Chapter 4. Coming soon
Mission Log # 10 – Return to Vanaheim System, Planetary Survey of Ingemar
Star Date: 2551.06.03 12:00 hrs
The mission commenced at Resilient Base Hangar Deck with the following crew present:
• Fazzy Constantine
• T5 “Tinman”
• Zorathanus
• Noah Constantine
• Bansealgair
• Eric Regulus
The mission parameters were twofold:
1) Spin up the quantum drive and attempt to return Baldur to the Vanaheim System.
a) “Big Brother,” the communications relay we left in Baldur’s orbit, has been sending odd signals from the system. They are too weak to decipher completely, and without a second array, the source cannot be located.
2) Assuming the primary mission is successful, isolate and identify the source of the signal, and investigate further.
The team departed Resilient aboard Kodiak and proceeded to the lower cavern, where the quantum drive was activated. A smoother transition was completed in this instance, and star charts placed us in or original orbit around Vanaheim. Tinman was able to locate the source of the relayed transmissions as originating from Vanaheim -3, also known as “Ingemar,” a Class-O (oceanic) planet. The current orbit of Baldur is very close to perigee (the point at which we departed), and Ingemar was a short impulse flight away. Kodiak was used to move to Ingemar with stealth; Tinman had warned that current atmospheric conditions would be difficult. He was correct. Immediately upon entering the atmosphere, heavy thunderstorms and winds buffeted the ship. Impulse intakes became waterlogged, requiring the impulse intakes to be shut down, and to proceed on maneuvering thrusters.
Shortly thereafter, the ship was struck by an electromagnetic phenomenon. Initially thought to be an unusually powerful lightning strike, later analysis of damaged components strongly suggests a targeted electro-magnetic pulse was used to disable the ship. An emergency landing was performed on an existing landing pad. After a brief survey of damaged ship systems, the team performed a safety-and-security reconnoitering of the facility on which we landed. The existing signal antenna was re-powered, and communication was re-established with Resilient Base. A number of discoveries were made:
• Ingemar has a rocky core, parts of which extend over current sea levels.
• The facility was built by, or for, use by humanoid life. This is evidenced by the size and placement of doors, stairs, control panels, and the arrangements of cockpits of vehicles located therein.
• Technology lags behind current standards. Antique conventional electrical generation and distribution systems are in use. This suggests that the facility was built in the distant past. Given the levels of corrosion, it may have been built shortly before the transition from electrical to EPS systems.
• Two submarine vehicles are moored in a moon pool on the base. Their configuration is consistent with humanoid use, and it indicates that frequent underwater operations were part of the facility’s purpose.
• Docks placed on the surface show several cargo containers, along with four orbs, consistent with those possessed by Jasper McFudd. Three are able to be recovered. The fourth was destroyed by Commander Constantine, in what he described as a ‘scientific experiment.’
• The waters surrounding this area are littered with the wreckage of other ships, some of unknown origin or configuration. Life signs were negative; rescue was not possible.
Visible from the landing pad was a smaller and much older platform which appeared to have been hewn from the existing rock. On that platform was a stone-and-mortar foundation, which appears to be much older than the facility on which we landed. Kodiak was flown down to that level, and the archaeology was inspected further.
• The foundation, which is less than a meter over sea level, contains a flight of stairs leading down into a series of storage grottoes. Metal gates, wall-mounted torches, wooden crates, and clay amphorae were all located beneath the surface, suggesting this complex was once above sea level.
o It may have been built during a prior ice age, and is now flooded.
o Additional water may have reached the planet, by meteorite or other means.
• Further investigation of this complex shows it to end at sheer cliff. The abyss beyond extends down approximately 100 meters. On the sea bed was observed a small round habitation. Light emitting from inside suggests the use of artificial power, or bioluminescence for lighting. Outside of the habitation sits a vessel. It does not appear to be damaged, and its position and attitude on the sea bed suggest intentional placement as opposed to wreckage that found the sea floor.
Access to these deeper artifacts were not possible. Air supplies were limited, and no path down to them could be visualized. It may require the use of the facility’s submarine vehicles. The team withdrew to Kodiak for departure. Given the destruction of Kodiak’s electronic systems, secondary-redundant hydraulic systems were employed to operate the control systems. Flight was by strongarm control and dead-reckoning navigation. Kodiak made an emergency approach and landing to Resilient base and landed without further damage. Space suits and other equipment were sequestered for inspection after exposure to saline, and EMP weaponry. Appropriate repairs were made.
Other Conclusions:
• The EMP that struck the ship was too powerful, and too focused to be a natural phenomenon. This suggests either conscious intent, or automated defense systems are in place on the planet, and also
• There is evidence of long-term humanoid habitation on the planet. Other life forms could not be assessed as a result of the disabled sensor array.
• The orbs on the surface may be connected with those possessed by McFudd, and those recovered on Tyr.
• Communications signals brought us both to Tyr and to Ingemar. This and the orbs suggest a strong connection between Idun, Baldur, Tyr, and Ingemar. The nature of this connection is unknown, but could dramatically impact the safety and stability of our current operation.
Casualties: Remarkably, None
Damage: Extensive
• Kodiak’s EPS and computer systems are destroyed. Extensive damage was sustained to all isolinear chips, sensors, deflectors, shields, communications, and other electronic components.
• Minor damage to some electronic components to space suits.
Follow-on Actions:
• Overhaul of Kodiak, including repair to existing systems and enhancement to protect against additional EMP exposure.
• Launch a planetary probe, or a series of probes into Ingemar.
• Prepare plans for additional missions to the surface.
• Investigate the connections between the orbs, Idun, Baldur, Tyr, and Ingemar, and assess for safety or security threats to BluShock.
• Research enhancing EVA gear for better use underwater.
