Pegasus Mission 01: "Is Anybody Out There?"

From Federation Space - Official Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Mission Summary

The Nova was sent along with a flotilla of other ships to investigate a star system that had appeared from the alternate universe. Unlike the other systems that appeared during that incident, this one had not yet reverted. A space-faring civilization had been detected, and they were sent to make First Contact.


While enroute, they stopped at Carraya to attend a Star Fleet Command briefing where it was revealed that Romulus would be razed by a nearby star going supernova. Because of this, Rear Admiral Derrick Grant was reassigned from commanding officer of the Nova to the Eisn system. Rear Admiral Thomas Grayson was put in command.


Once they arrived at the mission location, they met the Jorpyin, one of the ships commanded by the space-faring species. They called themselves the Gondwanans, and were arthropodian life-forms that looked like a cross between a lobster and a spider. They were huge beings, but also seemed very peaceful and were willing to arrange a First Contact meeting.


Before official First Contact happened between the Gondwanan government and the Star Fleet crew, another ship arrived to be added to the flotilla. It was the USS Philadelphia, FF-6053, and it was running on a skeleton crew. Captain Aloysia Yvette was put in command and other crew from the Nova transferred over.


Rear Admiral Grayson decided to go to the Gondwanan planet to initiate First Contact himself. While the Admiral was on planet with an away team, a faction of Gondwanans known as the ‘Neos’ launched a probe-like vessel from the planet that attached to one of the Gondwanan research stations. It turned out that the station was emitting an energy field onto one of the planet’s islands that housed the Neos that had been segregated from society. The probe twisted the research station out of position, causing the energy beam to strike the Nova. It instantly wiped out all the Nova’s electronic systems.


The huge ship had to be evacuated, and the away team was recalled from the planet to help. The Gondwanans also helped house some of the refugees on one of their stations. The bulk of the Nova senior crew went to the USS Pegasus, CL-2500, where Nicholas Ristone was given command of the flotilla ship.


Information came out from the Gondwanan government that the Neos actually had some kind of genetic disease that was changing their appearance and abilities. The Star Fleet crews were asked to help investigate the disease and perhaps find a cure. It was decided that the Philadelphia would land on the island that housed the infected Neos, and that they would send a research team over consisting of both Pegasus and Philadelphia team members.


The Pegasus however was to remain in space to provide a mixture of tactical support as well as continuing diplomacy with the Gondwanans. While in space, a small military transport vessel with four neos onboard hailed the Pegasus and asked for asylum from a pursuing vessel. Nicholas Ristone agreed to grant them asylum under the condition that their medical staff could run some tests of them. Taking the refugees onboard infuriated the Gondwana Primes who instantly began threatening hostility. Through a series of both graceful and strong-armed diplomatic meetings the Gondwanans and Star Fleet decided to both neutrally depart from each other’s company. The Pegasus, along with the other flotilla vessels and a cruise ship which had been diverted, began evacuating all of the Star Fleet personnel still on Gondwanan vessels and stations.


In the end, it turned out that the Gondwanans did not have a disease at all, but instead the Neos had been changed deliberately sometime in the past, and the genetics had been passed down through the generations. Unfortunately, the Star Fleet crews could do nothing about it because they were asked to leave Gondwanan space and return only when asked by the Gondwanan government. What’s more, the planetary system ended up reverting back to its original space, leaving behind as system with a primitive species similar to the Gondwanans in nature.


Captain's Logs

Cdr Nicholas Ristone

Stardate 21010.09

[Commanding Officer's Log Stardate 21010.09 Commander Nicholas Ristone Recording

During my third year at the Academy, which is when I began taking my career choice seriously, I began to envision what it would be like when took command of my very own vessel. I never expected that my first day on the job would find me so tired and stressed. Of course, my current feelings have nothing to do with the USS Pegasus.

The USS Nova, which as of twenty minutes ago I served as the First Officer of, has been fully evacuated. The Nova was in the path of, and had no chance of evading, an energy beam from a Gondwanan star station. We only had six seconds to react, which certainly would not have been enough time for me to issue and order, and have that order carried out in time by the appropriate staff.

I did however order the Nova to protect the USS Philadelphia and order that was able to be carried out mostly thanks to the Philadelphia also moving at the same time.

The beam, which struck the Nova, completely depleted all power on the large ship. This also caused the cores on the ship to leak radiation into the vessel. Due to this fact a complete evacuation was ordered.

It took over three hours to get every crew member off of the ship. Luckily between the flotilla vessels as well as some Gondwanan territory we have been able to accommodate all of the crew.

I myself transported to the USS Pegasus, the newest member of the Nova's flotilla. The Pegasus did not have a permanent command crew so I placed myself in temporary command until things settled. I however soon found out that my command on the Pegasus would last much longer than I expected.

Admiral Grayson determine to use the Pegasus as the temporary flagship of the fleet. In addition to that he informed me that I was the permanent captain of the ship and had been slotted for the role for several week, though this was unknown to me.

I am extremely humbled and excited to begin my first captaincy. My only hope is that I can lead this crew in an honorable way that brings pride and glory not only to the Federation but also to every member of the crew.

Eng Log.]

Stardate 21011.12

[Commanding Officer's Log Stardate 21011.12 Commander Nicholas Ristone Recording

Our mission with the Gondwanans continues to progress though not always in ways I expected.

After taking a twelve hour rest time, during which I thankfully got to see my wife, the USS Philadelphia went to code blue and landed on the surface of the Gondwanan planet where the Neo's currently are forced to call home. Their landing was made difficult due to the severe weather conditions on the planet however our sensors indicated that they landed safely.

Meanwhile in space a small military transport vessel quickly approached the Pegasus and after coming to a stop 10 KM off of our bow hailed us and asked for asylum. It appeared that the occupants were members of the Neo society who had stolen the transport vessel.

While I debated my decision on whether or not to grant them the requested asylum the Gondwanan vessel Jorypin powered up their weapons and began moving to intercept the defenseless and weaponless transport vessel.

In the end I could ignore the sound of fear in the Neo's voice. His fear for what the Gondwanans would do to them and fear in how they would react given their extra aggressive nature. I therefore decided to grant them asylum on the Pegasus under the conditions that a security team be attached to them at all times and that we could contain them in sickbay until we could ensure that they were not carrying a disease dangerous to our crew. They of course agreed to the conditions.

My decision did not make Tertiary Systems Manager Beilat, who was on the Jorypin happy. Beilat warned of potential consequences if we followed through with our actions. We however did not let their threat determine our actions. I reminded Beilat that we were under the invitation of their Monarch and then proceeded with our transport, which unfortunately caused some slight damage to both of the Gondwanan vessels.

With the Neo's now onboard we have allowed the Jorypin to tow in the stolen vessel which of course belongs to them and not the Neos. I am now waiting for a comm channel to open. Thankfully the Jorypin has powered down their weapons and Ship Commander Thedu, who we have met before, is hailing us.

I am hopeful that this spacial situation will be resolved peacefully without a shot being fired.

End Log.]

Stardate 21011.20

[Commanding Officer's Log Stardate 21011.20 Commander Nicholas Ristone Recording

It sadly seems that things are only going to continue to grow increasingly tenser before they become resolved. Commander Thegdu, as I had hoped, did seem to be more willing to resolve the situation peacefully then Beliat had. Thegdu explained the situation he was facing to me and listened as I explained my situation to him. I was unsure at first how the exchange went. You can understand my surprise then when a few moments later Thegdu informed me that he, and the crew of the Jorypin, were invoking an ancient tradition that in essence separated their ship from the Gondwanan Government.

Thegdu claimed he, and his crew, now saw the error in how the Neos were being treated. While I was pleased to hear that, I was less than pleased to hear that he was now asking the Pegasus to protect them from the Gondwanan government. I of course cannot commit the Pegasus to that task. Not only is it completely against the Prime Directive but it also would place the Philadephia, which is landed on the planet, in extreme danger.

Rear Admiral Grayson is beginning diplomacy with the Gondwana Primes while I continue to try and convince Thegdu to peacefully talk with the Gondwanans.

End log.]

Stardate 21012.25

[Commanding Officer's Log Stardate 21012.25 Commander Nicholas Ristone Recording

It is still somewhat difficult to fully explain the last several days. I am pleased to be able to record that the USS Pegasus and the other members of the Flotilla were indeed able to leave Gondwanan space without a single shot being fired from one of our ships.

