| SUBMITTED: Stardate 94689.2 | FILED BY: CAPT K Se'Lai | SECURITY: Level 2 - Confidential |
LOCATION: Deep Space
MISSION: Response to distress signal
OUTCOME: Lost Federation starship recovered
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT Se'Lai
CMDR Zh'Zhavis
LCDR Eunbi
LCDR Keliaya
LCDR T'Rara
LCDR Vrolmacht [npc]
LT Silvestrie [npc]
LTJG Chag [npc]
ENS Rivett
CDT Maclaing
CPO T'Quila [npc]
'The Branded Lady'
NARRATIVE: At approximately 0630 ship time, the Valley Forge picked up a general distress signal being broadcast on standard Starfleet channels. Moving to intercept, sensors detected the vessel as we approached - and though it largely registered as a Starfleet vessel, readings were also off in many areas which suggested it had been heavily altered. This was confirmed once we approached to visual range and saw it was the remnants of an older Akira class - eventually identified as the USS Brisbane: NCC 73624 - officially designated as lost along with 81% of her crew (including a Captain Thair Dunman) during the early years of the Klingon War.
Scans indicated that there were no lifesigns on board the Brisbane, though life support was one of the few systems still online along with the comms relay which was overclocked and running at 160% efficiency. All other primary systems - engines, weapons, shields etc. were all offline. Scans also indicated an amalgamation of technology beyond the standard Starfleet build which predominately matched Orion signatures, though it was also clear that the Brisbane's nacelles had been replaced with a set that were most likely from a Prometheus class vessel, and her systems had also been integrated with an unidentified form of duotronic technology.
As we continued our analysis of the ship and her circumstances, a direct hail came in from the Brisbane which quickly became apparent to be a carrier for a signal repeater from a third ship; as we were greeted by a holocomm visual of the Branded Lady. A lengthy dialogue ensued in which she claimed to be declaring an armistice; with the Brisbane being returned to us a goodwill gesture. Though almost no remorse was noticeable for her previous actions, the harsh and abrupt action is consistent with her MO and - once surmising that this was a direct reaction to the ongoing improved political relations between her Colonial Fleet and the OSN - it did fit within predicted behavioral patterns.
Whilst I held the Branded Lady in an extended dialogue, the bridge crew worked to trace her signal and tracked it down to an Ameria class ship hanging just beyond sensor range. Though the Valley Forge has suffered more than most at the hands of her forces during previous conflict, I made the decision to honour claim and so we did not pursue apprehension in favour of supporting diplomatic relations.
Following the conclusion of our dialogue with the Branded Lady - and remaining wary of the situation given experience of past encounters with her forces and seeing the use of recovered vessels to bait traps - the decision was made to tow the Brisbane rather than risk any closer inspection in deep space. Protocol was followed and all reasonable checks made to ensure the integrity of the Brisbane before moving her, confirming to the best of our knowledge that the ship was indeed as stated.
RECOMMENDATION: We have no means to absolutely confirm - or otherwise - the claim of the Branded Lady that her raiding fleet has been dismantled and that hostilities will cease. It may be possible to gain further insight through diplomatic channels with the OSN, and whilst the Valley Forge stands ready to assist in this manner given our favourable relationship, we will not act unless directly ordered to do so as I believe this is a delicate matter best handled by the Diplomatic Corps.
The USS Brisbane has been secured at a quarantine drydock for a complete and controlled decommissioning. Whilst records will be updated accordingly based on these events, I am uncertain as to the condition of the ship herself and whether she is salvageable. At the very least, a further study of the Brisbane's modifications is likely warranted - although it remains highly unlikely that any revelations will be uncovered - it may still be fruitful to learn more about the integration of these technologies to glean insight into the conduct of a former aggressor if nothing else. This may even be a project suited to hand over to the local Academy Annex once the Brisbane is secured, as the study of these older systems and their non-standard integration could prove beneficial to the engineering students.
OOC: This is from the Valley Forge episode: "Et Dona Ferentes". If I've unintentionally misrepresented your character's actions, misspelled their names, got their rank incorrect, et cetera, please send me a PM over enjin and I'll make the necessary edits. For those so interested, the full capture of this story including chat logs is available at the ST:TTV season 2 episodic here - episode 26.
