USS Baker BHRP009 – 'The Second Time Around' (230917)

[Poison Toocool]

USS Baker BHRP009 – 'The Second Time Around' (230917)

Recap: In Sector 020H, the USS Baker sheltered in the lee of an asteroid to avoid metreon particles while conducting repairs. The ship had been experiencing an unexplained increase in power consumption, leading to a drain on energy reserves. The detection of an alien energy signature emitting a language-like signal warranted further investigation, detailed below. The Baker left the shelter of the asteroid three & ½ days ago, proceeding at a very slow pace through the asteroid field, on course to coordinates designated by science. Expected arrival, within the next two hours.

So far we have determined:
- the alien energy signature began emitting when we dropped the class III probe at the junction of Sectors 020F and 020G;
- as we approached the debris field surrounding the larger asteroid, we began to experience a power drain on our systems;
- the local area has pockets of metreons, Science has determined they are the result of an explosion in the Hapke Cluster over 4 centuries ago;
- the alien energy signature carries patterns reminiscent of language, and it has been determined the message changed from first receipt, as we approached, and when we arrived;
- an away mission to the asteroid discovered alien artifacts and a chamber with imagery on floor tiles and a panel of some kind, on either side were standing stones;
- sympathetic resonance and its potential role in the alien technology has been considered.

Report from the most recent analysis: Baker drops a Class III probe at the border of Sectors 020F and 020G. Along with that, a subspace comms relay. Telemetry between the Class III and the Baker seems consistent. The choice of a Class III probe seems odd, given that it is usually used for planetary observations. However, the Captain agreed to the recommendation due to their abilities such as material collection along with the submodule for chemical analysis on board.

Tau shift investigated what would be found if we were able to differentiate between the Baker's engine pattern and the resonation of the aliens. Also, the probe's pattern: it is powered by a vectored deuterium micro fusion engine, and a resonating warp pattern might result.

The alien chamber on the asteroid had standing stones arranged in groups of two and three. If harmonic resonances are key to this mystery, then the interval of a major second is clearly important. In simplified terms, anything outside the natural sort of harmony, the vibration would be displeasing. The frequency of the second harmonic is 100 Hertz, third harmonic is 990 Hertz. A second harmonic, at least to human ears, sounds warm, rich, and pleasing. It feels 'right'. A third harmonic does not vibrate the same way. The fundamental frequencies are odd-numbered. The sound it makes is less comfortable, or friendly. More aggressive.

The Captain postulated: Did the energy signature start with an even harmonic, or second-order resonance, and then morph into third-order harmonics as Baker approached? Is that the basis of the alien language?

The team analyzed further, and determined the Baker’s energy signature before the launch of the probe was an even harmonic. When deployed there was a little variation… examining further, the team discovered that the Baker’s resonant frequency morphed into a third-order harmonic after probe deployment. But why did it change?

The Captain reviewed logs of that time index, noting the Baker slowed to one half impulse, and changed trajectory in order to deploy the Class III probe. The team determined the reduction in speed resulted in the Baker’s energy signature morphing to a third harmonic. It was then that comms reported the buoy picking up an anomalous pattern of regulated tones.

The Captain realized the Baker was now sending the same pattern received after the probe was launched, back to the asteroid, thinking it was a way to say ‘hello’. She ordered comms to cease transmitting at once.

Now, as the ship approaches a place of relative safety, and the threat of the metreons has abated, the bridge crew must look at all the information collected and decide whether further attempts to contact these alien beings should be made.

Stardate 230917: The Captain has called a meeting of senior bridge crew in the Conference room at 2045 hours. Each department is to prepare a report of their status, to be given initially. The team will then discuss options for the next stage of the mission.

=^=

LCARS:
https://lcars.ufstarfleet.org/index.php ... Sector_Map
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Nebula
https://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/sche ... probes.htm

https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Sy ... _vibration
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Re ... _frequency

[Poison Toocool]

=====OOC======
BAKER MISSION BHRP009
Sun Sep 17, 2023

OOC Preparation
==============
STARDATE: 230917
CALL TIME: 2030 hours SLT

==Sigma CREW==
LOCATION TO MEET: USS Baker
RP LOCATION: USS Baker, Conference
MISSION LEAD/GM: Poison Toocool

WHAT TO WEAR:
Duty Uniform
UFS Combadge HUD v3.2

WHAT TO KNOW:
-the ship is 8 & 1/2 weeks out from Pinastri after refit
-it has been four & 1/2 weeks since we dropped the class 3 probe & subspace comms relay
-we continue at yellow alert
-you will be required to report on your department's status after recent events, and, progress of any needed repairs

**You should have read:
Mission brief for BHRP009
viewtopic.php?f=1009&t=34943


POST ORDER: Will be decided, and posted, by the Mission Leader just prior to mission start (and sometimes adjusted in the RP if necessary).