Chapter 4. Coming soon
Mission Log # 10 – Return to Vanaheim System, Planetary Survey of Ingemar
Star Date: 2551.06.03 12:00 hrs
The mission commenced at Resilient Base Hangar Deck with the following crew present:
• Fazzy Constantine
• T5 “Tinman”
• Zorathanus
• Noah Constantine
• Bansealgair
• Eric Regulus
The mission parameters were twofold:
1) Spin up the quantum drive and attempt to return Baldur to the Vanaheim System.
a) “Big Brother,” the communications relay we left in Baldur’s orbit, has been sending odd signals from the system. They are too weak to decipher completely, and without a second array, the source cannot be located.
2) Assuming the primary mission is successful, isolate and identify the source of the signal, and investigate further.
The team departed Resilient aboard Kodiak and proceeded to the lower cavern, where the quantum drive was activated. A smoother transition was completed in this instance, and star charts placed us in or original orbit around Vanaheim. Tinman was able to locate the source of the relayed transmissions as originating from Vanaheim -3, also known as “Ingemar,” a Class-O (oceanic) planet. The current orbit of Baldur is very close to perigee (the point at which we departed), and Ingemar was a short impulse flight away. Kodiak was used to move to Ingemar with stealth; Tinman had warned that current atmospheric conditions would be difficult. He was correct. Immediately upon entering the atmosphere, heavy thunderstorms and winds buffeted the ship. Impulse intakes became waterlogged, requiring the impulse intakes to be shut down, and to proceed on maneuvering thrusters.
Shortly thereafter, the ship was struck by an electromagnetic phenomenon. Initially thought to be an unusually powerful lightning strike, later analysis of damaged components strongly suggests a targeted electro-magnetic pulse was used to disable the ship. An emergency landing was performed on an existing landing pad. After a brief survey of damaged ship systems, the team performed a safety-and-security reconnoitering of the facility on which we landed. The existing signal antenna was re-powered, and communication was re-established with Resilient Base. A number of discoveries were made:
• Ingemar has a rocky core, parts of which extend over current sea levels.
• The facility was built by, or for, use by humanoid life. This is evidenced by the size and placement of doors, stairs, control panels, and the arrangements of cockpits of vehicles located therein.
• Technology lags behind current standards. Antique conventional electrical generation and distribution systems are in use. This suggests that the facility was built in the distant past. Given the levels of corrosion, it may have been built shortly before the transition from electrical to EPS systems.
• Two submarine vehicles are moored in a moon pool on the base. Their configuration is consistent with humanoid use, and it indicates that frequent underwater operations were part of the facility’s purpose.
• Docks placed on the surface show several cargo containers, along with four orbs, consistent with those possessed by Jasper McFudd. Three are able to be recovered. The fourth was destroyed by Commander Constantine, in what he described as a ‘scientific experiment.’
• The waters surrounding this area are littered with the wreckage of other ships, some of unknown origin or configuration. Life signs were negative; rescue was not possible.
Visible from the landing pad was a smaller and much older platform which appeared to have been hewn from the existing rock. On that platform was a stone-and-mortar foundation, which appears to be much older than the facility on which we landed. Kodiak was flown down to that level, and the archaeology was inspected further.
• The foundation, which is less than a meter over sea level, contains a flight of stairs leading down into a series of storage grottoes. Metal gates, wall-mounted torches, wooden crates, and clay amphorae were all located beneath the surface, suggesting this complex was once above sea level.
o It may have been built during a prior ice age, and is now flooded.
o Additional water may have reached the planet, by meteorite or other means.
• Further investigation of this complex shows it to end at sheer cliff. The abyss beyond extends down approximately 100 meters. On the sea bed was observed a small round habitation. Light emitting from inside suggests the use of artificial power, or bioluminescence for lighting. Outside of the habitation sits a vessel. It does not appear to be damaged, and its position and attitude on the sea bed suggest intentional placement as opposed to wreckage that found the sea floor.
Access to these deeper artifacts were not possible. Air supplies were limited, and no path down to them could be visualized. It may require the use of the facility’s submarine vehicles. The team withdrew to Kodiak for departure. Given the destruction of Kodiak’s electronic systems, secondary-redundant hydraulic systems were employed to operate the control systems. Flight was by strongarm control and dead-reckoning navigation. Kodiak made an emergency approach and landing to Resilient base and landed without further damage. Space suits and other equipment were sequestered for inspection after exposure to saline, and EMP weaponry. Appropriate repairs were made.
Other Conclusions:
• The EMP that struck the ship was too powerful, and too focused to be a natural phenomenon. This suggests either conscious intent, or automated defense systems are in place on the planet, and also
• There is evidence of long-term humanoid habitation on the planet. Other life forms could not be assessed as a result of the disabled sensor array.
• The orbs on the surface may be connected with those possessed by McFudd, and those recovered on Tyr.
• Communications signals brought us both to Tyr and to Ingemar. This and the orbs suggest a strong connection between Idun, Baldur, Tyr, and Ingemar. The nature of this connection is unknown, but could dramatically impact the safety and stability of our current operation.
Casualties: Remarkably, None
Damage: Extensive
• Kodiak’s EPS and computer systems are destroyed. Extensive damage was sustained to all isolinear chips, sensors, deflectors, shields, communications, and other electronic components.
• Minor damage to some electronic components to space suits.
Follow-on Actions:
• Overhaul of Kodiak, including repair to existing systems and enhancement to protect against additional EMP exposure.
• Launch a planetary probe, or a series of probes into Ingemar.
• Prepare plans for additional missions to the surface.
• Investigate the connections between the orbs, Idun, Baldur, Tyr, and Ingemar, and assess for safety or security threats to BluShock.
• Research enhancing EVA gear for better use underwater.