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MESSAGE ONE:
JOLLY SECRET
FROM: 1st Allied Fleet 7 Operational HQ
TO: Captain: ESS Agamemnon, StarDate: 3198.127
The ESS Agamemnon is to make best speed to the Nikkeldipan system and visit Nikkeldipan Station. This is a mission of some considerable importance and sensitivity, the detail of which will be passed to you in person by Lt-Commander Mackenzie of Imperial Intelligence, on arrival.
Sir George Tryon Commanding Admiral 1 Allied Fleet, Quadrant 7.
MESSAGE TWO
StarDate 3198.127 : Attention All Crew ESS Agamemnon. : PA Announcement Follows:
D'YEAR THERE? THIS IS THE CAPTAIN SPEAKING
All hands. Stand by to accelerate. Helm, set course for Nikkeldipan Station.
ETA: Nikkeldipan M25 : 3198.141
ETA Nikkeldipan Station: 3198.150
EVENTS: Stardate 3198.150.20hrs
ESS Agamemnon achieves orbit around Nikkeldipan III, near Nikkeldipan Station and a shuttle with Lt Cdr Mackenzie and a few other people comes over.
A short time later the door to the Agamemnon's marine briefing room hissed open.
Lt-Cdr Mackenzie was standing as Rackham and his command team entered.
She saluted briskly, and waited while the attendees sat.
"Captain Rackham, I'll get straight to the point. You may have heard rumours and theories about the existence of a prehistorical interstellar species, possibly even progenitors of mankind."
"I have. Not sure I find the notion wholly convincin' though"
"Well, I can tell you now that there is some evidence for pre-human civilisation. Obviously, the Imperium wishes to keep this quiet - you can see as well as I the implications and possibilities for new technology…."
"Suffering satellites! Are you sure…?"
"As sure as we can be. For many years now we have been keeping a close watch on the space archaeology faculties of the Empire's universities, as well as the activities of miners and prospectors. All reports of old abandoned colonies or asteroid mines have been followed up by Imperial Science Survey vessels, and on one or two occasions we have found fossilised or badly decomposed remains - nothing very conclusive, but sufficient proof to show that mankind was not the first sentient species"
"I see that, but where does the Agamemnon come into this, we're hardly a science vessel."
"I was coming to that. A young archaeologist from the McDodie Imperial University on Nikkeldipan has produced a singular post-graduate research proposal, based on his preliminary study of what he thought was an abandoned belter colony in the Tuskan System. The Imperial Science Service checked it out, and found the site to be in the region of 20,000 years old."
"No possibility for error?" Rackham leaned forward
"None to speak of."
"Fine. But this still doesn't need an Imperial Heavy Cruiser, why us?"
"The difference on this site is that initial readings show that it is still active - or at least there are some energy readings deep within the asteroid in which the site rests."
"…and if there is power there may still be functioning technology. Hmmm, yes, I see where this is leading"
"So, we have arranged the young archaeologist, Jacob Connell to come aboard, together with a couple of other specialists, Professor Peabody, our best expert on the pre-human species, and Shimai Hideyoshi, a security-cleared mining expert. There is also a small converted Class 2000 merchant ship, the SS Sutton Hoo which has some basic equipment they will need and a small crew - all cleared for the operation. We also have a few merchant supply ships"
"And the Aggie is to guard this lot while they trowel around in this rock"
"That's about it. We can't be sure the other nations don't know about this - and even though there is a war on against a common enemy, I'm sure you wouldn't want this falling into Venerian hands?"
Rackham scowled.
"No. So when do we leave?"
"Hideyoshi and Peabody came aboard with me, Connell is on his way and should be here in a couple of hours - I took the liberty of asking one of your shuttles to pick him up from the local shuttleport, its more secure that way."
"Very well. So…" he turned to the assembled command team of experienced naval and marine officers, "….recommendations?"
Lt Col Killgore, the ship's Marine Regiment Commander, was the first to respond with his thoughts.
"I would like to see any reports about this race, produced based on investigation of previously discovered sites - even speculation."
"That can be arranged, the executive summary is quite long, but in short, we know that they were broadly humanoid, and human-sized (+50%), and that they existed between 5,000 and 100,000 years ago."
