Apr 22 2012
Space Probes: Class and Usage, Part 1
So, here you are, your first mission as a bridge officer of the USS Ajax and the Captain wants to know what’s happening on the surface of the planet you’re orbiting. He’s also given you some latitude as to which probe to send. You must now rely on your Academy training and not look like some rookie!
Your mind races through your options and the mission at hand. This time it’s just for a quick observation, so this calls for a Class 3 Planetary Probe. It’s a good choice, as range is about 1,200,000 Km. Remember, the distance from Earth to its Moon is only about 384,000 Km. Maximum speed is a quick 0.65c. You’ll be able to get the job done quickly, so overall, this was a good choice.
On to our next scenario. This time the mission is of a tactical nature. Ship sensors have detected some curious transmissions, suspiciously similar to Romulan data patterns. You need a probe that will be very discreet but equipped to gather good intel.
Your best choice in this case is a Class 5 Probe. Very quick, as in, Warp 2 capable, with a nice array of tactical sensors, extended passive data gathering and recording systems. This Probe also touts low-observable technology. Quick, quiet and fast, a nice combination!
Now that you have two missions under your belt, and the Captain has nodded his approval, you feel more confident, even walking with a spring to your step and a bit of a swagger.
But lets not get too cocky here, we have serious missions ahead!
Next mission the USS Ajax is sent to study a previously unknown planet, one on the verge of discovering Warp technology, much like Earth a few hundred years ago. The Class 3 might seem the obvious choice, but don’t be so hasty – it’s not fully up to this task. Your best choice would be a Class 7. It’s well equipped for remote study with low-observable features.
So far so good, Officer!
In our next lesson, we’ll look at how you handle missions requiring the other 6 classes of probes.
See you next shift!
Admiral Cobramax Mechanique
Apr 28 2012
Through the puddle
Computer, begin Log.
Stargate Exploration Mission
Commodore RoBobby McMillan reporting.
Since we had about half an hour before the Senior Officer Meeting, I decided it’d be a good idea to take another step through the Stargate; the piece of technology only recently installed in Aeon. Using the Stargate is always risky business, as one could never know where one might end up!
So I asked Lt.Cmdr. Dave Fearguis to join me. His skill with weapons might not keep possible hostiles away, but his sharp sense of humour would be better than a phaser rifle anyway.
After randomly dialing some coordinates, we stepped through the puddle, and found ourselves in a place where there was more than one Stargate. We had never seen anything similar, so we quickly took some readings. There is still a lot we don’t know about this technology, and finding there are more than one type of Stargate was quite a discovery!
However, we weren’t here to have a look at the Stargates, we were here to explore. The first thing we noticed was the gravity on this planet was slightly lower than what we’re used to. Lt.Cmdr. Fearguis suggested that we should have similar settings on our ships, but I gently reminded him that if we did that, most officers would just be hopping down the corridors, rather than working on their tasks. Still, perhaps one day we can do something like that as a gymnastics event. Computer, file that idea for future reference.
Anyway, where was I. Oh yes, the planet. There was a bridge nearby, just begging to be crossed. It was clear this planet was inhabited. There were buildings, shops, and this bridge had to be created by someone. Judging from the technology we saw around us, we speculated that the inhabitants were similar in development as 21st century Earth. We would need to be careful, not to break the Prime Directive. But did that even apply, with multiple Stargates on this planet? Clearly, another advanced race has been here too. We set off to investigate.
We moved on, encountering a feline lifeform. It liked Lt.Cmdr. Fearguis and kept following him. The Commander didn’t seem to enjoy it that much, which might confirm the old saying that cats always come to the ones who didn’t like them. That too, might be worth further study. I’m sure Lt.Cmdr. Fearguis would be willing to take part as a test subject…
We found an abandoned building, probably a radio tower of sorts, made entirely from shipping crates. The openings were small, and Fearguis was too tall to proceed, but I managed to make it to the top, where I had a great view of the surrounding area. I noticed a windmill, another bridge, a meeting area, buildings… there could be humanoids over there!
Sadly, the Senior Officers Meeting would begin soon, so we had to go back. But this is certainly a place to inform Starfleet’s diplomatic team about. Who knows what we could learn from the inhabitants?
We quickly returned to the Stargate we came through and traveled back to Aeon.
I can’t wait to step through the Stargate again. Next time, we might encounter dinosaurs, cavemen, or perhaps we’ll end up on a spacestation. Anything is possible: that’s the beauty of it.
Now, I’d better return to paying attention at this meeting. I don’t think the Admiral would like it if he finds out that I wrote this during the meeting, right?
Computer, end log.
Commander RoBobby McMillan, signing off.
By RoBobby McMillan • Role Play • • Tags: RP, Stargate