Posted by Captain John Tiberius Glen (Captain) in Main Sim - Bridge - In orbit of Alstair Prime
[snip]

William furrowed his brow at the results “It’s a tight band energy pulse” He tapped a few more commands “Coming from the edge of the system, the computer needs a little bit more time to figure out what it is” He turned to the on-duty comm officer “Send for NE Lovecraft, I need this station to be manned” He returned to his seat “It might be nothing but I want to keep an eye out for anything.”

NE Lovecraft soon came up to the bridge, taking the station. Once filled in on the need for scans he began a full spectrum analysis. “..Looks like hmmm like someone out there is burning an impulse drive far beyond its intention. Ah hmm…the signal just winked out. I’m picking up a small metallic object roughly 50 meters square all around. Steel and Nickel plating could be a primitive ship. Matches some of the make up of the Alstair ships around us that are older. Dont seem like our friends picked up on the signal or scan.” He commented.

William turned to the NE “Alright, start by sending a standard hailing frequency to the craft, let’s see if it answers before letting our new friends know.” He told both the science and comm officer. If it was a returning vessel they would be interested in knowing about it.

The NE at comms spoke, “..Trying now sir but all I get in return is static, could be their comm array is damaged.” He said.

William took a moment to consider his options. If this ship did have a damaged comm array there was no way for it to communicate and seeing as it was out of the sensor range of the Locals it would probably take them too long to get to it. “Open a signal to the Captain’s communicator,” He said.

=^=Merrimack to Captain Glen=^= William started.

=/\= Glen here. Yes, William, what’s the problem? =/\=

<White noise static>

Glen tried again.

=/\= Bridge, this is the Captain. I need your report, and quick! =/\=

=^= Apologies Captain, We’ve detected what appears to be a spacefaring vessel near the edge of the system. Impulse drive is active but it hasn’t answered any hails, all we get back is static. It’s probable that their comms array is damaged. It’s still beyond the local scan range =^= he explained quickly.

=/\= Does it match the same configuration as the Alstairean vessel that we rescued? They apparently sent out two more exploration vessels. It could be one of those returning home? I guess I would be happy for you to leave orbit and check it out if you are careful. I do think the Alstaireans have been frank and honest with us. They might be holding back on something, but I’m doubtful of some other local aggressive warp-capable planet.... No, it’s most likely to be their own ship. I’ll question them about it and get back to you first. Was there anything else? =/\=

=^=It seems to match some of the older Alstair ships, approximately fifty meters square all around.=^= he answered a bit sooner than last time =^=That’s all sir, thought it prudent to inform you regarding any changes. We’ll until you’ve had a chance to speak with the locals=^=

=/\= Okay. I’ll question them about it and get back to you. I’ve changed my mind. Don’t leave orbit unless they are in trouble and need a rescue. I’d rather know you were here. If you do leave, send down a shuttlecraft for us. Glen out. For now! =/\=

William didn’t have to wait very long. After only a few minutes, Captain Glen was calling once again. =/\= Glen to Merrimack. Come in, please. =/\=

=/\= Glen to Merrimack. Come in, please. Captain Glen here! =/\=

-Glen, CO

=^=Merrimack here=^= William responded.

CSO,

OOC: Apologies, RL has been kicking me up and down lately.
OOC: Sorry, for bump, just wanted to keep within my posting limit
IC:

=/\= I’ve reluctantly agreed for you to help one of their maintenance vessels to rescue this ship. The Alstaireans can’t actually confirm that it is a returning sleeper ship, but if it is then it will shortly be out of fuel and so unable to manoeuvre into an orbit. Tia thinks that she might be able to match engine configurations and confirm better if you would like her to come up and help you.... Listen, my gut gives me a strong feeling that something is wrong here, so be careful, don’t take any chances. We’ve learnt next to nothing about these Alstaireans so far - nothing about their culture, their values, their enemies! So be prepared for something unexpected like a ship that’s disguised, or another cloaked ship following. Defend yourself if necessary, but don’t do anything that could be construed as instigating a conflict. I sure hope that I’m overacting here but send a shuttlecraft down for us anyway with a good pilot. I don’t want to be left stranded here while the Merrimack is off on some fool’s errand. Do you have any questions? =/\=

-Glen, CO

William frowned, he didn’t have the Captain’s instincts when it came to something like this but he took the man’s word for it =^=No sir, I’ll get underway immediately. Merrimack out=^= He ended the call “Comms, tell the shuttlebay to prepare a shuttlecraft for disembarking, then have a pilot man it and take it to the Surface. Coordinate with the locals on where to land it.” He spun the chair to face the Helmsman “As soon as the shuttle is clear set a course for that signal.” He told the man.

CSO