Killgore continued "I am inclined to be as paranoid as ever over this one - to the extent of refining manual self-destruct procedures and prevention of contamination. This to include barrier download of navigational data and system purge of all navigational systems upon arrival in target system - so if anything goes wrong the Spooks won't know where to go... I am reminded of the ancient historical classic: "A Fire Upon the Deep" by Vernor Vinge for a speculative account of the perils of getting this sort of thing wrong..."
"Don't worry colonel", Lt Cdr Novell, piped up - "we have an SOP for navadata wipes in the event of imminent capture - that's covered"
"I assume we are carrying a full compliment of Nukes?" asked the Colonel, looking at the Captain,
"More than that Thomas" replied the captain "we are now up to the War Reserve Issue of 200% of the normal complement of warheads, plus a couple of Unusually High Yield (UHY) warheads that Fleet have issued to us for dealing with big targets."
"what about the full manual (non-electronic) detonation drills for the warheads?" The Naval officers looked at one another, and then looked at Lt McCaffrey, the chief weapons tech, who looked uncomfortable.
"Er...yes... well we do know how to do that, but I'd have to look up the actual protocols first"
"Make it so Mr McCaffrey, if you please" said the Captain.
"Aye Aye, Sir"
Killgore continued "I am tempted to recommend that the Scientific Crew do the investigation while the Aggie stands off, and we monitor the situation through an LO (our Lt Mouat springs to mind...), so we can destroy the Scientific vessel if required without us coming in contact with anything untoward. This is probably not practical - and the morale of the geeks might suffer a little...", he smiled at the other officers, "Failing that, the SOP drill of two marine groups going and one staying on the Aggie would seem adequate. Comments?"
"I think we need to know a bit more about the Tuskan system at this stage", said the ship's navigator,Commander Magellen briskly. She touched one of the display controls and the ships computer produced a data summary on the screen.
Magellan looked uninpressed "We clearly have insufficient data to make a satisfactory appraisal of what we may be required to do at the site, and what sort of 'threat' it may pose. The question is: can the archaeologists provide any useful data now, or do we have to wait until we arrive at Wood's Asteroid? "
Mckenzie looked a little uncomfortable under Magellan's rather icy stare.
"The truth is out there Ma'am. But until we get the experts digging away, we just don't know what we might find."
Magellan continued "...and that brings me to mission security. In addition to the Aggie, the civilian vessels SS Sutton Hoo, Bravo-18, Bravo-19 and Bravo-20 will take part in Op Blackberry. The presence of an Imperial Heavy Cruiser and four merchant starships, engaged on an unannounced mission within in a colonised system, will be difficult to conceal or disguise. We need to consider the following points:- " she checked off the points on her fingers,
"One. The details of the mission should be disclosed on a 'need to know' basis only. Specifically the supply ships' crews and supply base personnel do not need to know any such details.
Two. Communications from the SS Sutton Hoo and the supply vessels need to be controlled. I recommend that EN crew be placed on board the Sutton Hoo to control the comcen. The same should be considered for the supply ships.
Three. A cover story for the mission needs to be provided. In particular the presence of the Aggie will be difficult to explain. We could attempt to disguise the presence of the Aggie, but that will not be easy within a colony system on alert for Bersekers.
Four. Special attention should be paid to inter-stellar communications from the Tuskan System; particularly those to non-Earther addressees."
Colonel Killgore spoke up
"Another alternative is simply to refuse all transmissions and impose strict HST Silence for the duration of the operation. We would then simply seek to arrive, carry out the mission, and leave as fast as possible without communicating with anyone (even if they do spot us). If we blow the asteroid with a nuke on departure we should cover our tracks. If there are any follow up objections that actually manage to find us, we offer the cover that we were in "hot pursuit" of pirates and eliminated them, and refuse to comment further."
The Captain smiled, indulgently. "Yes, Thomas, but seriously though. we can't put Tuskan into silent running, that would be a beacon to show that something of extreme interest was going on."
"An alternative to a Nuke is 30tons of thermit. It burns with no oxygen required, at a temperature of 2,200 degC, and would be almost as effective (albeit rather bulky) as a nuke if there were particular reasons for not using one. This may require some Hard Sums to see what sort of time on target we will have; and, if the time available is short, might upset the Geeks - but I think we can live with that."
The Captain nodded. "As far as I'm aware, we can still use Standard Cleansing Protocol 101 in the event of a biohazard outbreak, and I have no difficulty authorising the use of nuclear warheads if the situation warrants it. But, the mission here is to unlock whatever is on this asteroid, not vapourise it. Yet."
Major Patel interjected at this point. "I think that perhaps at least a squad of marines should accomapany the 'ET Lovers', er.. I mean scientists in their investigation of the Asteriod's contents. This would not greatly comprise security on the "Aggie". It would vastly enhance our capability to protect the scientists from Venerians, ETs, and themselves, and provide timely help. If the " Aggie" is in a stand off, read and react mode then I can imagine quite a large range of circumstances were we would be to late to intervene in a meaningful way with the security of the scientists. It also seems to me that Lt Mouat should be accompanied by at least squad of marines."
Wilma Ecchs, the 130th's Logistics Officer, raised one perfectly formed hand. Several Naval Officers fought back a snigger; they expected the infamously sardonic Ecchs to make some snide and unhelpful remark. She surprised them.
'With the Colonel's permission, sir, I'd like to volunteer to provide additional logistical and safety support with my team. Perhaps the archaeologists, who may not all be familiar with working in space, can use us to move things around, and I'm sure the TRUC robots can be pressed into service if necessary. Also, sir, if there is the slightest risk of booby traps or dangerous conditions in the asteroid I request I be in there first, alongside a Marine team naturally. As you know, like Mouat, and McCaffrey I think, I have some knowledge of CODDSWALAP*, which may be useful. I'm also familiar with moving dangerous, fragile and unwieldy objects in vacuum and zero-g. If you approve, I think I could liaise directly with Professor Peabody and Captain Trimble?'
The Captain looked across at Mckenzie. "Commander, what do you know about the activities of other groups, particularly the Venerians and the Esteelers? I know they are our...allies...right now, but this is pretty important and their int. people must surely get wind of this."
"Yes sir. Well, we don't know for certain, but there is an outside chance that the Venerian Intelligence Department may have a slight inkling - but according to our sources, they have no ships heading towards Tuskan at present. The Esteelers seem to be completely involved in the war effort at present, and there is no sign of interest at all from them."
Magellan looked rather cynical at this, and interjected "Given Lt Cdr Mackenzie's assessment that the Venerians pose the most immediate threat to Op Blackberry, however likely, my preliminary analysis of their response time follows. My assumptions are that a hyper-space signal will be sent to the Venerian Navy at the time that the Aggie either (A, Most Probable) arrives at Wood's Asteroid or (B, Worst Case) enters the Tuskan System, and that a Venerian task force is immediately despatched to Wood's Asteroid to interfere. I further assume that the VN task force can start from two locations, (A, Most Probable) Oith M25, or (B, Worst Case) Rok M25, and that the VN use 1.0 g acceleration. The stated Response Time is the time interval from the sending of the signal, until the arrival of the VN at Wood's Asteroid."
It was obvious round the table that some of the more junior marine officers were struggling to keep up with the fast thinking Magellan.
"In the case of a signal despatched when the Aggie reaches Wood's Asteroid I estimate the response time as around 44 days. In the worst case of a signal despatched when the Aggie reaches the Tuskan M25, I make the response time about 9 days" she looked around the table, "Obviously we need accurate intelligence of Venerian intentions, deployment and their decision time for a reliable assemment." She turned here icy stare on the hapless intelligence officer, "Can Lt Cdr Mackenzie provide any such data?".
Mackenzie consulted her notebook briefly, "Erm..er...ah yes. No Ma'am, there are no reports from our sources of any warships at Rok. The best guess we have on Venerian intentions are that they would be as interested as we are in exploring and studying the site - and would be prepared to use force if they thought they could get away with it. Of course, the Agamemnon is of sufficiently great power that we think they would not risk damaging the alliance with a fleet action (which is what they would have to do to take on a Heavy Cruiser), whereas they might take the risk if the asteroid had only local Star Guard units present."
Killgore looked thoughful. "Given the worst case analysis of 9 days before being interfered with, my inclination is to strongly recommend the Silent Running approach, and depart on the first sign of outside approach. No cover stories, no explanations, just radioactive debris. Of course, the science staff will have to be instructed on the timetable, and the contamination / self-destruct SOPs reviewed (to include a rehersal exercise). Then again, given the lack of additional data, orders in accordance with SOP130/1 seem the most suitable."
Acting Major Sainsbury had been silent all this time, he looked pensive, in that concerned, puzzled way of his, and said "With respect, I have been thinking, and I have a suggestion for a cover story. We could say that Tuskan is to be the site of a new Naval and Marine Corps training and logistic support base, codename IVORY TOWER. The ESS Agamemnon is guarding the site during its construction; the base is to be centred on a hollowed-out asteroid. The 130th Regiment are providing site security and advising on the provision of realistic training environments for anti-exterminator close combat. The 'Aggie' is helping with the installation and alignment of space battle exterminator-simulation gear of great verisimilitude, including holoprojectors, sensors and umpire stations. ALL other vessels must keep clear during the construction phase, as in addition to being jolly secret, very sensitive equipment is being installed for use during simulated naval combat, which while probably sublethal on a warship hull, could destroy less armoured vessels. Tuskan local authorities must be aware that any security breach will render the base useless (leading to its cancellation and that of planned R&R facilities planetside) and may conceivably attract exterminator attack."
Major Howland broke in - consulting his notepad on which he had been carefully taking detailed notes "Might I propose the following:-" He checked off the points on his fingers,
" One marine group be used to guard the Scientific Historical Investigation Team (SHIT Guard) at Wood's Asteroid.
A second group as Quick Reaction Force (QRF); reserve for the SHIT Guard. The third group to remain on the Agamemnon."
He looked around "The detail of operational deployment will depend on how long the SHIT remains on Wood's Asteroid; whether continuously or for say 6 or 8 hour shifts, and whether the SHIT is in one location or several. I suggest
1. SHIT GUARD - Deployed by squads, in cooperation with the SHIT. A local reserve to be kept on board a shuttle.
2. QRF - To be held in reserve on shuttles, close to Wood's Asteroid, but outside combat range.
3. PACIFIER SUPPORT - One Pacifer to be deployed and available for immediate, close fire support. Probably located with the QRF.
4. COMMAND AND CONTROL
** Operational control: ESS Agamemnon.
** SHIT GUARD and QRF, 130EMR detachment: CO or 2IC with QRF.
** Tactical control Wood's Asteroid: SHIT GUARD group OC.
** Pacifier target designation: SHIT GUARD group OC.
This would make the equipment requirement include sufficient shuttles to lift 2 groups 130EMR and the SHIT, with all equipment, plus one or more to move equipment alone.
Any Comments?"
The Colonel smiled "Excellent suggestions have been made by Maj Howland. He is to receive a Commander's Special Recommendation Stripe (Blue) with immediate effect. I do, however, have some reservations, as follows:
1. The Target is to be assumed to be hostile until secured. We should secure the target before detailed scientific analysis is carried out. This means establishing an entry, then establishing a physical presence (at least temporarily) in all chambers, corridors, rooms and chambers large enough to fit a fully equipped marine. When this has been carried out we can then revert to the plan as suggested by Maj Howland.
2. While securing the target, a reduced SHIT team of 4 scientific personnel, under MISCOM to accompany Group Alpha (one to each Squad + HQ) to advise on how best to achieve entry to each chamber.
3. So, to reiterate, we use SOP 130/1 to secure the target as far as is possible. The target will be defined as secured for the purposes of this mission if entry is achieved to every chamber we can detect, and we do not come under attack. When security has been achieved we will adopt a shift system or either 3 x 8 hour shifts or, if requested by the Scientific Staff due to the timetable, 2 x 12 hours shifts. Off shift personnel to be off-target on the Aggie, but Force Reserve Squad to observe full quarentine precautions."
The Captain looked around "Yes, that seems to be fine - although, Thomas, your marines must be careful not to break anything. The intact recovery of important artefacts is a mission priority, and we wouldn't want over enthusiastic grenade use.." he paused to look significantly at a certain Marine Major, ".. to ruin unique archeological finds." he turned to Commander Mackenzie "Commander, how long do you expect the archeologists to be at their work"
"Well Captain, I am informed by Prof Peabody that careful analysis could take months, if not years. However, she is (and I am) under pressure from HQ to get results quickly. I believe she and her team are equipped to survive on the site itself for prolonged periods, and they have portable hab-domes in the cargo manifest. I understand they plan to construct a base camp - subject to security considerations, either in part of the rocky ledge outside the main find - its about 60-70 metres across - or in the first secured part of the 'installation' itself. Isn't that so Professor?"
The professor, who had been sitting quietly all this time, cleared her throat, and started to speak,
" Right. Well if it's appropriate at this point I'd like to add my two credits' worth to the discussion. Firstly, while I appreciate the need for a degree of secrecy, and even more for care, there is an uncomfortable amount of paranoia in the air here. Now I realise that's what we pay you for, but this is the most important archaeological find of our or perhaps any generation. All of this talk of 'securing the area' sometimes makes me wince - I keep thinking of great clod-hopping Marines rampaging through the galleries of the Louvre. Of course we must first be sure that the site presents no danger, but equally it is vital to preserve it as much as possible in exactly the state we found it, otherwise we may have no hope of understanding what we have here. For that reason, while I have no desire to tell you your job any more than you would mine, I must stress that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any heavy weapons or explosives be used, or even carried into the complex. And the thought of using nuclear weapons on the site is absolutely outrageous except under the most desperate of circumstances: certainly not just for the purposes of denying it to a passing Venerian.
I might also remind you that while it is likely this is abandoned machinery which still has a functioning power source, there is a small possibility that this could be a 'First Contact' situation. I would request being present, perhaps with Mr Connell, at your command centre during the initial opening of the asteroid, and I wholeheartedly agree with the Colonel's suggestion that you should take a couple of my assistants with the intial penetration teams. This isn't just to make sure you don't break anything: we are dealing with unfamiliar technology, and it might help you to have someone on-hand who is at least vaguely familiar with Forerunner culture, inasmuch as one can be, to help interpret what is harmless and what may be a threat. And if you're ever unsure about something for God's sake stop and ask me. Yes, we're all under time pressure, but the initial approach is critical and we can afford to take a few hours or even days over it if we have to. "
Professor Peabody paused for breath. "Anyway, I've said my piece. I don't mean to lecture, but you have to understand that this could be the most amazing thing humanity has ever discovered, and if anyone breaks it then they'll find out just how high up my 'friends in high places' are."
Lance Major Cornelius interjected:
"I believe we are all agreed that the risk of contamination etcetera is one for primary concern. To this end we seem to be agreed that a quarantine barrier be instituted. The following is my view of how this might work:
a) The mission force should be divided into 'clean' and 'dirty' detachments, this division to last for the duration of the mission and as long after as considered necessary by the appropriate experts.
b) Division should include ships as well as marine personnel.
c) It is suggested that the Aggie + Bravo 19 + Bravo 20 be the "Clean" force; Sutton Hoo + Bravo 18 be the dirty.
d) On the basis of 2 up, the remaining group should provide guards for B19 and B20. I would suggest half a squad each. Their purpose is to (i) enforce quarantine (ii) provide security (iii) maintain morale by their presence. Half squads can be rotated through the Group.
e) Dirty group will be provided with 2 groups of marines. These should be accommodated as circumstances permit. However all ships should have at least a half squad on board. Scientists visiting alien sites should be accompanied by marines. To avoid getting in their way it is suggested that their close accompaniment be limited to say 4 marines, with the rest of the aquad remaining close but out of the way.
2. Likely discoveries will be technological. There is little chance of biological organisms after so long, never the less I strongly agree that it is not worth taking chances. It also occurs to me that this race may have been the victim of the exterminators and that 'deactivated' exterminator units may exist in the system.
3. The value of any discoveris may preclude the 'nuke it when we go' plan. Do we have a contingency plan for such an eventuality?"
Jacob Connell finally plucked up the nerve to speak in such an intimidating gathering.
"I agree with Professor Peabody about the significance of this find. This find should not be seen as "ours". We are merely the stewards of this find for today's generation and generations to come. My discovery could have cultural and social significance for more than just our civilization. We could re-write the history of the occupied universe.
But I do understand your concerns about the risks involved. Perhaps I could indulge in some speculation with the known facts, something we archaeologists are "famous" for. [pause for chuckle].
Ask yourself in what circumstances would you abandon a base with functioning and an operating power source?
EVACUATION
E1 - Evacuation
If the ordererd to evacuate - the base might be left with the power on to preserve essential services for a speedy re-occupation. Locks and security procedures would be left in place.
E2 - Emergency Evacuation
Only if the base was under threat of hostile occupation would traps etc. be left in place - but in that scenario surely the it would be better to "save it from the enemy by destroying it". A military attitude that you have convincingly demonstrated.
ABANDONMENT
A1 - Routine Abandonment
Some bases are routinely left unoccupied for economic, social or other peaceful reasons with the intention of returning and yet they never did. I would posit that a similar routine to E1 would ensue.
CASTASTROPHE
C1 - General Catastrophe
Rather like a plot from a novel - but it is conceivable that some castastrophe could wipe out an entire civilisation - leaving their bases running. It is remote.
C2 - Local Catastrophe
Some local catastrophic event wiped out the base leaving it running. Somehow the rest of their civilisation felt it unwise or dangerous to re-occupy. The base would thus be in a running state but in disorder and dangerous - at least to that civilisation.
CONCLUSIONS
I would be in a better position to "guess" which of the above scenarios would apply if I could be allowed a closer inspection to ascertain the following:
- The size of the base - a large complex or city world is less likely to succumb to massive and rapid castatrophe
- I might be able to discern if a "normal" locking up had been instituted.
If I could be allowed to perform a low penetration assessment we could then withdraw to consider the risks and reformulate your operating procedures -
before launching a full penetration of the base. I do not consider we have any urgent need to declare the base "secure" using your definition. It would be better to scratch the surface and re-assess the risks before plunging in to "secure" the base. I do agree with the need to "secure" the base - I just am worried at the concern to do it quickly.
RISKS
So far the risks would appear to be
Biological - a manageable risk and a risk I am trained for as an archaeologist
Hostile Alien - would seem to be a very remote possibility
Misunderstanding of Alien Technology - a risk that can only be assessed by the SHIT team. A reducable risk.
Traps - a possibility that can be better assessed with an initial assessment with the assistance of an expert from the SHIT team. A risk that can be reduced.
Hazards of ancient unstable structures - A risk we all have to undertake that can be reduced by caution and someone with an engineering capacity.
For the above reasons I ask for permission to accompany a small team to check on my hypotheses."
The Captain stood.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen, I think we have consdered the options. I think we can take a break now. Lieutenant Colonel Killgore, I would be grateful for your recommendations on my notpad at your earliest convenience. Professor Peabody and Mr Connell, perhaps it is best that you spend the remaining hours here at Nikkeldipan Station finalising your equipment lists etc. I am sure we can deal with this mission effectively, and I have to say that from what I have heard this evening I am enthusiatic about its prospects. The final approach plans can be dealt with en route to Tuskan (still several days away). Let us all get some rest, and subject to any problems arising, we with accelerate at 12 noon, ship time, tomorrow."
The meeting dissolved, the participants engaged in fervent discussion as they filed out.
ESS Agamemon with full complement Embarked Mission Specialists:
SS Sutton Hoo
Hired Supply ships: SS Bravo-18, Bravo-19 and Bravo-20 (these will be moving between the site of the dig and the designated supply base). Potentially Hostile ForcesVenerian Fleet as at 3198.150 is here.
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| *Clandestine Ordnance Defusing, Disposal & Security, Weaponry and Live Ammo Projectiles (CODDSWALAP). The skill of rendering safe damaged weapon systems and booby-trapped space vessels. An optional part of Logs crew, Weapon Tech and Marine training. |
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