Every Discipline, One Mystery

Posted on 17 Nov 2025 @ 6:48pm by Lieutenant Commander Adrian Sorvak

398 words; about a 2 minute read

=/\= Meeting Room, Science Department =/\=

Sorvak waited as the department’s meeting room filled. About thirty officers managed to cram into the space once the chairs had been removed to accommodate the full staff.

When the room had settled into silence, the Chief Science Officer began. “The Arawyn has stopped to assist an unknown vessel in distress. Their crew of nine has been transported aboard and is currently under Medical care.”

“This is a first-contact scenario. Our objective is to provide the captain with accurate and comprehensive information as efficiently as possible.”

“Before we address the survivors directly, we must consider their method of arrival. The alien vessel emerged through a subspace rupture. Ensign Quinn: your immediate priority is to determine the cause of that rift, whether it corresponds to any known astrophysical phenomena or if it was artificially generated, and whether conditions exist for a recurrence.”

He continued, “The narrow-band signal detected prior to the rupture will require detailed analysis. I will take the lead on examining its harmonic structure and determining whether it served as a stabilizing framework, a distress transmission, or a mechanism associated with the rupture itself. Submit any sensor fragments or anomalous readings relevant to that signal to my office for integration.”

“Ensign Oran: assist Medical and conduct environmental compatibility modeling for the survivors. We will need to reconstruct their native conditions, both to maintain their well-being and to inform first-contact preparation. Medical is already attempting to interpret their language; provide them with any environmental or physiological inferences that may help contextualize communication.”

“Lieutenant Remington: coordinate with Tactical and examine the alien ship itself. Current scans show rhythmic pulsing along the hull. The vessel may incorporate biological components or may be, in part, a living organism.”

He addressed the room as a whole. “Several of these investigative threads are likely interdependent. Share relevant findings across teams as appropriate; even minor anomalies may contribute to a larger, coherent scientific model. Final synthesis will be coordinated through my office to maintain analytical consistency.”

“Additional personnel will be required to assist in data analysis and monitoring tasks. You will receive assignments through standard departmental channels.”

“If any of you identify phenomena that indicate further danger to the ship—whether structural, biological, or subspace-related—escalate immediately.”

The officers nodded in acknowledgment.

“Dismissed.”

Sorvak remained a moment longer as they filed out, already considering the next sequence of analyses.

RSS Feed