30 Nov '06 - 14 Mar 2007
Day 1
In a bid to feel more familiar on his new ship, Ensign Lithara decides
to have a meal in the lounge. To his relief, he is not served by the
Ferengi waiter. He is however, accosted by Lt Kris Lomax (npc), who
like many officers, has developed a strong interest in the new shuttle.
Day 2
Intrigued by the hype around the StarBlazer, Counsellor Tyvek goes to
the main bay to observe the irrational motion. Yet, the FCO doesn't
believe in his strict professional interest and assumes that Lt Tyvek
is also driven by curiosity.
Day 3
June Craig experiences an usual night in the lounge, shared between the antics of Trok (npc) and the demands of the crew.
Lt Tyvek and Ensign Lithara meet in the holodeck for an
active counselling session. during the combat that ensues, the
Counsellor checks whether the Tactical Officer is adapting to his new
position.
Day 6
With long range probes now launched, Lt Gol'Khar awaits eagerly for the
first results. They point to an intense source of radiation that could
be the wormhole that they have been sent to investigate.
Lt Finh (npc) uses his charms to convinces June Craig
that it is imperative for the lounge to display good Christmas
decorations this year.
Day 7
Early in the morning, Captain Persson has a chat with the FCO about all
the attention that the StarBlazer has received. On his return to the
Bridge he discovers that a vessel has just appeared through what they
suspected to be the location of a wormhole. The Bridge crew is
attentive to the information given by Lt Gol'Khar, since the life-signs
are only about fifty centimetres tall.
While Lt MacDuff works on a way to communicate with the alien vessel,
Cmdr Vahl cannot help wondering how coincidental the apparition of this
ship is?
When communication is finally available between the two starships,
Captain Persson discovers that their interlocutors are rather blunt,
but none-the-less curious about the presence of the Dark Matter near
their wormhole.
After analysing the data that's available about the wormhole, MacDuff
realizes that the DM is too large to go through it. Only a shuttle
would make such an exploration possible.
During the meeting that follows the arrival of the
aliens, Persson and Vahl manage to convince Cmdr Vvenik (npc) to let
them explore the wormhole. It is agreed that Vvenik's ship will monitor
this little venture, while, he, along with his escort, will remain on
the USS Dark Matter.
As the discussion continues, Vahl has the strong impression that Briff (npc), one of Vvenik's men, is trying to read her mind.
On the Bridge, Ensign Lithara reflects on this new encounter. The fact
that the aliens beamed directly onto the Bridge without any prior
notice, leaves him to ponder about their technology and its potential
danger for the DM.
June meets with professor Dellaert (npc), who, despite the festive
season, proves to be as disagreeable as ever. Upon discovering that
Trok (npc) has spent the night in the lounge, June sends him to his
quarters so that he can rest. Unfortunately the Ferengi falls victim to
a bout of paranoia, and, convinced that June is having a party, he
comes back within the hour and makes a fool of himself.
Back on the Bridge, Lt Gol'Khar is pleased to see that the repair to
their probes has finally been completed. With the possibility of
exploring the wormhole set in his mind, he gives the order that Angus
MacDuff prepares another probe, so that they can carry out a short
series of preliminary tests on the wormhole's integrity.
Lt Tyvek volunteers to join the team that will explore
the wormhole, stating that his expertise in diplomacy could become
useful should they meet with new species on the "other side".
Unhappy with the way his Commander is dealing with the situation, Briff
(npc) scans the Dark Matter for an easy target that could serve his
plans. Running out of time, he opts for an unrefined civilian : Trok
(npc).
The team, consisting of Cmdr Vahl, Lts Tyvek and Gol'Khar plus Ensign
Lithara launches the StarBlazer shuttle into the wormhole. Cmdr Vvenik
(npc) witnesses the procedure from the Dark Matter Bridge. This is a
privilege that Briff cannot share since his superior sent him back to
the Hyxvor.
As the StarBlazer journeys into the wormhole (guided by the Hyxvor), Lt
Gol'Khar becomes concerned by the length of time this is taking them.
When, two hours later and 15,200 light years away, they finally emerge
from the wormhole, there is no sign of the Hyxvor.
