The Broken Arrow

[Morad Ameen]

== 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 ==

[Gath]

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... ==

[Amila Ra'an]

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==

[Torok Powl]

"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.

[Evie O’Fee]

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==

[Morad Ameen]

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 ==

[Gath]

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). ==

[Evie O’Fee]

"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==

[Torok Powl]

"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.==

[Amila Ra'an]

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! ==

[Morad Ameen]

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 ==

[Keir 77]

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==

[Gath]

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."

[Evie O’Fee]

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==

[A’kilees]

[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? ==

[Michael Brennan]

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 ==

[Morad Ameen]

== 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 ==

[Michael Brennan]

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 ==

[Gath]

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. ==

[Evie O’Fee]

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==

[A’kilees]

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 ==

[Morad Ameen]

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 ==

[Torok Powl]

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?"

[Amila Ra'an]

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.==

[Morad Ameen]

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 ==

[Gath]

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?"

[Sebastian Cortez]

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. ==

[Morad Ameen]

== 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. ==

[Gath]

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. ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

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. ==

[Amila Ra'an]

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 ==

[Gath]

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."

[Sebastian Cortez]

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?==

[Morad Ameen]

== 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  ==

[Morad Ameen]

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! ==

[Gath]

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. ==

[Sebastian Cortez]

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.==

[Keir 77]

"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?==