The Jungle Out There

Posted on Mon Jun 22nd, 2020 @ 11:14pm by Captain Nycolas Temple & Commander Owen Nash
Edited on on Fri Jul 10th, 2020 @ 5:03pm

Mission: Divided We Fall
Location: Captain’s Ready Room

A Mission Post by Captain Nycolas Temple & Commander Owen Nash
Mission: Divided We Fall
Location: Captain’s Ready Room
Timeline:
Sun Aug 26th, 2018 @ 1:05am

The message had come through to the Federation loud and clear, and was now being replayed across private Starfleet channels:

"We will no longer tolerate Federation interference in the Inconnu Expanse. Too long has the Federation meddled in our states, and in our space. Today, we say to the Federation, no more! Stick to your borders and cease your interference. We lay claim to the Inconnu Expanse.

"All persons, diplomats, and every Starfleet asset we have in our possession will be returned. Those not in our possession, but found in violation of our territory will be dealt with. As a measure of good faith, you have three months to vacate."

The screen went blank and was soon replaced by the concerned face of Rear Admiral Li sitting in Carnwennan Station, though the feed was noticeably distorted and strained. "This message was sent to us by the newly formed Alrakis Pact, a combination of Breen, Tzenkethi, and Talarian governments. It's a deeply disturbing development."

Owen nodded solemnly in agreement. "The timing couldnt be worse Admiral. Just when we thought that we are getting somewhere in exploring the Expanse, this happens," he said.

With the missing crew a priority to him, Owen had other concerns. "What will Starfleet's position be on this announcement? We already have several ship on duty out here." With the Pandora leading the Exploration of the Expanse and the prescence of the Palatine, the Magellan and the Victorious also to mention a few, this made for a tense situation.

“We’re attempting diplomacy.” The Admiral replied, shifting noticeably in her chair. “So I wouldn’t hold my breath. How close are you to finding your missing crew, Commander?”

Owen straightened up when the Admiral asked the question he was waiting for. "We have a solution underway and the crew are working on this as a priority as we speak," he answered, showing that he was confident in Mindo's ability to retrieve them from the Buffer.

"We believe that the Bridge Crew tried to perform an Emergency Transport off the Bridge before the phenomenon hit and that their patterns are located in the main Transporter Buffer. Our Chief Engineer and his team and working on retrieving them from the Buffer and transporting therm to Sickbay for an immediate check with Dr Brookes," he continued.

Real Admiral Li couldn't help but gasp a little. "Intriguing! It seems incredibly fortunate that they have been saved in that manner, but how are you going to retrieve them?"

Owen stood tall as he explained the plan further. "Our Chief Engineer and his team and working on retrieving them from the Buffer... Its the strongest chance we have of bringing back home" he continued. "Once they have the Buffer fully powered up again, their patterns can be recalled and returned to the Transporter so we can beam them back."

Owen paused for a moment. "We have a chance Admiral, to bring our people home safely. A very good chance."

The Admiral clapped her hands together in joyful thanks, “The best news I’ve heard today, Commander. I look forward to hearing of your success very soon.” She positively beamed for a moment but then reality set in again. “Given the ultimatum sent to us by the Alrakis Pact, it is imperative that you find your missing crew soon. I can give you two more days. After that, we have a more pressing matter.”

Owen nodded. "Understood Admiral," he replied. "Once we have our crew home, what will be the next step for the Pandora? Despite some rest, repair and recovery?"

“We’ve been shifting through the information the Pandora provided us from the Ravager ship.” Li spoke, “It appears they may be involved in assisting the Inconnu powers in doing their dirty work. We don’t have much to go on except for a location; an outpost known as Paradise. It’s an extensive trading port and neutral territory for the Expanse. We need you to liaise with the Station Chief and locals to find evidence of potential Ravager meetings with the Breen. If our theory is correct, it may help explain the destruction of Deep Space 7 and give us leverage over the Alrakis Pact.”

"Very well. Once we're up and running I'll have the Pandora lay in a course to Paradise," he confirmed. The Ravager involvement didnt surprise him one little bit though.

"Having dealt with the Ravagers up close and also dealt with their tech, I'm not surprised about their potential dealings. We'll get to Paradise and find out whats happening," he finished.

“This will be our only chance to find concrete evidence of collusion.” The Admiral replied. “After the deadline imposed on us by the Alrakis Pact, we don’t have a lot of time for you to reach the station and make it back to the Carnwennan Corridor before the banishment comes into effect. Commander, I won’t belabour the point. If you can not retrieve the missing crew in two days, you are to proceed to Paradise station without them. You will have to abandon your search, the stakes for the Federation are too high.”

Owen nodded slowly. "I understand Admiral. If the crew membrs arent recovered in the next two days, we'll leave for Paradise Station," he confirmed. It wasnt easy but he understood why she gave the order.

The Admiral nodded solemnly, “Then all I can say is good luck, Commander. I hope you find our people soon.”

OFF