101125
LCDR Flynn, Matthew
LOCATION H Class world, System K-3596, Kelterre Sector, Near Cardassian border
MISSION Investigate pirate activity near the Cardassian border; Disable energy dissipation device, locate survivors
OUTCOME Energy dissipation device eliminated, pirate crew apprehended and delivered to DS13
KEY PERSONNEL
- LCDR Matthew Flynn
- LCDR Vulok
- LT Delix
- LT Sid De Luca
- LT Alenys Larami
- LT Thira sh’Tala
NARRATIVE During an investigation concerning pirate activity near the Cardassian border in the Kelterre Sector, not far from the Betreka Nebula, the USS Roosevelt detected unusual readings coming from System K-3596, where which it came into contact with a derelict ship. Sensors detected no life signs or power signatures and the vessel appeared to be stripped for parts. Our continued search led us to a Class H desert world where an energy dissipation device was emanating from the planet’s surface, forcing traveling ships passing by the system to lose power and become either trapped in orbit or on the world. Those ships as well had met the fate of the prior we had discovered.
Having detected the device’s signature before coming into range of its radius, Lieutenant De Luca adapted shuttle Wichita to counteract the device’s effect and an away team was sent down to the planet where they searched for survivors and to disable the device. While finding none that were either still alive or present, the energy dissipation device was found and destroyed. On the away team’s journey back to the Wichita, two pirate vessels entered the system and sent a team down to the planet’s surface. The away team met resistance returning to the shuttle, but were able to reach it safely, returning to the Roosevelt.
Wichita was attacked in transit to Roosevelt by one of the pirate ships, whose weapons were destroyed, forcing it to withdraw and allowing the shuttle to come aboard. The other vessel was critically damaged with its engines and communications disabled. Its crew was transported aboard the Roosevelt and confined to the brig for transport to Deep Space Station 13 for processing. Roosevelt lost shields during the skirmish, while shuttle Wichita suffered minor damage.
RECOMMENDATION Considering the incident’s proximity to the Betreka Nebula, it is mine and the crew’s belief that the Betreka Nebula pirates were responsible for the device’s installation. We have surmised that the pirates did this to trap unsuspecting vessels and strip them for parts. As no survivors from these ships were found, we suspect any individuals that might have survived were either taken prisoner or somehow escaped on their own as full wanton slaughter seems unlikely.
With the device inoperable, this system should be safe for travel for the time being, though it should continue to be monitored for future activities.
RECOGNITION Lieutenant Delix’s timely discovery of the energy dissipation device prevented Roosevelt from being impacted by it and Lieutenant De Luca’s modifications to shuttle Wichita consistently remained stable to and from the planet.