TO:CPT Freeman | CC:RADM Perim FROM: CDR Thiessen SUBJECT: Unexplored System Probe Release |
Attending personnel:
CPT Freeman
CDR Thiessen
LT Jekal
LT Kermit
LT JG Steele
Researcher Mrott
>Due to the extremely delicate nature of this mission and discovery I have included only command personnel of whom I am aware have previously been consulted.<
On stardate 91804.7 U.S.S. Asimov left berth at DS13, departing for a previously unexplored system. Captain Freeman commanded the vessel. Accompanying were the above listed officers. The mission as detailed in the briefing was as follows:
Due to previous observations in the target system of possible Dominion activity and readings that indicated the likelihood of a structure aboard a moon in the target star system. Release a singular probe in orbit of the nearby ice moon without engaging in combat with potential hostile vessels.
Asimov arrived 20,000 km out of system. On arrival scanners were able to pick up the warp trails of a recent vessel as well as a vessel cloaking and decloaking. The intervals were at this point too brief to identify the vessel. The vessel was also firing projectiles at the nearby moon. After a short period of observation, the vessel departed system.
We adhered to the mission. A first attempt to launch the probe failed, not due to user error but destruction by debris in the field of fire. A second probe was prepared for launch. As this was occurring geological instability began aboard the moon. Scans were obtained of the base indicated that approximately 100 life forms were nearby - we could not discern species at our distance.
The second probe launched successfully, the moral decision regarding the base's inhabitants was briefly considered. Scans additionally indicated these beings were in stasis. Combined with the rest of the information we obtained we concluded likely this was a cloning facility. Per Captain Freeman's orders, we prepared to drop shields and beam as many stasis pods aboard as possible while we were still able to do so.
During approach the moon broke apart due to the aforementioned geological activity. Stasis pods did survive the fractures, so as ordered we began transport.
Spoiler: Comms transmission with Keth 6Show
CPT Freeman <C> This is Captain Freeman, in command of the USS Asimov, a Federation Starship. We were passing by and saw this moon was breaking apart, and we saw lifesigns, so we came to render assistance. State your business in this system."
Keth <C> Yep! That was supposed to happen. Glad it worked. I'm here to pick up what rightfully belongs to me.
CPT Freeman: <C> Under interstellar law, we are obliged to prevent the loss of life. We do not recognize your claim of these survivors as property.
Keth <C> We weren't going to /kill/ them. We were setting them free from the ice.
CPT Freeman <C> So you say. Your ship is Dominion in design, you are either a Dominion ship violating treaty, or an agent of the so called 'True Way', a criminal orginization with no standing or claim to this system. Which is it?
Keth <C> Ha! You think I'm actually a part of one of those two groups? That's golden. She laughs
CPT Freeman <C> So you're part of some group with /even less/ legal standing then
Keth <C> Law, law, law. Is that all you ever think of? Is that all your little Human mind can contain? Laws and morals to keep it sane?
CPT Freeman actually grins.
Keth <C> I'm glad you're also having fun. Rare thing these days. *she grins*
CPT Freeman <C> Gotta find it where you can, right?
Keth <C>Huh, maybe you're smarter than I gave you credit for originally.
CPT Freeman <C> Take care, brush your hair.
While Captain Freeman occupied the Vorta the remaining stasis pods that survived the process of detonation were beamed aboard into a secure cargo bay. On termination of channel Asimov jumped to Warp 7 as previously instructed - the ship took minor damage as fired upon, casualties being several injuries.
The end result of this is a count of far too many Jem'Hadar stasis pods for any of our own liking, as well as several containing Vorta. Exact numbers are currently in possession of Captain Freeman and security. For safety's sake many of the pods were removed to secure storage facilities.
Starbase security and medical chiefs have full information regarding the ongoing investigations into the obtained stasis pods. As an addendum, review of the model of cloaking device and ship have been found. I've suggested we pass this information on to our Romulan officer allies, as possible weaknesses in the cloaking device may be identified that could assist in further engagements.
Additionally, enclosed is a report by researcher Juna Mrott. Please see the enclosed report for detailed genetic and scientific scans.
>>inserted file: Juna_Mrott_Stasispodscans
//Signed//
Commander Tau Thiessen