Who: Admiral Ross (NPC); tag Captain Mason and ALL Senior Staff (Chiefs & Asst Chiefs) Earth Date: April 5, 2382 Where: Captain’s Ready Room then to Conference Room What: First Assignment Rating: PG Status: In Progress
“Hello Gideon, congratulations again on receiving this command, it’s a fine ship.”
"Thank you, Will. Cut to the chase - you didn't send me a priority one message to make small talk." Gideon said with a wry smirk.
"You're absolutely right," Admiral Ross pursed his lips, appearing unamused.
"Unfortunately your first mission wont be purely exploratory. I’ve received word that several doctors have gone missing in the past few months; some were Starfleet, others were not. However, they all resided on planets in the beta quadrant. We’re counting five right now, but it may be more. Communications with the Klingons and Romulans hasn’t been easy so it’s unknown if they have anyone missing as well. Starfleet has just now noticed the trend and we need you to investigate the matter. I will be sending you what little information I have about the doctors from Starfleet Intelligence, though witnesses and intel have been scarce. The only thing unusual we’ve noticed is that long range satellites have been picking up more frequent ship activity in a region known as the Kalorus System, which is usually a quiet area. There is an extreme lack of information regarding this system, it hasn’t been officially explored by the Federation. Nearby inhabitants say there is a civilization called the Vorducaat that control that area of space, but again, we can‘t confirm that."
The admiral continued.
"Now Gideon, I know this is the Odyssey’s first endeavor and because we don’t know the risks involved, two other ships will be accompanying you. The USS Gorkon and the USS Cairo."
The admiral leaned forward in his chair.
"I can’t tell you enough how important it is we find these doctors. They are some of the most decorated and well-known scientists in this quadrant. I’ll keep you posted with any further info I receive."
"I understand, Sir. I'll let you know as soon as we've found anything. Odyssey out."
"Good luck."
The admiral was gone before Gideon could respond. But then, he didn't really want to. He turned his chair toward the window. He understood completely. Before his ship had even left dock, they had a dire mission. At least they wouldn't be alone. This is what Cpt. Mason had been afraid of when he'd taken this command. Having accompanying ships felt suspicious. He tapped the com button on his desk and called Olivia to the ready room to organize a meeting of senior staff.