MISSION TIME: Call time is 8:30pm SLT. Please be ready & prepared & in place for RP to start at 8:45pm SLT.


=====OOC======
ARRIVING LATE? Contact the Mission Lead when you arrive, and wait to be instructed on Post Order & Story before speaking in Local. Come up with a reason why your character would be entering the scene at the appointed time and include it in your first post.

LEAVING EARLY? You need to post out. Come up with a reason why your character would be leaving the scene. Ask for permission to go to your department, for example (RP etiquette also says it’s nice if you wait to see the replies before you actually remove your avatar from the scene).
=====END OOC======

[Poison Toocool]

USS Baker BHRP009 – 'The Second Time Around' (230917)

CREW MANIFEST

Admiral Poison Toocool - CO
1st Lieutenant Kalayna Troi ((TaylorRaeJunior)), Helm/Tactical/SO
Ensign Cato Quan, Science Officer
Ensign Robinette Waterson ((SomethingVentured)), Operations Officer
Captain Greg Esharham, Engineering Officer
Doctor Justine Johndory ((JustineJohndory Amethyst)), Medical Officer

=^=

[Poison Toocool]

USS Baker BHRP009 – 'The Second Time Around' (230917)

RP NARRATIVE

[20:46] Poison Toocool went over the facts in her mind as she prepared for the meeting set with senior bridge crew. Baker drops a Class III probe at the border of Sectors 020F and 020G. Along with that, a subspace comms relay. An alien energy signature begins emitting. As Baker approaches the debris field around a large asteroid, the ship experiences a power drain. The alien energy signature is determined to be a kind of harmonic resonation, and it carries patterns reminiscent of language. Moreover, it seems to be both the deployment of a probe and a change in speed that initiated the alien response. They had been sending that same signal back to the asteroid on the assumption that it was a kind of friendship message or greeting. She had come to suspect it was a warning, and had ordered comms to stop transmitting. She would rise from the Captain's chair on the bridge, "Chief Sheldon, you have the conn." He nodded and took the centre seat as she exited. In a moment, she would enter the conference room, looking to crew.

[20:49] Kalayna Troi yawns as she comes up from her crew quarters. She was tired from shift changes. The Tau shift had left her brain going ninety to nothing. She stretches as stretches as she comes off the turbo, "Good Morning Admiral, team." She smiles. She would stay standing for the moment.

[20:51] Cato Quan stands as the Captain enters and would wait to take his seat until she had signaled. He readies his references on his padd.

[20:52] Robinette Waterson takes her seat and nods around the table. "Evening," she addresses her fellows as she pulls the communications button from her ear and places her PADD, her report displaying on the screen on the table in front of her.

[20:57] Greg Esharham: Looks at the Admiral before he delivers a report he hates

[20:57] Poison Toocool looked to the table, seeing the senior bridge crew was there waiting for her. She had left the bridge in the hands of Chief Sheldon, an old hand and a trusted one. The XO was off duty, and had informed Poison she had organized something called a 'jam' with some fellow officers. Apparently this was not anything to do with the sharing or making of a fruit compote (sadly), rather, they intended to get together in the same room and attempt to play music together. Poison supposed it was a decent sort of social endeavour, but, given her experience with amateur concerts in past commands, felt she would shudder internally if Cheryl's clarinet squeaked and squawked as she played. She noted those who had risen in respect. Her strange gold eyes would pierce into any who remained seated when an Admiral entered a room. "As you were," she would say crisply, shooting a look to Kalayna, as if to say 'those who remained seated are on report'... then took her own seat. "Good day. I trust you have all read the currently log, and are ready to give your department status."

