Arrival

Posted on Wednesday 16 September 2020 @ 16:16 by Captain Melody Jones & Commander Save'ena (Sav) Tillatix & Commander Caroline Miller & Lieutenant Marbim Rejal & Lieutenant Commander Hayley Godding & Major David Scarlet

Mission: A Whale of a problem (We're going to need a bigger boat)
Location: Main Bridge
Timeline: MD6 0900
761 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody was drumming her finger on her chair arm. Since they had lost contact with the recon shuttle hey had dispatched, she had a knot developing in the pit of her stomach. There was nothing to suggest foul play at this point, they had just lost contact. But no warning had been sent, no nothing.

They were now approaching the coordinated that had been transmitted by the probe. They would get some answers soon.

"Helm bring us out of warp. Full sensor scan please."

"Aye aye Captain, out of warp... now. Impulse and maneuvering thrusters employed." Sav knew sciences or tactical would answer the next question, but she maintained sensory readings within her, though, for just in case.


Seated at his station, Miles begins tapping several sets of commands, "Class M planet, Earth-type atmosphere so no rebreathers necessary. Water equivalent to that of Earth's oceans, both air and water are free of any pollutants...I'm not picking up, hmmm," turning to look at his Captain, "Mam, the computer is ambiguous on whether there are life signs or not...both in the water and on the one landmass ... it's not even picking up anything in the air ..."

"My guts telling me there's life down there," Caroline said suddenly.

Sav chimed in, "Sir, sensors are being misdirected.. whether by artificial or natural means is unsure, but a scattering effect is happening. I would suggest a landing party via shuttle would clarify better on the single landmass on the planet."

Melody regarded the blue planet for a moment. "Any sign of the recon team?"

"With the scattering field in effect, we won't know until we get closer to the planet, Captain." Hayley responded from Tactical. "However, based on the data we can obtain, there's no sign of the Darwin or any of her crew."

Melody took a breath and stood. "Well if we can't get any answers from up here, we'll have to get some down there. As a first contact situation, I'll be leading the away team. Number one you have the bridge. Miller, Godding, you're with me. Commander Tillaltix put us in a standard orbit then join the party. Have the good Doctor join us in the main shuttle bay as well."

Sav perked up at this. She usually stayed with the Merlin, but relished the chance to drive a shuttle for the team and be a part of a landing party. She responded, "Aye Aye, sir." As she began moving towards the orbit, she sent a call out to her team for a replacement to come to the bridge.

"Aye Captain." Hayley said, signaling through her console for the relief officer to assume the tactical station. She wondered at what point the XO was going to challenge the assertion of the CO's decision to lead the away team. It technically wasn't her place to do so, but his.

Turning around to look at Melody, Miles asks, "Is it worth my time to dictate Starfleet regulations about the Captain going on away missions?" Then with his mischievous grin, he adds, "As I know the answer is no, then please take a member or two of security to keep you out of mischief, Mam."

Melody gave him a wry smile. "Ah, you know me so well XO. Godding, Would you please grab a couple of your finest security officers to accompany us to the surface?"

"Aye Captain." Hayley said. "Godding to Scarlet, grab Team Alpha and head to shuttle bay one. Side-arms only."

Scarlet's voice grumbled over the comms. "We'll meet you there Lieutenant."

Caroline stood up to accompany The Captain, “ do we get sidearms?” She asked.


Melody nodded. "Just try and keep them holstered, OK? This is a first contact situation so try not to shoot anybody."

While the communications and readying of the teams was happening, Sav brought the Merlin into a standard high and away orbit. No taking any chances of getting too close to activate any defensive systems of the planet if there were any. Sav called out, "Standard high North Proximity Orbit achieved, Sir. My relief is on his way."

As Sav passes the Captain's chair, Miles catches her attention, "Keep everyone safe down there, including yourself..." blushing he turns away to look at something on the floor.

Melody let the rest of the away team board the turbolift, then she entered last. "The ship is yours, Number One. Try and keep her in one piece." she shot him a wry smile as she turned in the lift before addressing the computer.

"Main shuttlebay."

OFF: