USS Dark Matter - Logs - Mission Summaries


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Mission 10 : SaiJad II

03 Apr - 12 Aug 2007

Day 18
While eating her breakfast, Lt Krah send notes to several key members of the Dark Matter, announcing her arrival and avaibility for a meeting with them.

Trok (npc) wakes up after a nightmare where the DM's security staff were torturing him. Concerned that Lt V'Rra had noticed his presence the day before in a restaurant, he conjures up a plan to hide what he was really doing.

10 LY away, a generation ship run by two genetically modified entities heads for the sector. Aware of the existence of a planet in the area, they debate whether they should speed up towards it or gather more information about its inhabitants.

Angus MacDuff sums up the courage to speak to Gol'Khar about the difficulties he is experiencing in his role a the ASciO. To his surprise the Chief of Science takes no offence and offers the position to Lt Solek.

While he is taking his breakfast in the lounge, observing the behaviour of certain crewmembers, Lt Tyvek is accosted by a Caitian technician. During their discussion it becomes obvious that his interlocutor resents the presence of Lt V'Rra onboard the Dark Matter. The counsellor encourages her to meet with V'Rra before she forms such a dark opinion of their Chief of Security. An advice he decides to apply to himself with the way he had started to view Lt Solek.

Despite his Vulcan heritage, Lt Solek is overjoyed by the position of assistant that has been offered to him. After debating whether or not he is worth the promotion, his human side takes over and he goes the Gol'Khar's office to inform him that he accepts to become the ASciO.

Cmdr Vahl is dismayed to see the result of her recent interview by a Dyermian journalist, as it manages to portray her in a unkind light.

While running diagnostics on the ship's long range sensor instruments, Lt Gol'Khar notices the presence of a large object that seems to be on a course for Dyermia III.

Lt Tyvek takes advantage of his shore leave time to send a message to his children. An action that leads him to reflect on how different family life must have been for someone like Lt Solek.

During one of her visits to Dyermia IV, June Craig meets with an old acquaintance: Itlin (npc), who now runs a sports centre on the Starbase, which could prove to become an interesting asset, should June ever need some help on Dyermia IV.

After contacting the Dyermian government, and discovering that they too have registered the presence of a strange object heading towards their planet, Captain Persson puts an end to shore leave time. With most of the Dyermian's space resources taken by the construction of a station near the Klaamarq wormhole, Persson promises the Dyermians that he would investigate the approaching vessel.

While he is running standard tests in the Space Imaging Lab, Lt Solek indulges in a game of 3D Chess. However, once again he falls for one particular move, often favoured by his mother. This is something that reminds him that he has never been able to win against her.

In a bid to get to know each other, Cmdr Vahl and Lt Krah meet in the lounge, where they talk of the crew and how the fact that it is atypical can actually be its best strength.

Later on, Vahl joins a table where several scientists have gathered. During their loud ranting, Lt V'Rra, who happens to be nearby, can't fail to notice PO2 Smith's sexist remarks, or the way June Craig speaks to them.

June Craig makes the mistake to allow her holo-waiter to speak up, consequently she is confronted to a speach about the lounge etiquette and what she should or shouldn't do.

Lt Tyvek and Lt Solek meet at last, and have a counselling session that takes place in the lounge. Despite the neutral environment, the evaluation quickly takes a serious turn, and it doesn't appear that the two Vulcans will truly be able to fully understand each other.

During a training session on the holodeck, Lt V'Rra demonstrates to her team that they must pay attention to details before jumping to conclusions, and perhaps misunderstand the situation they are facing.

With the return of Lt V'Rra to the lounge, June manages to apologize for what she had said earlier on. When Ops notifies her that the Dyermian VIP is about to arrive, June asks the assistance of the Chief of Security to greet Hulanda Ankomel (npc).
On Dyerma IV, an irate junior officer catches Lt Alexander Masterson working on a fault he should have just reported instead of repairing it himself. Masterson leaves the premises with a sharp reminder of what his life seems to be all about: he is not wanted anywhere. It is with this state of mind that he prepares himself for his next transfer, as an Ops officer on the USS Dark Matter.

