Meeting the Natives

Posted on Mon Feb 20th, 2017 @ 5:07am by Ensign Vex Krylore & Lieutenant Ryan North & Ensign Theodore Vega

Episode: Fishing Expedition
Location: Verona IV
Timeline: MD-01, 1130

The starlines reverted back to pin points of lights as the runabout emerged from warp. Ryan checked his displays as the large blue sphere that was Verona IV came into view. A large space station hung above the watery worlds northern pole, a series of spheres connected by a network of beefy looking support struts. As they approached, they could make out the shape of the USS Omaha, the light cruiser that had been stationed at Verona IV for now. They could also make out the shape of a smaller Nova class starship hanging off to the port side of the Omaha.

Looming, like predatory sea creatures were the N'Taulons own ships. They reminded Ryan of sharks, mako sharks; the warp and impulse engines flowing from what would be the creatures pectrol fins while the dorsal fin housed the ships main control center. Several smaller ships of the same basic design floated near the larger vessel.

"Wow," Ryan said. He gave a little whistle and then tapped an icon, opening a hailing frequency. "N'Taulon command this is the USS Okuda request permission for approach Coral Vandana City."

"USS Okuda, you are cleared along vector 231 mark 23. We are sending coordinates now."

Vex looked up from his own displays and took in the sights as they slowly descended through the outer defense priemeter and towards the surface. He did a brief sweep with his own sensors, getting a glimpse at the surrounding ships defensive and offensive systems. All the larger ships seemed to contain shield generators, although their output was considerably lower than Vex would have suespected. The ships weapons systems rated at only a type VIII phaser array.

"Coordinates received, we are begining our approach now," Ryan said, easing the runabout towards the planet.

"Interesting ship design," Vex remarked.

"Inefficient, given their technology level," Theo said. "That's really not a very good shape for warp flight. They must put a pretty high value on aesthetics."

"Eh, some of my people's earliest spacefarring designs were more aesthetically pleasing than efficient," Vex pointed out. 

"We're going to me bet by the Magistrate of Coral Vandana City," Ryan started to say. "I'm not entirely sure of his name but he's been working very closely with Lt. Aubry Palmer on the joint research project. They've assigned tempory quarters in Coral Vandana City."

"How high ranking is a magistrate?" Theo asked. "Are we talking a purely local official, a central government minister, something in between?"

"Something inbetween," Ryan said, as he adjusted their course. "The Magistrate is the liasion between several or the larger cities and the central committee, which reports directly to the prime minister. From what Lt. Palmer has told me, he seems very eager to meet other members of the Federation and has been instrumental in getting the rest of his government onboard with the joint research efforts."

"Wow," Vex said, as they broke through the clouds. Stretching out before them was a pristine blue ocean. Floating on the top was a massive structure, dotted with domes, green spaces, tall spires, and canals that wound through it all. "Is that Coral Vandana City?"

Ryan nodded. "Theo, take a look at the readings we are getting from the ocean... it's near perfectly clean. Perhaps what they lack in starship design they make up for up in environmental technololgy."

"There does seem to be a relative lack of residutal pollutants from an industrial era," Theo agreed. "Certainly no radiological traces of widespread nuclear warfare like you see on Earth or Vulcan."

"It's kind of amazing," Ryan whistled.

"Look!" Vex pointed, as Ryan continued their decent. Shooting out of the water were seal like creatures, covered in shimmering blue/gold scales. Sunlight glinted off their bodies and the droplets of water that flung off their bodies. "What are those things?"

"They call them Emmery Seals," Ryan answered, as he banked the runabout towards the city. "Very similar to dolphins back home."

"Your home," Vex answered. "We don't have anything like them on my home... they look beatiful though."

"I can pick up the electromagnetic traces even from up here," Theo said, studying the readings. "The initial survey team certainly weren't exagerrating."

Ryan grinned. "I think that I'm going to like this assignment. We're approaching the landing coordinates ahead."

"The energy output of the surrounding wildlife is amazing," Vex said, looking at his display as he pulled up Theo's scans. "Are we sure that this is naturally occuring?"

"That's what we are here to find out Vex," Ryan asnwered.

"Landing coordinates are dead ahead," Vex replied. "I'm also detecting two other craft on an intercpt course. Hopefully, they are friendly."

