Episode 1: Fading Sun

Paja glowers at Lt.Cmnd. Jiral before sitting down next to Cmnd. Johansson, stroking his back as she walks behind him. After sitting down she asks Johansson in a sugary voice. "Erich. I meant to ask you earlier, but we were interrupted." She glances at Captain Sumek before continuing in a even sweeter voice. "My crew are getting so restless, claustrophobic even, in that very small and cramped ship of ours. It would be such a nice gesture of you if you'd allow my crew to come over and enjoy the entertainment facilities of this magnificent station of yours.

Codral matches Dr. Mosa's enthusiasm."Leana, please, call me Codral. Yes, I hope we're still here to see the scans! This phenomenon is fascinating, and provides a unique opportunity to study the properties of triolic radiation."

He shows her his live data feed on the sly and maneuvers to sit next to her at the table. Happy to have something scientific to occupy him, he makes a concerted effort to keep his eyes away from the Orion captain. He's never seen a female Orion before -- well, not in person. His stomach flutters a bit as he pushes away the memories of that holodeck program his friends at the academy dragged him into.

Sabin coldly addresses Captain Tajenko.

Commander Johansson is, no doubt, trying to find the most diplomatic way of telling you that would be quite impossible. This is a Federation research outpost, not an open port for shore leave.

He turns to Commander Johansson.

Sir, you do agree that the research you are conducting here requires proper security measures against allowing unauthorized personnel access to any station facilities should be followed, do you not?

Dr. Mosa leans over to check out the data feed. "Absolutely facinating. The waves are being emitted from many locations within the star. We have done a comprehensive study of the make-up of the star, but haven't been able to determine the reason or source of the waves yet. We're hoping the new equiptment will shed some light on it."

She takes the data pad and points to a data point. "Take a look at this. Normally we'd see an energy buildup in this area of a decaying star, but as you see, the energy is simply vanishing. It's something we've never seen anywhere else, and the major reason this star is so interesting. Some in my team theorize that the energy is somehow slipping into another dimension, but we don't have any proof yet. In any case, we have been able to determine that the process of decay has been increasing exponentially over the past millennia. At the current rate we expect it to collapse within the next six months! We don't expect it to go nova when it does though, because of the vanishing energy.

Paja shoots Sabin a cold stare, before adressing Johansson in her usual sugary voice. "Surely your'e not afraid of us? What danger could a few orion traders pose to such a mighty Federation station?"

Somewhat chastesised by Sabin, Commander Johansson frowns. "You're right, Lietenant Commander, it is against protocol. But Paja has a point, and I can't see much harm in it, they seem peaceful enough. I'm sure she can keep her people in line, can't you Paja? And as the local Federation commander I've got the diplomatic relations to think of. Surely you can see that, here on the frontier we have to bend the rules some times." He smiles at Paja.

Commander, are you aware that Paja is not being completely honest with you? She was lying about her ship needing repairs. Perhaps we should ask her to explain why she's really here before bending any rules for the sake of diplomatic relations.

Sumek sits, quiet and contemplative, showing little reaction to the conversations around him.

This turmoil, it is bad and illogical. Both sides surely have their points but Federation security must be adhered to.

While I, of all people, can certainly appreciate the need to maintain a proper diplomatic stance. However, you know as well as I that the Federation, in its wisdom, has laid out protocols and protections for the good of the Federation. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one. It is only logical. You cannot allow access to the station, or you are derelict in your duty to the Federation sir. Sumek says, steady as ever.

Codral, oblivious to the power struggle, considers the pesky data point, with a concerned look on his face.

"But the energy has to go somewhere...it's possible that although we aren't able to detect it, the missing energy may still contribute to the star going nova. An untested hypothesis of "another dimension" is not enough to jeopardize a Federation station, or a starship. Are there any other hypotheses for the location of the missing energy? Anything falsifiable?"

Paja is a bit flustered at Jiral's accusations. "What? No.. We, we took extensive damage, we..." She tries to compose herself, looking to Commander Johansson. " I wouldn't lie to you, Erich."

Seemingly shocked at the news of lying, but still wanting to believe Paja, Commander Johannson composes himself and touches his comlink.

"Ops, please scan the Orion vessel for signs of damage, possibly from an ion storm." Turning to Sumek, he responds "Yes, yes, you're quite right, Captain. Let's see what Ops turn up though." He eyes Paja, who's now looking intently at her soup, suspiciously.

Seconds later the response comes from Ops. "Commander, Ops reporting. The orion ship seems in good shape, no trace of hull damage or stress corresponding with an ion storm." Commander Johannson gives Paja a stern stare and touches his combadge. "Thank you, Ops. That will be all."

"I'm not sure what you're playing at, Captain Tajenko, but it won't work here. You can stay if you'd like, but your crew is not entering this station."

Nodding at Jiral and Sumek, Johansson's tone is much milder. "Thank you for pointing out the protocols, gentlemen. I'm not sure what I was thinking." Taking a loaf of Bolian bread from a basket on the table, he makes an effort to normalize the situation.

"So, Captain Sumek. How is the Venture turning out? Crew settling in well?"

Reiter has watched Sabin and Sumek handle the station commander, so he takes to watching the Orion's reactions and trying to be very aware of what she's doing. He Grew Up On The Frontier, so he's aware that sometimes the rules have to bend -- but he's also very familiar with the Orion reputation; especially where the Federation's hand is lighter.

Quite well, Commander Johannson. The ship performs well, but I know the crew is eager to test her further. Always new places to scout and new diplomatic relationships to entrust to our fearless commanders. he says evenly, reaching for some bread of his own.

Commander Erich chuckles a bit at the remark. "Glad to hear it. I'm quite interested to see what you uncover to be honest, It's an exiting time to be here in the expanse, lots to be learned." He takes a sip from the French wine, smiling delightedly at it.

The rest of the dinner passes rather uneventfully, with Sumek, Johansson, Reiter and Jiral conversing on the potential exploration missions and discoveries that can be made in the Shackleton Expanse. Meanwhile, Mosa and Nosim are discussing the finer points of the strange phenomenon. You learn that the triolic waves don't seem to pose any harm to human life at the station (due to distance and the shields), but they do cause occational interference with sensors and communication. You seem no closer to figuring out the conundrum of the missing energy. Tajenko eats in silence, and the Nausicaans stay in the background.

After dinner, Commander Johansson rises from his chair with an air of contentment, the conflict with Captain Tajenko all but forgotten. "Ah, that was a splendid meal, wouldn't you say. Thank you, Captain Tajenko, for your gifts, they were most welcome. Now, I know you're quite familiar with our loading bay, but would you like a greater tour of the station?"

Bursting with excitement, Codral blurts out, "Yes! Absolutely! I do indeed, wholeheartedly!"