Day 01
The USS Dark Matter leaves Dyermia IV early in the morning. According to Science, the mysterious vessel that they have located is definitely on course for the Hydrozene Star System, and it transports a considerable number of biological life-forms.

With the help of Dr Melrose (npc), Dr Krah (npc) sorts out the medical files of the crew and get prepared to meet with the EMH.

While the ACEO (npc) is making sure that everything is Engineering is running smoothly, he receives an alarming call from Ensign Gozin (npc) who is having problems with one of the minor power couplings. He becomes injured and receives serious burns, he has to be transferred to sickbay urgently.

While Claryx Vahl is on the Bridge, wondering what type of problem the alien ship will give them, tactical reports that an object has been following them with some insistence. Further investigation reveals that it is a Ferengi Marauder. Lars Persson promptly confronts its Captain, asking them to leave their trail. But from what Gol'Khar can gather with his instruments, the Ferengi continue to play hide and seek with the Dark Matter.

In the evening, Lt VR'ra is confronted by a drunken crewman, one who is none other than L'Ress (npc), another Caitian. During the crewman's rare more moments of sobriety, V'Rra discovers that the family of the young engineer has asked her to leave the Dark Matter. According to them it is not proper for a normal Caitian to serve with one who is seen as violent.

Captain Persson finally decides to meet with Miss Ankomel (npc). Although he manages quite well to cope with her over-friendly disposition, he none-the-less accepts, against his will, to have lunch with her.

Doctor Krah calls her staff for a general meeting, which also serves as an introduction to her new personel. To the surprise of those who work in sickbay, the EMH has been invited and is considered by the CMO as a proper member of her team.

Lt Tyvek, who was on duty on the Bridge, receives an emergency call from the Chief Transporter regarding a problem with Crewman L'Ress(npc). When the Counsellor discovers that the drunken Caitian wanted to beam herself into space, he tries to reason her and accompanies her back to her quarters.

Day 02
After his lunch with Miss Ankomel, Lars experiences a violent nightmare where Captain Lyn Samrai (npc), (whom he used to date), behaves in the most jealous manner.

In Stellar cartography, Lt Gol'Khar analyses the known trajectory of the alien ship and realises that it actually comes from another galaxy. This leads him to wonder if the people inside that vessel actually know that they are inside a spaceship?

While Cmdr Vahl and Captain Persson are discussing the latest findings regarding the alien ship, they receive a message from it. It is dispatched in a number of languages, but the only one that the Dark Matter can decipher is a strange Romulan dialect. Persson tries to interract with them, but it is without much success.

June Craig receives a visit from Trok (npc) in her quarters. For reasons unknown to her, the Ferengi wants to help her regarding the wrong-doings of Dellaert (npc). He has performed a little investigation that ties her past to that of Dellaert, who apparently also used to live in June's home city: Seattle.

On the alien ship, Jad and Sai debate on their next course of action. After several hours, they reach an agreement: they will ask the help of Captain Persson and they will also make a stop at the Dyerma planet.

Counsellor Tyvek starts his day by sending a memo to Cmdr Vahl and Lt VR'ra regarding the recent behaviour of Crewman L'Ress (npc). On the Bridge, he recommends that the Dark Matter treats the Marauder that is tracking them, in a friendly way.

Unable to communicate in a satisfactory way with the alien ship, Captain Persson decides to use the MR'Tlag probe. Unfortunately, no sooner has it penetrated the shield of the ship that a powerful weapon is launched in the direction of the USS Dark Matter.

This action angers Lt Gol'Khar, who vents his displeasure openly. Since it is very likely that the MR'Tlag probe is responsible for the present situation, it is decided to call it back immediately. Unfortunately this has no effect whatsoever on the progression of the alien weapon.

June Craig is taken by surprise by the sound of red alert. However her main concern is to make sure that two civilian scaremongers are stopped from spreading alarming news about the danger now faced by the Dark Matter.

At last the alien ship contacts the USS Dark Matter, but it doesn't bode well, since they deny any responsibility in the launching of the weapon. According to them, it was triggered automatically and they are unable to stop it. As a last measure, Persson resorts to use the MR'Tlag probe in a attempt to counter the alien weapon.

Minutes away from the impact, the Ferengi Captain hails the Dark Matter. From what they reveal, they too have been in contact with the alien ship. They feel so sure of their good relationship with these aliens that they speed forward to meet with them. But within seconds the weapon changes its course to intercept with the Ferengi vessel.

As soon as Daemon Drak (npc) realizes that his ship is in immediate danger, he asks the help of the Dark Matter. During the discussion that ensues he also reveals that he has promised to assist the alien vessel, at a price.

The Bridge crew experiences a brief moment of relief when the M'Rtlag probe manages to slow down the alien projectile. However it is short lived, and the weapon soon resumes its aggressive stance.

June is happy to see that thanks to the presence of Lt Berg (npc) the civilians have not really been affected by the red alert. In fact the only person to be in quite a state is Trok (npc). He has been interviewed by Security regarding the presence of the Ferengi ship in the vicinity; a procedure that he resents greatly.

On board the alien ship, Sai and Jai reflect on their situation. They consider whether or not the Ferengi could be of any help to their cargo. They also prepare to leave the sector at once, should the USS Dark Matter prove unable to stop their erratic weapon.

At the exact point of impact most systems onboard the Dark Matter shut down. Cmdr Vahl presumes that they are the victim of background energy left by the alien weapon. An explanation that does little to alleviate the anguish of being left absolutely powerless.

The blackout lasts for about ten minutes, after which the affected systems suddenly resume their normal activities. According to the first reports, the damage sustained during this 'storm' is minimal.

While the USS Dark Matter is still plunged in the dark, June Craig has to endure the smart conversation of Klam (npc). The Bolian bartender even takes advantage of this agonizing moment to reveal his best kept secret to her.

On board the SaiJad II, the deliberations lead to a drastic measure: to transfer Captain Persson directly to their ship, which is done instantly.

Counsellor Tyvek is reflecting on the possible consequences of the black-out on the crew, when the Captain suddenly vanished from the Bridge. However, before panic sets in, Lars Persson is able to contact them, to let his crew know that everything is all right. Two security officers (Berg and Sertak, npcs) are also beamed to his new location to assist him.

In the lounge, June Craig has the bad surprise to see the EMH materialise when she was trying to raise her holo-waiter. In order to minimize the inconvenience, June accepts to fetch the Doctor's portable holo emitter, so that he can return to sickbay by his own means.

Upon discovering that it is very likely that the Ferengi are also allowed to visit the SaiJad II, Lt Gol'Khar cannot help venting his thoughts on Daemon Drak (npc) and his crew.

Lt Annie Renwyck receives a subspace message informing her of her promotion to CEO. As soon as she has digested the good news, she relays the information to what is now her new crew of engineers.

After a 30 minute wait, a visual link is established between the USS Dark Matter and the SaiJad II. Thanks to this, the Bridge crew can follow the moves of their Captain, and also the four Ferengi who accompany Daemon Drak, also present on the SaiJad.

Once Sai and Jad have made sure that their guests are not armed, exploration of the ship can start. The two groups are first led to a place where they can witness the existence of a whole town, surrounded by an artificial landscape. It is the moment that Sai chooses to request the presence of Miss Ankomel (npc) onboard the SaiJad. However, a closer inspection reveals that the population of this town doesn't seem to be in the best of health.

Things get more complicated when Sai (npc) reveals that she actually expects the Dyermians to accept their passengers on their planet. With this in mind, Cmdr Vahl asks the Science Department to start a thorough examination of this sector of space, in search of a planet that could be colonized. She even tries to enlist the help of the Ferengi, but they bluntly refuse to give her any information on what they know about this sector.

In Science, PO2 Pete Smith (npc) discovers that the alien ship seems to be absolutely seamless. There is no sign of any joints or even superficial damage on the hull. Frustrated that he cannot use the holo-grid for his work, he decides to have a break in the lounge.

While she is getting used to her new functions, Lt Renwyck, hears about the holo-grid malfunction and chooses to tackle and repair the problem.

In Sickbay, June Craig is unable to obtain a portable emitter from Nurse Bendrix (npc), who accuses her of being responsible for the whole situation. June retreats before losing her temper. On her way back to deck 6, she meets with Erz Finh (npc), who happens to be in a celebratory mood and distracts her form her destination.

Counsellor Tyvek reflects on the impact the recent events must have had on the crew. After seeing the first images from the alien city, it becomes clear to him that he will have to evaluate their chance of survival in a brand new environment.

In the lounge, after a quick discussion with the EMH (npc) to make sure that he hasn't suffered any memory lost, Lt Renwick gives him a portable holo-emitter. She then focuses on the holo-grid itself.

Captain Persson decides to return to the USS Dark Matter, so that he can have a briefing with his senior officers and select the away teams that will be sent to the SaiJad II to study its population.

Following a prank from a security officer, Lt Masterson is locked inside the brig while he was performing a routine check of its systems. He is rescued by Ensign Santos (npc) who happens to be on the look-out for him, as he needed to tell him know about the senior staff meeting, where Masterson will be expected.

During the briefing, Lt Gol'Khar announces who, in science, is best suited to go to the SaiJad II. Since his physique would be difficult to conceal among the aliens, he will stay on the DM to concentrate on finding a planet for the SaiJad's population.

On his side, Lt Tyvek proposes the addition of linguist Tramori (npc), whose knowledge should prove invaluable in trying to understand the aliens. While Lt Renwyck is keen on having a look at the SaiJad engines, June Craig appears to be over zealous in her quest to befriend the leaders among the aliens.

Meanwhile, on board the SaiJad, Daemon Drak (npc) goes as far as bluffing Sai and Jad, convincing them that he knows of a planet where they could transport their passengers. While the final arrangements for the away team are sorted out, Captain Persson is informed of Drak's bravado.

In Stellar Cartography, Hulanda Ankomel (npc) is studying the galactic maps that she has received from her government. She doesn't have the knowledge to make much of them, and it takes the arrival of Lt Gol'Khar to reveal what these maps truly have to offer. There seems to be several promising areas where they could be planets fit for colonization. Hulanda however is a lot more interested by the Klingon scientist and tries to seduce him.

Day 03
A large way team, composed of several groups (Engineers, evaluators, medical, scientists, diplomats) are transported to the SaiJad II. Cmdr Vahl's team is the first to arrive in their headquarters, an abandoned house allocated to them by Sai and Jad.

Lt Renwyck and her team discover that the engines of the SaiJad spread out on no less than 20 decks. While running various diagnostic checks on the ship's computers she finds out that the SaiJad uses neuro gel packs that appeared to be contaminated.

Ensign Chivez (npc) and Craig's team have an encounter with one of the locals, someone who is eager to lead them to a shrine where the population has gathered.

Daemon Drak (npc) makes one more attempt to interfere with the Dark Matter's plans; but this time the SaiJad is less understanding and sends them many light years away, where they can do no harm.

Vahl and Tyvek's team explore the local library and are soon confronted by four aggressive individuals armed with crossbows. They purport to belong to a clan called Dav’Net and during the ensuing altercation, kill Ensign Sokolov (npc). The two away team leaders manage to reason with their adversaries and are taken to meet with the Dav'Net chief.

In the DM's Space Imaging Lab, Lts Gol'Khar and MacDuff come to the conclusion that a planet, 35 hours away from their present location, could suit the needs of the SaiJad people. With the permission of the Captain, the two scientists assemble a team to explore this venue with the Solar Winds shuttle.

At the shrine, Chivez's (npc) team meet with an old man. He tells them of a prophecy according to which the discovery made by an engineer will lead them to a new lease of life.

On the USS Dark Matter, Captain Persson is informed by sickbay of Sokolov's death. When he tries to contact Cmdr Vahl, he finds out that communication with his away teams is impossible. In their usual manner, Sai and Jad (npc) are adamant that they are unaware of any problem, but will investigate the matter.

When Lt Renwyck (npc) discovers that she cannot get her message across to the Captain, she spreads her engineers in different areas of the SaiJad ship, in the hope of repairing the comm system asap.

Although Vahl and Tyvek manage to speak with Gharus, (the chief of the Dav'Net clan), the interview is far from being satisfactory. The leader orders the Counsellor to be taken away with the promise to torture him, while Vahl continues to be questioned. At the end of the session, Gharus decides to lock all the away team members and keep them as hostages.
Right after leaving the shrine, Chivez's team meet up with the medical and science teams. It is soon followed with another encounter: that of a Dav'Net clan member, which the security officers manage to render unconscious.