"USS Okuda, this is First Lt. E'Tan of Coral Vandana City guard, we are to be your escort to the landing zone," E'Tan stated. "Welcome to Coral Vandana City."'

"Thank you," Ryan said. "We're adjusting our course to match."

Vex thought that the endless sprawl of the ocean was awe inspiring, he was not prepared for the glittering jewel on the horizon that marked the spot of the city.

"Holy Gods," Ryan muttered. 

Coral Vandana City stretched out before them. It was full of canals, tall spires, domed buildings and massive open areas of green space. The buildings were white and pale blue and all of them looked like they had been grown from the ground up, not constructed like most species. From this distance, Ryan and those in the runabout could make out highspeed transport vehicles jetting along the upper areas of the city as well as several monorail like vehciles that raced through the city. 

Studying the scene before them, Theo said, "Looks nice, but it really needs a good dome," trying to sound less impressed than he was.

Ryan smirked as he brought the runabout in low over a large park. He followed the landing markers towards a cluster of tall spires and then set the ship down smoothly on the surface. Once he had put the runabout into standby mode and then stood up. "Alright, shall we go meet the natives?"

"And we are sure they are friendly?" Vex asked, falling into step behind Ryan.

Ryan rolled his eyes. Although the former MACO in him could see the legitmacey of Vex's concerns, he highyl doubted that they were in any serious danger. After all, the research team had been there for severl weeks without incident.

"I think you can relax a little," Ryan said, as they stopped at the air lock.

"I'm just saying for our sake that I hope that the research team followed proper safety protocols," Vex replied. "We couldn't afford to lose to great minds like yourselves."

As the ramp lowered a cool ocean breeze washed over thier skin. The smell of salt air and clean water drifted by on a lazy ocean breeze. Standing at the edge of the landing platform was their welcoming committee. Ryan recognized Lt. Palmer first. He was a tall man, with dark skin, dark hair, and full beard. He had lean build.

Standing next to him were two N'Talouns, both of whom had a light bluish tint to the skin. The taller of the one wore a flowing set of robes in a dazzling array of colors. He appeared well built and had ice blue eyes. He had no hear on his head or even eyebrows for that matter. Given the files that he had been shown, he was sure that was Magistrate Tyliam. 

Standing next to him was another member of his species that Ryan didn't recognize from the files. He was shorter than Tyliam but just as well built. He wore simple gray suit and like was hairless as well. He had silver colored eyes. Tyliam strode forward and bowed as the three officers came out of the runabout.

"I see you and I welcome your voice," Tyliam said.

"I see you and welcome your voice," Ryan responded, giving his guest a slight bow. "Magistrate Tyliam it is my honor to introduce one of my staff, Ensign Theodore Vega and our security escort Ensign Vex Krylore."

"Sir," Vex responed, giving him curt nod. "What I have seen of your planet so far is amazing."

"Yes, very beautiful," Theo said. He was already starting to think maybe he should have paid more attention to those soft science classes about diplomacy. "Thank you for inviting us."

"Welcome to our home," Tyliam said. "I very much look forward to speaking with you both. This is my chief of staff, Fardonis."

"It is a pleasure to welcome you to Coral Vandana City," Farondis replied. 

"It's good to be here," Ryan said. "Lt. Palmer, it's nice to meet you in person."

"And you too," Palmer said, shaking the outstretched hand. "The way that you rescued the De Salle's crew, that was an amazing piece of work."

"To be honest most of it was done by our cheif operations officer, I barely helped."

"I got splashed with radioactive algae," Theo volunteered.

"That sounds... interesting," Farondis replied. "We have arranged quarters for you near the city center, after you get yourselves settled we'll take you to the research station."

"He is also understating hsi contribution," Ryan said, nodding towards Theo.

"I think it's safe to say that you are both understanding your contributions," Vex sighed. He glanced at Ryan and Theo, both of which had mildly annoyed looks on their faces. "You humans need to learn to be a little less subtle."

"We'll get our gear," Ryan said. "And then lead on."

OFF:

A JP By

Lt. Ryan North
Chief Science Officer

Ensign Vex Krylore
Tactical/Security Officer

Ensign Theodore Vegan
Science Officer
(PNPC Reynard)