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+---- Thread: The Broken Arrow (/showthread.php?tid=596)
The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 10-12-2025
== At some point in the future, on the bridge of the USS Zephyr while she is conducting a series of surveys in uncharted space. ==
The rhythmic hum of the warp core was a constant, soothing presence on the bridge during the long transit between systems. Alpha shift was progressing with a quiet efficiency that Ameen appreciated. He was reviewing planetary survey data from their last stop when the officer at the science station sat upright in her chair.
"Commander," she said, her voice cutting through the calm. "I'm picking up something. Long-range sensors. A single, small object. Definitely artificial."
Ameen set his PADD aside, his full attention now on the main viewscreen, which still showed only the swirling blue tunnel of warp space.
"Location, Ensign?" He asked.
"Vector 318, mark 015. It's approximately two light-hours from our current position, Sir. It's adrift. No warp signature, minimal power readings, but it's not an asteroid." He replied.
Ameen stood from his chair, his mind already cycling through the possibilities.
An old probe? A derelict? Deep space was vast, but it was rarely truly empty...
"All senior officers, please report to the main bridge," he said, his voice calm but firm, tapping his comm badge. "Helm, bring us out of warp on my mark. Let's see what's out there."
== Tag everyone ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 10-12-2025
Gath arrived on the Bridge, but remained silent about his arrival as he moved over to the Security Station to log in and begin assessing the situation. Others had not arrived yet, but he would remain attentive, in the event that the CO decided to begin briefing those on the Bridge.
== Tag...Gath has arrived and is ready to engage when ready... ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 10-12-2025
Morad's voice cut through Amila's comm as she was in the science lab trying to make sense of a new theory being posited by a Vulcan engineer on temporal wave resonance. Her heart skipped a second just hearing his voice. Clearly it was work - the message hadn't been just for her. All senior officers to the Bridge. She shut down her terminal and made her way out of the science lab, feeling a bit silly for the way her brain reacted to a simple comm.
The turbolift was a short ride to the Bridge. Almost too short, as Amila gathered herself, straightening an imaginary crease in her uniform as she stepped onto the Bridge, her posture just a bit more formal than it needed to be.
"Lieutenant Ra'an reporting, Sir. "Do you want me at my station, or will there be a briefing?" She asked as she looked at the Acting Captain. She fought the urge to give him a smile, but the warmth for him was there, hiding in her eyes, despite the stiffness of her shoulders and back as she stood at attention.
==Tag Ameen==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Torok Powl - 10-14-2025
"All senior officers, please report to the main bridge," he said, his voice calm but firm, tapping his comm badge.
Torok was in middle of his evening meal when he received the call. The sudden interruption in to the silence was startling, but no more than a sudden small twitch. He gathered his leftovers and placed them in the replicator. He had just changed into his off duty clothing which involved a loose fitting green tunic, and room blue pants. Quickly grabbing his uniform, that was fortunately just cleaned, he put it on with due haste and proceeded to the bridge once he determined his outfit was aligned with Star Fleet Uniform Code.
Just outside of the turbolift, the halls seemed quite and the ship was at Condition Green.
"Bridge," he said plainly while stepping in. He politely nodded and acknowledged the salutation from a Nurse and a Science officer. The familiar soft thrum of the engines on the Zephyr could be heard winding down leaving warp just as the doors to the Bridge opened.
"Powl reporting, sir." He looked around the bridge to survery what all the hullabaloo would have been about. There was a screen in the Science department analyzing on object. The same object could be seen on the main viewer as the Zephyr was taking an approach vector.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 10-19-2025
Sickbay was in good hands as she left to go to the Bridge, on the books for the time were just routine followed by more routine. The fact they were being called to the Bridge would suggest that there was about to be a change, the fun was always in the details.
There were a few people she was delighted to see on the bridge, one more than most. The Science department was her favorite, she just wasn't sure why. The one thing that she was sure of was being on the Bridge wasn't the place she would rather be, hopefully she could go to Sickbay soon.
==Tags==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 10-21-2025
The transition from warp speed was seamless. The blue vortex on the main viewscreen collapsed into a brilliant flash, replaced by the silent, star-dusted black of normal space. In the distance, precisely where the Ensign had indicated, was a small, lone vessel. It was asymmetrical, clearly of non-Federation design, and scarred by what looked like energy burns along its aft section. A thin trail of frozen, glittering vapor trailed behind it like a ghostly tail.
As his senior officers began to file onto the bridge, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and professionalism, Ameen turned from the viewscreen to face them. He gave a nod to each of them as they reported in.
"As you can see," he began, his voice low and steady, addressing Amila's question and the room at large. "We have a visitor." He gestured towards the main screen. "Yellow alert!"
The calm but alert voice of the computer confirmed the order, and the bridge lighting shifted subtly.
"I want to know exactly what we're looking at before we even think about hailing them," Ameen continued, his gaze moving from one department head to the next, issuing clear and concise directives.
"Lieutenant Ra'an, to your station. Full passive sensor sweep. I want to know everything you can tell me about that ship without them knowing we're here. Hull composition, power source, technological level, and point of origin if you can find one."
"Commander Keir," he said, knowing his First Officer was on their way, "focus on their propulsion systems. What kind of drive were they using, and what's its current status? I need to know if they're dead in the water or just playing possum."
"Lieutenant Gath, from your station, a full threat assessment. Weapons signatures, defensive capabilities, anything that could pose a risk to this ship."
"Lieutenant Powl, I want you to analyze the damage patterns on that hull. See if you can determine what caused them. Also, begin plotting theoretical engagement solutions, just in case."
He then looked to where Doctor O'Fee was standing.
"Doctor, once Lieutenant Ra'an has a lock, I want a detailed bio-scan of any occupants. I need to know their condition."
Ameen turned back to the viewscreen, his hands clasped behind his back. The ship just floated there, a silent testament to a journey that had gone terribly wrong.
"Let's find out who our silent neighbors are," he said, his voice barely above a murmur. "Gently, people. No sudden moves."
Who are you? And what are you doing here in the middle of nowhere?... hmmm...
== Tag everyone ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 10-21-2025
Gath simply replied, "Aye, sir."
At his station, he was bringing up the results that would be coming in from the sensor pallets. Passive sensors would likely only get them very little. It would, however, tell them if there were any overt energy readings. They should be able to tell if there was damage to the ship that was causing radiation leakage from a power source. Passive would also tell them if weapons and shields were powered. The fact that it appeared adrift and there were no external signs of activity left one to presume that there was likely very little power available to it. A vapor trail and cossible condensed liquid meant it had internal damage and may even be venting atmosphere.
He noticed all these things and more, but none of it indicated that there was any danger to their own ship and crew. An active sensor sweep was going to tell a great deal more. His immediate concerns were that if there were still people alive on that ship and they were desperate, they might try to come over to the Zephyr. They weren't likely to be able to transport through the shields, which were now up because they were at Yellow Alert. His people would be moving to General Quarters as well, so that was something, in the event someone was successful in boarding the Zephyr. If the crew was going to beam over to investigate, he would worry about that when it came up. It was something to expect though, especially if they got no reply to a hail. For now he would stand by and take advantage of when active sweeps were done on the craft.
== Tags ==
== GM Input for whatever becomes available through sensors (both passive and active). ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 10-21-2025
"Doctor, once Lieutenant Ra'an has a lock, I want a detailed bio-scan of any occupants. I need to know their condition."
Looking at the screen Evie could recall stories of people who went out in space in cryogenic stasis, it was meant for long range travel. The trips one way would take up to fifteen years to complete one way, and they didn't have the ability to keep them sustained for that long.
Going to the science station she wanted to be a little involved with the scanning. "Lieutenant I promise not to be in your hair for very long, part of me is stating there is a good chance that we will find cryogenic particles." Naturally this would give Ra'an the idea she was looking for trace elements of stasis pods. The occupants of the vessel could be anyone, the reason they are there could be found out if the occupant was still alive.
==Tag Ra'an==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Torok Powl - 10-23-2025
"As you can see," he began, his voice low and steady, addressing Amila's question and the room at large. "We have a visitor." He gestured towards the main screen. "Yellow alert!"
Powl remained standing until ordered from his report in. Although, given his history in observation from working with Captain Ameen, he would have perfectly accepted movement to his station.
"Lieutenant Powl, I want you to analyze the damage patterns on that hull. See if you can determine what caused them. Also, begin plotting theoretical engagement solutions, just in case."
Powl nodded as he received his orders. What was out there on the viewscreen, it looked like it was dead and void of life. From first glance, it must have taken a beating.
The air was suddenly very tense and the looming concept that a threat of some type may be near. Whatever had caused the vessel on the viewer to become adrift may still be in the system and now observing the Zephyr.
"Aye," Powl said very plainly.
Powl began analyzing scans being brought in by the Zephyr's sensor sweeps.
==GM Input: Any patterns recognizable for weapon type, method of attack, time of the attack, debris analysis pattern, possible defensive capabilities that used to be present before the attack. And one other item, is there any sign of debris from a hull different from that of the one currently being assessed.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 10-27-2025
Amila rushed to her seat at the science station and began swiftly running scans, the controls of the old-style ship now second nature to her.
She heard Evie's voice over her shoulder as she started working, "Lieutenant I promise not to be in your hair for very long, part of me is stating there is a good chance that we will find cryogenic particles."
"Have a seat." Without looking up, Amila gave a little head tilt toward the empty station to her right, inviting the doctor to sit down. "Log yourself in, and I'll shoot over anything of interest, Doctor. It'll be fun."
==tag, Evie==
==Tag GM, Science finding anything, particularly the cryo particles the doctor asked her to look for? - Thanks! ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 10-28-2025
The bridge of the Zephyr was a quiet hive of activity. At their respective stations, the senior officers worked with practiced efficiency, their consoles chirping softly as they relayed the first trickles of data from the passive scans of the mysterious vessel.
== GM Input for Science (Lt. Ra'an) & Medical (Dr. O'Fee) ==
The science console lights up with critical data.
Bio-scans: Faint life signs detected. Reading... twelve distinct signatures. Metabolic rates are dangerously low and fluctuating.
Cryo-agents: Trace amounts of argon and dimethyl sulfoxide are present in the faint vapor trail. The signatures are consistent with cryogenic preservation.
Hull: Basic titanium-aluminum alloy.
Power: Primary fission reactor detected; offline and cold. Minimal power readings are from primitive chemical batteries.
Propulsion: A multi-stage solid-fuel chemical engine. No warp or impulse capabilities detected.
Trajectory: Back-trace of the vessel's trajectory points to an origin system: Icarus III, nine light-years distant.
Origin: Icarus III is confirmed as a Class-M, pre-warp civilization (Classification: Level 4, industrial age with early spaceflight).
== GM Input for Tactical (Lt. Powl) & Security (Lt. Gath) ==
The tactical and security sensors complete their analysis.
Threat Assessment: Negative. Zero weapons signatures detected. Zero shield emissions detected. The vessel is classified as non-hostile.
Damage Analysis: Hull plating is buckled outward from the aft section. All debris in the vapor trail is consistent with the vessel's own hull composition.
Conclusion: Damage is from a catastrophic internal explosion in the propulsion section. Not from an external attack.
The data collectively paints a stark, terrible picture that now hangs in the air of the bridge. This was not a derelict from a battle. It was a tomb, launched from a world that had just learned to look at the stars, carrying twelve pioneers who were now dying, alone, in the dark.
== Tag All Senior Officers, Bridge Crew ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Keir 77 - 10-30-2025
Keir and Samantha had been on a date and having recently completed a shift; neither of them had expected to be summoned Both had been busy lately and their comm badges were on the bags they had brought to their favorite beach program. They were sufficiently distracted that it was Sam who eventually pointed out the summons.
Tapping it, Keir enabled a replay function and heard the urgent summons. Despite their previously relaxed and distracted state both were professionals and quickly made their way to their quarters.
Shortly after; Keir made hir way to the bridge and took the FO's seat. Realizing that the current Engineering officer was nearly past his shift s/he tapped hir badge to summon the next duty officer. "Midshipman A'kilees to Bridge stat"
As s/he worked on scanning the vessel in keeping with the CO's request s/he turned briefly to speak to the COS. "Lt Gath if you need additional Security personnel, CPO Reagan is standing by."
Whatever had befallen this nearly derelict ship it was quite clear that without the Zephyr's aid there would soon be no life aboard. "Initiating scan of propulsion systems now Captain." As s/he completed hir report Keir added privately to hir fellow Command officer. "Sorry for the slow response Captain, we were on a holodeck beach."
Nothing more would be needed; the Captain would recognize a situation that clearly explained the delayed arrival of his FO.
Having scanned the propulsion systems Keir then extended the scan and added to hir report. "Minimal power Captain. The systems are primitive, but apparently still sufficient to maintain minimal level, though it would not be for long Sir."
==Tag Gath, A'kilees and GM for results of hir scans==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 10-31-2025
Gath shook his head at the scans and gave a low grumbling growl. It was not one of anger, but of simple dissatisfaction with the situation. "Sir, none of their systems appear to pose a threat. The craft appears to be a crude and primitive exploratory ship of some kind. It is difficult to say for certain of the origin, but telemetry indicates it may have been drifting for quite some time. It has no shielding, so I'm amazed it made it to where it is without something more significant going wrong by now. The only danger I can caution against is that the craft is rather fragile and it could be dangerous to send crew. Engineering will have to assess the systems and structural integrity before we can authorize any attempts at rescue."
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 10-31-2025
Sitting down in the second Science Station Evie was still processing everything that was going on. "I believe you are right, this could be fun." As she was logging in to the station, Evie couldn't help but to wonder about Sickbay. Standing orders were always have Sickbay ready for anything, Charlotte was great for that and keeping people in line.
As she was waiting on the results, Evie was studying the Bridge. It wasn't often that she was up there, and didn't know when the next time would be. The scan results didn't take too long to come back. "It looks like we have confirmed life signs." Evie said to Amila. "We have twelve individuals in deep slumber, I am not sure how to proceed. My Officer training says we should stay away from this, Medical training says it could be hazardous, but the humanity in me is urging us to go in there." She was asking for advice from a fellow Officer who wouldn't have the same dilemma that she had.
==Tag Amila==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 11-01-2025
[Midshipman A’kilees to Bridge stat]
A’kilees received the message on his communicator from the First Officer. He was finishing up working on a wall console when the yellow alert was broadcasted ship wide but the sudden call to get to the bridge immediately made the situation seem pressing. A’kilees returned his tools into his kit and pressed his comm badge to reply.
[A’kilees here. Acknowledged, I’m on my way.]
A few moments later, A’kilees arrived on the Bridge from the turbolift, walked up to the on duty Engineering officer and patted their shoulder to relieve them. The female human ensign looked up and smiled at the midshipman and relieved her seat for the saurian and made her way towards the turbolift. A quick look towards of the front view screen got him up to speed on the situation. An unknown derelict ship floated in space, dark and alone. The unusual ship intrigued him; it didn’t look like any ships that were currently in the Federation but oddly reminiscent of those found in museums.
A’kilees overheard the concerns Lieutenant Gath had brought up to Commander Ameen about the potential dangers in the adrift ship. He quickly sat down in the chair and began to do a structural and atmospheric diagnostic of the vessel.
“Checking vessel structural integrity and internal atmosphere.” A’kilees stated aloud as he began to work the console.
A’kilees also began to scan the entire starship to get a full detailed schematic. Its asymmetrical construction and engineering were interesting enough that A’kilees considered filling out an engineering report. If someone in Starfleet had been observing Icarus III, they would want to study their stellar accomplishment albeit being a failure.
== GM Input: What is the vessel’s structural integrity? Is there a breathable atmosphere? Would it be safe to transport an away team aboard? ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Michael Brennan - 11-01-2025
Brennan was working on studying up on the weapons systems for the Zephyr when the alert went off signaling a change in ship status. He left the phaser control systems and proceeded to the turbolift without delay. Once arriving, he climbed inside and nodded to a couple of other crewmen proceeding to their destinations.
"Bridge," he said simply as the others nodded back in approval, acknowledging they were along the same path. It took just a few moments to arrive before the doors opened, and Brennan reported onto the bridge in a tactical situation.
He proceeded over to his commanding officer, Lieutenant Powl, and checked in when he had an opportunity.
"Good day, Lieutenant, how can I be of help?" He stood there expectantly as he looked up and saw on the view screen the object that had created such an attention grab. He muttered under his breath, "What the..." His mind shifted quickly from confusion to concern as he could feel the tension rising on deck.
== Tag Powl ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 11-03-2025
== GM Input for Midshipman A'kilees (Engineering) ==
As the Midshipman's hands moved over the engineering console, the Zephyr's powerful sensors finished their detailed structural analysis. The results were not good.
Structural Integrity: Critical. The internal propulsion explosion buckled the ship's main space frame. Without shielding, decades of micro-meteoroid impacts have riddled the titanium-aluminum hull, creating a patchwork of fractures. The ship is holding together, but barely.
