LANGOSTA NEBULA, PARTHA EXPANSE – During a routine patrol mission, the Astraeus crew become aware of explosions near the Exile Colony.
Arriving swiftly after several explosions, the USS Astraeus began immediate aid efforts for the Al-Leyan Exiles. Acting Captain Lt. Cmdr Rosek-Skyfire led an away team with Lt. Cmdr Kiax and Lt. Divya Tam to meet Chancellor Jarain Andala, seeking a joint investigation into the nearby debris and colony blasts. Concurrently, Lt. JG Harford oversaw the deployment of emergency medical teams to render aid.
With key personnel planetside, the orbital situation escalated. Under Acting First Officer Lt. Caldwell and supported by the advice of Ambassador Charta-Von, the crew confronted the sudden arrival of the Traditionalist warship AMS Kuraĝa under the command of Captain Ket Raga. The Kuraĝa deployed armed drones, blockading the colony. This hostile act resulted in the damage to a civilian transport, whilst this did only result in minor injuries, the transport was forced to return to the surface. A tense standoff ensured as Lt. Ral and Ensign Wright fought to neutralise the drones, with Wright applying some especially creative techniques to try and do so, possibly linked to what she described as an “entirely fictional scenario where I allegedly broke into a federation database.” adding “it can’t have been that secure if a teenager could break into it…allegedly. As a joke.”
Despite the difficulties, Ambassador Charta-Von was full of praise “I’ve been pleased with how Lieutenant Caldwell has handled his impromptu command. Given the difficulties of the situation and its tactical unpredictability, I believe instinct has been as important as experience. And he has good instincts.”
Compounding the crisis, a widespread telepathic infiltration by an unknown attacker was discovered. The phenomenon affected Al-Leyans across factions, nearly causing the Kuraĝa’s crew to lose control and attack the colony. Worryingly, preliminary findings suggest that non-Al-Leyan telepaths, including Starfleet personnel themselves, might also be susceptible to some degree.
The medical team under the command of Lt. JG Harford which consisted of Ensigns Shivara and Winslett and is being supported by Science Officer Shivara, have continued treating physical injuries while also working to understand and mitigate the psychic phenomenon. Dr. Winslett commented on the challenge: “I’m all about triage and emergency medicine, but how do we fight an enemy we can’t see? It would be very appreciated if uninvited guests would stay out of my head.” To aid their efforts, Lt. Cmdr Rosek-Skyfire, Lt. Cmdr Kiax and Lt. Divya Tam were able to persuade Chancellor Andala to allow Starfleet personnel to begin screening of the population.
The crew of the Astraeus now face a dual crisis: a military blockade and widespread telepathic attacks of unknown origin or intent, all whilst investigating to ensure a peaceful resolution and to uphold the Federation’s commitment to the safety of the Exiles.
Written by Christopher Caldwell
