<USS Avalon> log-Voices in the night (Conclusion)

Voices in the Night

PT2:Dodge Thomas



 

 

 

?I can?t believe you managed to get shuttle clearance!? Carson?s face was 
filled with surprise.

?It wasn?t that difficult. You see, they have Khellian working over on the 
Allegiance and they really don?t need me here.? 

Carson?s voice dropped noticeably. ?What about the transmissions? What did they 
say about that??

?Harmless background noise.? Dodge nearly spat. ?Could be anything from a 
downed transmitter to normal static interference. Whatever it is, it 
?officially? doesn?t warrant dispatching a complete security team. I get three 
engineers?and you.?

?Me??

?You are security. Regulations provide that at least one security officer be 
present in any unknown situation. Even if this is just a downed transmitter, 
those people have been on that rock for quite some time. Psych tests can?t 
predict how a person will act after three or four years of isolation.?

?So what?s the mission??

?Investigate the source of the transmissions, repair any damage to their 
equipment and return to the Avalon. Child?s play.?

Somehow, neither of them quite believed that.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lindsay Kaiser sat in the forward observation lounge. The type eleven 
shuttlecraft carrying her best friend was slowly growing smaller in the 
distance. She saw the warp nacelles grow distinctly brighter as the shuttle 
flashed a silent goodbye, then was gone.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

?So, what exactly do we know about Vargas Two?? Dodge asked the small group of 
engineers huddled around in the aft compartment of the shuttlecraft Lancelot.

?It?s a rock.? Leila Criswell said flatly. ?Cold and pretty much useless.?

?No trace minerals?the science surveys weren?t real thorough, but enough 
information came across. Not my ideal vacation spot.? A crewman named Van Luden 
added as he picked at his thumbnail.

?Unpleasant at best, sir.? Dodge?s final assistant, a Vulcan woman with 
striking green eyes concluded.

?I agree. The mean surface temperature of Vargas Two is roughly minus ninety 
degrees. That means exposed flesh freezes on contact. Everyone have their 
hazard suites?? Dodge looked around the group of people clustered around him. 
Silent nods answered his question. ?Good. I don?t want anybody dying down 
there, is that understood.?

From the cockpit, Dodge heard the snide reply. ?Hey! An order I actually plan 
to carry out!?

?Thank you Carson.? Dodge retorted in the same tone. ?Now then, without further 
ado, I introduce you to the Vargas Two Quantum Research Facility.?

A holographic representation of a standard Federation research station. Three 
four-story pylons interconnected by transparent walkways and horizontal turbo 
shafts, all encased in state-of-the-art insulation material.

?This will be our primary target. The communications center was the obvious 
origin of the signal, so we?ll probably be spending an awful lot of time in 
there. The com center is located in the primary ops pylon, along with the 
operations center, the medical facilities, the primary power core, 
environmental control and the vehicle garage. Over here we have the research 
pylon, where all the labs are located. The living quarters and recreational 
facilities are all located in the final pylon. Each individual pylon has it?s 
own independently powered heating unit, but the main power center is located in 
the primary section. Without main power, auxiliary heat can only last a few 
days at best. If something major has happened, we should expect to spend a long 
period of time inside either the shuttle or these suits.?

The slowly rotating holographic image vanished.

?The strong negative magnetic fields on Vargas Two were the main reason a 
quantum research facility set up. However, this same field makes navigation 
through the upper atmosphere nearly impossible except in a few select areas.?

?Why?? Van Luden asked quietly.

?Because, iron/nickel asteroids drawn into the planet?s gravity well are 
repelled into the upper atmosphere by the strong negative magnetic current. In 
essence, there is a huge field of suspended rocks hanging about twenty miles 
above the surface.?

?Fascinating. Are these asteroids stable or ambulatory?? The Vulcan, Ensign 
Selan, inquired. 

?They appear to move about to a certain degree, depending on atmospheric 
disturbances?wind and such.?

?Estimate two minutes until we?re in visual range.? Carson informed the group. 
If these asteroids are as difficult to maneuver as you suggest, what are the 
chances of us simply beaming down??

?Nil. With all the electromagnetic electricity those asteroids throw around, 
we?ll be lucky to find a viable landing site, let alone a transporter lock.?

The shuttle shook slightly.

?We must be entering the gravity well.?

Without warning, the cabin lights inside the shuttle dimmed, accompanied by the 
sound of impulse engines straining against some unseen force. Everyone inside 
the shuttle was tossed around unceremoniously. The craft itself dipped 
violently. Dodge saw the icy blue horizon of Vargas Two as it rose up to 
dominate the forward viewing port. Seconds later, he was thrown into the back 
of the pilot?s seat and everything went dark.



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