Internal Atmosphere: Negative. The vessel is completely exposed to vacuum. All internal atmosphere vented long ago, evidenced by the frozen vapor trail.
Transporter Lock: Unsafe. The combination of the failing cryopods, the compromised hull, and the primitive, non-Federation alloys makes a stable transporter lock on the twelve life signs impossible. Attempting to beam them out would be fatal.
== Commander Morad Ameen ==
Ameen stood at the center of the bridge, his gaze fixed on the derelict ship. He'd received Keir's private message about the beach, giving his First Officer a simple, understanding nod of acknowledgment as s/he worked. One by one, the reports had come in, each one adding a new, grim layer to the situation.
Gath: No threat, but fragile.
Keir: Primitive, minimal power.
O'Fee: Twelve survivors, in cryo, raising the profound moral question.
Then came the final, critical reports. He listened as Midshipman A'kilees would no doubt deliver his findings from engineering: Structural integrity was critical, the ship was open to vacuum, and worst of all, transporter rescue was not an option.
Ameen turned from the main viewscreen to face his assembled officers. He noted Midshipman Brennan's arrival and Lieutenant Powl's quiet guidance at the tactical station. The entire senior staff was now present and aware of the facts.
"Thank you, Midshipman," he said, his voice quiet but carrying across the bridge. "Thank you all for your swift analysis."
He clasped his hands behind his back. "Let's summarize what we know. We have a non-Federation, pre-warp vessel. Their first attempt at interstellar travel has ended in a catastrophic internal failure. They pose no threat to us."
He paused, letting the weight of the next words settle. "We have twelve survivors in failing cryo-stasis. They are dying. And, we cannot use the transporter to rescue them."
Ameen's gaze moved from officer to officer—Keir, Gath, O'Fee, Ra'an, Powl.
"This puts us in a very difficult position. Starfleet General Order One is clear: We are forbidden from interfering with the normal development of any pre-warp culture. A rescue would be a direct violation. By all rights, our duty is to observe and leave."
He looked directly at Dr. O'Fee, acknowledging her earlier unspoken plea. "However, as Doctor O'Fee has rightly identified, we are also sentient beings who have just found twelve pioneers dying on our doorstep. To leave them to their fate... is also a choice."
"This is no longer a simple sensor reading. It is a moral and ethical crisis. As Commander, the decision is mine, but I will not make it without your counsel."
He stepped forward, closer to the central command chairs.
"I am opening the floor. I want your perspectives, unfiltered. Doctor O'Fee, Lieutenant Ra'an... give me the humanitarian and scientific arguments. Commander Keir, Midshipman A'kilees... what are the practical risks of attempting a rescue on a ship that is falling apart? Lieutenants Gath and Powl... what are the security and tactical ramifications of a potential first contact, however accidental?"
"Speak freely. What do we do?"
== Tag All Senior Staff, Midshipmen A'kilees & Brennan ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Michael Brennan - 11-03-2025
Brennan stood and listened for a minute to the captain's analysis of the situation. He was aware of general order one; however, many exceptions had been made in the past due to techniques used to help either keep the other crew asleep or at least in an environment that seemed identical to the present. Given the situation, he had a couple of ideas burning in his mind that he felt willing to produce.
Personally, I think that will be a far better option, especially if we manage to get a full scan of the ship.
"Captain, if I may, I have a couple of thoughts for options. In the past, the federation has made use of a holodeck ship in efforts to move an entire non-warp civilization; however, if we can produce a similar result with our own holodeck, which could simply be a replica of their ship, it may be possible to silently transport them to the holodeck and exact repairs. Once complete, we can simply put them back and send them on their way. Another option would be to simply sedate them and proceed to once again exact repairs.
Brennan waited for an answer patiently as he examined more information about the ship.
"Either way, I know it's in violation, but exceptions have been made in the past, especially regarding the Enterprise E.
== Tag Ameen ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 11-03-2025
Gath was bothered by the situation, "Sir, this craft was not capable of significant speed. Such a propulsion system, even if launched from an orbital facility and were able to exceed the thrust of other vehicles of similar design, it would never be able to reach even a fraction of light speed. It would be generous to say that it might have taken one hundred thousand years to make it this distance from Icarus III. Given the speed it is drifting at, we can't be entirely certain it even originated from Icarus III, but we have no idea how it arrived here. We also can't return them to Icarus III, even if we can confirm that's where they came from. It might be possible to establish from some sort of flight logs, when and where they departed, as well as what their destination was. As Mister Brennan has pointed out, there are ways we could repair their craft and place them back on course, but without shielding, they are not likely to survive the rest of their journey. We might be able to deliver them to their destination and allow them to complete their mission with no explanation of the in between time. They might be able to tell things didn't go as planned, but it will remain a mystery. It would allow them to be alive and still give them a chance to succeed or fail on their own. If we have no choice but to wake them up, I think the holodeck is the best way to isolate them, to include the equivalent of an airlock feature, securing them in that environment as a containment measure."
== The sublight calculations for a chemical rocket system are weak, but I used real world ideas to compare. If a Saturn 5 rocket (liquid fuel) were able to launch from an orbital facility or the moon, it would require much less escape energy, but still had a top speed of about 40,000 kilometers per hour. Even at more than twice that speed, it would take more than 100,000 years to travel 9 light years. Imagine that they could achieve twice that speed, it would still take tens of thousands of years to get to the location. Thus, they didn't get there on their own, or there is more to the story that we need to discover here. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 11-03-2025
Sometimes Evie forgot that her voice could carry and didn't count on the Commander hearing her, when she heard the question about the Humanitarian solution she turned her head quickly to face him. He wanted the unfiltered answer was a big surprise to her, she always kept a filter on what she said for the most part.
As she attempted to say something, nothing came out at first. "The Humanitarian in me is wondering if they are suffering, it is possible that they are partly conscience feeling this but can't do a thing about it. Kind of like old surgeries gone wrong, when the Anesthesiologist didn't get the mixture right people were awake but couldn't move. Every muscle would be paralyzed by the gas, and they had no way to communicate this or they would be screaming." Evie started to think a little more. "If they are not getting what the body needs, their bodies will be consuming itself until there is nothing left, starting with the muscles they have, and eventually the fat tissue." She didn't like to imagine what they would look like when that happened, Earth has many images of people who did go through it.
"Eventually if nothing is going to be done they will die the best option is flash frozen, they wont have time to suffocate. There are many ways I can outline one being worse than the other, but this one will suffice. In theory if we replace the primitive batteries with newer ones, all the systems could go back to normal operational status only repairing the outer hull on the way out" There was a good chance that if that did that they would be too weak to do anything at first, eventually their life signs could be strong again and they would leave minimal evidence that anyone was there. "If A medical Officer was present, we would be able to make sure they stay asleep or give warning if they are coming around." She really didn't want to be there, but was ready if needed to be.
==Tag everyone==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 11-04-2025
The condition of the vessel wasn’t looking good from the readings showing up on the console A’kilees was looking at and he would have to share the bad news with the rest of the bridge.
“Looks grim Commander, I’m not sure how it’s all holding together. Structural integrity is critical with fractures all over the hull and no atmosphere inside the vessel. Transporting them aboard would be inadvisable with the debris and current state of the ship and with the pods failing it would essentially kill everyone if we attempted to do so.” A’kilees turned towards the Commander
"Thank you, Midshipman," he said, his voice quiet but carrying across the bridge. "Thank you all for your swift analysis."
====
“Speak freely, What do we do?”
The saurian scratched his scaly chin as pondered the situation for a moment. Could there be a practical solution to these circumstances? The floor was open and A’kilees certainly had a potential plan but how would the crew react? After Brennan, Gath and Evie took turns to speak, A’kilees stood up from his chair and looked towards Commander Ameen. A’kilees could feel a few eyes from the bridge crew turn towards him.
“It’s not a great plan but it’s all I can think of.” A’kilees said, cleared his throat, grabbed his dataPADD and walked towards the viewscreen programming some visuals for the rest of the bridge to see.
“Essentially, the ship is already breaking apart so we just crack it open further. An away team shuttles over to the ship and performs a space-walk to loosen key areas of the hull with hand phasers where the cryopods are located.” A few more quick presses on his dataPADD and indicators showing where the pods and the vital hull points were on the ship appeared on the large viewscreen. “The Zephyr then pulls the removed pieces and large debris away with the tractor beam to allow the away team access into the inside of the ship”
This plan is crazy. A’kilees thought to himself. He knew that the next part would probably make or break his proposal.
“After the team has access, we then have three options: One, check if the removed hull allows for a better transporter lock. Two, use the tractor beam to attempt to remove the pods from the vessel, And three, the worst and most dangerous case, the team enters the ship to retrieve the pods to transport them via shuttle.”
Concluding with his presentation, he paused for a moment and turned back towards Ameen.
“Sir, if we decide on this course of action then l volunteer to go out with the away team to retrieve the pods since it’s my proposed plan.” He awaited anxiously what the Commander would decide on.
== Tag Morad Ameen et. al ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 11-10-2025
Ameen listened in silence, absorbing each perspective. The bridge, which had been a quiet hub of analysis, now buzzed with the tension of a profound moral debate.
He heard Midshipman Brennan's creative, if complex, holodeck solution. He heard Dr. O'Fee's stark and moving description of the beings' suffering—the precise humanitarian argument he had requested, one that made inaction feel monstrous. He then heard Midshipman A'kilees' bold, pragmatic, and incredibly high-risk plan, complete with a courageous (and perhaps reckless) offer to lead the team.
He was proud of his crew's initiative. But it was Lieutenant Gath's observation that had truly, and suddenly, altered the foundation of their dilemma.
Ameen turned from the viewscreen, his gaze sweeping across his officers.
"Thank you all," he said, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Your counsel is invaluable. Doctor O'Fee, you've given us the humanitarian imperative. We cannot, in good conscience, let them suffer."
He then nodded to his junior officers. "Midshipman Brennan, Midshipman A'kilees—your initiative and out-of-the-box thinking are commendable. Mr. A'kilees, that is a... definitive... proposal. Your courage is noted."
His gaze then locked onto his Security Chief. "However, Lieutenant Gath has just raised the single most critical point in this entire scenario. The timeline. If your calculations are correct, Lieutenant, and these... pioneers... have been adrift for about a hundred thousand years..."
Ameen let the implication hang in the air for a moment.
"Then the culture we are trying to protect no longer exists. We are not looking at a pre-warp civilization. We are looking at its fossil. Their world, Icarus III, will have had one hundred millennia to evolve. They could be warp-capable. They could be... extinct. The Prime Directive's clause of non-interference may, in fact, be irrelevant."
The entire ethical landscape had just shifted...
"Lieutenant Ra'an," Ameen said, his voice now sharp with a new, urgent purpose. "That is our new priority. I want a long-range sensor scan, maximum power, on Icarus III. I need to know its status, now. Is it inhabited? What is their current technological level? I want to know who we're dealing with before we decide the fate of their ancient ancestors."
He turned back to his engineering team. "While she's doing that, we still have a practical problem. Commander Keir, Midshipman A'kilees... I want a formal risk assessment on the Midshipman's plan. Is it viable? And is it the only option? Doctor O'Fee suggested replacing their batteries. Is that feasible? I want solutions, people."
"Lieutenants Gath and Powl," Ameen added, turning to his tactical department. "While Lieutenant Ra'an gets us current sensor data, I want you to go a different route. Midshipman Brennan, you will assist them. I want a deep dive into the Starfleet database. Find everything we know about Icarus III. I want historical threat assessments, records of any listening post chatter, and their general disposition. If they are warp-capable, I want to know if they are members of the Federation, hostile, or isolationist. Start with Lieutenant Gath's 100,000-year hypothesis and work forward. Be ready to report by the time we have the sensor data."
The debate had concluded. The investigation had just deepened.
== Tag All Senior Staff, Midshipmen A'kilees & Brennan ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Torok Powl - 11-13-2025
Powl scoured over the report searching for what may or not be the presence of any sort of attack. Fortunately, despite the level of damage, there was no evidence of any sort that would indicate that there was any damage from an outside source. When searching for clues and answers, it presented itself in the form of internal workings. According to the readings, the entirety of the damage had been relegated to that of a problem internally.
Further, the report also included a readout of the ships capabilities. Without a shred of doubt, the vessel was certainly not battle capable at all. In fact, even with the technological differences, she wasn't even a battle capable ship with her own contemporary technology. There were no shields, weapons, or defenses of any type. Conclusively, this was an exploration ship and nothing more. Well not entirely nothing, there was life aboard. But the ship was confirmed to be from a pre-warp civilization. All types of interference or assistance was strictly forbidden under the Prime Directive, unfortunately.
"Captain, the vessel is a non-hostile and certainly embodies a no-threat analysis. No weapons or shields of any kind appear to be present. Further, all damage appears to be from an internal malfunction."
Powl noticed the newest addition to the department walk onto the Bridge.
"Good day, Lieutenant, how can I be of help?"
Powl turned his attention away from the captain and shifted over to Mid Brennan.
"Welcome to your first assignment. Please relieve Lt. Krandall at the helm and inform him to report to me."
Commander Ameen had just heard many reports from the various departments on board the Zephyr. Although each had its own input, the complete picture was formed when all was reported in. The situation was far from simple.
"I am opening the floor. I want your perspectives, unfiltered. Doctor O'Fee, Lieutenant Ra'an... give me the humanitarian and scientific arguments. Commander Keir, Midshipman A'kilees... what are the practical risks of attempting a rescue on a ship that is falling apart? Lieutenants Gath and Powl... what are the security and tactical ramifications of a potential first contact, however accidental?"
Torok took a moment to run several different scenarios mentally.
"Sir, I am afraid the ability to accurately predict the outcomes of such actions are going to be little more than conjecture. However, historically the entirety of the creation and authoring of the Prime Directive was due to the destruction of a civilization upon gaining a significant defensive upgrade. Due the the advancement of the new technology, one side was heavily favored. Regrettably, such examples cannot be ruled out.
However, we could gain the ability to paint a clearer picture of potential outcomes via an away team. It appears there aren't any onboard that would be conscious, therefore an away team can be sent to investigate this culture. From there we can discover the mission of the vessel, and who is aboard. While we concern ourselves with the importance of technology being in the right hands, we should find out if the individuals on board are of the mental and moral fortitude to prospectively use the technology in an altruistic fashion.
While being Vulcan, I see this in a purely logical circumstance and I am internally motivated to let the ship be and we would fulfill our duties as the Prime Directive dictates. However, if the you decide to intervene, my previous statements are my recommendations."
Powl concluded his input and listened as menagerie of differing ideas all pointing to actively assisting the alien ship in many different ways. None of them were the same, and varied in very creative and out of the box thinking. Having heard each of the different viewpoints and creative solutions, Commander Ameen began using the input to begin forming his next course of action. There wasn't quite enough information upon which to form a conclusion, but it did lend itself to give him a direction to go for more information to complete the need for a solid foundation. This next part of the investigation would be crucial for forming orders for the next course of action.
"Lieutenants Gath and Powl," Ameen added, turning to his tactical department. "While Lieutenant Ra'an gets us current sensor data, I want you to go a different route. Midshipman Brennan, you will assist them. I want a deep dive into the Starfleet database. Find everything we know about Icarus III. I want historical threat assessments, records of any listening post chatter, and their general disposition. If they are warp-capable, I want to know if they are members of the Federation, hostile, or isolationist. Start with Lieutenant Gath's 100,000-year hypothesis and work forward. Be ready to report by the time we have the sensor data."
"Aye. Midshipman Brennan, take on the dive into their culture and history. Lieutenant Gath, do you have a preference for your research?"
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 11-18-2025
Amila began her attempts at long range scans for Icarus and pulling up what information Starfleet had on the system. She also shot off a quick alert for Midshipman Cortes to report to the Bridge to lend her an extra hand.
[Alert, Midshipman Cortes, Message from Chief Science officer Lieutenant Ra'an: Please report the Bridge as soon as possible.]
As she searched, she listened to Ensign Powl weigh in, as usual the Vulcan's insight's thorough and multi-faceted.
"Sir, I am afraid the ability to accurately predict the outcomes of such actions are going to be little more than conjecture. However, historically the entirety of the creation and authoring of the Prime Directive was due to the destruction of a civilization upon gaining a significant defensive upgrade. Due the the advancement of the new technology, one side was heavily favored. Regrettably, such examples cannot be ruled out.
However, we could gain the ability to paint a clearer picture of potential outcomes via an away team. It appears there aren't any onboard that would be conscious, therefore an away team can be sent to investigate this culture. From there we can discover the mission of the vessel, and who is aboard. While we concern ourselves with the importance of technology being in the right hands, we should find out if the individuals on board are of the mental and moral fortitude to prospectively use the technology in an altruistic fashion.
While being Vulcan, I see this in a purely logical circumstance and I am internally motivated to let the ship be and we would fulfill our duties as the Prime Directive dictates. However, if the you decide to intervene, my previous statements are my recommendations."
Amila jumped in, "It doesn't matter if they are of the mental and moral fortitude to be responsible with the technology. We can't give them anything present day Icarus III doesn't have," she state in protest. "If they do still have a functioning society, at best, we should put this ship back in functioning conditioning with the technology in already has, and return them to their own system where their people decide what to do with them," she stated.
"That is how Starfleet would want it handled with we found a ship of ancient Orions or Humans floating out here," she offered.
==Tag GM for input on long range scanners and Starfleet data base. ==
==Tag for Cortes to report to Bridge.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 11-19-2025
The bridge grew silent as the long-range sensors completed their sweep and the database queries returned their results. The data that scrolled across the Science and Tactical consoles confirmed Lieutenant Gath's hypothesis with chilling finality.
== GM Input for Science Lt Ra'an and Mid Cortez ==
Long-Range Sensor Analysis: Icarus III System
Planetary Status: Desolate. Icarus III is currently classified as a Class-K (Adaptable) world, but scans indicate a massive ecological collapse occurred approximately 98,000 years ago.
Life Signs: Negative. There are zero biosigns on the planet matching the physiology of the survivors in the cryo-pods. There is no sentient life on the planet.
Civilization: Extinct. Sensors detect the faint, fossilized radiocarbon remnants of mega-structures on the southern continent, but they have been eroded by nearly one hundred millennia of weather. There are no energy signatures, no satellite networks, and no radio traffic.
Conclusion: The civilization that launched the Broken Arrow died out shortly after the ship left. The twelve beings in the cryo-pods are likely the very last of their species.
== GM Input for Tactical Lt Powl and Mid Brennan ==
Federation Database Search: Sector 318 / Icarus System
Historical Records: The sector is largely uncharted. However, a sub-space telemetry buoy (Buoy 44-Alpha) passed within 4 light-years of the system 80 years ago.
Threat Assessment: The buoy recorded a massive debris field in orbit of Icarus III, consistent with a "Kessler Syndrome" event—a cascade of orbital collisions that would have trapped a planet surface-side for centuries.
Political Status: N/A. No government exists to claim the system.
Tactical Conclusion: There is no hostile force waiting at home. There is no home waiting at all.
The "Broken Arrow" is not just a ship in distress; it is an ark to nowhere. The Prime Directive argument regarding "interfering with a society's development" is now moot, as the society no longer exists. The crew of the USS Zephyr are now the sole guardians of an extinct species.
== Tags ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 11-19-2025
Gath looked to Powl and responded to his research preferences, "I think that any remaining topics I might wish to dig into will have to wait for any information on the cultural, historical or long range sensor data. However, I'm interested in trying to determine from the scan data what kind of communication equipment they have and if there is any evidence of logs that we might be able to retrieve. The more we can do from a distance the better. Hopefully limiting our exposure time if we need to send an Away Team."
During the exchange, Brennan and Krandall began swapping out at the Helm. They no sooner had done so than Brennan was told to dig into some historical data and assist. The two exchanged a glance and a grin, turned right around and Krandall returned to the Helm. Krandall did finally speak up though, "Ensign Powl, how can I be of service?"
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 11-19-2025
Sebastian was luck as he had just entered the Bridge when his combadge activated
[Alert, Midshipman Cortes, Message from Chief Science Officer Lieutenant Ra'an: Please report to the Bridge as soon as possible.]
Sebastian had to chuckle a little to himself; clearly, the powers that be hadn’t expected him on the Bridge so quickly. He arrived to a flurry of activity. Orders were being issued by the various department heads,
Ensign Powl, the Vulcan sitting at Tactical, spoke up, "Sir, I am afraid the ability to accurately predict the outcomes of such actions are going to be little more than conjecture. However, historically, the entirety of the creation and authoring of the Prime Directive was due to the destruction of a civilization upon gaining a significant defensive upgrade. Due to the advancement of the new technology, one side was heavily favored. Regrettably, such examples cannot be ruled out.
However, we could gain the ability to paint a clearer picture of potential outcomes via an away team. It appears there aren't any onboard that would be conscious; therefore, an away team can be sent to investigate this culture. From there, we can discover the mission of the vessel and who is aboard. While we concern ourselves with the importance of technology being in the right hands, we should find out if the individuals on board are of the mental and moral fortitude to prospectively use the technology in an altruistic fashion.
While being Vulcan, I see this in a purely logical circumstance and I am internally motivated to let the ship be, and we would fulfill our duties as the Prime Directive dictates. However, if you decide to intervene, my previous statements are my recommendations."
Sebastian was both impressed by how factual Powl was, but he was a Vulcan after all. Being factual was second nature to them, but Sebastian was surprised at how wrong Powl was at the same time in his strict interpretation of the Prime Directive
This Prime Directive didn’t necessarily apply to this ship, as they had clearly achieved interstellar flight. Sebastian clearly remembered the Prime Directive from his First Contact Class. The Key aspects of the Prime Directive were clear in some respects but vague in others
Sebastian could clearly see the components of the Prime Direct in his mind. Professor McGill drilled them into his students' minds almost daily.
The Key aspects of the Prime Directive were as follows, Non-interference: Starfleet must not intervene in the internal affairs of other cultures, powers, or governments that are external to the United Federation of Planets, No overt contact: This includes no identification of self or mission, and no references to space or other civilizations., Protection of pre-warp cultures: It is especially important for pre-warp civilizations that are unaware of the wider galactic community, Preventing harm: The underlying principle is to avoid causing the "cultural havoc that can result when two worlds meet in unmitigated collision," and is often compared to the Hippocratic oath to "first, do no harm".Exceptions and moral dilemmas: The directive is not always absolute and often poses moral dilemmas for captains, who may choose to violate it to prevent a greater harm, as explored in countless episodes.
Seeing how this ship was in known space lanes, chances were that they knew of other cultures, some more advanced than themselves. It was a truly perplexing situation. Do they violate the Prime Directive or do they help these people? Most space faring cultures offer aid to ships in distress,
A dozen questions came to mind. Were the people on this ship able to respond? Maybe they are in suspended animation? Maybe they were extremely Xenophobic and just didn’t want to respond to the Zephry’s attempts to communicate. Maybe the ship is fully automated, or is crewed by artificial life forms, androids, or robots.
Sebastian was a bit surprised when the Orion officer that he knew to be the Chief Science off and his direct Supervisor Ra'an, Amila spoke up, she was a very attractive woman, "It doesn't matter if they are of the mental and moral fortitude to be responsible with the technology. We can't give them anything present day Icarus III doesn't have," she stated in protest. "If they do still have a functioning society, at best, we should put this ship back in functioning condition with the technology it already has, and return them to their own system where their people decide what to do with them," she stated.
"That is how Starfleet would want it handled if we found a ship of ancient Orions or Humans floating out here," she offered.
Making his way over to Ra'an, Amila, and Sebastian then spoke, "Excuse me, sirs," said Sebastian directing his comments to everyone. “I don’t think the Prime Directive necessarily applies here, at least not fully, as the ship is clearly capable of interstellar flight, just because there is no evidence of the ship being warp capable, just might mean that the people didn’t find it necessary to equip the ship with warp technology.”
Sebastian allowed his words to filter into his shipmates' minds. Then he continued. “ We can’t fit these ships with parts from our time, but we can retrofit pieces to match their level of technological expertise,” Said Sebastian.
Sebastian was confident in his suggestions. “If we do end up contaminating these people, we could erase their memories of ever encountering us. However, I would suggest the following course of action. These individuals are in need of assistance. I don’t think the Prime Directive was intended to allow people to suffer simply because they lack a certain level of technological development. Just because they haven’t developed Warp Technology doesn’t mean they aren’t advanced in other areas. Maybe warp wasn’t a priority for them? These people have achieved Space Travel; if we didn’t come across them, someone else would have, and I’m sure they would render any assistance they could. They are part of the galactic community, warp technology notwithstanding. Let's assemble an Away Team, beam over and see what we can do to help these people, but let's not forget we are assuming that they want our help. They may be very xenophobic and not want our help. But we won’t know until we ask.” Stated Sebastian.
== Tag All. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 11-19-2025
== Special GM-input for Lt Gath, as requested in Discord. ==
As Gath focused the sensors on the alien vessel's communication array, the tactical console chimed with the results of the deep scan.
Communication Array: Identified as a high-gain, directional radio transceiver. It is primitive by Federation standards, designed for line-of-sight transmission within a solar system.
Status: The array is physically intact but dormant. It is currently emitting a weak, rhythmic carrier wave—an automated distress beacon powered by the last dregs of the emergency batteries.
Logs/Data: Sensors detect a heavily shielded magnetic storage unit located beneath the floor plates of the command cockpit—essentially a "black box."
Retrieval Probability: Remote access has currently failed. The vessel's main computer lacks the power to respond to a hail or initiate a data dump. To retrieve the logs, the USS Zephyr would either need to hit the ship with a precise inductive power beam (risking an overload of their fragile systems!) or someone has to go there and physically retrieve the data core, the old fashion way.
== Tag Lt Gath.
==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 11-19-2025
The sensor data was quickly returned with quite clear results. Gath reported, "Sir, although Midshipman Cortez posed a fair hypothetical argument, the evidence appears to be to the contrary. Scans have shown their communication systems to be designed only to handle high-gain radio signals, which even when directed in a fairly tight configuration and direction, they are quite slow and rather short range by our standards and certainly not effective for interstellar communications. It is mostly intended for line of sight communications within a system. They appeared to not even have the ability to use laser based communications. I did find what might be a data storage system, which appears physically protected. Unfortunately, their power is too weak to attempt to initiate a link to their computer systems and their craft is too fragile for us to risk attempting any sort of automated power transfer."
Gath felt as if there was little else he could do at this point, "Sir, I recommend that a Damage Control Team be used to extract the data manually, as they are most prepared for any other possible malfunctions that might be encountered in a retrieval operation. They might also be able to determine if it is possible to extract the crew with their stasis pods intact. The ship poses no threat to ours, so the only risk would be to crew who might venture into the immediate area. I might suggest a shuttle be used with standard Engineering EVA suits, which have a slightly higher armor rating than normal EVA gear. The shuttle could provide shield coverage for part of the distance as the team moves to the craft and also provides possible emergency options for the team."
== Tag to all. I deliberately left the other information open for others to reveal and use in their posts. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 11-20-2025
Sebastian smiled when Lt. Gath gave his assessment of the situation, which was filled with major holes, but it wasn’t Gath’s fault; he probably views the world through the eyes of a Star Fleet Security Officer and a Klingon, not that that was a bad thing. It just meant that you viewed the galaxy through a slightly narrow scope of vision. Sebastian knew his assessment was right, but who was he to challenge the Chief of Security
Sebastian, you can’t publicly challenge the Chief of Security, but you have to do your duty.
“Captain, with all due respect to Lieutenant Gath, I think we may have misread the situation. Just because their communication system is primitive by our standards, it might mean they didn’t emphasize communication. It's a sleeper ship, which means one of a few possibilities. One, this is a colony ship; they placed these people in stasis, and they are scheduled to wake up when they reach their destination, which leads to the following questions: One, has anyone scanned for a habitable planet nearby? Maybe they are set to awake when their energy reserves fall below a certain percentage. If it’s a one-way trip, are you really concerned if you communicate with the world you left behind?”
Sebastian paused for a moment to all everyone to think about what Sebastian had said. He then continued,
“There is the possibility that these are refugees escaping a war or an environmental disaster. Do they want to or need to communicate with the warring factions they are escaping from? If they are survivors of a planetary disaster whom would they be communicating with? Maybe they are scientists, and communication was the least of their priorities?” Added Cortez, his tone thought-provoking.
Sebastian couldn’t help but get the feeling that this situation seemed familiar, he thought, and then it hit him
Botany Bay, Khan Noonien Singh!!!??
“ But Captain, let's not forget we might be looking at another Botany Bay. I’m sure Lt. Gath would agree that it is possible,” announced Sebastian.
“Captain, as I'm sure you remember, the USS Botany Bay was a DY-100-class sleeper ship built on Earth in the late 20th century. In 2267, the USS Enterprise under the Command of then Captain Kirk encountered the Botany Bay, and they almost killed Kirk. The Botany Bay was launched from Earth during the Eugenics Wars under the command of Khan Noonien Singh. The Botany Bay was used by a group of genetically-enhanced Humans known as Augments, led by Khan Noonien Singh, in an attempt to escape from Earth after being defeated by non-Augments.
Khan intended to find a world for himself and his people that they could colonize. Maybe this is what these people are doing. Initially, Khan and eighty-four of his followers were placed in a cryogenic freeze. These people might be criminals, and their government might have exiled them to deep space.” Suggested Cortez.
“ Captain, I would recommend we beam an Away Team over and access their computer, find out who they are and what they are doing out here. We can see if we can stabilize their ship by retrofitting the ship with replicated parts from our ship, but built to their culture's specifications. This way, we technically aren’t violating the Prime Directive; we have rendered aid and possibly prevented criminals from being unleashed on the Galaxy at large. " Said Cortez.
== Tag All. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 11-20-2025
Amila wasn't sure what to make of the new midshipman. He was bold. Being willing to speak up to power in a respectful manner certainly was a positive trait that could be fostered, but while he was offering up debate and arguably uninformed opinions, Amila was busy gathering more information. Information that Midshipman Cortez would have at his fingertips if he had asked for orders and taken a station rather than jumped into the debate. She made a mental note to address him privately later.
"Commander Ameen, I was able to get some more information," Amila announced, pausing briefly so that she would have everyone's attention.
"Long range sensors have given us more information on Icarus III, I can put up on the main viewscreen if you like, sir. The planet is desolate."
Amila gave the Commanding Officer a soft and subtle smile, before continuing, "Type K planet, sir. Mostly carbon dioxide, very thin atmosphere. No sentient life as we know it," the Chief Science officer explained. "The planet likely faced a major ecological event approximately 98,000 years ago that likely wiped out civilization. There are remnants of fossilized structures on the southern continent - they would have been large ones, mostly eroded at this point. No energy signatures whatsoever coming from the planet, no signs of a satellite network, no radio traffic."
"We may have to get closer to confirm if there are other life signs, but I would wager there might be some flora," she suggested. "It's hard to say."
"I'd say this changes things," Amila stated. "This could have been their one hope to try to save their people from extinction. There is no world to take them back to. We owe it to them, and to society as a whole to save them. It's the right thing to do."
"I'd like to bring them aboard, turn them over to medical staff, learn what we can from the ship, and go to Icarus III and study it further," Amila suggested.
== Tag All ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 11-20-2025
After Amila gave report of her findings, Gath chimed in, "Sir, in light of this new information, I agree with Mister Cortez in that there is a non-zero chance that the crew of this ship might fit the profile he suggests. Be they a crew of explorers, or survivors attempting a last desperate escape from a troubled world or something else entirely, we're not going to know for sure until we examine their records and consider speaking with them, though I suggest we do so in that order, in the event that there might be useful information in those records. Either way, the fact that their world and culture no longer exists other than what remains floating in space in front of us, does change the legalities of the situation, as pertains to the Prime Directive. Indeed, as Lieutenant Ra'an has pointed out, we may actually now have an obligation to render assistance to some degree. Caution is still strongly suggested though, and the less they know about us and our technology, the better."
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 11-21-2025
Sebastian picked up on something that caught his attention, Lt. Ra’an said, "Type K planet, sir. Mostly carbon dioxide, very thin atmosphere. No sentient life as we know it," the Chief Science Officer explained. "The planet likely faced a major ecological event approximately 98,000 years ago that likely wiped out civilization. There are remnants of fossilized structures on the southern continent - they would have been large ones, mostly eroded at this point. No energy signatures whatsoever coming from the planet, no signs of a satellite network, no radio traffic."
A ship is sent out with Communications equipment to communicate with whom? Assuming that these were the remainder of a civilization destroyed by an ecological disaster, why worry about communicating? To whom were they communicating?
Sebastian then began a scan of Icarus III, he programmed the search parameters to look for large metallic structures on the surface of the planet, as well as any kind of Command and Control structures.
Everything was begging to fall into place, the story was practically writing it’s self, It all made sense now, A Civilization abuses its planets, through pollution or war or a biological weapon, they search the night skies for a new home, but their Scientists miscalculated how much longer they could survive on the surface, they assemble an explorer ship to go and check on the most likely habitable worlds, but to escape the misery on the surface the civilization moves underground to escape the harsh environment above ground, after 98,000 years there would be no satellite network, because there was no one to maintain the satellites, chances are they fell to the surface of the planet.
As Sebastian waited for the scan results to come back. He spoke to the officers on the Bridge, “Sirs, forgive me my enthusiasm, but I think I figured this out. Please, hear me out.