[21:03] Kalayna Troi makes mental note of who didn't stand as well. "When the Admiral enters, you are expected to stand." She would comment aloud to no one in particular. She then would slowly walk towards the table still standing. "Helm is still on our current course. We have made it to first check point. Navigational sensors are starting to not have a delay as bad." She looks to her Padd, "Current course is to our next stop which at half impulse will take 2 hours." Her brain was forgetting something. What was it? Oh Coordinates. "We would be moving to 0201 on the board over there. Asteroids are still a possibility as we continue to get out of this nebula."

Cato Quan: "Astrometrics confirms we have positioned out of the Metreon cloud and the cyclic Metreon particle plume, which issues from a pulsar in the Hapke cluster. Science is awaiting Engineering confirmation that cessation of Metreon bombardment has allowed restoration of ships functions. Since Metreon particles have exhibited known chroniton swapping, it is possible that the particles have instigated mistiming in the matter-antimatter reaction, causing the loss of power. If the issues remain now that we are out of the particle flow, a new theory will be pursued. The working hypothesis developed by Science teams is that the Asteroid was re-purposed by an unknown civilization on the brink of Metreon annihilation, designed to be a memorial to the civilization, and perhaps to communicate, through a nucleonic field, aspects of its culture to future civilizations. A similar device was constructed by the Kataan civilization of the Silirian Sector. Efforts as of yet to initiate any transmission of data have proved unsuccessful. Attempts to replicate the Asteroid's effects on the landing party in holodeck simulation were also unsuccessful. Regarding the Tritanium shavings- The shavings retrieved from the artifact show evidence of circuit printing. This may suggest either robotic or cybernetic construction of the circle. the element tritanium, symbol Tn, atomic weight 323, atomic number 125, was discovered by the Federation on Argus X in 2161. Tritanium was an ore known to be 21.4 times as hard as diamond. Borg tactical drones possessed a tritanium infrastructure, as did Borg cubes. Regarding the symbols and writing- Writing and schematic library comparison show no stylistic matches for Delta species Kazon, Hirogen, Talaxian, Ocampan, Vidian or Argussan known scripts. We wish to consult with engineering to see if the Mandala design might be a functional engineering schematic of the asteroid device. Suggested action: I suggest we employ harmonics to attempt contact, encouraging activation of any information transfer if the asteroid contains a transmission device, using a full bandwidth cyclical sweep, to be thorough. We do not, as yet, know the significance of the monolith ratio, if it points to a frequency wavelength, or a duration of wavelength, or tonal spacing, or a specific harmonic of the existing frequency. If we wish, we can use the relay and probe to try each combination in turn, as we proceed with our explorations."

[21:08] Robinette Waterson listens carefully to the previous reports, scanning her data to make sure all her assessments and conclusions align what what has already been said. Nodding to all, she begins. ""Current status of the communications array shows green across the board. The metreon particles are having minimal effect on the effectiveness of the probe and relay." Waterson draws a deep breath, diving into the next section of her report. "Regarding the speculation concerning the alien energy signature from the asteroid, it does indeed have patterns that might be a method of communication, which has changed since we first came within hailing range, but then again, its emissions might also result from natural resonance frequency, an induced vibration of the type often called sympathetic vibration. My recommendation..." She draws another deep breath. "As the Universal Translator is hampered by the paucity of input, the repetitions extant in the artefactual record do suggest a form of structural communication exists. Without further input for calculation, the UT is at a disadvantage. LCARS has produced a small selection of possible matches, but not enough to signify statistical probability. At this moment, with us cutting off what might be considered communication by ending all transmissions, how the energy signal responds is crucial to determining whether it is a natural phenomenon or an intelligent intention to initiate contact.

[21:10] Greg Esharham: Captain at Present we are no longer leaking power but I would suggest we not attempt any major jumps to high Warp, I don’t know what drained so much power but I will find out. Shields are holding at, deflectors are all good, I have crews all over the ship repairing some minor damage but there is nothing to serious, My main concern is why we lost power so badly

Doctor's report: "Captain, I have examined Mr Troi and Engineer Esharham and have found no permanent ill effects after our visit to the asteroid surface and exposure to the unusual resonant energy frequencies experienced there. The symptoms, which bore some resemblance to what was first known as “Havana Syndrome,” seem to have cleared up rather quickly after returning to within our shielded environment. I have updated my crew monitoring system to watch for similar effects. I have had no further complaints from other crew members." The Doctor continues: "Analysis of the ship's biological control and power systems show definite variation from norms while the ship was in close proximity to the alien broadcast signal. The frequencies being transmitted do seem to be having a sympathetic interference effect with some of our systems. I am liaising with Engineering to find possible methods of protecting personnel and ship equipment, should these frequencies be deployed as a weapon."