Exactly how we managed that feat is a mixture of some great diplomacy, some fear of war, and mostly a whole lot of luck. After my last log entry several talks began. First, I began talks with Thegdu. It was my job to talk the Ship Commander into a cease fire with the Gondwanans. Next, Admiral Grayson and Captain Yvette continued talks with the Gondwanan monarch himself. They were attempting to not only keep hostilities away from our vessels but also the Jorypin.

In the end I am pleased to say that we succeeded on both fronts. I am curious as to how long the Gondwanan people will remain out of a civil war. Between the Gondwanan Primes, the Neos, and now people like Thegdu who I can only describe as a political activist, it seems that some type of conflict will soon engulf this mostly peaceful race.

The Federation however will not be assisting in keeping the peace between them. We will remain uninvolved for two reasons, first, because we agreed to leave them alone if they allowed us to leave in peace. More importantly however, the Gondwanan star system seemingly returned to its own space not very long after we departed it.

I find myself torn after this mission. We successfully managed to complete the task Star Fleet assigned to us. We researched and made First Contact with the Gondwanas. However, after meeting them I know there is so much more we could have done. Granted, our scientist have discovered that the existence of Neos are due to their own experiments on their people, I however still wish we could have helped the confused Neos.

Additionally, I hate to think of the politically turmoil their society is now in. While I do not feel we were at fault at all for it, nor do I think we should have involved ourselves, the humanitarian inside of me wishes we could have done more.

Scans of the now Gondwanan free space now reveals the presence of similar type life forms. These lifeforms however are now where near as advanced as our new ‘friends’. They are so underdeveloped in fact that the Prime Directive forbids us to visit them. I am curious however if one day they will grow to resemble the aliens we just said goodbye to.

End log.]

Crew Logs

First Officer

LCdr Azernal Rin

Stardate 21010.15

[First Officer’s Log Stardate 21010.15 Lieutenant Commander Azernal Rin recording:

The last few days have been quite chaotic. I boarded the Pegasus expecting to greet my new CO and assume my duties as First Officer. Unfortunately, I met an engineer instead, who was ACO and took no time at all in informing me that my orders were not quite clear. I was reporting as temporary first officer until the ship was transferred to its boarding crew...and then my fate would be unknown.

Needless to say, I was peeved. I prepared myself to meet the new Commanding Officer and explain to him why I would be an asset to his command. I had practiced reciting my skills, my commendations, my successes both on Bajor and in Star Fleet.

None of that came to pass however. Shortly after joining the flotilla an alien weapon hit a nearby starbase and the starbase moved to attack the small USS Philadelphia. The Nova jumped in to protect the ship and was instantly disabled.

I moved the Pegasus in to assist. With our crew being skeleton, we had a lot of empty room for the evacuating crew...but not enough for everyone. The Nova was a massive ship, and its crew were spread among all the ships in the flotilla to make room.

Thankfully, through either proper planning on their end, or simply good luck, many of the DHs from the Nova ended up on the Pegasus, along with the CO and FO of the now-disabled ship.

The Admiral met with the First Officer Ristone and myself in the Ready Room and officially transferred over command to newly promoted Commander Ristone. Grayson also suggested that I stay on as First Officer, at least until this situation was resolved, due to my knowledge of the Pegasus. Ristone agreed.

Now, I need to prove myself. I will not be a temporary First Officer...I know for a fact that there isn't anyone else out there that Ristone could pick that would be a better First Officer than me.

Assuming the official mantel of command, I reviewed personnel files quickly to find someone capable of organizing the chaos that had resulted when hundreds of scared and injured evacuees began pouring out of the Nova. Commander Crawford was my choice, and she accepted the assignment without complaint. She had already begun to ready her department for the task I was asking, and this only reinforced my faith in selecting her.

It has been many hours since the Nova began the evacuation process, and I have just now gotten to the point where I can log the Nova crew off active duty. I can't imagine how tired they must be, and how much they have to process. I am hoping for a few quite hours so they may lay their heads down and prepare for the long road ahead.

Some of the crew may stay here on the Pegasus, choosing to serve with their First Officer now Commanding Officer Ristone. Some will leave, go to other ships in the flotilla, or possibly even transfer away completely.