Upon learning the death of Sokolov (npc), Chivez (npc) decides that Craig and O'Connell (npc) will return to the shrine with their prisoner, while the rest of them will attempt to rescue Vahl and Tyvek's team.

Concerned by the inability to contact his away teams, Captain Persson decides to send more security and engineers to the SaiJad ship. They will be transported inside the engineering section and will be armed with batons, since Sai and Jad still forbid the use of phasers onboard their vessel.

True to Gharus’ (npc) words, Vahl, Berg (npc) and Tramori (npc) are confined to a cell, where Claryx can provide some basic care to the injured science officer.

In the meantime, Tyvek is taken to a torture chamber. Thanks to a mind-meld, the Counsellor convinces his tormentor that violence is not needed since he is telling the truth. However Doctor Morbus (npc) has the last word when he points out that Gharus (npc) will not believe him if Tyvek doesn't go through a torture session.

At the shrine, June Craig undergoes another audience with the Oracle. The old man seems to have an answer for everything and she is starting to wonder where this 'prophecy' of his comes from.

In the depth of the SaiJad ship, Lt Sertak's (npc) team finally find an entrance to the City, through a maintenance conduit. They emerge inside a waterfall feature, near a market square.
While working in the SaiJad command centre, two engineers obtain confirmation that all is not well with Sai and Jad. They are both dying, forcing the DM crew to bypass their control to keep the alien vessel working.

Gharus (npc) pays a visit to the torture chamber. Despite the obvious ordeal Lt Tyvek has gone through, he still doesn't want to believe that the Counsellor is telling the truth. To that effect, he sends some of his men in search of the other strangers he feels sure are in the city. When he orders Dr Morbus (npc) to kill Tyvek, the Counsellor sums up the last of his energy to perform a Vulcan nerve pinch on Gharus.

Gharus's men find their way to the SaiJad's engines room, where they almost kill an engineer. Thankfully the team of Lt (jg) Sertak (npc) is alerted to their situation and manages to capture the clan members. The Vulcan security officer forces a mind-meld on one of them to discover where he can find Cmdr Vahl.

Lt Berg (npc) and Cmdr Vahl have almost freed themselves form their guards when they are joined by Sertak's team. The reunited group rushes to the torture chamber, where Morbus has a job to convince the DM crewmembers that he is not responsible for Lt Tyvek's state. The emerging crisis is deflated by the announce that the engineers have restored the communication systems.

At the shrine, June Craig is contacted by Ensign Chivez (npc) who informs her of their progress with the Dav'Net clan. They are being rounded up and their weapons are being confiscated. The news is enough to send the Oracle in a celebration mood. He self-proclaims himself as the city's leader and demand to speak to Captain Persson.

Boredom puts Trok (npc) in a defiant mood. He bypasses Abe's warning and starts to drink at the bar.

Captain Persson accepts to speak to the Oracle and reveals that Sai and Jad weren't as well prepared as they thought, regarding the final leg of their journey.

In the City, Lt Tyvek tries to convince Doctor Morbus to forget the past and ally himself to the Oracle, for the good of the SaiJad people.

Now that she is free of the Oracle, June Craig pays a visit to her lounge, to find her Ferengi barman drunk. She is willing to turn a blind eye to his behaviour, but he proves to be so disruptive that she has no other choice but punish him.
Lt Tyvek and Dr Morbus (npc) have a long discussion about the SaiJad people and the role the former tormentor could play among their new society. Sadly, despite all the encouragements provided by the Counsellor, Morbus is still doubtful that his people will forgive him his violent past.

Day 04
After his misadventure at the hands of Sai and Jad, Daemon Drak (npc) and his crew arrive at Dyerma IV. He manipulates Captain Lecompte and Ambassador Battersby (npcs) so that they accept him as a special envoy who will be sent to the SaiJad with special goods.

On board the Solar Wind shuttle, Gol'Khar and his scientists prepare themselves for an outing on planet D 0017. Their first surveys reveal a tropical environment covered with deep jungles.

