it had one.
<ENS T'LHOELL> Sir, all three ships appear to have been constructed from salvaged parts from the derelict station and the civilization we've been investigating. They are also the same race mix. Cardassians, Klingons, and the unidentified races.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> We wish only for peaceful interaction. But it would be irresponsible for me to hand over the patients in my care without some proof of your association. Do you know the name of this ship's captain?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Sir... one of other ships has just suffered a major power failure.
<VARI: COPLEE> Rathal? Hah! Of course we know him! He has the best prices in the sector.
<CMDR SIVATH> Any sign of damage? Is all the gel in this sector exploding? Further scans of the underpowered vessel, please.
::scavenger ship explodes::
<VARI: COPLEE> WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
<CMDR SIVATH> Damage report! Life signs check!
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Minor hull stress, bow, portside. Scanning for lifesigns...
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Coplee, that was not our doing!
<ENS T'LHOELL> Elements! There are... no lifesigns remaining...
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Sir, it is conceivable that your supposition may have been partially correct... if they are all transporting the gel in the same way as Rathal... The ship has been completely destroyed, sir.
<VARI: COPLEE> Lies! Others will hear of this! We will defend ourselves!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Coplee of the Vari, I come as a friend, and I have concerns that the gel storage used by your ships is dangerously volatile. I ask that you examine your system readings carefully-
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Aye sir. General hailing frequencies open.
<ENS T'LHOELL> These ships are roughly the same as the first one.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> The recently-arrived ships are attempting to hail the damaged vessel. They *are* receiving our hail, sir.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Unidentified vessels, this is the Federation starship USS Asimov. We are here in response to a distress call. State your intentions.
<CMDR SIVATH> Are all the survivors incapacitated? It would be useful to have a representative to consult.
<VARI: COPLEE> This is Coplee, of the Vari. What happened here? Did you do this?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> They were unconscious, sir, after transport.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> My name is Cmdr. Sivath. I did not harm this vessel. My sensor readings indicate that there was some sort of catastrophic explosion onboard. I have beamed survivors to my ship for medical treatment. I ask again that you state your intentions, Coplee of the Vari.
<CMDR SIVATH> Continue scanning the wreck. I doubt we will be allowed to study it for long, so let us make the most of the time we have.
<VARI: COPLEE> We came to help our allies. Return our people and we will leave in peace.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> I have not been able to detect the ship's log beacon, if indeed it had one.
<ENS T'LHOELL> Sir, all three ships appear to have been constructed from salvaged parts from the derelict station and the civilization we've been investigating. They are also the same race mix. Cardassians, Klingons, and the unidentified races.
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> We wish only for peaceful interaction. But it would be irresponsible for me to hand over the patients in my care without some proof of your association. Do you know the name of this ship's captain?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Sir... one of other ships has just suffered a major power failure.
<VARI: COPLEE> Rathal? Hah! Of course we know him! He has the best prices in the sector.
<CMDR SIVATH> Any sign of damage? Is all the gel in this sector exploding? Further scans of the underpowered vessel, please.
::scavenger ship explodes::
<VARI: COPLEE> WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
<CMDR SIVATH> Damage report! Life signs check!
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Minor hull stress, bow, portside. Scanning for lifesigns...
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Coplee, that was not our doing!
<ENS T'LHOELL> Elements! There are... no lifesigns remaining...
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Sir, it is conceivable that your supposition may have been partially correct... if they are all transporting the gel in the same way as Rathal... The ship has been completely destroyed, sir.
<VARI: COPLEE> Lies! Others will hear of this! We will defend ourselves!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> Coplee of the Vari, I come as a friend, and I have concerns that the gel storage used by your ships is dangerously volatile. I ask that you examine your system readings carefully-
Attempts to explain the situation, and the potential risk to the Vari, went unheeded. Coplee made a reference to the energetic gel being "of Kilur", contextually meaning that its stability and reliability were trusted implicitly. A thorough library scan for this term may be warranted. Ens. t'Lhoell proposed, but later discounted, the possibility that our sensor scans may somehow have triggered an explosive reaction in the gel; however, t'Lhoell reasoned that this theory was inconsistent with the behavior of the gel observed in previous Doza missions and of the sample stored on DS13. My conclusion was that the crew of the Vari, and any other craft configured similarly, could be in imminent danger.
As predicted, Asimov detected power failure aboard the Vari soon thereafter. Upon my orders, Asimov pursued the Vari in an attempt to close the distance and transport its crew to safety. We were unsuccessful.
Spoiler: >>>Transcript: Pursuit of the VariShow
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Sir. Coplee's ship is suffering massive power failures. I recommend immediate emergency transport.
<CMDR SIVATH> Do it! And alert security. Our new guests are unlikely to be happy to see us.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Aye sir.
<LTJG KERMIT> They're moving away, sir, getting us back in range...
<CMDR SIVATH> You mentioned our scans. Is it possible that we triggered the explosion?
<ENS T'LHOELL> I have a wild theory that our scans are somehow reacting to their gel. I haven't gotten any feedback from the computer yet though. It's just a wild theory of mine.