There will remain much confusion and adjustment as these issues get worked out...and I haven't even begun to speak of the mission itself, or the aliens, or what is being done on that front.

Computer, end log.]

Stardate 21011.23

[First Officer’s Log Stardate 21011.23 Lieutenant Commander Azernal Rin recording:

It has been many hours since my previous recording. The Nova evacuees did manage to get a full 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I am glad I got my full amount of rest on the shake down cruise out here, because I haven't slept since all this started...I tried to take some time down, but then things got complicated again and I was needed on the Bridge.

See, the aliens, Godwanans, have a subset of their species known as the Neos. These Neo-Godwanans are violent radicals with some kind of incurable genetic disease. The Philadelphia, one of the ships in the Flotilla, decided to land on the island prison that these Neos are held on, and see if the Federation doctors can't make heads or tails of this disease.

Of course, my new CO is married, and has a child on the way...and his wife is the CO of the Philly. I am sure this is causing him some stress...though you wouldn't know it by looking at him.

Anyways, while I was off reviewing some reports before hitting the sack, a ship approached the Pegasus with a family of Neos inside. They requested Asylum and despite warnings not to, we were able to beam them aboard. This could cause all kinds of repercussions for the Philadelphia, but we couldn't turn away a request for asylum.

Now I am heading down to sickbay to meet with this family and assess their intentions and oversee the medical and security teams.

Computer, end log.]

Tactical

CTO Lt Kyle DeWitt

Stardate 21011.15

[Personal Log Stardate 21011.15 Kyle DeWitt Recording:

Wouldn't you know it. I think Star Fleet giving me transfer after transfer just because they can. With a transfer, originally, to the Philadelphia just to wind up on the Nova as her Assistant Chief Tactical Officer. I'll admit it wasn't bad until Bear received a transfer of his own, leaving me to fend on my own. I owe a lot to the Tactical officers over there if it hadn't been for them I don't think I'd have survived.

Computer, transfer the rest to official Chief Tactical Officer's log.

With the action picking up and a recent promotion to full Lieutenant I now serve in the capacity of Chief Tactical Officer on the Nova. With a recent attack on a Godwanan station the Nova herself was struck by a beam I'd never witnessed in my life. At first everything seemed to go well, until the ship was rendered powerless. With only the frigates in the flotilla our evacuation wasn't looking too promising. Luckily a skeleton crewed Pegasus had been sent to join the flotilla. With the evacuation more or less complete each ship went to an emergency compliment and I found myself aboard the Pegasus, along with the other Nova senior officers.

After the flag transferred to the Pegasus and Commander Ristone's recent promotion I, along with the other Nova senior officers, were assigned as the temporary Department Heads. The actual Chief Tactical Officer arrived, in a method of transportation I wouldn't recommend, and attempted to take his rightful position. I hated seeing the guy get temporarily busted down to junior officer status, especially after all Star Fleet did to get the man here. I look forward to meeting with him and the other CTOs when the flotilla is back to optimal running.

But, this is where a problem arises for me. While I like being assigned to the Nova, I'm not sure I'm CTO material for a ship of that size. Don't get me wrong I'd relish the opportunity, but in reality I'd be equally happy with an assignment as Pegasus's CTO. Guess it all depends on how my cards are dealt.

End log.]

Stardate 21012.26

[Chief Tactical Officer’s Log

Stardate 21012.26

Lieutenant Kyle DeWitt recording

As the distortion wave from the Gondwanan star expanded the Nova, under tractor power, and her flotilla vacated the system. During our journey to the newly formed Star Base Delta, I was given an opportunity to return to the battleship and get systems back up and running. However, with a Tactical problem still in my midst I remained onboard the Pegasus to smoothen out all loose ends. The ship’s true Chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Ciron Ouse, acted rashly during our experience with the Gondwanan missiles. Taking pop shots, in order to protect the Pegasus, at the missiles the phaser beams weren’t focused enough leaving them intact. That wasn’t the point, however, as our beams could’ve been taken as a hostile act and I wouldn’t be here recording this entry. With Admiral Grayson’s order to attack the Gondwanan Island Facility a tactical decision was made by myself to relieve the Lieutenant and take Weapons, to make sure another mistake would’ve been made.

