101874.7
CAPT W. Lesyak
LOCATION Frontier, Sector Beta 6741 (Uncharted)
MISSION Continuation of the initial stage of Operation Signal Catcher, as reported in AAR: Operation Signal Catcher - Probe Launch.
OUTCOME Deep space probe not retrieved. Investigation indicates it suffered a collision with a starship of previously undiscovered species. This species’ task group arrived at the site of collision. Initial contact hostile as they seem to believe Starfleet was responsible for the loss of their vessel. After brief information exchange, these species demanded to be left alone. Our task group returned without further issues.
KEY PERSONNEL
- Captain Matthew Flynn, USS Roosevelt (@Rogue)
- Commander Kora zh’Venda, USS Lernaean (@LunyaVel)
- Captain Wanya Lesyak, USS Aspasia
NARRATIVE Initial sensor triangulation indicated the probe had been deflected from its flight path shortly after deployment. The task group proceeded along the projected trajectory at Warp 3, due to multiple navigational hazards and a sensor-obscuring nebula that required the group to halt and deploy supplemental scanning assets. Aspasia launched four mapping probes and the runabout Hekademios equipped with an external sensor platform, allowing the group to chart a safe corridor and resume course.
After several hours of travel, the group located a debris field containing identifiable Federation probe components mixed with a large quantity of unknown crystalline-titanium hull fragments. Ion trail forensics indicated multiple vessels had recently occupied the area. While analyzing the debris, three unknown small starships arrived and began their own search pattern.
Commander zh’Vhenda attempted to hail the newcomers. Instead of a spoken reply, one vessel fired a low-power beam near the Lernaean and then transmitted three discrete data fragments: the probe’s transponder signature, fragments matching the unknown debris, and a repeating alien distress call. During this exchange, USS Roosevelt performed a tactical sensor sweep to determine potential threat level. Shortly thereafter, the alien vessels shifted into a pincer formation and transmitted the Roosevelt’s own sensor emission profile back to the task group, suggesting they interpreted the scan as hostile intent.
Metallurgical analysis conducted by Aspasia confirmed that the debris field contained intertwined material from both the Federation probe and the alien hulls, establishing that a collision had likely occurred. Captain Flynn and Commander zh’Vhenda concluded that the alien vessels might believe the Federation probe had caused the death of some of their own crew and that the Roosevelt’s tactical scan reinforced a perception of Starfleet’s aggression.
To prevent escalation, the task group attempted nonverbal symbolic communication. Roosevelt transmitted a visual sequence demonstrating disarmament, regret, and a request for clarification. Lernaean transmitted binary-encoded data explaining that the collision was unintended and that Starfleet wished to avoid conflict.
After a period of standoff, alien vessels transmitted a final data burst showing a navigational exit vector from the region. Commanding officers conferred and decided to withdraw rather than risk repeating an incident somewhat analogous to the historical Friendship 1 tragedy. Prior to departure, the task group deployed a communications buoy at the nebula periphery, broadcasting peaceful intent and willingness for future contact.
As the alien vessels returned to the debris, they transmitted a final broadcast: a non-linguistic audio pattern resembling a mournful harmonic lament, interpreted as a funerary or memorial expression for those lost in the collision. All three commanding officers acknowledged the transmission, and the task group exited the area without further incident.
RECOMMENDATION Issuing a navigational advisory, continued passive monitoring of the region, and preservation of the communications buoy as a possible first-contact anchor point should the species seek peaceful dialogue in the future.
RECOGNITION Captain Flynn and Commander zh’Venda deserve a recognition for their quick thinking in how to establish and, to some extent, maintain the communication with the unknown species.
OOC Event log is here.