Posted by Captain John Tiberius Glen (Captain) in Main Sim - USS Avenger Briefing Room
[snip]

”..About a week ago while on our patrol out here Captain, we discovered evidence of what could be one of the most important security and archaeological finds of the past and current century! Tell me have you ever heard of the Fastion Reality Stone?” He asked.

Captain Rogers couldn’t possibly have known, but archaeology was one of Captain Glen’s passions. and he constantly wonders about all these civilisations that were present in the galaxy before we even ventured into space. However, though he would love to do so, he has never been on an actual ‘dig,’ and his experience has been limited to visiting museums such as the Museum of Izurite Antiquity within hanging gardens of Ekkaia, and the Starfleet Museum on Alpha Centauri where he had once seen a Romulan Vrelnec. Yet, despite all his study, he has never heard of the ‘Fastion Reality Stone’ before today.

“The ‘Fastion Reality Stone’?” asked Glen, “No, I can’t say that I ever have! I wasn’t even aware that this sector was being patrolled, though we were told that Starfleet was stepping up it’s response to the Orion aggression.”

Glen looked at Kord, a man who had lived a hundred lifetimes, “Have you heard of this artefact, Kord?”

Kord Nodded.

“Mostly old rumors of the Fastion people, ancient even by the standards of my people. It is said that they were wiped out by their own advanced technology, a technology that could, supposedly reshape matter or reality in any way the wielder desires.” Kord explained.

“You must tell us more about this find,” Glen said. “What kind of ‘stone’ is it? A gemstone? A sculptured rock? Religious idolatry? And who knows about it? if it is valuable, you will have all manner of pirates and thieves come calling on you!”

”..Evidence is mixed on the type of stone it takes, some say its a diamond others of pure dilthium still others say its a mix of nickel and silver ores. The shape,” Rogers said now more excited and sure sounding pressed a button on the table showing on the briefing screen a indistinct rock shaped like an inverted 5. “..Is said to be an inverted 5 in shape. If its real it’s said that the user can reshape reality itself! Think of the power such a wielder could have, you can understand too why such an item is better in the hands of the Federation then someone like the Orions, Klingons or Romulans..” He said.

”..My crew and I haven’t found it yet, but evidence shows it could be in a system nearby called UEP-314 in our databanks. Not much is known other then its got a single class m world in it..” He said.

“Can this evidence be tested for accuracy?” Glen would require some standard level of proof before he allowed the Merrimack to be taken on some wild goose chase for an imaginary artefact. He knew the names of all the living Federation archaeologists so he asked, “Who has verified this find?”

”..The discovery of the Fastion people is based on small outposts found along three systems of the klingon-federation border. And intelligence briefings of similar ruins found in klingon and romulan space and in this region. Back in 2213 by Captain Carla Denvers. The evidence of the Fastion reality stone is more sketchy but recordings indicate something existed that could bend reality to the whim of the user. Which seemed to be if not exactly at least associated with a stone like mineral..” Rogers said.

“I’ve never been briefed on this before,” replied Glen. “I remember something similar was found by Captain James Kirk in 2267. An inert, crudely asymmetrical object composed of a quasi-metallic, stone-like mineral. It was found to be a time portal gateway. These kinds of artefacts are always very interesting scientifically, but are highly dangerous in the wrong hands. You are right when you flag up the importance of not letting it fall into the hands of someone like the Orions, Klingons or Romulans. We should proceed covertly though. If our two ships begin any kind of obvious search patterns, or if we start to ask too many questions, then that will only serve to draw their attention that we are looking for something. Who knows about this already? Is that why the Orions attacked you, or was that just a random attack?”

”..The Orions attacked us in part to drive us away from looking for the Reality Stone, but also because we had been ruining their plans for raiding in the area in the coming weeks..” He said.

Glen looked more closely at the displayed star map of the sector that included system UEP-314 and its single M class planet. He also reviewed the accompanying notes regarding Captain Carla Denvers and the Fastion civilisation. He could see the urgency of finding the artefact from a military perspective, but he also still thought that two ships searching would be a red flag to anyone watching. On the other hand, the Avenger clearly needed the Merrimack to back her up. It was what was known as being between a rock and a hard place. Another thought came to Glen…

“Is there any evidence that the planet in UEP-314 is inhabited?” Glen asked.

”..We won’t know till we get closer or launch probes..” Rogers said. “..So are you with us Captain? There isn’t much time to decide one way or another, we sent a message to HQ but till more ships get here the Orions or others could find it before we do.” he added

“Of course we will assist,” replied Glen. “I was only concerned that our joint activity would attract the Klingons or Romulans, but if the Orions already know then they will sell the information to them. That means that time is the essence, as you rightly say. Starfleet does not have any other ships in this area; we were surprised to find you. So, no use waiting for back-up. I suggest that the planetary system UEP-314 is investigated first, but let’s give that planet a name, Captain Rogers. I don’t care what! Then, if we find nothing there, we will spread out using a standard Starfleet two-ship search pattern with the planet at the centre.”

Rogers grinned, extending his hand showing he had quite a strong grip to shake. “..Good to have you along then Captain. Two ships will cover things faster then just my own..” He said. “..I’ll let you get back to your ship and brief your crew, then we’ll depart in 15 minutes for my engineering teams to finish up repairs..” He said.

“Thank you, Captain,” replied Glen. “It was marvellous to finally meet you and your legendary crew. I agree let’s assemble in 15 minutes.”

Glen looked to Kord, who had been his usual quiet and enigmatic self, to see if he had anything to add before they left.

Kord shook his head.

“The Orions are no more than a nuisance unless encountered in numbers. Our primary concerns should be the Romulans then the Klingons.

-Kord, XO

”..Compared to what I’ve heard of some of your missions Captain we’re hardly legendary..” He said.

“We’ve had more than a little luck,” replied Glen, “but Starfleet Security Director Fury told me that your team are in the super league of heroes.”

”..Security director Fury embellishes our missions I assure you..” Rogers replied.

“Yes,” replied Glen, “Well, I’d keep an eye on him! We had better get going…”

-Glen, CO