I, as the only Senior Officer apart from the Command Officers onboard the Pegasus, take full responsibility for the actions of Ciron. Believing that he was ready for the position he was given I decided to not watch over him as much as I did with the others, hell Star Fleet was the one who put him here. That’s why an hour ago I spoke with Commander Ristone and managed a transfer over to this ship, in an effort to season Lieutenant Ouse for the next Chief Tactical Officer opening. I look forward to having a fraction of the crew I had under me, but nonetheless it was an honor being able to serve as Chief Tactical Officer of the Nova.

Approximately two days ago I received a transmission burst from Earth. I assumed the contents would be a Tactical Update, which would’ve been preferable, but a medical report of my dad. He caught some disease and from the looks of it he only has a month or two left. I know my place is at home, but with the situation out here looking bad I can’t leave my post. Rumor has it’s something to do with the Klingons. Anyways, arrangements are being made for my cat to join me at Delta so I can take care of her. Is it right that I care for my job over my own flesh and blood? I hope I’m making the right decision and that history shows it.

End log.]

Medical

CMO LCdr Laura Macleod

Stardate 21012.29

[Chief Medical Officers Log Stardate: 21012.29 Lieutenant Commander Macleod recording:

I am exhausted… but it is my spirits that are wearied not my body.

There was an incident during our crew exchange with the Gondwanan’s and the Nova was disabled… I suppose it all went down hill from then on, though we did our best to keep things together.

First of all we were evacuated to the other ships in the flotilla. Myself and the other senior staff ended up on the Pegasus, except for Commander Yvette. She was promoted to Captain and given command of the Philadelphia. No one deserves it more, but I am annoyed by Star Fleets timing. They cannot be unaware of her condition… but I can’t complain without it reflecting badly on her, which would be unfair. Thankfully the treatment we developed seems to be preventing further threats of miscarriage and in all other respects she is fit for duty. Commander Ristone too has been given his own command, the Pegasus is his on a permanent basis, again it is well deserved but it will put extra pressure on Aloysia which I cannot like.

In any case, it soon became apparent that there was more to the Gondwanan situation than met the eye… from a peaceful, educated people, they became first a civilisation under threat of an unknown infection, to a people who imprison and mistreat their own out of fear.

We took a research team down to help investigate the disease that what we came to know as the Prime’s or ruling Gondwanan’s, claimed was affecting the Neo-Gondwanan’s. The ailment apparently made those affected more aggressive and caused them to lose some of their limbs and body armour. The more we looked into it, the more it became clear that the Prime’s were not telling us everything. Several things the researchers said did not add up and by the time I spoke to one of the patients I was more than half convinced that the race had done something in the past to create the genetic mutation, because that is what it was, and that turned out to be the case.

Ysselai seemed so like us in her beliefs that the attitudes of the researchers came as something of a shock. They would rather have seen their patients dead, and wipe out the problem that way… and when I think of poor Levadi, a child spending her days as a lab rat, with no relief in sight… and of the abilities she and her kind have developed, telepathy, telekinesis… perhaps it is not natural for them, but it is not the mutation that threatens their lives so much as their helpers attitude to it.

Perhaps the worst of it is that we can do nothing to help. The universe flexed its muscles again and the whole system has been returned to its own universe, I can only hope that the Terran’s in that world find a way to help bring peace to the planet and end the suffering.

End Log.

Addendum.

On a personal note, I discovered that my brother Xan has been assigned to the Philadelphia. I worry about us both being on the same missions but I cannot be sorry to have him near.

I am not sure yet whether all the senior staff will remain on the Pegasus or return to the Nova, but Nick has asked us all to stay and I intend to take him up on the offer. There is a lot of prestige to be had from being CMO of a ship like the Nova, but I’m a doctor, not an administrator and if I’d wanted to run a hospital I would have stayed planetside… not that I’m really going to get away from the paper work but at least here I can spend some time being a doctor too.

End.]

Security

COS Cdr Tyra Crawford

Stardate 21012.30

[Chief of Security's Log Stardate: 21012.30 Commander Tyra Crawford recording:

This mission might have been one of the more chaotic things I've ever been involved in and that's including some very nasty combat situations. I don't even know if I'm even capable of keeping track of and summarizing everything that's happened, but I'll give it my best.