We won’t find any indications of a Satellite network, because after 98,000 years, the satellite orbits have decayed and have probably crashed back to the surface. Now, with the environment on the surface getting so harsh, the government decided to send out a ship to find them a new home, but I’m guessing, the lack of warp limited their search to their home system or the ones next to them. As the conditions on the surface continued to deteriorate the people moved underground.
If you take into consideration the sleeper ship's lack of sophisticated communication, chances are their satellites were probably primitive as well. By Federation's standards, the satellites may have told them there were planets outside their system, but they weren't certain these planets could sustain life. So they sent out the ship to investigate,” Said Sebastian.
Sebastian knew that this had to be the correct theory. He did enjoy a good mystery, and this one was shaping up to be a great one.
“Captain, I agree with Lt. Gath, board the ship, access their computer systems, find out what they are doing, make any repairs, but seeing how their ship isn’t in the best condition, might I suggest we go into a low orbit of Icarus III and see if there are any survivors underground,” Said Cortez, his voice even, his tone confident in his assessment.
== Tag All. ==
== GM Input, does Sebastian's scan find any crashed satellites on the surface?==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 12-04-2025
== GM Input for Midshipman Cortez ==
As Midshipman Cortez initiates the specific scan parameters on Icarus III, the computer processes the geological and orbital history of the planet.
Orbital Debris: Confirmed. The scans locate thousands of small, oxidized metallic fragments in a decaying low orbit and impact craters on the surface consistent with the re-entry of primitive satellites. Carbon dating of the debris matches the age of the Broken Arrow. They had a network, but it fell from the sky nearly 100,000 years ago.
Subterranean Analysis: Negative for Life. Deep-crust sensors detect vast, collapsed honeycomb structures beneath the planet's southern continent. These appear to be artificial bunkers or geothermal cities, but they have suffered catastrophic structural failure.
Atmospheric Composition: The "ecological disaster" appears to have been a runaway greenhouse effect triggered by industrial pollutants, followed by an atmospheric collapse.
Conclusion: The Midshipman's theory is sound—they likely tried to move underground. However, the data indicates that whatever life support systems they had failed approximately 500 years after the Broken Arrow launched.
The planet is a tomb.
== Tag Cortez
==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 12-04-2025
Ameen watched the scan results populate the main viewscreen, the grim red lines of the subterranean collapse confirming the tragic reality. He turned his gaze to Midshipman Cortez.
"Your analogy to the Botany Bay is astute, Midshipman," Ameen said, his voice grave. "And your theory about the underground migration appears correct. Tragically, however, it seems they did not survive the transition."
He walked to the center of the bridge, the decision now made. The moral debate was settled by the silence of the planet below. They were the only help coming.
"We are not looking at a violation of the Prime Directive," Ameen announced, addressing the entire bridge crew. "We are looking at a rescue operation for the sole survivors of a species. We have an obligation to secure those lives."
He turned to his First Officer. "Commander Keir, assemble an away team. I want the Aura prepped for immediate launch The Broken Arrow's hull is too unstable for transporters, and I won't risk a beam-out through that interference."
He began listing his assignments, pointing to the officers.
"Commander Keir, you have command of the team. Take Midshipman A'kilees with you; his plan for hull access was sound, and we may need to cut our way in."
"Midshipman Brennan," he added, turning to the tactical officer. "You're piloting. The Aura is a heavy bird, but I need a precision approach to match their drift without thruster wash destabilizing their hull. Get them close, but keep it gentle."
"Lieutenant Gath, you're on point. Secure the entry and ensure the ship is safe for the medical team."
"Lieutenant Ra'an, I want you on that computer core. If we can't save the ship, we must save their history. Midshipman Cortez," he added, looking at the young science officer, "you're with her. You've got a good head for historical forensics; put it to use."
"And Doctor O'Fee," he said, looking to the CMO. "Your priority is the cryo-pods. Assess them, stabilize them if you can, but do not wake them up until we know it is safe to do so."
Ameen sat in the center chair, the weight of command settling on his shoulders.
"You have your orders. Bring them home, Commander."
== Tag everyone! ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-04-2025
Gath acknowledged, "Aye, sir."
With that, he secured his station and had another Security Officer take over his duties on the Bridge. Once that was complete, he headed for the Shuttle Bay.
Gath had stopped off to put on one of the upgraded EVA suits. There was thin armor plating in some areas while the rest of the fabric was more reinforced to resist tears and punctures. It still allowed freedom of movement, but more protection than a standard suit. He also selected a helmet that would allow for maximum visibility. He wasn't really worried about hostilities, just jagged metal and possible systems failures. The ship they were going to looked like it was made of rather fragile materials. He estimated that the hull was only a few millimeters thick in most places, meaning he could cut through it with a knife or hand axe, like it was a tin can.
There was a phaser in a holster on his belt, but it was secured and he only carried it because it was regulation. There were also a couple of other items on his belt, but most of them he carried while on duty on the ship. The only difference this time was that they had retractable tethers to them, should he lost his grip on them while in free space. He quickly tested the tiny thrusters of his suit and gave himself a "preflight" check, then stood next to the shuttle with his helmet held in one hand, waiting for the rest of the team to load up.
== Tag to the team ==
== Will we be creating a secondary location thread, or will this all be in the single thread? I didn't know if there would be sub-threads or not. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-05-2025
Sebastian was excited; he was eager to solve this mystery. He was profoundly curious that they had discovered the survivors of a lost civilization? If they had, these survivors would want answers; they would like to know what happened to their civilization, to their family and friends. Sebastian couldn’t help but feel that Icarus III and this sleeper ship were connected, but there was the possibility that the two weren’t connected in any way.
“Captain, I understand that the ship is our priority, but I can't help but notice a similarity between this and the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island in the 1580s, where 117 English settlers just disappeared. Governor John White had sailed to England for supplies and, upon his return in 1590, found the colony deserted. He, like these people in the cryo-pods, would want to know what happened to their loved ones. Chances are, the ship and Icarus III are somehow related; maybe they aren’t, but shouldn’t we at least try and investigate Icarus III?” Suggested Cortez, his tone curious.
The Scientist in Sebastian was curious to see whether the sleeper ship was connected to Icarus III or was from some other sector, maybe even another part of the galaxy. Just maybe the Zephyr had stumbled upon two amazing scientific and historical discoveries. Sebastian was truly excited; he loved exploring historic ruins.
== Tag All.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Keir 77 - 12-07-2025
"Thank you Captain I will get right on that. "
Turning to face the officers on the bridge s/he addressed Lt Gath and Lt Ra'an along with her junior officer; Midshipman Cortez, S/he then caught the eye of the others present who were assigned to the team including Dr. O'Fee; Midshipman Brennen as Pilot, along with Keir's junior officer Midshipman A'kilees.
"We are all assigned to this delicate and possibly dangerous Away team mission. So gather your gear and meet in 15 minutes in the main Shuttle bay. I will expect Midshipman Brennan to be there as soon as you can to ready the shuttle. The rest of us along with our pilot should be in in full EVA gear ready to enter a possibly dangerous environment on the alien ship. "
Pausing for effect s/he added, "Let's hustle."
== I am assuming that the team getting ready with full gear is something that does not need anything more than mention in your post within the Shuttlebay; or do you want to set up a sub thread Captain?==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Torok Powl - 12-08-2025
Powl was intrigued by the plethora of information flooding in from the various departments. Not only were they dealing with a new civilization, but it may be the ONLY pieces of that civilization. The only chance of more would be the almost zero chance of survivors on Icarus III.
Krandall did finally speak up though, "Ensign Powl, how can I be of service?"
Torok turned his attention to Krandall. "Yes, Lieutenant. I had an idea to somehow retrofit some of the smaller craft on board into small starfighters. Naturally, this would enhance our tactical capability significantly. The Zephyr as you know is old, but I think we may be able to put some hands to work by either beginning the construction of starfighters in our bay, or modifying some of our already existing secondary craft into workable fighters. While fabrication is being done, I would like your input on both the feasibility of the concept, but if we were to do so, I would like your experience in fighters to be used both as input for the construction of the vessels, and with training of the pilots. Please consider and if you are in favor, we will need to present the concept to Captain Ameen.
Powl overheard the beginning of orders for an away team. Each of department received assignments. Mid Brennan had been assigned as the shuttle pilot for the team.
"Lieutenant Krandall, please take of the helm and we will continue the discussion later."
Due to the importance and delicate nature of this assignment, nearly all of the department heads were to be directly involved with the mission. Powl would remain on board.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-09-2025
== Bridge ==
== NRC Lt Tom Krandall, Tactical ==
Tom listened to Ens Powl and responded, "The most practical approach is to modify craft currently in inventory, but I'm available to discuss it in depth at your convenience."
After then being assigned the helm, he acknowledged, "Aye, I have the Helm."
== Tag ==
== We may want to begin pre-facing our posts with a location, like I did with this post. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 12-09-2025
“Commander Keir, you have command of the team. Take Midshipman A’kilees with you; his plan for hull access was sound and we may need to cut our way in.”
A’kilees appreciated the Commander's previous words about his suggested solution to get access to the Broken Arrow’s cryopods but after being assigned to the mission realized the gravity of what he just proposed in front of the entire bridge crew. He had offered himself voluntarily to partake in a potentially dangerous mission, life threatening even. He stood there for a moment, he could feel his hands quivering slightly, suddenly feeling conflicted over his decision to volunteer. To attempt a dangerous spacewalk on a crumbling dead and ancient vessel for a race of beings that are now considered extinct? What exactly was he thinking at that moment he had offered? Had he been too rash at that moment? In any case, his impetuous decision had landed him in a rather serious position.
Keir 77 approached the crew members gathered and looked at each of those present for the away team which included Lieutenants Gath and Ra’an, Dr. O’Fee and Midshipmen Cortez, Brennen as well as himself. A’kilees clenched his hand tightly to stop his hands from shaking any further in front of the Chief less they noticed his hesitation.
“We are all assigned this delicate and possibly dangerous away team mission. So gather your gear and meet in fifteen minutes.” s/he said to the group present. “I expect Midshipman Brennan to be there as soon as you can to ready the shuttle. The rest of us along with our pilot should be in full EVA gear ready to enter a possibly dangerous environment on the alien ship.” She paused for a moment and looked over the team once more. “Let’s hussle” s/he concluded.
Quickly, the saurian followed the other members of the crew from the bridge to the back of the turbolift to ride down to Engineering. He planned to grab himself a kit just in case it would be required during the mission. A’kilees kept his head down slightly during the descent, his dark eyes darted from each member of the crew travelling with him in the turbolift. He was pretty sure that if anyone had looked his way they would have noticed that he was looking a little more greyier than usual. Soon the turbolift doors whooshed open for Engineering and A’kilees politely pushed his way through heading straight towards his station passing by other members of the Engineering crew silently and purposefully. He rummaged around for his engineering kit, opened it to check that all tools were accounted for and quickly headed back towards the turbolift. Luckily, it was empty when it arrived. A’kilees stepped in and headed downwards towards the shuttle bay.
The quiet hum of the turbolift was relaxing and A’kilees took a moment to collect his thoughts alone. He was reminded of the Vov siblings back at the Academy who had talked about the importance of meditation when praying to the Prophets and had invited him to sit in on one of their prayer sessions. He had felt a little out of place when it came to the religion aspect but the meditation gave him focus, clarity. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, concentrating on the droning hum as he descended.
Why was he hesitating? It was dangerous, of course it was, he knew the risks when he proposed the plan on the bridge. He had volunteered, why? The answer was quite simple to him really. A’kilees couldn’t in good conscience allow for another crewman to take his place. If something went wrong and he had remained behind on the ship, would he have been alright with himself letting someone else face the danger knowing he could have made the difference? Fear had overcome him earlier but it had lulled into an uneasiness as he calmed himself. Overall, Commander Ameen had given them the go ahead to his plan and the orders to carry them out, his crewmembers were now depending on him to see this mission through and the saurian needed to make his Commander’s faith in his plan a success. If that’s was all that he needed to hold on to to complete the mission then so be it. The doors opened and A’kilees took another long deep breath before exiting.
With his arrival in the shuttle bay, A’kilees walked along the line of EVA suits until he found one that would fit his large stature. A few of the away team members had arrived and were preparing themselves by getting in their own suits and checking their equipment and phasers, readying themselves to board the shuttle. He was feeling calmer as he grabbed the EVA suit, the meditation had done it's job. A'kilees thought to message the Vov siblings when this was over to thank them for their instruction. As he was getting into his suit, A’kilees looked over and noticed one of the mobile tractor beam units sitting in the corner of the shuttle bay.
That actually might come in good use, he thought to himself but he needed permission and fast. A’kilees quickly tapped on his comm badge which chimed aloud.
[A’kilees to Keir 77. Chief, permission to bring one of the mobile tractor beams from the shuttle bay along? *Grawk* I believe it might come in handy if we need a more up close approach moving either the pieces or the pods around.]
== Tag Keir 77 and Team ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 12-09-2025
==Shuttlebay==
Lieutenant Ra'an watched Keir seriously as s/he gave out the orders, "We are all assigned to this delicate and possibly dangerous Away team mission. So gather your gear and meet in 15 minutes in the main Shuttle bay. I will expect Midshipman Brennan to be there as soon as you can to ready the shuttle. The rest of us along with our pilot should be in in full EVA gear ready to enter a possibly dangerous environment on the alien ship -- let's hustle."
The science officers stopped at the lab and gathered their gear before meeting the others in the shuttle bay. As they were preparing their EV suits, Ra'an took a moment while the rest of the team was distracted to talk to her junior officer. She knew she was responsible for him, and while his enthusiasm was refreshing on the Bridge, it worried her when it came to a potentially dangerous away mission, especially since she knew it was so early into his first assignment.
Ra'an turned to the very green, but eager science officer next to her and sided up to him. "Midshipman Cortez, I take it this is your first away mission?" Ra'an asked. She spoke gently, only to him. "Pay attention to what Commander Keir said. This is potentially dangerous, eyes open and tread cautiously. And um... you probably know this, but I've seen some colleagues hurt before. Be extra cautious before touching anything. It's good to remind ourselves. Scientists. We're a curious bunch."
She gave him an encouraging smile. "Ready for this?"
==Tag Cortez==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-11-2025
== Shuttlebay ==
Sebastian was one of the first to arrive in the shuttle bay. Sebastian was excited to investigate this mystery, but he also dreaded this Away Team mission because he suffered from claustrophobia. He could feel his heart racing and sweat forming on his brow.
Lieutenant Ra'an Said, "Ready for this?"
Sebastian wasn't sure how to respond. Sebastian was one of the first to arrive in the shuttle bay. Sebastian was excited to investigate this mystery, but he also dreaded this Away Team mission because he suffered from claustrophobia. He could feel his heart racing and sweat forming on his brow.
Relax, Sebastian, relax, you won’t suffocate.
Sebastian kept telling himself to relax, but the EVA suits weren’t designed with comfort in mind; they were designed to protect the wearer from harsh environments. Sebastian found them confining, and the helmet’s edge blocked one's peripheral vision.
Relax, relax, you’ll be fine.
Sebastian tried to relax; he kept telling himself that he would be fine, that he wouldn’t suffocate, but he couldn’t help it. He knew it was an irrational fear, but he couldn’t help it. Sebastian had managed to deal with his claustrophobia in the Academy as he only had to wear the EVA suit for about ten minutes, but the Away Team mission could last for hours, if not days. Somehow, someway, Sebastian had to find a way to cope.
== Tag All. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 12-12-2025
Amila's question lingered in the air as she waited for the young science officer to answer.
He'd been so talkative on the Bridge, why wasn't he saying anything now.
"Mishipman - Sebastian. Is it alright if I call you that?" Amila asked gently. She still held her E.V. helmet by her side. She wouldn't put that on until they were ready to board the alien ship. "Are you doing okay? First let me know if there is a reason you need to stay back. You don't have to come, I can put you back on Bridge duty, you'll be with the Captain. No harm. I promise. Safety first." Amila gave him an encouraging nod. "But if you are good to go, hand me your helmet and walk with me, we'll grab a seat in the back of the shuttle."
==Tag Cortez==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-13-2025
"Mishipman - Sebastian. Is it alright if I call you that?" said Lt. Ra’an. Sebastian was caught off guard by Commander. Ra;an’s question, “Well, truth be told, I would prefer if you called me Pedro, my mother is a fan of Johann Sebastian Bach, the musician, not the painter, and so she named me Sebastian. Yes, Sebastian is my given name, but I prefer Pedro.”
Blushing at the embarrassment, Sebastian loved his mother, but to give him the name of Sebastian made him sound like a fancy aristocrat or something, that he was pretentious and above himself.
” Commander, this is difficult for me to admit, but I have a touch of claustrophobia. Please, keep this between us.” Sebastian said his tone was a mixture of embarrassment and regret.
