The Forward Sensor Room (Part II)

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Sal heard the com from the planet and thought carefully about his discussion with Joe prior to them arriving at Xorax. Although he was reasonably new to this crew, his experience told him that Captain Manning kept himself well informed and didn't like to jump into situations unprepared. The longer Sal pondered, however, the more suspicious their present situation would become and so Sal had to respond with something quickly; something that would ease the concerns of the Colonial Administration without losing their current level of trust. He touched the com link and began to speak,

 

 

"This is the navigations officer onboard QoB. I can assure you that we are in full control of QoB's orbit and attitude...."

 

 

He paused. He had to be really careful here because he had no idea what these Bynar had in mind and with whom they were working.

 

 

"Our shields have been raised to contain a non-threatening experiment currently being conducted by our chief science officer. This experiment will be concluded in two standard hours with no residual effects when our shields are lowered then. We apologize for not notifying you prior to initiating this experiment, however, at the time we did not see it as a threat."

 

 

The com crackled back almost immediately,

 

"QoB, we don't understand. You reported 'system fluctuations' just a minute ago, now you're revealing an experiment that is so 'non-threatening' that you need to raise shields? This is highly irregular."

 

Before Sal could respond, a different voice cut into the comm.

 

"QoB, our records are showing that you have colonial personnel aboard your ship. Three of our scientists transported aboard almost two hours ago for ... 'inquiry purposes?' Can you confirm this?"

 

Sal again thought before responding.

 

"Both statements are true. At the time of the first transmission we were experiencing fluctuations in our systems and the source of these fluctuations has yet to be determined. They will require further evaluation however they have not affected the stability of this spacecraft. The shields were raised for the purpose stated, an experiment being conducted by our chief science officer. They will be lowered in approximately 1.75 standard hours."

 

 

 

He then paused but before the ground station could respond he continued,

 

"Could you please get a message to Captain Manning? He was supposed to check in a half hour ago."

 

From the Planet,

 

"We are attempting to make contact with Captain Manning, but he is in a meeting with one of the administrators. In the meantime, as long as you are experiencing unspecified system abnormalities, we must insist that you return colonial personnel to the planet and relocate your ship from orbit. Will this be a problem?"

 

 

Sal was beginning to get upset with these administrators,

 

"I am confused with your request. Captain Manning and the other members of the landing party were beamed to the surface using your planet-side system. As Captain Manning will attest, regulations are quite clear which prohibit any Erickson-Transport capability on QoB. If there are indeed colonial personnel present on QoB then QoB is not responsible for their transport and cannot render support in returning these persons. We recommend that you contact these persons directly to resolve this issue.”

 

 

He continued after a quick breath,

 

"Since our 'unspecified system abnormalities' have, like I have assured you, no connection to or effect upon this vessel's navigation or guidance, your request for us to leave orbit with our own personnel still on the surface will have to be taken up with this ship's commander who is currently, as I have also revealed, conducting a scientific experiment. He will be in touch with you as soon as I can get this message to him. QoB Out..."