The last thing I remember discussing—I think—was the security team going down to the surface of New Gondwana to ensure the diplomatic teams safety. It went well, and while I was satisfied that the team would be safe, I wasn't comfortable with the idea of an admiral, much less someone I care quite a bit about, going down into an unknown environment.

Safe to say neither Nick nor I were able to convince Thomas that it wasn't in his best interest to attend, and there's really no realm where two commanders can force their will on a stubborn admiral. While I completely understand Thomas' motives behind wanting to go down there, I didn't and still don't agree with it, but it turned out be a rather pointless objection.

The actual diplomatic meeting went well until we received news that the Nova had been disabled by a projectile originating from the surface. The crew was evacuated—I'm extremely proud of my department for doing so in a smooth manner without me --, and moved to other ships in the flotilla, including the Pegasus, where most of the senior officers ended up. The Pegasus was given to Nick as his permanent command, one which he definitely deserves.

The Nova's fatal blow came from a group of Gondwanans that had mutated so to speak and were isolated from the rest of society. From research that Judith and I were tasked with, the treatment of these "Neos" was absolutely appalling, and we offered our assistance in researching the changes occurring in their population.

However, some times politics and personal views come in the way of the better good of a society and that's what seemed to be the problem here. We weren't able to fully offer our assistance because of protocol and the fear of a civil war breaking out. Their government's stubbornness left us no choice but to withdraw before we were pulled into a nastier fight than we almost faced. Hopefully, this is just a phase in their development as a society…but I'm not sure I'll hold my breath about the acceptance of the Neos into their mainstream society any time soon. We won't really know though because the system was sent back to where it came from…maybe for the best, in all honesty.

On another note, it seems like I won't be returning to the Nova like I'd anticipated and hoped. It's becoming a command station of sorts, and while I want nothing more than to remain close to Thomas, I know myself well enough to know that I'd hate it there. I'm not an administrator. I don't enjoy paperwork or the idea of being merely a policymaker and not an active participant. I served my time chained to a desk and don't plan on going back to that life until absolutely necessary. Plus, I like to think that my skills are less conducive to a desk and more conducive to the field, and that there is some paper pusher somewhere that would serve that position so much better than I would.

Fortunately, Thomas seems to be understanding, and he's actually the one that suggested that I remain on the Pegasus. I think it will be an interesting transition…I've become quite use to having him around and don't really want to give up that aspect of our relationship but I think we can do it.

I really do hope so.

End Log.]

Mid Tourock Sothrick

Stardate 21012.30

[Midshipman Sothrick Log Star date: 21012.30 Security Midshipman Tourock Sothrick recording;

From my end with regards to our last mission there is not much for me to add. This mission has been a very interesting and curious one. Our flotilla had met up with an Arachnid like species. After a small diplomatic meeting and exchange which I was apart of it came to light that the species had a disease affecting a growing part of the community. They, though reluctant in some part, requested our help and insight on this ailment. This disease came to light as a faction of the infected attacked one of their own station and our ship that I had been assigned the USS Nova. This attack incapacitated the Nova leaving it dead in space causing us to evacuate. Hence why I am now aboard the USS Pegasus. After returning to the Pegasus from our crew exchange with the Gondwanans I was sent aboard the USS Philadelphia along with COS Crawford as the ship was set on the Gondwanan home planet in our effort to help with this strange affliction.

From this point I am not sure what exactly happened as of this moment I have not had a chance to review ship logs. I am aware that at one moment it was feared that the ship may be boarded, by hostiles. Then the next moment all our crew that had gone to ground facility, was recalled and we took off quickly.

As of now I am back aboard the Pegasus and we are on route to Star Base Delta for shore leave. We have a few weeks before we arrive so I will finally be back to my regular duties. It has been most interesting since I have first come out of the academy. I have been surprised at the level of intensity this position has required. I feel though I am ready for it.]

He paused for a moment and russeling and the sounds two large thuds could be heard

[On a personal note I have been forcing myself to interact with my new crew. I had met a young science officer from the Philadelphia that went over on the crew exchange, which I had a chance to speak with at great length while on a small down time.

I have quite a bit of work to do. I will record new message after we arrive to Star Base.

End Log.]