Sebastian knew he should have dealt with his claustrophobia and regretted not doing so earlier, but his justification was how often does one need or use an EVA Suit? Sebastian figured that the odds were in his favor that he would never, or at least rarely would have to use the damn thing.
Sebastian, you must conquer your fear of confined spaces; the fear is all in your mind.
Sebastian kept telling himself that, hoping to drive his fear away or at least deep inside him, in an attempt to lock his fear away.
== Tag Ra'an ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 12-13-2025
”Lieutenant, this is difficult for me to admit, but I have a touch of claustrophobia. Please, keep this between us,” Sebastian confessed. Amila thought he seemed a little shy about doing so, maybe even embarrassed.
Amila looked back at him with a serious expression. "I can try, as long it's not something that is going to cause any issues that might affect your safety or the safety of the crew," she offered. "Is it the suit or the shuttle? Or both?" She asked.
==Tag back - (ooc, I know it shows me at Lt. Cmdr. on our Wiki, because I technically hit the points for the promotion, but I haven't been officially promoted in-character, so she's just an L-T, for now. I thought we could just make a little correction like he's addressed her Lieutenant all along if that works.) ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-13-2025
Sebastian was relieved that Lieutenant Ra’an didn’t laugh at his silly phobia. He was rather embarrassed at having such an irrational fear, not to mention admitting it to his Superior Officer. As far as what he could be afraid of, small confined spaces is the phobia that made the least sense. Why couldn’t he be afraid of snakes, or mountain lips, or Klingon Targs, things that make sense to be scared of because they could, in fact, kill a person,
Small confined spaces were efficient, and some people considered them cozy. Sebastian looked at the Lieutenant when she said, "I can try, as long as it's not something that is going to cause any issues that might affect your safety or the safety of the crew," she offered. "Is it the suit or the shuttle? Or both?"
Sebastian stood there and thought about every episode of claustrophobia he had. Was it in things like shuttles, shuttle pods, escape pods, or was it just anytime he had to don an EVA Suit or Scuba Gear? Most incidents occurred when he had any helmet that blocked his peripheral vision
“No, Lieutenant, small things like Shuttles, Jefferies tubes, Bio beds are fine, it’s just anything that blocks my peripheral vision, like the helmets of an EVA Suit, is what causes me panic. I know it’s a silly childish fear to have, I just can’t help it.” Sebastian said, with his head hung low in shame.
== Tag Ra'an (OCC, thank you for clearing up the rank issue, I was confused.).==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 12-15-2025
==Shuttlebay==
“No, Lieutenant, small things like Shuttles, Jefferies tubes, Bio beds are fine, it’s just anything that blocks my peripheral vision, like the helmets of an EVA Suit, is what causes me panic. I know it’s a silly childish fear to have, I just can’t help it.” Sebastian said, with his head hung low in shame.
Amila felt sorry for the young officer. Both for the phobia, and for the fact that he was backed into a corner and being forced to admit it to her right before they were about to take on an away mission. "Not childish at all," Amila replied. "You still want to go on this mission right?" She asked seeking affirmation.
"Look, no one likes these things. We all wait until the last minute to put these helmets on," Amila assured him. "And on any mission, as soon as atmosphere is established, a lot of people are ripping these things off."
"I'll tell you what. You give me a signal if you start to panic though, and I'll send you back to the shuttle, okay? You need to be able to monitor our life signs and possibly transporters from there if I send you back," Amila suggested. "And seriously, consider setting up an appointment with Dr. O'fee. You know a lot of phobias come from somewhere. Might be something you don't even remember. It couldn't hurt to get to the bottom of it."
==Tag Cortez, feel free to start walking us into the shuttle for a walk & talk tag. Remember, Amila is holding onto his helmet.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-16-2025
== Shuttlebay ==
As each member of the team arrived, Gath made a point to look over their suits to eb sure they fit right and had been tested. It was common to have someone do a "buddy check" and he was trying to look after the team. Once he had given the person a good look over, testing the security of straps and gear, he would give them a thumbs up.
Although Gath was not currently aware of the fears Ens Cortez had about his helmet, Gath's helmet was different and had a better field of vision. it was currently attached to his hip with a strap. (Hint-hint...wink-wink)
== Tag to all in the Shuttlebay ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 12-17-2025
== Bridge ==
On the bridge, the mood was one of controlled tension. Ameen stood by the tactical rail, his eyes moving from the main viewscreen—dominated by the spinning, debris-riddled carcass of the Broken Arrow—to the status displays at the tactical station.
The away team was assembling. He could hear the comms traffic from the shuttlebay: Keir's orders, Ra'an reassuring her midshipman, and A'kilees requesting heavy equipment.
Good, Ameen thought. They're taking the right precautions.
He turned to his Chief Tactical Officer.
"Lieutenant Powl," Ameen said, keeping his voice low enough not to disturb the bridge's rhythm. "We'll need to drop the aft shields to clear the Aura for launch. Given the debris field in orbit of the planet, I don't want to leave us exposed for long."
He gestured to the sensor readings of the alien vessel.
"I want a tractor beam solution plotted and ready on standby. If that alien ship's hull starts to disintegrate while our team is inside, I want to be able to stabilize it instantly. Don't wait for my order if the structural integrity drops below critical."
He paused, glancing at the empty helm station where Brennan had been moments before.
"And Lieutenant... once the shuttle is away, I want to hear more about this 'starfighter' concept you were discussing with Lieutenant Krandall. If we are going to be operating in debris fields like this often, having agile support craft might be more than just a theory."
== Tag Powl and anyone else remaining on the Bridge ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 12-17-2025
== GM posts ==
= Bridge =
Outside the main viewscreen, the situation was deteriorating. The Broken Arrow, drifting in the utter cold of deep space, had begun a slow, unstable tumble.
A jagged piece of debris—a fragment shedding from the alien vessel's crumbling outer hull—struck the Zephyr's forward shields. The impact was minor, barely a tremor through the deck plates, but the resulting flare of blue Cherenkov radiation washed over the bridge, a visual reminder of the hazardous proximity.
The sensors let out a sharp, rhythmic chirp. The debris density around the alien ship was increasing as its structural integrity continued to degrade. The window for a "clean" shuttle launch was closing. If they didn't launch soon, the Aura would have to navigate a gauntlet of hyper-velocity hull fragments just to reach the target airlock.
= Shuttlebay =
The heavy hydraulic hiss of the Aura's rear ramp sealing shut echoed through the bay, cutting off the last of the conversations. Inside the shuttle, the ambient hum of the Zephyr was replaced by the tight, recycled air of the independent life support system.
"Shuttlebay Control. Depressurizing main bay for launch," the computer's voice announced coolly.
Overhead, the yellow warning klaxons began to rotate, casting long, spinning shadows against the shuttle's hull. The massive external bay doors groaned as the locking clamps released. Slowly, they began to part, revealing the star-streaked void and the menacing, tumbling silhouette of the alien ship beyond.
The atmospheric forcefield shimmered into existence—a thin blue membrane standing between the shuttle and the vacuum. The Zephyr's flight deck officer signaled the Aura with lighted batons: You are clear for departure.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-17-2025
== Shuttle Bay.==
As Sebastian and Ra’an walked toward the shuttle, he smiled when Ra’an said, "Not childish at all." Clearly, she understood what he was going through, Amila replied. "You still want to go on this mission, right?" She asked, seeking affirmation.
“Yes, oh yes, very much so. I’m curious to see if my theories are correct. I love a good mystery, and this is a true mystery.” Replied Sebastian, his tone sounding excited.
Ra’an then went on to explain, "Look, no one likes these things. We all wait until the last minute to put these helmets on," Amila assured him. "And on any mission, as soon as the atmosphere is established, a lot of people are ripping these things off."
Sebastian was relieved to hear that it sounded like others had issues with the EVA Suit helmets. It was nice to know that Sebastian wasn’t the odd man out, that he wasn’t some kind of man-child.
Ra’an then explained to Sebastian what options were available to him, "I'll tell you what. You give me a signal if you start to panic, though, and I'll send you back to the shuttle, okay? You need to be able to monitor our life signs and possibly transporters from there if I send you back," Amila suggested. "And seriously, consider setting up an appointment with Dr. O'fee. You know a lot of phobias come from somewhere. Might be something you don't even remember. It couldn't hurt to get to the bottom of it."
Sebastian examined the helmet in his hands as they walked closer to the shuttle. He examined it to see if there wasn’t some way to improve the overall design of these helmets, to make them more comfortable.
Sebastian considered Ra’an’s suggestion about seeing Dr. O’fee about his phobia. He had seen professionals about his claustrophobia, and they kept telling him it’s all in his mind, but he never felt that. “It was just all in his mind,” he felt there had to be a logical, rational reason. Maybe something in his childhood, but for the life of him, he couldn’t recall any childhood trauma that may have activated his claustrophobia, but maybe Dr. O’fee had some new information on the Cause of claustrophobia, or at least how best to treat it.
“ I will make an appointment with Dr. O’fee and see what can be done,” Sebastian said, with a hint of confidence.
Sebastian then looked at Lt. Gath, and he noticed the lieutenant’s helmet seemed different then his helmet. Gath’s helmet seemed to have a better field of vision than a standard EVA helmet. “Excuse me, Lieutenant, may I examine your helmet?” Said Sebastian.
== Tag All. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-17-2025
== Shuttlebay ==
As E
Mid Cortez approached, he asked Gath about his helmet. In his deep and rumbling voice, he responded, "Certainly."
The helmet was held out to him. While Cortez examined it, Gath took the opportunity to check over the EVA suit for a safety check. It quickly checked good, but he commented as he finished, "I prefer that style of helmet. It is less armored for a combat mission, but it gives increased visibility for an environment like what we're going into. I depend a great deal on my peripheral vision for reaction time to unexpected situations in the field. I gladly sacrafice the small amount of material protection for the peace of mind of being able to see more of what is going on around me."
He gestured to the locker along the wall, "There are actually a small selection of different styles, if you want to see what version might best serve you on the mission. Some missions require specific gear, but this one is fairly simple and we don't expect anyone to be shooting at us. You still want to be on your toes though, space has a tendency to be very unforgiving."
== Once Cortez had sorted out his helmet preferences, they borarded the shuttle and began their mission. ==
As the shuttle began approaching the drifting alien ship, Gath looked over the shoulder of the pilot and commented, "Some of that debris is circling the craft. He then pointed to a reading on a console, "There...part of the drive and guidance systems used strong magnets and there is a magnetic field that is keeping some of the debris in a tight orbit. We'll want to avoid that plane of rotation on our approach."
As if to punctuate his statement, a tiny piece of debris impacted the shields of the shuttle, making a tiny bloom of energetic display as it was repulsed.
== Tag all ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 12-19-2025
== Shuttlebay - Shuttle Aura ==
A’kilees sat beside the mobile tractor beam generator that had managed to drag aboard and stored away from the other members of the away team so as to not impede anyone else aboard. Earlier he had the idea that if by chance the Zephyr’s tractor beam wasn’t able to remove smaller objects safely that the mobile unit would be able to work as an alternative. Hopefully his last minute preparation would come in handy in some way.
His previous anxieties had lessened a bit after his previous impromptu meditation in the turbolift on his way down to the shuttlebay but being inside the Aura was helping him relax a bit more. The Aura was a Type 14 shuttlecraft, the newest operational model in Starfleet. Excellent vessels, top of the line even, and much newer than even the Zephyr itself. A’kilees had flown a Type 14 back at the Academy and had been lucky enough to help maintain and perform some minor repairs from time to time when needed. Unfortunately, since coming aboard he had been busy with transporter calibrations and wall console repairs to work on any of the shuttles but hopefully he could work on it after the mission was completed.
Looking around the shuttle he viewed the various members of the away team. Lieutenants Gath and Ra’an were of course the most notable members of the team, getting things prepared before departure, but his large dark eyes were drawn to Midshipman Cortez who was looking a little anxious as well. Perhaps some pre-mission uneasiness? A’kilees thought. While the saurian was glad that he wasn’t alone in having these feelings, he thought it would be a good opportunity to help and show support to his fellow crewmen especially given the severity of the mission.
There was a slight lift of the shuttle and A’kilees could feel the Aura slowly take off from the shuttlebay and slowly accelerate its way out into the vastness of space. A’kilees leaned forward slightly in his seat and was able to peer past the imposing Klingon figure of Lieutenant Gath who was directing the pilot and through the front window to see the looming hull of the derelict ship and the surrounding debris, which was getting closer by the moment. A’kilees quickly took out his PADD and thoroughly reviewed his previous presentation to double check the schematic for the primary entry point and all areas needed to be cut away with the phasers. The team would need to closely follow the schematic as to not compomise the slowly failing internal systems while remaining safe and A'kilees wanted to ensure that would be the case.
== Tag all ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-21-2025
== Shuttle Aura ==
Gath took a moment to glance at the team. His eyes halted on the portable tractor device and A'kilees pushing into the far corner. He spoke up, "Mister A'kilees, if you find need of using that device, please be very careful. Remember that if it is not secured to a surface and you turn it on, it will be subject to basic physics, which can be rather tricky in a zero-g environment."
He then addressed the team, "Unless there are any objections, Engineering and I will approach first, to secure and open the craft for access while everyone else remains safely inside the shuttle until it is clear. Be aware that there are bits of floating debris in the area."
== Tag to Shuttle Team ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 12-21-2025
==Shuttle Craft==
Evie was a little conflicted about being on the shuttle, but her medical background made it hard for her to refuse. When it came to life vs Death, Evie had a lot of tricks to delay death but lacked the power to stop it outright.
The trip in the shuttle gave her time to think of what kind of plan she was going to execute, prioritize who needed to be seen first and who can wait. First the plan was to allow others on the ship first to make sure it was safe for the others.
"Unless there are any objections, Engineering and I will approach first, to secure and open the craft for access while everyone else remains safely inside the shuttle until it is clear. Be aware that there are bits of floating debris in the area." Evie had no issue with them going first, it would give her a safer work space.
"Fine by me." Evie said. "Just make sure that the pods are still active, we don't need anyone waking up at the wrong time." It was the one concern that she had about this whole thing.
==Tags==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-22-2025
== Shuttle Aura ==
Gath responded to the CMO, "Yes, I suspect they are not prepared to wake from their pods to a damaged ship. It would be ideal if we could keep them in stasis until safely back on our ship. Engineering will have to establish the viability of the pods and if we can move them. If not, we might need to repair their ship first, which will take more time and effort."
== Tag Away Team ==
== Tag for GM input: As we approach, are our scans able to read more details of the pods and internal systems of the ship? Does there appear to be an airlock, or is the craft only designed to be opened in a pressurized environment? ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 12-23-2025
== Shuttle Aura ==
A’kilees looked up from the schematics and cutting layout PADD towards Lieutenant Gath. “*Gwar* Of course sir, I’ve only brought it as a precaution. I’ll be sure to secure it if we end up using it.”
A’kilees stood up and looked towards the team. “If I could have your attention for a moment? To review the earlier briefing on the bridge, we’re looking to remove certain sections of the hull to get the cryopods inside to be removed with either the Zephyr’s teleporter or tractor beams. If the ship isn’t capable of getting the pods out, we’ll attempt it with the mobile tractor beam.” A’kilees explained and pointed towards the device at the back of the shuttle. “If that fails as well, we’ll have to enter the vessel ourselves as a last resort to retrieve the pods.”
The saurian paused for a moment to bring up his schematics on his PADD to share with the team. His explanation was fine though luckily the Universal Translator masked any anxiousness he might have had during its delivery.
“I’m uploading the schematic *clickclick* directly to everyone's display units of where we need to cut to access the area inside and avoid any critical systems. Please take this time to review the schematic and set phasers to four. Any questions?”
== Tag Away Team ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-23-2025
Sebastian appreciated that Lt. Gath pointed out that there were, in fact, several selections of helmets available. Quickly, he grabbed one that looked similar to Lt. Gath’s. Sebastian took a seat next to Dr. O’Fee. Sebastian felt a little embarrassed to ask her this, but Lt. Ra’an had said there was nothing childish about his claustrophobia. In a low tone, he whispered, “Excuse me, Doctor. I was wondering if, after this mission, if we could discuss the available treatments for claustrophobia.”
Sebastian felt like an idiot for having such an irrational fear; he sat there trying to remember what might have caused him to develop this phobia in the first place, but nothing came to mind. He had truly hoped that he could recall being locked in a closet, or the storage compartment of his parents' shuttle, or getting lost in a small, cramped cave, but nothing like that happened to him, unless he blocked it out and didn’t remember it.
Sebastian looked around the Shuttle, at the other members; they all looked so calm and brave,
Sebastian, you should be ashamed of yourself. Your colleagues are all brave and ready to face danger, but you're scared. You’re a scared little boy.
Sebastian sat there taking slow, steady breaths to calm his nerves. He kept telling himself that there was nothing to be scared of.
