Behold Doomsday

Posted on Sun Dec 1st, 2024 @ 7:51pm by Commodore Jacob Kane & Captain Serra T'Rin

Mission: Pandora's Box
Location: USS Athena - Bridge
Timeline: MD-02
434 words - 0.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Athena dropped out of warp just minutes after the Aurora had arrived. One would be forgiven for coming into range of the Sovereign-class starship's gorgeous lines and it taking the beholder's breath away. But it was the sight carved into the moon's surface that drew the eyes.

Stretching over several kilometers, the fallen Planet Killer was still very visible to the naked eye. It appeared from this distance to be mostly-intact as well, like a dark tick half-burrowed into the moon's grey rocky surface.

"Captain T'Rin is hailing, sir."

"On screen." Kane nodded. The viewscreen adjusted, still holding half an image of the moon while the elder Vulcan starfleet captain appeared on the other half. Kane rose to his feet. "Captain T'Rin. It looks like we've found our target. I must admit, the sensor data didn't do that thing justice..."

"I will never understand the human penchant for understatement, Commodore," the Vulcan noted. "Although my first officer was gratified to discover that it appears to be non-threatening at this time."

"Let's hope that doesn't change any time soon." Kane eyed the massive wreck for a moment longer. "The rest of the squadron should be here within the hour, with orders to proceed in securing the outer system. Any signs of trouble so far?"

T'Rin's eyebrow moved just a twitch, perhaps hiding annoyance or mild irritation at the question, but she answered it all the same. "Not as yet. However long-range sensors have noted the presence of several warp signatures on indeterminate paths. It may be a logical assessment to suggest that our own presence her may have drawn further attention."

"I had the same thought. But there aren't many that will look at our two vessels and decide to poke the Selaht," he replied. The comment drew another almost weary twitch of the eyebrow from the Vulcan captain. "Begin sensor sweeps of the wreckage and deploy your initial teams to secure the key areas of the site. When the Edison arrives, it'll help Commander Lance to have things prepared."

"Indeed. I shall commence scans momentarily. Aurora out."

Kane let his eyes linger on the screen as it reverted to the crashed doomsday machine. Even as a hollow corpse, it still gave off an unnerving sense of threat; the power to destroy planets lay under that cone of neutronium. One would have to have a Vulcan's steel to not feel even a little spooked. Finally breaking his eyes away from the view, Kane took his seat again.

"Standard orbit, Ensign. Signal the science teams to begin preparing for deployment."