After a little detour by the Holodeck, Captain Persson and Cmdr Vvenik
are notified on the Hyxvor's disappearance. Considering that his people
have undergone this trip countless of times, the Commander cannot
fathom what has happened.
In the DM's lounge, Trok continues to be surprised by the leniency that
June Craig is showing towards him. So much so that he is beginning to
wonder if he isn't falling in love with her.
While the away team scans the area in search of the Hyxvor, they
discover that a small group of vessels is fast approaching their
position...
On board the StarBlazer, Lt Tyvek points out that the Klaamarq could be
reacting this way because they like to have the upper hand. They could
also be subjecting them to some form of test, to check how they behave
when faced with adversity.
When the aliens give an ultimatum to Cmdr Vahl: to be transferred on
board their Fleet or return to the wormhole, she consults her team and
opts for the first proposition.
Meanwhile, on the Dark Matter, Lt Coleman discovers that he has been
promoted to CMO. He promptly informs Dr Hereward (npc) of the situation
and resolves to bring the news to the Captain. However, he is
interrupted by June Craig, who brings him a reluctant Ferengi patient,
who is apparently hearing voices. After checking his condition, it
appears that Trok (npc) is only suffering from a lack of sleep.
On the Bridge, Dr Coleman has to wait until Captain Persson has
finished to give certain orders before he can make his announcement.
Cmdr Vvenik (npc) accepts Captain Persson's idea to go to the other side to provide assistance to the StarBlazer.
True to their words, the Klaamarq transfer Vahl's team to one of their
ships; in a room that feels terribly cramped to the Starfeelt personnel
During the away team's captivity, Lt Tyvek points out
that whatever they say and even think, it is likely to be monitored by
the Klaamarq.
On the Dark Matter, and following the CMO's orders, June Craig watches
over Trok (npc). She takes advantage of her time in sickbay to
reconsider where her life is going.
On his return , Dr Coleman changes his first opinion on Trok's
condition. After taking a blood sample, his fears regarding the
Ferengi's health seems to be true...
With the impending arrival of Vvenik (npc), Briff (npc) destroys the
starblazer shuttle and flees away with the Hyxvor and two other
Klaamarq vessels.
As soon as Vvenik discovers what has happened he sees to it that the
Dark Matter's team is freed. During a meal that is barely touched, Cmdr
Vahl suggests that they meet a higher Klaamarq official, so that they
can validate this encounter between their two species.
Klam (npc) is dismayed to discover that in the absence of June, he has to entertain two Klaamarq guests.
On the Klaamarq mother ship, Lt Tyvek decides to make the best of the
meal that has been offered to the away team. This, he sees, is another
opportunity to understand their hosts a bit better.
Due to a problem with the DM's impulse engines, Captain Persson is
forced to leave the vicinity of the wormhole, so that the ACEO can run
a few tests.
According to plans, the away team is led to the Klaamarq home-world. Lt Gol'Khar deals with the transportation process.
During a meeting with a Klaamarq Chancellor, the away team is told that
no partnership will be possible until the Federation proves its value
to his people. For this, he suggests that the team solves an ongoing
problem that is perturbing the work on one of their mining facilities.
Upon hearing the latest development, Captain Persson gives free reign
to Cmdr Vahl, so that she can deal with the situation as she sees fit;
bearing in mind the federation's regulations regarding contact with new
native civilisations.
Dr Coleman discovers that Trok's ailment is likely to
originate from the other side of the wormhole. However, the good news
is that he manages to cure the Ferengi.
Captain Persson pays a visit to the lounge and asks June craig to
socialize with their Klaamarq guests, in an attempt to learn more about
their civilization.
Day 8
Vvenik (npc) finally reveals that the away team is to go to planet
Khella to solve a series of murders that have occurred among the miners
who live there.
On Station Dyerma IV, overly strict Deborah Battersby (npc) arrives to replace the previous Ambassador.
At 9.30 The Dark Matter falls prey to several mysterious attackers,
forcing sickbay to be on full alert, as injured crew members flood in.
Thanks to its tactical superiority, the Dark Matter
manages to overcome their attackers, who prefer to flee away. The only
information that the Bridge crew discovers about these strange visitors
is a lack of life-signs onboard their ships, suggesting they are
piloted by machines.
Called to the Bridge with the two Klaamarq guests, June Craig struggles
to remember what she has done the night before. Meanwhile, the senior
staff seems to agree on the fact that their attackers' only motive is
to remove the DM from the wormhole area.
Once there, Cmdr Vvenik (npc) informs the away team that the miners have been killed with a pick axe while they were alone.
Lt Gol'Khar jumps to the opportunity to explore one of the mine levels.
While he is analysing the resources on one particular tunnel, someone
hits him from behind.
The Solar Winds takes advantage of its presence on Khella to fly over
the jungle surrounding the mining facility. MacDuff is pondering on the
wonders of this planet's fauna when his instruments show that Lt
Gol'Khar's life-signs are getting weaker.
On Starbase Dyerma IV, Ambassador Battersby (npc), loses no time to try
and convince the Dyermians of the importance of providing some help to
the Dark Matter. She also calls her Andorian chargé d'affaires to hear
his opinion on the DM crewmembers that he has met.
Lt Tyvek interviews a miner whose husband has been
killed 8 weeks previously. She highlights the financial problems the
miners are faced with, as well as the fact that her husband was likely
to be involved in a black market. The only solution to try and improve
their condition. He also discovers that there is actually a Klammarq
representative on the base, called Graat (npc).
Unfortunately, meeting with Graat proves very difficult, and Lt Tyvek
resorts to asking the help of Cmdr Vvenik (npc) to have a chance to
speak with the elusive Klaamarq politician.
On her side, Cmdr Vahl interrogates Cmdr Rial (npc), Chief of Security
on the mining facility. However, she doesn't learn much, beyond the
fact that Rial is too overwhelmed by the situation to really care about
what is happening to the miners. A sense of panic settles in when
MacDuff informs her of Lt Gol'Khar's disappearance.
Meanwhile, the M'Rtlag Probe manages to follow the mysterious ships
that had attacked the Dark Matter. It passes through another wormhole
and is able to record a meeting between a group of machines. When,
moments later it is detected, it flees away and is chased.
Aware of the situation the probe is finding itself in, Captain Persson
orders the probe to self-destroy. Thankfully this fails, but it
succeeds in collapsing the exit of the wormhole, preventing its
pursuers to follow.
During a chat with Trok (npc), June Craig learns that the Ferengi
joined the DM lounge because he needed to find a new apprenticeship
from a suitable role model.
In the mines, Lt Gol'Khar finds a way to evade his captor and overhears
a conversation that points to a traffic involving precious metal.
On the DM, Lt (jg) Finh, pays a visit to a lab in order to get more
information about the M'Rtlag Probe and how it was given to Captain
Persson.
On Dyema IV, Lt V'Rra prepares for her new assignment on the Dark
Matter. After assisting to a party given for her departure, she boards
the DSU Hayek, a Dyermian vessel schedule to rendezvous with the Dark
Matter.
With the help of Cmdr Vvenik (npc) Lt Tyvek manages to
speak with Graat (npc). However, baring an unfortunate attempt to read
his mind, the Klaamarq doesn't reveal much about his role on the
current troubles suffered by the mining facility.
After interrogating Doctor Kurada a bit more, Cmdr Vahl finally
discovers the name of the miners' leader: a man called Axter (npc)
Lt Gol'Khar follows his captor and confronts him about the way he was
kidnapped. However during the harsh questioning that ensues, the miner
is killed by an unseen assaillant. A quick scan reveals that the man
died as the result of a poisonous substance of unknown origin. Losing
no time, Gol'Khar grabs the miner and with MacDuff's assistance, sets
out to join Vahl.
While chatting with Klam (npc), June discovers that he actually enjoys
the presence of Trok in the lounge, whom he sees as an easy target to
play pranks on.
Captain Persson greets his new Chief of Security onboard the Dark
Matter. After consulting the latest report from Khella, he decides to
accept Vahl's request to receive some back-up, which will be under the
supervision of Lt VR'ra.
After a rapid review of her department, Lt VR'ra selects her team,
which consists of Lt Sertak, with Ensigns Klein, Munroe and Wambui
(npcs).