Sebastian decided to triple-check his equipment just to make sure he was prepared while he waited for Dr. O’Fee to reply to his question.
She’s probably asking herself how a grown man can be afraid of small, confined spaces.
Sebastian was hoping to conquer his claustrophobia, but for now, he was excited to see if his theories about the ship were correct.
== Tag O'Fee ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 12-25-2025
== GM - Me! yay
==As the Aura closed the distance to the Broken Arrow, the shuttle's high-resolution sensors cut through the interference, answering Lieutenant Gath's questions with stark clarity.
Scan Results started to come in as follows:
Entry Points; The alien vessel has no docking ring. It was designed as a "launcher"—meant to leave a planet and never return. There is a small, manual EVA airlock on the dorsal spine, but it is barely a meter wide.
In other words, you cannot dock. Furthermore, the cryo-pods are too large to fit through the personnel airlock. A'kilees' plan is validated; the only way to get the pods out is to cut a section of the hull open and extract them directly from the cargo bay.
Now for the Cryo-Pod Status, the closer proximity reveals a grim timeline. Of the 12 pods, three are showing red warning indicators—power failure is imminent (less than 40 minutes.) The other nine are stable but degrading due to the ship's tumbling motion.
As for the internal environment, it was confirmed as hard vacuum. No artificial gravity. Floating debris inside the hull will be a hazard for the EVA team.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 12-25-2025
== Bridge ==
Ameen stood behind the tactical rail, his arms crossed, eyes locked on the main viewscreen. The white speck of the Aura was visible against the backdrop of the tumbling, gray ruin of the alien ship.
He listened to the comms traffic from the shuttle—Gath's cautious directives, A'kilees briefing the team on the cutting points. It was a good team. They were focused.
"Bridge to Aura," Ameen said, tapping his comm badge. His voice was calm, but it carried the weight of the clock ticking down on the sensors.
"Commander Keir, sensors indicate you have three critical pods. The ship's structural integrity is also degrading faster than anticipated; the debris impacts are imparting more kinetic energy than we liked."
He watched a large piece of the alien ship's solar array shear off and drift dangerously close to the shuttle's flight path.
"You have a green light for the hull breach procedure. Midshipman A'kilees' plan is your best option. Cut it open, grab the pods, and get out. We are standing by with the main tractor beam to stabilize the hull if the structure starts to fail when you make the cut. Ameen out."
== Tag Away Team ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Keir 77 - 12-26-2025
==Aura==
Keir listened to the planning from hir officers and s/he was glad to have such a talented and determined team working on the problem.
Both hir junior Engineer and the Science Middie were proving themselves and working with the senior officers present. That despite Mid Cortez's issues with the tight quarters and in response to that s/he laid a steadying hand on his shoulder hoping to encourage him to get through it. There was little time to work things out but s/he chose instead to run with what was being suggested.
"It looks like my Midshipman has the situation well in hand, so let’s maneuver into the best position to begin the cutting of the hull. Lieutenant O'Fee, keep a tight scan on our targets and Lieutenant Gath, the suggestion to have yourself and my Engineer approach first seems appropriate. You will keep our pilot informed of any necessary alterations in our approach while Midshipman A’kilees confirms what we believe is the condition of the pods.
Once we have that data the cutting them free can then begin, but acting with some prudence assures that we retain other options should the initial belief in the physical viability of them proves incorrect.
Any questions or concerns?"
==If not we proceed
Apologies to all for recent absences. RL has kept me distracted==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 12-26-2025
== Shuttle Aura ==
The FO finished and Gath then spoke up again, "Yes, even if we could gain access through the airlock they have, it's too small for the pods, so in the interest of saving time, we'll just cut our way in."
He conferred with A'kilees, at the results of the scans and with both of them briefly pointing to minor things to avoid, they agreed on the approach and what to cut away. A moment later, he was leaning over the shoulder of the pilot once more and after some hushed words, they agreed and began moving into position. The shuttle could extend the shields a little, providing some protection from the debris floating around the craft. It wasn't going to be perfect, but it was better than nothing.
Gath announced, "We're almost in position, so everyone seal up tight. Once everyone has their helmets on and a green light, I need a thumbs up."
== Presuming everyone complies and gives a thumbs up... ==
Gath then depressurized the shuttle and opened the door. As a matter of procedure, he clipped his tether from his belt to the small bar just outside the door. It was often thought of as just a hand grip, but it served as a safety device as well, allowing crew to perform EVA with thought to some manual precautions. As Gath slowly exited the craft, he began to hear some beeping that indicated something in close proximity. he paused long enough to glance around, but it was only a small piece of metal that then floated past him few meters away, posing no real threat. A couple of tiny pieces that were moving faster managed to make small blossoms of reaction in the field of the shielding from the shuttle. Gath hoped there wouldn't be too many of those closer to the craft.
The comms came to life with Gath's voice, [Mister A'kilees, let's get to work. It's time for you to shine.]
== Tag to Away Team, especially A'kilees ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 12-28-2025
“Excuse me, Doctor. I was wondering if, after this mission, if we could discuss the available treatments for claustrophobia.” This kind of thing was extremely common, sometimes it was due to the feeling of being enclosed by the full mask. Even when they could see through the mask, the feeling was still there. Evie had a calm voice. "There are a few things we can go over together, but for now its just a walk in the park." Evie gave him a small wink. "Focus on me and how calm I am at all times, that energy will help you remain calm." There was some science behind it, she didn't fully understand it but was still true.
"It looks like my Midshipman has the situation well in hand, so let’s maneuver into the best position to begin the cutting of the hull. Lieutenant O'Fee, keep a tight scan on our targets and Lieutenant Gath, the suggestion to have yourself and my Engineer approach first seems appropriate. You will keep our pilot informed of any necessary alterations in our approach while Midshipman A’kilees confirms what we believe is the condition of the pods.
Once we have that data the cutting them free can then begin, but acting with some prudence assures that we retain other options should the initial belief in the physical viability of them proves incorrect.
Any questions or concerns?"
There were more than a few concerns that Evie had with their situation, mainly health concerns for both the crew and them. "Yeah I have a few concerns about this whole thing." Evie was using the time to run medical scans on the pods to make sure they don't have anything that could be contagious.
"Until I know for sure its safe for them to be on our ship, I can not authorize the transfer to our ship. Plus I am not sure if the power sources are comparable. We can open a whole new can of worms like this, its best to stabilize the pod so we have a little more time to sort things out." Before they could send anyone to the ship Evie had to authorize the movement, and the Captain couldn't over ride her command.
After making sure that her suit was secure, Evie gave the signal that she was ready. "Remember everyone its just a typical day in the office, we keep calm and we will make it out of this." Evie was about ready to board the small craft possibly to set up a transport from to another. Or to keep them in a pattern buffer until the the time was right, and they could be safely be deposited back into their pods.
==Tags and GM input==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 12-31-2025
Sebastian smiled when Dr. O’Fee stated that there were several options in dealing with claustrophobia. Suddenly, he didn’t feel so isolated, he didn't feel so foolish; he looked at Dr. O’Fee with renewed confidence, as if he could accomplish anything.
Sebastian nodded as Dr. O’Feee gave him a small, reassuring wink and said, "Focus on me and how calm I am at all times; that energy will help you remain calm." There was some science behind it; she didn't fully understand it, but it was still true.”
Sebastian kept repeating to himself, “ Focus on the Doctor, Focus of the Doctor.”
Sebastian listened as the Captain outlined the mission's parameters. Forty minutes didn’t seem long, but he was confident and concerned about the information from the alien ship's computer. It might give them a clue as to who these people are and what their mission was.
No Gravity on the ship, floating debris, tight, space cryo-pods can't fit, must cut hull, Check.
He felt Commander Keir77 on his shoulder. He turned to her and said, “Excuse me, Commander, but can’t we use the shuttles' transports and beam the three pods that are in red alert status into the shuttle cargo hold? “
He let his idea simmer in the Commander's brain and then said, “Commander, shouldn’t we try to access the alien ship's computer? It might give us a clue to who these people are, what their mission is, or what was their mission was. Commander, I would like to volunteer to try to access their computer? “
Sebastian knew the mission was to rescue the computer's information, which might take more time than they had, but he knew that beaming the three pods into the shuttle’s cargo hold would speed things up and buy them some time.
== Tag All/ Keir77 ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 12-31-2025
Gath announced, "We're almost in position, so everyone seal up tight. Once everyone has their helmets on and a green light, I need a thumbs up."
Amila kept an eye on Midshipman Cortez as she secured her helmet and checked her EV suit's settings. She was relieved to see that he had not only found another helmet, but had clued the other members of the Away Team into his his apprehensions. It was always best protocol to let your team have your back, and with such a potentially precarious mission she was especially glad that Dr. O'Fee had her yes on him.
As directed, Amila let Gath lead the way and hung back waiting for engineering to follow suit. She took out her tricorder to see if she could get any preliminary readings, and she peered ahead to try to see what she and her crewmates were potentially getting into.
==Tag, Bump for A'kilees, see Gath's last post. Science is following you and Keir. No rush, I know it's the holidays and all
==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Michael Brennan - 01-01-2026
== My apologies to everyone anticipating me to post. Real life caught up pretty hard lately. ==
Brennan listened to the orders given with attentive eyes and ears. He was thinking back to his academy training. If he were able to use a sudden pulse from the thrusters at maximum and let the inertia of the thrust carry him through, he should be able to position the ship appropriately and dock.
"Aye, Captain, I believe I have some ideas to get us close while maintaining the proper conditions."
Brennan clicked his heels in salute and proceeded to the turbolift and began thinking of various ideas. If he were able to employ the ideas of Wesley Crusher, but on a larger scale from his smaller tractor experiment, he would be able to boost the shuttle and use the tractor beam to slow themselves as they come closer to the ship.
== Fast forward to the present, where the story is now for the sake of making up time ==
Brennan carefully piloted the shuttle to ensure the accuracy of his delivery.
"Okay, everyone, I am pulling just on the side of the location now. I'm erecting a field around the helm section to maintain atmosphere as you depart the shuttle."
"Computer, erect a level one forcefield around the helm section of the ship and cut power to thrusters. Let the inertia fully carry us through to the programed coordinates."
== GM input please ==
== Tag away team ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 01-01-2026
== Shuttle Aura ==
Before their arrival, Gath took a moment to confer with A’kilees on the key areas of where the away team had to cut away the shuttle. A’kilees was more than happy to do so and provide any further information that was asked of him. He appreciated the Lieutenant’s diligence and attention to detail towards the mission. It was good to see the klingon exuding a high level of confidence while leading the mission, the saurian found it to be another form of comfort during the Aura’s final approach.
Michael soon manuvered the shuttlecraft into position just above the Broken Arrow, the vessel began depressurizing with a notable soft hiss and the rear shuttle door opened slowly. Gath was the first one out of the shuttle, securing himself to the ship with the safety tether before exiting into open space.
[Mister A’kilees, let’s get to work. It’s time for you to shine.] Gath’s deep voice broke the silence of space over the comm.
A’kilees nodded in acknowledgement. [Right away, Lieutenant]
The saurian stood up and walked past the other members of the away team, clipping his own safety tether to the same bar as Gath had. Taking a brief moment to look around from the edge of the doorway, A’kilees observed the amount of suspended metal debris and the lingering cryogenic vapor trails surrounding them. He then drew his attention towards the hull just below, choosing a spot that looked the safest to stand and carefully exited the shuttlecraft stepping onto the Broken Arrow, his boots magnetically attaching themselves to the fractured hull. A'kilees took a few preliminary steps forward, cautiously testing the ship's integrity with a few firm stomps for good measure and assurance. Satisfied with his first initial steps, he began pressing the buttons on his suit's display unit. Soon, the entire schematic of the cutting area appeared on his helmet’s hud aligning perfectly with the structure of the ship.
[Alright team, we’re going to need people to start cutting from the corners here, here and here.] A’kilees explained pointing to three of the corners mapped out on the schematic. [Don’t rush cutting along the lines and put your personal safety first. If you see or have any problems, *click* call them out immediately and the Lieutenant Commander and I will lend a hand.]
Walking purposefully, A’kilees maneuvered himself following the path the helmet’s hud indicated towards the corner the furthest position away from the Aura. The saurian pulled out his phaser from his waist, double checked it’s settings, aimed and carefully began cutting along the outer hull.
== Tag Away Team, Happy New Year! ==
==GM Input please==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 01-04-2026
== GM - me, That's right! ==
== Shuttle Aura / Exterior Hull of Alien ship ==
GM Input for Midshipman Cortez (regarding the transporters):
While the idea is sound in principle, the Zephyr's sensors provide a harsh reality check. The Broken Arrow's hull is laced with a high-density lead-polymer alloy—likely used to shield the sleepers from radiation during their long voyage. This alloy scatters transporter beams like a mirror reflects light. You cannot get a lock. If you try to beam them blind, they will rematerialize inside the bulkheads. it seems that physical extraction is really the only way...
GM Input for Dr. O'Fee (Medical):
Your scans confirm the "Red Alert" pods are failing because their independent power cells are corroded.
Contagions, there are none detected. The pods are hermetically sealed vacuums.
Physiology, the occupants are humanoid, remarkably similar to Bajoran physiology but with denser bone structures.
Current Status, the three critical pods have dropped to 12% power. You have approximately 18 minutes before life support in those units fails completely.
GM Input for A'kilees (Cutting):
As Midshipman A'kilees begins his cut, the ancient metal doesn't just melt—it reacts. The phaser beam vaporizes the frozen, brittle alloy, creating a violent outgassing of pressurized vapor.
The Broken Arrow groans. A deep, resonant vibration travels through the boots of the EVA team. The structural integrity of the cargo bay section drops by 15%. The ship is fragile; cutting it open is like performing surgery on an eggshell. If you cut too fast, the roof might collapse on you.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 01-04-2026
== Bridge ==
Ameen stood behind the tactical rail next to Powl, his arms crossed, eyes locked on the main viewscreen. The operation was a chaotic ballet played out in slow motion against the backdrop of the tumbling, gray ruin.
He noted the Aura holding a precarious but rock-steady formation off the alien vessel's flank. Midshipman Brennan was earning his wings today, keeping the heavy shuttle stable despite the unpredictable drift of the debris field.
Good, Ameen thought, his gaze tracking the micro-adjustments of the shuttle's thrusters. He handles that Type-14 like a fighter. But simulations don't account for the unpredictable physics of a disintegration...
Through the open comms channel, Ameen tracked the team's progress. He had heard Midshipman Cortez's hope for a transporter solution dashed by the reality of the lead-lined hull, and Doctor O'Fee's grim prognosis—eighteen minutes for the critical pods—added a rhythmic pressure to every second that ticked by.
Eighteen minutes to save an entire species from extinction, he mused, his jaw tightening. No pressure, Doc..
Then, on the screen, he saw the flare of A'kilees' phaser tool, followed immediately by a violent plume of white vapor venting into space. On the tactical display, the Broken Arrow's structural integrity graph dipped sharply into the red.
Too fast. The hull can't take the thermal stress...
"She's buckling," Ameen said, his voice cutting through the bridge tension. "They're compromising the hull integrity to make the cut."
He didn't wait for a request.
"Powl, engage main tractor beam. Target the Broken Arrow's keel, ventral section. I want us to act as a splint. Hold that ship together, Lieutenant. Give her everything we've got!"
The Zephyr shuddered slightly as the high-output emitters fired. A golden beam lashed out from the Destroyer, wrapping around the alien ship's frame, arresting its tumble and dampening the vibrations caused by the cutting team.
Ameen tapped his comm badge.
"Bridge to Away Team. We read a structural tremor. We have locked the main tractor beam to stabilize the hull, but the stress on that frame is immense. You have your window, Commander. And Brennan, keep that shuttle tight. Get those pods out now."
== Tags ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Torok Powl - 01-04-2026
An eyebrow raised as he observed the flight telemetry of the shuttle piloted by the new Michael Brennan. Although the type 14 shuttlecraft was a capable vessel, the capabilities of a ship or limited by the abilities of her pilot. Fortunately for the crew of the Zephyr, the shuttlecraft moved in to position with a smooth operation guided by an obviously experienced and capable individual.
Well done, Midshipman. Few individuals will be able to appreciate the skill you just employed.
"Powl, engage main tractor beam. Target the Broken Arrow's keel, ventral section. I want us to act as a splint. Hold that ship together, Lieutenant. Give her everything we've got!"
Torok witnessed the sudden drop in the structure readings of the fragile alien vessel just as Ameen did. It was so sudden that, some of the Bridge crew held their breath for a moment. Fingers flying across tractor beam control, he recalibrated the tractor beam to reinforce the aging vessels delicate hull.
"Captain, I have engaged the tractor beam modulated to act as a holding force. I also have a proposition sir..."
Torok paused here to finish the possible scenarios running through his head regarding potential outcomes. What seemed an eternity in Torok's mind was but a moments hesitation for Ameen and any onlookers on the Zephyr.
