101666.7
CAPT Zohl, Kyhid
LOCATION
Coriok System, Caravon (Coriok II), Betazed Sector.
MISSION
Investigate the disappearance of a Caravonian mining team and stabilise conditions in the mine.
OUTCOME
Survivors recovered and evacuated; Tal Shiar blacksite uncovered connected with Dominon War-era bunkers constructed by RSE; site secured for later investigation. Partial data file transfer secured on damaged isolinear rod. Note: thalaron weaponry on site.
KEY PERSONNEL
- CAPT Kyhid Zohl – USS Tykera (@nynik)
- CAPT H’Ltol Sh’ow – USS Leopard (@HLtol)
- CAPT Dr. T’Paal – USS Compassion (@oileus)
- CAPT Alistair Nimitz – USS Atlantis (@Nimitz)
- MAJ Gabriella “Brie” Valencia – MACO, USS Atlantis (at the time) (@Sam)
NARRATIVE
The away team beamed to the Caravon highlands at a dilithium quarry where a civilian mining crew had gone missing. Initial scans were hampered by interference, though faint lifesigns and unfamiliar power signatures were detected deeper within.
Proceeding underground, the team confirmed evidence of blood traces and weapons fire near mining machinery (this ultimately proved unrelated, though this wasn’t known at the time). A partial lockdown was released allowing further access to the mine.
As we advanced, sensory deduction (scent, hearing) narrowed our path when tricorders failed us. They led us to a tunnel where miners had been working with heavy equipment. Instead of a new vein, they had breached an artificial structure concealed behind the rock.
The structure proved to be a Romulan installation, prefabricated origin, and of Dominion War era. However, its serialisation pointed to a facility half a sector away. The team discovered a concealed entrance disguised behind a bulkhead. Inside we found a control chamber still powered. At the centre, the missing miners were trapped in containment fields. Attempts to access consoles provided limited schematics and revealed this was intended as an annex of a larger blacksite complex, construction halted at war’s end. It was connected in secret to the war-time bunkers built officially. The containment fields could not be disabled by console, but were eventually disrupted by phaser fire, freeing the civilians.
With the fields down, we began to treat the wounded miners. Simultaneously, Captain Nimitz attempted a data retrieval effort to secure files, but unintentionally triggered automated countermeasures. A defence drone activated from concealment. It was equipped with a thalaron lance. Major Valencia engaged and destroyed the drone before it could annihilate everyone, but was gravely wounded in the discharge. Dr. T’Paal provided immediate medical stabilisation and I believe she is recovering (see supplemental reporting).
The computer systems initiated self-destruct protocols, wiping all, but for fragments saved to the isolinear rod the Captain had inserted. The interference that plagued our tricorders ceased after the system collapse, suggesting it originated from the facility itself.
The team evacuated with the survivors, assisted by a mining hauler and later shuttle and transporter support from the mine entry. Civilian lives were saved, though casualties were sustained among them and within our own team. The blacksite remains, its purpose linked to wartime Tal Shiar operations presumably. The full extent of such facilities across Federation worlds remains unknown where the RSE constructed defensive facilities on Federation worlds. Further analysis of the contents of the rod may reveal the exact purpose.
RECOMMENDATION
Secure and quarantine the Caravon site. Suggest closing all dilithium extraction at this time form the immediate region (25 square km). Task Federation Intelligence to conduct a full survey of Dominion-era installations constructed by the RSE in Federation territory. Medical teams should continue to monitor the Caravonian miners for any long-term effects. A full debrief is warranted to assess possible implications for Caravonian/Caravosian/Coriokian Coriok society and Federation security, especially this close to Betazed.
Additionally, I recommend a review of data retrieval protocols in hostile environments. Captain Nimitz’s initiative was understandable under pressure, but future responses may require stricter caution to avoid triggering destructive countermeasures at the expense of both safety and intelligence.
RECOGNITION
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Major Gabriella Valencia: for exceptional bravery in neutralising an experimental thalaron-armed drone at the potential cost of her life, but resulting in severe injury. Nomination for the Starfleet Medal of Valour recommended.
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Captain Dr. T’Paal: for outstanding field medicine, stabilising both civilians and personnel under fire and without full technical functioning of her medical instruments.
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Captains H’Ltol and Nimitz for tactical acumen and data recovery under pressure.
OOC
My thanks to all involved for an interesting mission, and for Sam especially for allowing me to be so brutal to poor Brie… especially when she had the sense to be so cautious all mission.
Relevant Links:
Event: “Silent Quarry” (hosted by @nynik) | Mission Transcript | Databank file on Coriok
Some snaps of the mission:
