Posted by Captain Emmeline Davis (Commanding Officer) in Main Sim - Bridge

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Vanessa Lofton (Counselor) in Main Sim - Bridge

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Kyle Anders (Chief of Security) in Main Sim - Bridge
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

With the channel open once again, the message was repeated again: Three loud pulses divided by three small pulses. Think the Morse code letters C and K strung together. (OOC: To head off any questions, the Morse code is just an example for mental clarification, not that you are you are being communicated in Morse code.)

After the audio message, the ship vented its warp plasma creating a brilliant cloud of colors behind it.

GM Wombat

“It could be a communication of some sort,” Eric said. “I think Lieutenant Anders is comparing the ship’s actions to the ‘revving’ of an internal combustion engine, which is where the engine is is cycled a high rate of revolutions without it being connected to any output, like a vehicle’s wheels. It allowed for such an engine to be tested by a driver of such a vehicle at a high output prior to, say, a high-speed race, to confirm the engine was ready to operate at high speeds and outputs. Because of the nature of an internal combustion engine, such an act would create a lot of very loud noise and has at times been part of the culture of racing such vehicles in Earth’s history. The artificial release of the warp plasma could be comparable to the automatic release of the waste fumes of an internal combustion engine when the engine is brought up quickly to a high output.”

Eric looked over at the Captain. “I should indicate, Captain, the comparison is uncanny. But I’m not sure if it is a coincidence or not, and whether we’re projecting our own biases - the ‘revving’ of an engine is particular to internal combustion engines, and more specifically Earth’s history of racing vehicles equipped with such engines. It seems odd that unknown alien warp-capable starship would intentionally try to replicate such behaviour.”

“If it is a communication attempt, we could try to mimic it and see what happens. But if it does trigger the ship to travel away at a high warp speed, I’m not sure if our damaged systems would allow for us to keep up…”

-Cmdr. Eric Holmman, XO

“My thoughts exactly sir,” Kyle said, “Though just to be on the safe side,” Anders tapped his combadge again, “=/\= Anders to Cadet McIntrye, I need you to keep an eye out for any suspicious life forms on board. Don’t shoot unless I give the order, just scout them out.=/\=” Kyle turned to Holman, “I was going to suggest we vent warp plasma ourselves, show them we’re not scared, but might I suggest a flyover?”

-Lieutenant Junior Grade Kyle Anders: Chief of Security-

The crease between her blonde eyebrows deepened further as Emmy listened to the information provided by her staff. She offered a curt nod of thanks at the XO for his explanation and then considered briefly the predicament that they were in. Turning to the Counselor, who had remained quiet thus far, she enquired, “Commander, what would you recommend based on your knowledge of alien psychology?” Of course, she didn’t need to note that they weren’t even sure if they were dealing with any aliens given the lack of life signs on board the ship.

“Lieutenant Anders, get to Engineering and update the Chief Engineer on our status. He will be focused on the repairs and thus you can be the point person for anything necessary there.”

Davis, CO

“Aye Captain,” Kyle would’ve quite liked to show off his knowledge of helm manuvers but understood orders are orders. He gave a nod to his relief officer and started at a brisk pace to Engineering.

-Lieutenant Junior Grade Kyle Anders: Chief of Security-

Vanessa tilted her head, peering at the screen as she considered the question. “While the comparison is apt, why would a drone ship challenge us to a race?”

She pondered a moment longer, biting her lip before continuing. “Consider what we know: it appears it may have intentionally put itself in our path, and now… we think it wants us to go somewhere. Maybe this is how their culture meets new people: brings them to their planet instead of going out to them.”

She shrugged. “It’s all conjecture, but they at least don’t seem to mean us any harm.”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

Emmy listened carefully to Lofton’s opinion of the situation, although her gaze was focused on some point over the woman’s right shoulder. Without much pause, she nodded at the helm officer that was listening attentively for orders. “Go ahead, Cadet. Follow Lieutenant Anders’ suggestion.”

Davis, CO

McMorran’s day had been long and wandering. This bizarre finale was the last thing she needed.

“I’ll keep tabs on our systems Captain.”

Lt. McMorran - CSO