"We may be able to deploy a small team of engineers to create an integrity field. Using a series of localized emitters, we can create a link that will erect a field capable of further reinforcing the ships overall stability. Further, we can chain these together with pattern enhancers that will have direct connection through the hull to emitters inside that will also be linked with a chain of pattern enhancers to the inside. These would be physically connected with small data and power cables. The setup and concept are simple, but effective. This would allow us to transport through the hull using these linked connections, and it would significantly reduce the possibility of structural collapse on board."
Powl stopped for a moment to consider method of deployment. Beaming such a connection onto the outside of the hull would be relatively easy, but there would need to be at least one individual to attach and install the internal connective devices as beam through the lead laden hull would prove to be impossible.
"If we were to execute this plan, there would need to be at least one engineer with EV training in order to bridge the connection from the external web to the internal. Exposure would be short, and minimal."
Torok returned his look to his readout of tractor control to make sure no variance came as a result of the potential contraindication of the shuttle's movements.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 01-04-2026
Gath witnessed the reaction when A'kilees began cutting. He cautioned the Engineer, [Mister A'kilees, you may need to reduce your cutting to a very fine focused beam, or a mechanical cutting tool. This hull is reacting to the heat. I also suggest avoiding the stringers and longerons until the very end. We remove the hull plating first and the minor support structures last. We should be able to avoid the bulkheads entirely. We may be able to use the brittle nature of the hull to our advantage. I'm going to try and score it and then break off some of it, to widen some of the damaged opening.]
The tractor beam gave the hull a mild vibration that could just barely be felt when grabbing it with a gloved hand. Gath reached to his belt and retrieved something clipped there that looked like a small batton. When he activated it, an axe head unfolded from the grip, giving him a short handled axe with a fair sized cutting edge. He looked at how the overlay in his visor lined up where the structural supports were and then gave the damaged plating a mild hit to test how deeply his duranium edge scored the hull aloy. He then would try bending the piece of metal in hopes of it fracturing and allowing it to be removed to then repeat the process and begin creating some access to the interior.
== Tag to A'kilees and the team...his efforts would also be visible to the scrutiny of those on the Bridge. ==
== GM input on the results of Gath's efforts ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 01-05-2026
The problem with long term stasis wasn't much different than aging whiskey, the longer the process the higher the risk. At some point they had to have been made aware of the risk, essentially they started the process of joining their friends in the after life but haven't completed the journey yet. It was a weird question to ask at this point because they did have the ability to stop it, but the real question was should they?
The only way that she could have stopped it was if they posed a danger to the ship, the scans revealed nothing to be worried about for the ship, for her it was a mixed bag. "Alright we have fifteen minutes." She said quietly to herself as she started her way to the doomed vessel, a medical professional could prolong the power. "Just a walk in the park." Her voice remained calm during this time, people could hear her and panic if she did.
As she made her way to the pods, Evie was making sure she didn't put herself in too much danger. Or as close to it as possible, there were too many variables to be sure. Looking at the systems one of the things that she was looking for was a power transfer, if they had someone minding the pods this is what they would do. "Shimmy and shake all you want, we are not afraid." She wasn't talking to anyone but the ship itself, she was doing her best to stay calm but was going to need a drink after this one.
"Mr. Cortez I need your help to find a way to link the power sources together, if we do this properly we can buy these people more time. If we do this properly they could have hours and not minutes." Evie was confident they could do this, it was just getting them to the ship that was going to be the challenge.
==Tag and GM input please.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 01-06-2026
== Exterior of the Broken Arrow ==
As A’kilees began the first cut away the hull with the phaser. The initial cut seemed fine but soon there was an issue. The frozen brittle alloy of the ancient ship didn’t melt away, it caused a heat reaction! Pressurized vapor began to violently discharge from the phased surface and suddenly the entire structure of the ship shook and groaned with a low metallic moan.
“Gwarkrrgack!” A’kilees swore as he attempted to put his arm up to shield himself from the vapor spray and to try to regain his balance. The ship continued to shake for a moment until it abruptly stopped. A’kilees wiped away the frozen vapor that covered his helmet and looked to see the golden light of the Zephyr’s tractor beam wrapping itself around the ship.
[Bridge to Away Team.] It was the Commander over the comm. [We read a structural tremor. We have locked the main tractor beam to stabilize the hull, but the stress on that frame is immense. You have your window, Commander. And Brennan, keep that shuttle tight. Get those pods out now.]
Nice save Commander, quick thinking. A’kilees thought. Commander Ameen’s engineering background and experience was definitely a valuable asset for this kind of mission.
[Mister A’kilees] Lieutenant Gath addressed him directly. [You may need to reduce your cutting to a very fine focused beam, or a mechanical tool. This hull is reacting to the heat. I also suggest avoiding the stringers and longerons until the very end. We remove the hull plating first and the minor support structures last. We should be able to avoid the bulkheads entirely. We may be able to use the brittle nature of the hull to our advantage. I’m going to try and score it and then break off some of it, to widen some of the damaged opening.]
A’kilees quickly tapped on his comm badge.
[Aye sir! The cutting schematics accounted for avoiding the support structures, we’re just removing the hull to get inside but didn’t account for the em*gwar*brittlement being this severe. Away Team, lower the aperture of the phaser beam and stand back a few feet in case of more pressurized vapor. We need everyone to keep cutting, we don't have much time so be efficient and surgical.]
A'kilees lowered the apature of the hand phaser to nearly the smallest beam possible and attempted to cut a second time.
"C'mon you hunk of metal." he muttered to himself "Play nice and let us save your crew."
== Tag Away Team ==
== GM Input ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 01-07-2026
Amila jumped back as something seemed to go terribly wrong as A'kilees cut into the metal alloy. The release of the pressurized gas was strong enough that it knocked her back even further. She felt the shuttle groan and had a surge of adrenaline, but before she could react the shuttle steadied itself. She heard the humming of an energy field. She second guessed herself, but she was positive it hadn't been there before. Whatever had happened had been bad enough that Zephyr noticed and reacted by putting them in a tractor beam.
That brought her only a small amount of comfort as she watched her crewmates continue their work without pause.
Still focused on the task of widening the airlock, Gath was quick to pull out a battle ax of some kind and begin to hack his way into hull the ship, metal against metal - typical Klingon - while A'kilees went to adjust his settings and try again.
"Hold up!" She cried out.
"Wait a minute. We have no idea what just happened or why, you two," Amila continued in protest as she pulled out her tricorder. "Your industriousness is noted, Lieutenant, but we have no guarantee that once you brute force your way deep enough through this plating the same thing won't happen. Let me look into this first."
Amila shook her head in disbelief like a mother who had just scolded her children, as she ran through her usual scans on the area that had just reacted to A'kilees' first cut. "Hull plating is meant to take a beating," she reminded them as she worked. "I'm worried there might be something on the other side that caused us to almost lose our ship."
Amila then walked over to wear Gath had started to chip away at the metal with his ax and attempted to run scans in his area as well, also focusing on the inner threshold of the airlock itself.
==Tag for GM input, please==
==And to the reckless boys for your reactions.
==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 01-07-2026
Gath's hand were beginning to tingle from the energy field around the alien craft that the tractor beam was creating. It made it a little bit harder to move, but Gath had worked in such conditions before. He had never seen this specific kind of alloy before, but it wasn't overly complicated. Their technology was fairly primitive, though more effective than similar efforts he had seen in other cultures. The humans originally sent people into space with barely a couple of millimeters of metal hull between them and open space. This hull plating used the lead based composite that managed to block radiation from reaching the crew, which also would slow down and even stop some micrometeorites, but it also gave it weakness as well.
When Gath began trying to cut the plating with his axe, he was drawing on his knowledge of his father working with various metal alloys. His blades were high quality duranium and tritanium alloy with a very thin application of neutronium along the edge that was only the thickness of a single molecule. Hacking at the plating was too dangerous, as he might easily punch right through it. Instead, he used it to slice along the metal, scoring the surface. He then used his gloved hand to bend the metal in an attempt to cause it to fatigue, crack and break off. The cracks he saw along the edges of the ragged hole told him a great deal about how pliable or brittle the plating would be, even not knowing it's molecular composition and how it would look in the eyes of the engineers or scientists.
Gath understood how phasers worked and that A'kilees had used too wide of a beam. It was quite unpleasant if you did the same thing to a person. Although it was true that if you used a high enough setting and shot an object or person, they would seem to simply vanish in the glow of energy discharge, that's not what happened most of the time. Most of the time, a very narrow beam was used and a tiny pulse would punch a hole through them, more cleanly than a projectile at high speed would. It had to be a VERY narrow beam setting though. If you made it even as wide as most projectile weapons or if you hit the person with a pulse longer than a tiny fraction of a second, the heat vaporized that part of them. At the Academy, it was frowned upon to demonstrate what happened in such cases, but for Security, especially those who also went through the military training specialties, they made a point of demonstrating it. You never forgot that lesson. Most creatures contain a high percentage of liquid in their cellular structures. When most liquids are turned to gas, they can expand to more than 800 times their volume. As the vapor part of vaporizing means that not quite all of the liquid is turned to gas, this means that it happens so rapidly that not all of it has time to change state, but if you even allow for half that amount of conversion, what started as perhaps as little as a single cubic centimeter of flesh, was to suddenly expand to the volume of 400 cubic centimeters, that becomes the equivalent of taking something the size of the tip of a child's thumb and expanding it to the size of an adult fist. Thus, if you hit a humanoid target at center mass, given how many cubic centimeters you could be vaporizing, it pretty much turned them into a steam powered grenade that would scatter what remained of them in all directions for about a 15 meter radius, and that was if you were in atmosphere, on a planet surface and at about 1.0 standard gravity.
Gath had made the mistake of thinking that A'kilees was going to be using a cutting torch that he would regulate the cutting beam like he might if he were working on their own ship. He had not even considered that he would use a phaser to do the job. He was quite embarrassed by that, but they would have to read about that in his After Action Report...if he lived long enough to write one. Right now, they didn't have enough time to discuss how engineering was doing their job. He had to trust that they would adapt and adjust to the situation. A'kilees was alive and would hopefully stay that way, but there were other lives at stake inside this alien ship as well.
The CSO chastised them for the mistake and wanted them to stop. Gath glanced in her direction and simply stated over the comm, [I'm listening, but the clock is still ticking, so by all means continue to scan, Lieutenant Ra'an, but I'm continuing to enter this ship. The door of the airlock is too thick and has no power to move, so we're going around it. I'm resorting to mechanical means, if that's any consolation. I'm unsure as to what other tools Engineering brought with them, but Damage Control teams tend to employ small powered saws for some work, but such matters are not really my area of expertise. I will defer to them and you on suggestions of how Mister A'kilees should proceed.]
== I didn't want to presume how effective the scoring and breaking off of sections of hull plating might be, as that needs to be determined by the GM. I know that I have employed the technique on actual military aircraft as part of ABDR (Aircraft Battle Damage Repair), which is why I mention it as what Gath is resorting to. Yes, oddly enough, I am actually trained in it and enjoyed calling my certification in it my "MacGyver Certificate" from the military. It was the most fun course I ever had the pleasure of being trained in. It was literally the equivalent of learning how to fix warp cores with duct tape. For the record, I did use those skills on real aircraft, not just in training. ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - A’kilees - 01-07-2026
== The reckless boys XD love it! Haha ==
A’kilees lifted his phaser up after being firmly cautioned by the Chief Science Officer. Lieutenant Amila was right of course, they had been so focused on the task at hand that the pair had lost sight of the issue in front of them entirely. A’kilees’ own frustrations had gotten the better of him and he had succumbed to the overall pressure of the mission all over again. His inexperience as a midshipman and of going on away missions was becoming a hindrance to the operation and probably much more. He took a deep breath and pressed his comm badge which chirped in acknowledgement.
[Cutting team, stand down and wait for further instructions.]
A practical science problem would definitely have a practical engineering solution. Now, just what is it? he pondered to himself. A'kilees was still confident that the phaser was the correct tool for the task at hand but clearly the sudden heat was reactive of something unseen.
A’kilees rummaged in his engineering bag and brought out his own tricorder and joined Amila in scanning around the area of the first phaser cut where there had been the heat reaction and compared it to a nearby unaffected area. The hull was definitely meant to take a beating, as noted by the Orion scientist, and to endure various temperatures to ensure the overall structure of the ship and overall safety of the crew inside while traveling through the harshness of space. Something in the alloy itself was the issue they hadn't seen prior. Hopefully their scans would give them the answer. The saurian looked up towards Amila.
[Thanks Lieutenant] A’kilees said gratefully. [I lost sight of the issue in front of me. I appreciate your, umm, *click* directness in this manner.]
== Tag Away Team ==
== GM Input please ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Keir 77 - 01-07-2026
Keir stood back satisfied that this team was both creative and also cautious, and as s/he listened the FO pondered the options that might provide more time to be certain that they were doing all they could
Employing hir tricorder; Keir worked to determine if there would be any way to supplement the remaining battery power ; and thereby grant more time to affect a safe rescue.
Tapping hir comm. badge s/he spoke aloud for the CSO's benefit along with the bridge team in hir comm. to. "Captain perhaps all we need is a way to give us more time. Do the ship's scans show us any possible interface that we could; either physically or remotely supplement the available power and allow us to take our time?"
==Apologies for absence, RL has been hectic. And I hope that I am not simply repeating something already considered Tag Ra'an and bridge crew==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 01-08-2026
Sebastian watched as Midshipman A'kilees began cutting, the ship's hull was obliterated, and a rush of pressurized atmosphere rushed out, causing Sebastian to get a mental jolt, as he wasn’t expecting it. It truly surprised him, because he expected the hull to be stronger and more durable. It was truly baffling as to Sebastian, A'kilees barely touched it.
The idea of a ship made basically of tissue paper was a bit ridiculous. What had these people been thinking? But judging by the age of the ship, these people were rather brilliant. A hull made of lead alloy offered exceptional protection from interstellar radiation, very clever for a species that didn’t have shield technology.
Sebastian felt his anxiety rising; he wasn’t sure if it was from being in the EVA Suit or the mystery of this ships and these aliens. His mind was racing with questions. Who are these people? What is their mission, and did the Zephyr have any right to interfere with their mission? Maybe these people were on a Scientific mission for their people, and the crew of the Zephyr was interfering with that mission. The ship could be a prison barge and the crew could be releasing murderers, robbers, and other undesirables back into the Galaxy.
Sebastian felt his heart starting to race, and a knot formed in his stomach; his palms were sweating
Relax, everything is fine; nothing is closing in. Relax, relax.
Sebastian took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. He felt himself relaxing a little.
That’s it, you got this, relax. You got this, breathe, breathe.
Sebastian tapped his combadge and said to Ra’an [ What if these people we are attempting to rescue are dangerous? What if they are prisoners? Should we be attempting to rescue potential murderers, robbers and rapists? We should try to access the ship's computer and find out who exactly these people are.
Sebastian knew it was dangerous opening these stasis pods without knowing who and what these people were, what if these aliens had some kind of special physical abilities that the Zephyr crew couldn’t defend against? Some kind of super strength, or telepathic abilities that they could take control of the crew and turn them into puppets. Sebastian couldn’t shake remembering reading about the then Captain Kirk rescuing Khan Noonien Singh and his genetically modified followers; was history about to repeat itself?
Relax, Sebastian, relax, you’re letting your imagination run away with you/ Relax and breathe.
Sebastian didn’t know what to expect. His mind was racing; he was trying his best to beat back his claustrophobia, as he didn’t want to look foolish in front of his crewmates. Sebastian looked at the others; he felt envious that none of them had such an irrational fear as claustrophobia. Sebastian knew he had to fight to conquer his fear.
== Tag all.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Ava Baldwin - 01-10-2026
== Bridge of the USS Zephyr ==
Ens Ava Baldwin stood at the security station on the Bridge as the away team went about their mission. There wasn't any likelihood of another ship of this species attacking the Zephyr. It seems that this ship is at least one hundred thousand years old. Ancient propulsion system, cyogenics for the occupants, fortunate for the crew because the spaceship was damaged with a hole in its skin. But Ava knew she needed to be vigilant.
Ava listened to the coms traffic, keeping an eye on long-range scans for other ships in the vicinity. Now there's a word not often used about space travel. Vacinity could mean one hundred light-years away or about to dock with the Zephyr. Still, in this galaxy, the Federation had many friends and also many enemies. Other ships may have seen this anomaly in space with their highly tuned sensors and be on their way; who knows what their intent may be when they also distinguish the USS Zephyr on site.
Security is mainly concentrated on the safety of the crew. So Ava was multitasking, with her ears and one sensor eye on the away team and another ear and sensor eye on space, looking for any other curious visitors.
== GM inquiry: Is the away team in good health at present, no injuries? Are there any signs of other ships in the vicinity, especially any on a direct heading towards the Zephyr? If yes, any indication of the type, distance and speed of that or those ships? And generally, any security issues that Ava may notice? ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 01-13-2026
== GM- ME!!!
=== The Aura away team =
Amila & A'kilees:
Your tricorders quickly identify the culprit. The hull isn't solid lead; it's a "honeycomb" composite. The cells between the lead sheets are filled with a frozen, pressurized polymer sealant—likely used for self-sealing punctures 100,000 years ago.
The phaser heat caused the frozen polymer to sublimate instantly (turn from solid to gas), creating a pressure bomb inside the wall.
It seems that the Kinetic force is safe. Cold breaking won't trigger the gas expansion.
Gath:
Your "MacGyver" method proves superior to high-tech energy beams.
The Duranium edge bites deep. The hull is brittle from aeons of absolute zero. With a sharp CRACK that vibrates through your arm, a meter-wide section of the outer plating shears off and drifts away, revealing the inner bulkhead and the soft glow of the cargo bay's emergency lighting beyond. You have successfully breached the outer shell. One more layer to go.
Keir:
Remote is a no. The alien power coupling frequencies are incompatible with Federation wireless induction.
Physical is a YES! Once Gath clears the inner hole, you can run a physical power cable from the Aura's auxiliary port directly to the cryo-pod array. It's crude, but it may work.
= The Zaphyr's Bridge =
Baldwin:
You scan the surrounding sector. It is eerily silent. There are no warp signatures, no ion trails, and no other vessels within 10 light-years. The Broken Arrow is truly alone. For now, it seems that the only enemy here is time and physics.
As for the away team, Bio-monitors show elevated heart rates for Midshipman Cortez and Midshipman A'kilees, consistent with stress/adrenaline, but no physical injuries. Lieutenant Gath's exertion levels are rising as he manually breaches the hull.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 01-13-2026
== USS Zephyr's Bridge ==
Commander Ameen monitored the telemetry, his jaw set. He heard the debate regarding the prisoners and the pause for scanning.
A valid question for a seminar, Midshipman, Ameen thought, his eyes narrowing slightly at the delay. But right now, the only morality is the clock.
"Midshipman Cortez," Ameen's voice came over the comms, firm but measured. "Your caution is noted, but Starfleet does not triage patients based on criminal history. We save the lives first; we ask the difficult questions later. We will revisit this concern in the debrief. For now let's stay focused on the mission."
He watched the tactical display as a chunk of the hull floated free—Gath's manual labor was paying off where the phasers had failed.
Brute force, he noted with a grim sense of approval. Sometimes the best tool in the box is just a bigger hammer.
He glanced at the bio-monitors, his eyes lingering for a fraction of a second longer on the Science Officer's readout. Seeing Ra'an's vitals stabilize after the shockwave settled a specific, quiet tension in his chest. He trusted her competence implicitly, but seeing her that close to a disintegrating hull made the danger feel sharply personal.
We still have a date to keep, Lieutenant, he thought, forcing his eyes back to the main tactical plot. Don't make me wait...
"Lieutenant Gath, good work. The mechanical breach is stable. Keep swinging."
He then turned to the tactical station, addressing Lieutenant Powl directly. The Vulcan's proposal to daisy-chain pattern enhancers was the missing piece of the puzzle.
Smart, Ameen thought, a wave of relief washing over him. Dragging those pods out by hand through a jagged hull would have been a disaster waiting to happen...
"Lieutenant Powl, your plan for the integrity field and pattern enhancers is approved. It solves the extraction problem; dragging twelve pods through a jagged hull breach is a risk I'd prefer to avoid. Prepare the pattern buffer and coordinate with the Away Team. Once they are inside, their priority—after stabilizing power—will be setting up your emitters."
He switched back to the main channel to address his First Officer.
"Commander Keir, you heard the Lieutenant. We can't induct power remotely, but you're about to have a hole in the wall. Have Midshipman Brennan prep an external power umbilical from the shuttle. Once Gath clears the inner bulkhead, run the line inside to hotwire the pods, then deploy the pattern enhancers for transport. We'll beam them directly to sickbay."
He checked the countdown clock. Twelve minutes...
Twelve minutes to bridge a hundred thousand years, he mused, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Don't miss...
"You're almost there. Move fast."
== Tag ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 01-13-2026
Gath was quite satisfied when the hull plating cracked and then broke directly along the score line he had created. It had been an educated guess, but it was always a good feeling when you were right about such matters. When it broke away, he took note of the exposed structure of the plating. The use of a honeycomb design was often used in craft to reduce weight while adding strength, but the cells being filled with a frozen substance was something different. He had seen sealant used before, but not quite like this.
Shrugging it off as something to add to his report, he guided the plate free and gave it the gentle nudge it needed to clear the immediate area. Hearing that the CO was approving of his efforts and eager for him to continue, he turned his attention to how to best cut through the inner skin as well. He was glad that there was no internal pressure to contend with, but wanted to still make certain they didn't compromise any other structural members or systems. With a practiced hand, he performed a similar effort at cutting his way, testing the resistance of the metal and when it came free, guiding it safely out of the way. He controlled his breathing as he did so, wanting to remain calm, even though he was trying to do his work with as much urgency as he could afford.
== Presuming all goes well... ==
Once the hole was large enough, he closed the weapon back up and placed it back on his belt with one hand while he began guiding himself through the hole with the other. His helmet lights were on and he glanced around to see what the inside looked like as he stated, [I'm in...]
== Tag to all... ==
== GM input: Does he enter without issue? What does he see? ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 01-15-2026
As Lieutenant Ra'an studied the hull plating it became apparent that the design was not something that she would have expected. There appeared to be a pressurized polymer between the lead sheets. She contemplated that the purpose likely could have been repair, but with the reaction that A'kilees phaser caused, she couldn't imagine that the polymer would have held up to any kind of high powered energy weapon.
But, this ship was old. Maybe they weren't contemplating alien enemies. Was it just meant to protect them from things like asteroids? Space debris?
[Lieutenant, I still think you should be careful. There's a pressurized polymer...] Ra'an began, but before she could finish her warning the piece of hull plating that Gath had been working on cracked and broke away.
[I stand corrected, my apologies,] Ra'an offered. [Ra'an to all away team members, use extra caution with your energy instruments that generate heat. It doesn't appear this ship was designed with the thought that such instruments even existed. That explosion appears to have been caused by a pressurized sealant. They could have similar technology throughout the ship that we might incidentally trigger if you aren't careful.]
Ra'an had heard Dr. O'Fee's request for assistance earlier so she turned to Midshipman Cortez. [Midshipman, Cortez, you're with Dr. O'Fee, see if you can help get her power where she needs it. Call me on comms if you have questions.]
She wanted to stay and study the hull plating longer, but there were more pressing matters to attend to. Maybe once the pods were safely off the ship...
==Tag to O'Fee and Cortez (O'Fee asked you earlier about linking our ships power to get the pods more power.) ==
==Tag any, Ra'an is on standby to assist Gath and A'kilees here==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 01-16-2026
Sebastian was pulled back to the here and now when Lt. Ra’an’s voice came through the communications system [Midshipman, Cortez, you're with Dr. O'Fee, see if you can help get her power where she needs it. Call me on comms if you have questions.]
Sebastian looked at his tricorder and adjusted it to its lowest setting, just as Lt. Ra’an had recommended. He could feel his pulse starting to race; his heart was beating faster. He wasn’t sure if his anxiety was due to the mission or his claustrophobia, or a mix of both.
You have this, relax and breathe, Sebastian, relax, and breathe, slow, regular breaths, focus on the task at hand.
Sebastian was still hoping they could at least try to access the alien ship's computer; he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were opening Pandora’s Box; he couldn't shake the memories of reading about a then-Captain Kirk rescuing Khan Noonien Singh and his genetically modified followers. Sebastian knew getting that information would be vital because the Federation wasn’t ready for the possibility of a army of genetically modified super beings, Yes, he knew that he had no clear proof, as far as anyone knows, this was just a simple sleeper ship, survivors or a doomed civilization, or colonists from a lost world, but could they take that chance?
Sebastian isolated Lt. Ra’an’s communication channel. [Midshipman Cortez to Lt. Ra’an, Lieutenant, are we going to try and access the alien ship's computer, to find out who and what these people are doing, I mean, can we really afford another Kirk and Khan Noonien Singh situation on our hands. I would like to volunteer to try and access the computer.]
Sebastian stood there waiting for the Lieutenant to reply. He hoped that Lt. Ra’an would see the logic of his request, but he didn’t know if she would agree with him. He knew the evidence was lacking, but he felt better to be safe than sorry.
== Tag Ra'an.==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Amila Ra'an - 01-17-2026
Sebastian's voice came through Amila's comms.
[Midshipman Cortez to Lt. Ra’an, Lieutenant, are we going to try and access the alien ship's computer, to find out who and what these people are doing, I mean, can we really afford another Kirk and Khan Noonien Singh situation on our hands. I would like to volunteer to try and access the computer.]
This kid has quite the imagination. It's like he's trying to beat a Kobayashi Maru.
She kept her thoughts to herself. He wasn't wrong that they should be cautious. And of course they would be trying to access the computer. One of Starfleet's primary purposes was to gain knowledge.
[One step at a time, Midshipman. The Bridge crew are probably already working on it. First, you need to work on getting the doctor power to the stasis pods, and I need to assist in figuring out how to move these pods safely back to shuttle,] she reminded him. [Once we are in a good place to get these people back to the shuttle, I'll let you personally comm the Bridge and get a status on the computer access and see what we need to do from here. Understood?]
==Tag Cortez==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Ava Baldwin - 01-17-2026
According to the long-range scan, there were no ships within 10 light-years. Space was silent. Nothing showed up on the scans. The Zephyr and this alien vessel were alone in the vastness of space. For now, Ava couldn't relax. She desires to see action, but there was none except what the away team was exploring. She knew she would have the privilege to go on an away team soon, but it was early days yet.
As for the away team, bio-monitors showed what one would expect: elevated levels of stress in the less experienced members of the away team. Ava's DH, Lt Gath, was an interesting one, exertion levels rising, expected for someone breaking into an alien craft.
It was a quiet shift so far at the security station on the bridge. Then again, Ava had little experience, as well. This was her only third shift on the bridge. Her Vulcan training helped her concentrate on this 'quiet' shift. A critical part of the mission was about to begin. Lt. Gath had gained entry and was about to explore the interior of the alien vessel, with other members of the away team about to follow.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Morad Ameen - 01-18-2026
== GM - Moi! Oui?
==== Interior - The Broken Arrow ==
The inner bulkhead is significantly thinner than the outer hull. With a final, decisive flex of the hull plating, the metal shears, opening a jagged aperture about 1.5 meters wide. As Gath pushes through the breach, his helmet lights cut through the darkness of a hundred millennia. He floats into a vast, cavernous cargo hold.
As for the atmosphere, it was zero gravity. Absolute silence. The air is filled with crystalline dust motes—frozen atmosphere that glitters in your beam like diamonds.
There were hazards; hundreds of small objects—tools, loose securing straps, and personal effects—are floating freely in the bay. You have to gently push them aside to move; sudden movements could send sharp debris ricocheting around the room.
The mission goal was the Cryo-Pods. In the center of the bay, bolted to the deck plates, are the twelve pods arranged in a circle, facing inward. Through the frosted glass, you see them. They are tall, broad-shouldered humanoids. They are dressed not in civilian clothes, but in heavy, unified jumpsuits that look utilitarian—perhaps military, perhaps industrial hazardous environment gear. This might fuel Cortez's theories, or it might just mean they were prepared for a rough landing.
Three of the pods are strobing with a dull, dying red light. The bio-readouts on these pods are fading. Time remaining: 6 minutes.
The Aura has extended the power umbilical. Midshipman Brennan has fed the heavy cable through the breach Gath created.
Midshipman Cortez could see the power junction box at the base of the central pod cluster. It is sparking intermittently. He may have to manually strip the Aura's cable and clamp it directly to the alien bus bars. It’s a "hotwire" job.
The interior is clear enough for the pattern enhancers. Once power is restored to the critical pods, A'kilees and Ra'an could try to bring the emitters through the hole and set up the containment field for transport.
RE: The Broken Arrow - Gath - 01-18-2026
== Entering the alien ship ==
Gath had seen this sort of thing before, but the feeling of age and accumulated dust was more than he had ever encountered. It almost felt like a tomb, but all the occupants appeared to still be alive, at least for the moment.
He reported, [I'm inside.] this was quickly followed by, [The area appears clear. Be careful when you enter, there are loose objects that could become dangerous if disturbed.]
Gath then returned to the hole to assist in others entering, then he would help to feed the power cable through to reduce a chance of damage to it.
He also reported, mostly for the benefit of the Bridge crew, [I'm not seeing damage to the pods. The junction in the center appears to have some sort of damage or malfunction, but Engineering and Science should be able to handle it.]
Gath glanced around to see if there were consoles or what might be some kind of cockpit or control center for them to consider accessing the data of the ship. He was presuming it might be easier to just remove the data module and inspect it back in the safer confines of their own ship's labs. For now though, it was one step at a time.
== Tag Team ==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Keir 77 - 01-19-2026
The Captain had issues with Keir's earlier suggestion and sent an update just as things were starting to get tense.
"Understood Captain." Turning to Brennan Keir worked with him to run cables to provide power to the pods.
S/he then passed on the instructions for the next step.
"Once we have the power connected we can be ready to move in the pattern enhancers to facilitate the transfer of the aliens within their pods."
So with the cables connected Keir and Brennan readied the pattern enhancers and awaited a signal from the rest of the team.
==Tags==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Evie O’Fee - 01-19-2026
==Entering Alien Ship==
The Alien ship looked exactly like how Evie had imagined, things floating everywhere in bad need for a cleaning. Still it wasn't the worst place to be. [Nach rómánsúil é seo?] (Isn't this Romantic?) Evie said quietly to herself as she entered the ship, even if they didn't have much time she would create more hazards if she moved fast.
Making her way to one of the pods that wasn't malfunctioning, she was looking for how these were configured. If she could figure out how these were configured, it would be easier to get the ones that were not working operational again. [Nach bhfuil an chéad dáta speisialta?] (First Date isn't it special) She enjoyed speaking her natural language when she wanted to talk without being understood. [Cortez we should figure out if we can get power to the malfunctioning pods.] She wanted to buy them more time to get them off the ship, hopefully they could keep them asleep. [Don't forget the examples you gave were our own doing, also the reason why such procedures are illegal. Even if some good did come of it, the evil over shadows it.] Evie went to work attempting to figure out how things work, the orders were clear to help these people.
==Tag and GM input==
RE: The Broken Arrow - Sebastian Cortez - 01-22-2026
Sebastian could feel his anxiety building; his claustrophobia was starting to get to him, he could feel his heart starting to race, and he felt his palms starting to sweat. The EVA Suit felt even more confining.
Relax, Sebastian, breathe, you are safe, the EVA Suit is comfortable, and you are relaxed, you are relaxed. Breathe, breathe. You have a mission, don't let the team down.
Sebastian regained his composure when his comm system activated. "Midshipman Cortez," Ameen's voice came over the comms, firm but measured. "Your caution is noted, but Starfleet does not triage patients based on criminal history. We save the lives first; we ask the difficult questions later. We will revisit this concern in the debrief. For now, let's stay focused on the mission."
Ra’an’s comment took Sebastian aback. He was saying that they should be on the side of caution. Find out who these people are and what they were doing. For all they knew, these people could be high Security Criminals, they could be colonists, they could be carrying an illness that there is no cure for. The logical way this mission should have gone would access the ships computer and rescue the people, Truth be told they should have accessed the ships computer first and then based on what they find, then decide if they should revive the people in the stasis pods, if the information stated that they people were safe to revive then fine, if not, they could repair the stasis pods and let the ship continue on their way. Sebastian couldn’t help shake the feeling that what they were doing was a mistake, but it could be his claustrophobia interfering with his judgement.
Sebastian then remembered Lt. Ra’an;s order You're with Dr. O'Fee, see if you can help get her power where she needs it. Call me on comms if you have questions. Sebastian kept repeating his orders to himself.
Sebastian gathered the equipment he needed. He quickly caught up to Dr. O’Fee. He could see the power junction box at the base of the central pod cluster. It is sparking intermittently. He may have to manually strip the Aura's cable and clamp it directly to the alien bus bars. It’s a "hotwire" job. Sebastian was confident that he could repair the damage. He took out his tricorder and began scanning the area to see if there was a place he could shut the power off or at least reroute it in order to safely repair the power.
[ Doctor, I should have the power to those pods repaired shortly. ] His voice was clearly affected by his claustrophobia
Sebastian hoped this wouldn’t be too daunting a task, but he was prepared for anything.
== GN Input: Does Sebastian's scan reveal anyplace were the power could be temporarily rerouted or shut off? ==
== Tag All. ==