AAR: Cosmonauts: Rescue Mission

[Calyx]

ATTN 38th Command AUTH CAPT Selaeno SUBJ Rescue of the USS Ananke DATE 92895.2

Command lost contact with the USS Ananke on Stardate 92870.2. The Ananke had located an anomalous gravitational reading between the Visuvu system and POI-D-1788 within the Doza sector, and was attempting to identify the source when communication ceased. Final transmission indicated that they were approaching the object, described as a 'space bubble', and noted strange sensor readings.

Command dispatched the USS Beagle, the USS Medici and the USS Tyre to assist.

Upon arriving at the last known coordinates of the Ananke, we quickly located the 'space bubble' described in Captain Timoreev's final transmission. As a precautionary measure, the USS Beagle launched a Class 1 Probe into the bubble to take detailed readings of its interior. The probe's communication ceased after crossing the envelope, but the information it broadcast regarding the gravimetric distortions at the edge of the bubble permitted us to modify our shields to compensate.

Consensus among the captains determined that the Medici would enter first. Tyre and its greater mass would hold position on the edge of the envelope to offer tractor beam assistance, and the Beagle would remain clear of the envelope to relay information to Starfleet Command in case of emergency.

Upon crossing the envelope, the Medici lost communication with the other two ships. This communication problem was resolved by a relay chain of probes launched by the Tyre and the Beagle.

Within the bubble, we discovered a sphere, perfectly formed, at its center. Intensive scans revealed platform-like structures and organic compounds within it; there may have been life signs, but they were not of known origin. The Ananke and her runabout were both drifting in close proximity to the sphere. The Ananke was badly damaged, her shields down, and all crewmates aboard both vessels were unconscious and exhibiting strange neural pattern disruptions.

The Medici recovered Captain Timoreev and nineteen other crewmates from the runabout and the Ananke, all comatose. While attempting to leave the bubble, the crew from the Ananke began to suffer neural collapse; upon return to proximity with the sphere, they stabilized. The sphere was exerting control over the crew and preventing safe removal from the bubble.

At this point, the Tyre entered the envelope to engage its superior sensor array. Working together with the staff of the Beagle, they determined that the sphere was utilizing a means of communication similar to telepathy. LTJG VanGilder of the Beagle should be commended for his successful effort to devise a mechanical method of responding to this communication. A brief 'dialogue' was sufficient to compel the sphere to release its captives.

Captain VanDeer of the Tyre sent drones to assist the crew of the Ananke in repairing the damaged vessel sufficiently to get it back to port. At final count, fifteen hands were lost. The Medici, the Beagle and the Tyre escorted the wounded Ananke back to port and Captain Timoreev is expected to make a full recovery.

//SIGNED//
Captain Selaeno
USS Medici

[Timoreev_]

TO: 38th FLEET COMMAND FROM: CAPT A. A. Timoreev, U.S.S. Ananke STARDATE: 92898.5 SUBJECT: Exploration of D-G0257

The U.S.S. Ananke identified unusual gravitational readings while on a deep space exploration assignment in the Doza Sector in stardate 92834.6. We plotted a new course and intercepted the anomaly, which presented itself under the aspect of a sort of "space bubble" (for more details, see Attached File #1: sensor data logs and first interpretations).
We determined to proceed with an analysis of the interior of the bubble through the launch of a probe, modified in order to transmit the data through micro-modulationso of the gravitational field in order to overcome any possible interference. This way, we have been able to locate a sphere, at the centre of the anomaly, which was, for the rest, completely void. The sphere emanated unusual readings, including unidentified lifesigns.
Thus, we proceded by sending a runabout, with a crew composed by myself, chief science officer Cmdr Iria, second operation officer Lt Zorfe, chief security officer LtCmdr Kolez, a complement of two security officers, and exobiologist Lt Sumida.
After entering the bubble, we tried to scan the sphere, but evidently this act triggered a response from the sphere, and we all lost consciousness. Few seconds later, through a powerful gravimetric distortion, the Ananke was forcibly pulled inside the bubble as well, and its crew suffered the same fate of the rest of us.
(see Attached File #2: Crew reports about the telepathic experiences).
It's clear that the sphere tried to communicate with us through the use of a sophisticated form of telepathy, using mainly images and experiences projected from our own memories instead of words. Unable to respond, we were trapped inside the bubble and our own telepathic experiences, until the rescuing ships didn't manage to save us.
As already specified by Capt Selaeno, the Ananke suffered the loss of 15 crewmembers and heavy damages to almost all systems, caused by the strong gravimetric distortion which pulled it inside the bubble, but emergency repairs allowed us to escape the bubble nonetheless, with the help of drones launched by the U.S.S. Tyre.

Recommendations:
Unfortunately, the anomaly vanished few moments after we left it, so further direct study is impossible at the moment. However, I would recommend a careful analysis of data retrieved by all vessels and probes. It is my opinion that we were facing a sentient being (or multiple ones) and that further encounters could be made in the future. In that case, we need to be prepared.
Also, I would ask to DS13 command to despatch engineering teams on the Ananke for all the necessary repairs. Many systems need to be replaced, and the ship will not be able to get out of drydock before next week. Most importantly, the telepathic experience exercised a great deal of stress upon the whole crew, and me as well. I recommend mandatory counselling sessions for the whole crew before a new assignment.
I will personally take an appointment for myself, in order to assess my actual situation, and eventually to see if I'm still fit to command the unit.
I also would like to commend Lt. Sumida, who was the first one to understand what was effectively happening, and tried in every way to find a solution to our situation.
My personal thanks go to Capt Selaeno, Capt Reeves, and Capt VanDeer for their rescue. Without them, I'm not sure me and my crew would still be here to tell what happened. Also, I gladly subscribe the commendation proposed by Capt Selaeno to Ltjg Vangilder, to whom I extend the sincerest thanks of me and my crew.


//signed//


Captain Andrej A. Timoreev,
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ananke - 38th Fleet Taurus Squadron