[21:18] Poison Toocool would accept a cup of Earl Grey tea from the yeoman. She placed it quietly on the table next to the PADD she had placed there. She sat back, knowing she was sitting with innovative thinkers and problem-solvers. Despite any indication to the contrary, she was very interested in their individual perspectives on the situation at hand. "Two hours to normal space.. I am concerned about any lag on the navigational sensors. Mr Troi, review their operations again when we exit the debris field. However my feeling is that the dampening field emitted by the alien technology is likely the cause of it." She would turn to Cato, "Thank you for that exhaustive report, please send it to my PADD so I may review it again. It seems you are suggesting we continue to attempt to communicate with the asteroid, for what purpose if it is an automated signal?" Pausing, "Ah, I see, Mr Waterson would like us to continue our communication attempts in order that we might decipher the language. Mr Esharham, is it not probable that the alien dampening field and energy signature combined to affect our power systems? As a form of defence? Or as a warning not to approach the area?"

[21:20] Kalayna Troi stands behind her chair quietly listening to everyone to hear nodding at the Doctor. Kal thinks to herself that she was just nuts. Kal was a Betazoid with Red Hair and Gray Eyes. She got a raktajino out of the replicator. "Aye Captain, will do."

[21:25] Cato Quan Listens carefully to each department's report, Understanding we need more example data to evaluate the symbols and test, satisfied that the power fluctuations have indeed ceased, and content that the away team and crew showed no lasting damage but the doctor would remain vigilant. To the Captain's Command and question he replies "I shall do so. I believe, if this is a repository similar to the Kataanian example, that we may learn more about the Hapke sector where it originated, and the technologies in use there. However, perhaps a designated archeological survey mission can be tasked from Pinastri to do a more thorough investigation? Cycling through these permutations of amplitude and frequency using these ratios may take an inordinate amount of time?"

[21:30] Robinette Waterson nods appreciably, herself intrigued by the Doctor's report. She had studied the Havana Syndrome in her history of communications class, where sound and vibratory resonances were theorized to be weaponized. "There is one more thing to consider in terms o f communicating, if that is what we are currently engaging in with this entity, if it is an entity." She glanced about the room, stopping to hold the Captain's golden eyes. "We stopped all transmissions. How are they going to interpret our silence? Breaking off communication might be considered, well, offputting?"

[21:31] Greg Esharham: Hears the Captains words and thinks on the dampening field possibility then as quickly, Reminds himself to send a couple extra staff to update the Transporter Bio filters to the Doctors recommended specifications when they become available. But the main thought in the back of his mind is those harmonics, a match with warp core harmonics could be the cause of the power drain but right now with crews all over the ship checking every system and chip he only had himself to work on the problem, But aye if the encounter put them in some sort of natural or created dampening field they needed to know right away. This ship was in better condition than he thought it was after the encounter with the asteroid but still at her age, doing a complete systems check never hurt.” Captain with your permission I think I’d like to put a couple of my team with science to investigate several theories I have about that Harmonics idea possibly being a weapon or maybe even a shield of some kind “

/con't

[Poison Toocool]

/con't

[21:35] Poison Toocool would sit thinking, her quick mind going over the details reported to her. "We need to determine our next course of action," she would say slowly. "I would be loathe to request a Nova class vessel attend the area unless we can ensure they do not encounter the same issues. However, I agree, it is not our primary mission." They were to be charting the nebula, and, she suspected, although it was never mentioned, report on any Kazon activity on this side of the anomaly. Unlikely, but she read between the lines. "Mr Quan, what if we took a different approach? When we are clear of the debris field we could repeat the maneuvers we made in deploying the first probe. To the letter. We'd slow to one half impulse, deploy a Class III probe, and record the response. Or would you consider that to be too dangerous." The last thing they wanted was another dampening field to reach the Baker. She would nod to Robinette, "I ordered a temporary cessation of the signal we were sending as, based on the findings of the Tau team, it appeared that message was one of disharmony or, a warning of danger. I am not against resuming attempts to communicate, but suggest we stay with major intervals, and avoid tri-tones." Looking to Greg, "Indeed, comms and science are also analyzing the harmonics, please liaise with them as you assign your team." She would sit back.. "We have determined the probability of a non-organic life form using the asteroid as... what, a subspace relay? a place of sanctuary? a repository containing the history of a sentient civilization? Then why the warning messages and dampening field? It is very difficult to understand a foreign language with so few clues."