On planet D0017 the exploration goes smoothly until MacDuff fails to reply to a general call. Thankfully, it turns out that the Scot had only fallen into a hole.

Day 05
On the next day, Gol'Khar's team discovers a tall ape-like creature that observes Nurse Bendrix (npc) for a while and then vanishes into the jungle.

On planet D 0017, Lt Gol'Khar's team begin terraforming an area of the forest, something that leads them to the discovery of a geyser, an ideal feature for the settlement of colonists.

The Solar Winds receives orders to remain on D 0017 until the arrival of the USS Dark Matter in a few days. Because of this change of orders, Lt Gol'Khar decide to investigate the geysers they have located. They also extend the terraforming work that they had started.

In the morning, the SaiJad ship is finally capable of sustaining the last portion of its journey towards planet D 0017. The travel resumes without the real consent of the city's inhabitants, who apart for certain youngsters continue to ignore the facts.

On top of it all, Captain Persson discovers from the Dyermian authorities that Daemon Drak (npc) has made accusations against him.

Cmdr Vahl manages to open the dialogue with Damlis (npc) a 15 years old teenager who seems to have an insatiable curiosity about the city's new situation. Thanks to her, Claryx is able to interest a portion of the population in a display of images from D 0017. Unfortunately, in the evening she also discovers that Damlis only one has interest in mind: leave the city and join the Dark Matter.

Feeling unable to cope with the punishment that June Craig has imposed on him, Trok (npc) takes refuge in the holo-deck. There he runs a program of the lounge, hoping to find a solution to his predicament. But even the holo-Craig of his scenario proves impossible to reason with.

From their orbit around D 0017, Lt Gol'Khar and his team greet Captain Dreszlar (npc), who has just arrived on board the Kymanda. The Dyermian CO brings with him a large amount of supplies for the future colonists, which he promtply starts to unload. Less encouraging is the presence of Drak, whom Gol'Khar feels sure will create more trouble.

Day 06
After another long day of work, Gol'Khar’s team enjoys a meal prepared by Hulanda. It is appreciated so much that even the harsh nature of Nurse Bendrix cannot deter their good disposition.

After an intense day helping the colonists settling onto their new world, Captain Persson reviews a list of reports sent to him by various departments. The dedication he sees prompts him to contact Admiral Davison to recommend Lts Gol'Khar and Tyvek for a promotion, and Ms Craig for a commendation.
While looking for Erz (npc) on the planet, June learns that the Engineer is in a good mind to stay with the SaiJad people. A decision that seems to be shared by several other officers.

Day 07
Lt Cmdr Tyvek takes advantage of a moment of quietness among the colonists, (who have chosen to call themselves the D'Borans), to review the case of three officers who had developed problems at the beginning of the mission. It turns out that time was a good healer, as the resentment they felt towards some of their colleagues has now all but vanished.

Not knowing that Daemon Drak (npc) is there because he has an agreement with the Dyermians, Lt Cmdr Gol'Khar makes a point of surveying his movements. Thanks to this, he discovers that the Ferengi had visited the colonists during the night.

On her way to release the D'Boran prisoners that are still onboard the DM, Claryx explains to Gol'Khar the reasons for Drak's presence.

Captain Persson decides to give an extended leave of absence to those officers who have chosen to stay with the D'Borans. As for the colonists who wanted to leave their people, he refers them to the Dyermian Captain, since he is the one in charge of the situation. Provided that everything goes according to plan, he gives orders for the Dark Matter to leave orbit within a few hours.

June Craig says goodbye to the Oracle/Phay, who, upon learning that she is having difficulties with her partner, insists on helping her, whether she likes it or not.

On the Bridge, Claryx's preparations to return to Dyerma IV are interrupted by two events: the announcement of Sai and Jad's death, and a call from Lt(jg) Finh, who seems to have lost his son in the planet's jungle.

- Mission End -

Summary written by :
Cmdr Claryx Vahl
XO
USS Dark Matter


Posts Selection :

- Too Much The Gentleman by Lt Gol'Khar

- New Focus by Lt Tyvek

- Chances of Success by Captain Persson

- Bookworm by Cmdr Vahl



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