Day 9
Reassured that back-up is on its way, Vahl decides to spread the away
team in two teams : one that will explore the mines in search of the
killer and his booty, plus another that will check the leader's
quarters.
Lt Gol'Khar, accompanied with Lt VR'ra, Ensigns Wambui and Munroe
(npcs), investigate the mines. The Klingon hopes that the Caitian's
acute sense of smell will give them the upper hand in their search for
clues.
On the Dark Matter, June is a little worried that their Klaamarq guests
seem to be more and more affected by their isolation from their own
kind. However this becomes less important to her when she receives a
message from Ambassador Battersby, offering her a position on Dyermia
IV.
Leader Axter (npc) turns out to be a decent man and well
liked by his fellow miners. He is as baffled as the away team regarding
the murders. However, thanks to him Vahl and Tyvek now know that the
person who captured Gol'Khar is Cyryn (npc), the partner of Ms Leri
Drit (npc), the first miner interviewed by the Counsellor.
Within the cave systems, Gol'Khar and V'Rra reach a dead-end, which,
upon closer inspection, happens to be a holo-projection. Behind, they
find numerous crates containing precious minerals. Although Vahl
ordered them to guard the place, its contents soon vanishes before
their eyes through a transportation process. Gol'Khar promptly contacts
MacDuff and asks him to look out for an alien ship.
After a discussion with Counsellor Tyvek, Vahl decides to have a word
with Graat (npc). She exerts pressure on him, promising to advertize
that he collaborates openly with the investigators. To avoid this, he
gives the name of Quaxtu (npc), who is apparently connected to
organised crime. So as to protect Graat, Vahl beams him up to the Solar
winds shuttle.
Captain Persson takes advantage of the DSU Hayek's presence to initiate
a new contact with the Klaamarq. This time they respond more favourably
and accept to meet with the Dyermians for further negotiations.
While he is suffering from a new bout of paranoia, Trok (npc) discovers
that he will soon be having his own quarters; a piece of news that
cheers him no end.
MacDuff manages to locate the alien ship. The Solar
Eclipse shuttle receives orders to beam its cargo and passengers
onboard, but as it is doing so, the ship self destructs. Thankfully the
three Kriin that were travelling on it, are safely transported to the
Solar Eclipse. When Lt Tyvek interrogates them, he discovers that they
have nothing to do with the destruction of their own vessel.
Within the mine system, Lts V'Rra and Gol'Khar are in hot pursuit of
Qaxtu. Fearing that he might use a transporter to escape them, they
asks the assistance of the Solar Wind shuttle.
MacDuff tries to transport the criminal onboard, but he is unable to
get a firm location of the criminal's whereabouts. Vahl's last resource
is to send more security officers down the mines. While she is doing
so, a new ship enters the scene. Cmdr Vvenik explains that he took the
liberty to call his people for assistance. Now that Chancellor Llahni
(npc) is happy with the efforts placed by the Federation, he insists
that the Klaamarq will arrest Qaxtu and prosecute him. With only two
shuttles in the vicinity, the away team has no other choice than to
accept his terms.
On the Dark Matter, Captain Persson receives news on how the Khella
investigation has ended. However frustrated he is by the Klaamarq
abruptness, he takes comfort in the fact that the Dyermians seem to be
getting on rather well with them. Not only that, but the Dyermians are
also willing to help should the robotic life-forms from the second
wormhole make a return to this sector of space.
- Shore Leave -
Day 9
What started as a normal afternoon in the lounge, turns out to be
rather dramatic when a jealous wife stabs Ms Craig during a lonely
birthday celebration.
On his way back to the Dark Matter, Lt Tyvek witnesses a discussion
between his team mates. While all of them are eager to get some shore
leave, Lt Sertak (npc), who is in full Vulcan mode, insists that the
Federation might need their service right away. In addition to this, as
the Counsellor points out, there are the lengthy reports that everyone
will have to fulfil.
As soon as Lt V'Rra is back onboard the DM, she calls her staff for a
security briefing. Among her new policies are the constant carrying of
phasers set to stun, and new holodeck training sessions for every
security officer. She is also concerned that her staff may find her
unsuitable to command due to her species. The only person to show
concern over this matter is Ensign Munro (npc). V'Rra promptly invites
him to the holodeck for a demonstration of her fighting abilities.
Day 10
A reckless ACEO insists on seeing Cmdr Vahl over the incident that
happened to June. He wants to install a metal detector at the lounge's
door, but Claryx advises him to run the idea by June first. She also
suggests that he coaxes her into improving her self-defence reflexes.
Day 15
Lt Gol'Khar and his Assistant reflect on their recent mission and the
time they spent in the Klaamarq wormhole. Both of them feel pretty sure
that they saw something peculiar while journeying through it; something
that looked like a enormous planetary system...
On her first visit to Dyermia IV, Cmdr Vahl is harassed by a group of
journalists who want to interview her about the second wormhole
discovered by the USS Dark Matter. Although the matter is not
classified, Claryx does her best to reveal as little as possible to
these media people.
Day 16
On the arrival of the Dark Matter at Station Dyermia IV, Captain
Persson considers what awaits him. With the departure of two
crewmembers, he may also have to testify on behalf of June Craig if she
prosecutes her aggressor. Then there is the case of the Prime
Minister's aide Hulanda(npc), whom he will have to try his best to
avoid.
Lt Tyvek reviews the files of the Meadows couple (npcs).
After his recommendation, Lt Meadows will be transferred to Starbase
17, while his wife will be sent to a penal colony. He then focuses on
his next appointment: a counselling session with Lt V'Rra.
The interviews goes well, as the new Chief of Security readily explains
how she copes with being one of the rare Caitians to have chosen a
career involving the use of violence.
Day 17
June Craig goes to see Ambassador Battersby (npc) about her job offer,
but it turns pear shaped when an old photograph of June resurfaces.
Captain Persson has to endure the usual meetings, so typical of shore
leave for him. He first visit the Dyermian Prime Minister to discuss
the latest developments between the Dyermians and the Klaarmaq. And
then heads off for an appointment with the Starbase's Captain.
During a pause in the lounge, Cmdr Vahl learns from the EMH (npc) that
June is not responding to her calls. The gloomy attitude of Klam (npc)
convinces her to tackle this problem. She meets with June in a shady
bar. Upon discovering what has happened in Battersby's office, Claryx
decides to have a word with professor Dellaert (npc), a civilian who
had tried to blackmail June.
Troubled with the findings regarding the second wormhole, Gol'Khar
decides to monitor the data from the M'Rtlag probe. In doing so, he is
surprised to see what the probe has witnessed, it being like he was
there with it while it flew into the wormhole and the planet populated
with robots.
Trok's (npc) first stop during this shore leave is the Starbase's main
casino. He feels like it is his lucky day, and indeed, he manages to
win a small fortune. He is celebrating his earnings in an expensive
restaurant when he is interrupted by Dellaert, who, as usual, brings
bad news with him.
Lt Melia Krah (CMO), is experiencing a rough journey on an civilian
transport ship. Somehow, it isn't made any easier with the insistent
conversation of the civilian Bolian (npc) who is travelling with her.
However, once he learns that she is with Starfleet, he becomes silent.
Young Lieutenant Solek makes his way to the USS Dark Matter. En route, he muses over his past assignments and friendships.
Two Dyermian astronomers recollect the strange object
they discovered in space, during one of their long night shifts at the
space laboratory where they work.
Captain Persson starts his day by having to persuade Admiral Davison
(npc) that the Dyermians are fully capable of dealing with the new
developments in their sector of space.
He then heads off for his scheduled meeting with Captain Lecomte and
his Vulcan XO (npcs).
After an unpleasant call from her mother, Lt V'Rra decides to go to the
Starbase and one of its restaurants. There, she witnesses Trok's
encounter with a human male and meets with Ensign Munro (npc) and his
date. Something which only serves to make her feel even more isolated.
After a painfully slow passing through the security gate on Dyermia IV,
Lt Krah is finally allowed to transport to the Dark Matter.
Summary written by :
Cmdr Claryx Vahl
XO
USS Dark Matter
Posts Selection :
-
Assurances by Captain Persson
- Unwanted Competition by Cmdr Vahl
- Talking It Out by Lt Tyvek
- Security Brief by Lt V'Rra
- Back-up Plans by Trok
