| SUBMITTED: Stardate 96048.3 | FILED BY: CAPT A. Derenzis | SECURITY: Level 1 - Open |
LOCATION: Outer Kuiper Belt, Breq 53 System, Aldebaran Sector
MISSION: Emergency interception of relativistic object on a collision course with the Breq 53 star.
OUTCOME: Success. Alien ramscoop diverted without loss of life. Minor damage sustained to tractor beam and main deflector. Brief communication received from alien ramscoop prior to departure.
KEY PERSONNEL:
CAPT A. Derenzis
CMDR T. Akaela
LT O. Mercer
LT Nal
LT J. Thurston
LTJG M. Khet
CMDR T. Akaela
LT O. Mercer
LT Nal
LT J. Thurston
LTJG M. Khet
NARRATIVE: On Stardate 96046.5, the Shackleton detected an object of unknown origin on a collision course with the star Breq 53; with impact projected at 7 days from that point. Due to the object's immense realspace speed (0.999995 c), projections showed that the collision would be enough to destabilize the star's core and cause a nova, devastating all planets in that system. Given that the third planet housed a pre-industrial insectoid society, the Shackleton attempted to intercept the object and divert its path. Computer projections showed we had approximately three hours to effect a course change if we were to insure the object would not impact the star.
On closer approach, it was discovered the object was an interstellar ramscoop, albeit damaged. A habitat was detected as part of the ramscoop construction, and between 50 and 100 distinct lifesigns were detected. This officer would note our sensors had difficulty giving a definitive number of lifesigns largely due to the immense time dilation effect aboard the alien vessel. Relativistic effects aboard the alien ship corresponded to a Lorentz factor of 0.003; one hour aboard the Shackleton would thus translate to slightly over ten seconds aboard the alien ship. This rendered both boarding the alien vessel or attempting communications with the inhabitants difficult within the time remaining. Sensors also detected an immense magnetic field generated by the vessel; this field is hypothesized to be a magnetic sail intended for course corrections or deceleration.
CMDR Akaela recommended a photon torpedo be used for a standoff detonation in an effort to push the alien vessel onto a new heading, while LT Thurston suggested the use of the tractor beam. This officer authorized the photon option as a last resort, and ordered the tractor beam to be used once we had matched the object's course and speed.
This method was only moderately successful; diverting the alien vessel's course by 0.9 degrees at the time the tractor beam overloaded and shut down. At that point, computer projections showed we would need a minimum of 2.2 degrees alteration for the alien vessel to clear the star proper. A second attempt by tractor was ruled out due to the increased hull stresses on the alien vessel.
LT Khet reported the alien vessel's magnetic field, while configured to serve as a magnetic sail, did not have the sufficient field strength to complete a turn on its own. LT Thurston made the suggestion of using a field of our own to nudge the alien vessel. Khet agreed this was feasable, if we were to generate a magnetic field using our main deflector and approach close enough to the alien ship to merge the two fields together. This officer agreed and ordered the change. On our approach to 500 metres from the alien ship, we encountered some unexpected turbulence from the merging of the two fields, sending a massive jolt through the Shackleton and reducing our structural integrity field down to 65%. LT Khet reported that, with the deflector being employed in the aformentioned manner, we had no spare power to boost the SIF. This officer gave the order to proceed with the course correction. LT Mercer reported that the now-combined fields were not adding to the hull stresses of the alien ship, and that existing stresses were in decline.
At this point, LT Nal reported the alien vessel had trained particle beams against the Shackleton, but was withholding fire for the moment.
The total operation took approximately one hour to complete, by which point, our main deflector was in danger of overload. LT Khet successfully switched to the secondary deflector as the main deflector shut down, which lasted long enough for us to complete the needed correction and back off from the alien vessel.
LT Nal reported at this time that one of the particle beams was now firing at low power in a pulsed pattern. Analysis of the pulses showed them to be sending prime numbers, then more complex pulse patterns which suggested an attempt at communication. We travelled alongside the alien vessel for an additional hour, receiving the pulses and transmitting the resulting sequence to the universal translator. The message, once translated, was a brief thanks for our intervention and a statement of intent for the inhabitants to repair their vessel and continue on their journey. With that, the alien vessel ceased communication. The danger past, we returned to our course for Kelterre, and began to effect repairs on our own damaged systems.
RECOMMENDATION: While the alien ship is now out of danger, its long-term fate is uncertain. This officer recommends that Starfleet track the vessel and be prepared to intercept with another ship should a new collision threat emerge.
This officer also wishes to enter commendations for LT Khet and LT Thurston for their quick thinking and actions in implementing both solutions to divert the alien ship. However, this incident has also shown that LT Thurston still needs additional experience in starship pilot operations, and thus recommends additional training in addition to his regular duties to correct this gap.
OOC: AAR for the first Shackleton event of 2020. Thanks to all who participated; you were all awesome! Special thanks to Alistair Nimitz, who guest-starred as "Lt. Nal". Next regular event will be on Jan 31!