| SUBMITTED: Stardate 94744.7 | FILED BY: Cpt. Isadora Lyn | SECURITY: Level 1 - Open |
LOCATION: Tekros Expanse
MISSION: Respond to Starfleet distress call.
OUTCOME: USS Lyric survivors discovered.
KEY PERSONNEL:
Cpt. Isadora Lyn
Lt. Tyler Hawk
Lt. Seral Val S’Nat
LtJG. Cyrene Mavil
Cdt. Rumiho Mitsuki
NARRATIVE: The USS Eminence returned to the Tekros Expanse in response to the previously received distress call from the USS Lyric. Using the deployed subspace relay, we were able to triangulate the signal to a dense stellar nebula. After venturing inside, the Eminence entered a star system consisting of a red giant orbited by three Class-J gas giants. The source of the signal was found to be a moon orbiting one of these planets. Stellar analysis revealed that the red giant had reached the limits of expansion and was in the process of collapsing into a white dwarf star. The star was also found to be undergoing erratic coronal activity.Lt. Tyler Hawk
Lt. Seral Val S’Nat
LtJG. Cyrene Mavil
Cdt. Rumiho Mitsuki
Scans of the moon revealed a colony numbering approximately eight hundred individuals in scattered settlements at a mostly pre-industrial level of technology, although some areas also had concentrations of Starfleet alloys. The crew offered several explanations as to the reason for this regression, but no conclusions could be drawn without more data. Scans also revealed that the moon had sustained damage due to solar activity, and a large section had been defoliated despite the protection of the gas giant’s magnetosphere.
Although Lt. Seral suggested a long-range study or indirect contact, I opted instead to attempt direct contact due to the presence of an active distress call as well as the danger of another solar event. Because the colonists originated from the USS Lyric, I felt that the policy of noninterference did not apply here despite the colony being primarily pre-warp. After verifying that conditions were safe, a small team was beamed to the surface near the source of the distress call. Several seconds after landing, sensors registered that the away team was in medical distress and they were beamed directly to sickbay under quarantine protocol.
Doctor Mavil was able to stabilize all members of the away team. She found that the team had been incapacitated by an airborne component of the moon’s ecosystem. While not toxic or infectious, the airborne microenvironment proved to be highly immunogenic and provoked intense allergic reactions in the affected crew. The microflora and microorganisms proved to be benign outside of the allergic response, and Dr. Mavil was able to isolate and clear it from the patients using the transporter.
While this was occurring, a second team was deployed to make a survey from a shuttlecraft. Lt. Seral’s previous suggestion was also put into effect, and communications equipment was beamed to several of the moon’s populated areas. Unfortunately, the equipment was recovered unused and slightly damaged after some time had passed. The shuttle conducting the survey was also recalled after taking weapons fire from the surface. It was not established whether the intent was malicious or whether the shuttle had strayed within visual distance of a frightened local.
Both Lt. Hawk and later Cmdr. Liang objected to my desire to launch a second attempt at direct contact. Objections were noted in the log.
RECOMMENDATION: I still believe a second attempt at contact is the best course of action. Responding to the distress call and attempting to aid or evacuate the colony before another potentially catastrophic solar event is our clear priority. However, the natural hazards encountered, potential for hostile encounters, and general lack of information complicate the situation significantly. Questions also remain as to the reason for technological regression, the lack of response via their or our communications equipment, and the survival of the colonists despite the lethal atmosphere.
Due to these and the lack of an immediate threat to the colony’s survival, I have decided to bow to the concerns of my first officer and Lt. Hawk for the moment. The USS Eminence will temporarily withdraw from the area as we plan and attempt to de-risk our second attempt. The chances of a catastrophic solar event targeting the colony are statistically low. However, probes left in the star system by Lt. Seral will continue to monitor solar activity to provide warning in case of such an event.
With respect to the medical emergency, I do not believe it to be a case of negligence on the crew's part as scans did not register the environment as toxic. I accept full responsibility for the outcome. It is also noted that Dr. Mavil performed her duties admirably, and was instrumental in saving the lives of the away team.
OOC: This is the AAR for the Eminence RP episode Symbiosis Pt. 2-1. Please notify me if there are details I am missing for your character. Part 2-2 is postponed till the Foundry is back up and running, so this is going to serve as an IC exit for your characters to return to DS13 without all the time travel nonsense. Sorry!