<VARI: COPLEE> You'd kill us too?! You won't get away with this! Everyone will know what happened here!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> We will not do you harm, Coplee. I give you my word. We wish only to prevent further loss of life.
<CMDR SIVATH> Run it down. And until you are sure, no more scans of gel-powered ships.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Coplee's ship is engaged in a long-range burst transmission, sir.
<LTJG KERMIT> Sir, they're powering their warp drive, maintain pursuit course?
<CMDR SIVATH> Can we intercept in time?
<LTJG KERMIT> Not on impulse.
<CMDR SIVATH> Let them go.
<ENS T'LHOELL> The gel in the lab on Deep Space Thirteen didn't react like this, and the scans don't seem to have any effect. So it’s not us. I don't think.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Internal explosion detected in the alien vessel, engineering sector.
<CMDR SIVATH> Coplee's?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Yes sir.
<CMDR SIVATH> Belay that last order, helm. Intercept. As soon as we are in range, scan for life signs and beam everyone aboard that we can.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Transporters stand--
::scavenger ship attempts to go to warp and explodes::
<ENS T'LHOELL> Elements.
<CMDR SIVATH> Sensors. Total loss?
<ENS T'LHOELL> Um. There isn't anything but particulate matter there. Nothing.
<CMDR SIVATH> Do it! And alert security. Our new guests are unlikely to be happy to see us.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Aye sir.
<LTJG KERMIT> They're moving away, sir, getting us back in range...
<CMDR SIVATH> You mentioned our scans. Is it possible that we triggered the explosion?
<ENS T'LHOELL> I have a wild theory that our scans are somehow reacting to their gel. I haven't gotten any feedback from the computer yet though. It's just a wild theory of mine.
<VARI: COPLEE> You'd kill us too?! You won't get away with this! Everyone will know what happened here!
<ASIMOV: CMDR SIVATH> We will not do you harm, Coplee. I give you my word. We wish only to prevent further loss of life.
<CMDR SIVATH> Run it down. And until you are sure, no more scans of gel-powered ships.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Coplee's ship is engaged in a long-range burst transmission, sir.
<LTJG KERMIT> Sir, they're powering their warp drive, maintain pursuit course?
<CMDR SIVATH> Can we intercept in time?
<LTJG KERMIT> Not on impulse.
<CMDR SIVATH> Let them go.
<ENS T'LHOELL> The gel in the lab on Deep Space Thirteen didn't react like this, and the scans don't seem to have any effect. So it’s not us. I don't think.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Internal explosion detected in the alien vessel, engineering sector.
<CMDR SIVATH> Coplee's?
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Yes sir.
<CMDR SIVATH> Belay that last order, helm. Intercept. As soon as we are in range, scan for life signs and beam everyone aboard that we can.
<LCDR AUGUSTUS> Transporters stand--
::scavenger ship attempts to go to warp and explodes::
<ENS T'LHOELL> Elements.
<CMDR SIVATH> Sensors. Total loss?
<ENS T'LHOELL> Um. There isn't anything but particulate matter there. Nothing.
The burst transmission made by the Vari in its last moments is likely to have portrayed Asimov in an unflattering light. We were suspected of having destroyed two other scavenger ships, and we were pursuing the Vari aggressively until just moments before its destruction. Any recipients of that message would have every reason to consider Asimov to be a dangerous intruder. Given this, I decided that it would be reckless to continue with the mission to survey D-2764. I ordered the crew to return Asimov to the wreck of Rathal's ship, the least damaged of the 3 ill-fated scavenger vessels. We conducted a high-resolution scan of the wreckage for later analysis and made for home port.
Conclusion:
It is highly likely that this voyage has significantly damaged the reputation of Starfleet and the Federation in the Doza Sector, particularly within the scavenger society we have encountered recently. After the incident at D-2483, it was crucial for Starfleet to repair the first impression it made in this region; instead, it is my belief that that negative impression has been compounded.
Furthermore, it is my belief that these unfortunate events were not unavoidable. If I had been able to persuade Coplee of our innocence, or if I had ordered aggressive pursuit sooner and sustained it longer, it might have been possible to avert the loss of life aboard the Vari. I take full responsibility for these failures and any repercussions which might follow.
Starfleet's best chance of repairing its reputation in the region is, I believe, in the testimony of the survivors delivered to DS13. At minimum, they should be able to exonerate the Asimov of being anywhere in proximity at the time of the initial explosion. It is also possible that, working with the engineering department and the data from Asimov's scans of the wreckage, the cause of the explosions can be determined and put forward as an alternative explanation for the scavenger ship losses. To what degree this argument will be accepted by the denizens of the Doza Sector, I cannot speculate.
Officers Involved:
CMDR Sivath
LCDR Jinsoo, Rose
LCDR Augustus, Capsius
LTJG Kermit, James
ENS t'Lhoell, Shiarrael
//SIGNED//
Commander Sivath
Engineering Dept., Deep Space 13