[21:44] Kalayna Troi stands listening to the conversation. She shifted on her feet wondering what to think about the information. She looked to the Captain, "Captain, we have about an hour until we get to our destination, I'm going to go ahead to my station and start running some scans and status reports of the computers and also see where we are with tactical."

[21:47] Cato Quan says cooly "The nucleonic field that surrounds the asteroid deflects the metreon stream by resonating at the same resonant pitch as the metreon particles. As the Field is limited to the asteroid, I can see how it might affect the away team, but would not expect it to affect the Baker, from what has been observed. However perhaps there is an other force or field at work. I would agree a repeat of the initiating factor would be an effective test. We may wish to refrain from sending an echo transmission in this case."

[21:52] Robinette Waterson 's expression shows puzzlement. "Why refrain? Repeating our previous maneuvers would seem a logical next step. It will give any alien intelligence a reassuring echo of whatever we said before, providing a repetition for clarification. Granted it is a little risky since we are not sure specifically how the entity interpreted our previous harmonics. So far we have not had any overt example of hostility. We are only guessing that we minded our P's and Q's the first time!"

[21:53] Greg Esharham: “Aye Captain I will assign two of my best to work with science and comms, in the mean time I suggest we see if we could vary the modulation of the shield harmonics to protect us if you decide to take us back within danger close of the asteroid,” Not a prospect he relished after their last encounter but as there did not seem to be any permanent damage it was only the possibility of the field having the ability to adapt itself and be stronger this time completely immobilizing the Baker. That would, mean a tow home and that could never be lived down

[21:55] Poison Toocool: Understanding an alien civilization's intentions and messages were part and parcel of a Captain's life. She remembered the logs of the USS Enterprise, and Captain Kirk's encounter with the Gorn. Or there was Captain Picard, the Tamarians, and their 'Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra' which left everyone puzzled for ages. She would nod to Kalayna, "Yes, we should all return to the bridge shortly, as we must be approaching the edge of the debris field." She would turn to Cato: "I felt instinctively when we were on the asteroid it had some ability to deflect the metreons." Adding, to Robinette, "We are in agreement, the deployment of a probe and subspace relay should take place, with all conditions repeated, including our message to each of those devices to confirm they were receiving from us and sending telemetry to us." She would look to Greg, "At this point I would like you to check logs and see exactly what the shield harmonics were at the time the probes were launched." She would rise. "I suggest we return to the bridge to make it so."

[22:00] Kalayna Troi nods towards the Captain, "Yes Captain. I'm headed that way to check on tactical." She smiles and starts to make it to the bridge. She sat down in her chair and starts opening up the lcars to type her code in check the systems.

[22:02] Cato Quan nods and rises, moves to his station with a spring in his step.

[22:03] Robinette Waterson snaps her comm button back on her earlobe. "Right away, Sir. I will call up the log for that day and make sure all hails are identical."

[22:03] Greg Esharham: “ Yes Captain will do so right now I will have it in your hands ASAP “ Without thinking he strokes his beard while pondering could the field be natural or alien tech and that was a worrying thought at the very least. If it did have the ability to adapt and decrease it increase strength depending on what it considered a threat. “could we drift in ?, approach the asteroid at Warp one and then drop out of warp and let forward motion carry us on a repeat of our previous course ? and adjust with thrusters”

[22:09] Poison Toocool would enter the bridge, nodding to Chief Sheldon, who rose immediately, moving to the XO's seat. "Helm, status," she would say crisply as she looked towards the view screen. "When we are clear of the debris, begin by adopting the speed we were using before the deployment of the Class III probe, please." She would reply to Greg, "I'm not a fan of the idea of returning to the asteroid at this time. I'm hoping deploying the probe with the exact same methods and using the comms as we did will elicit a response. Please ensure the shields and other systems mimic what was happening at that time index as exactly as possible." She adds, "Tactical, prepare a Class III probe for launch. Mr Waterson, you will not be able to use the exact same frequency for telemetry but get it as close as possible. Science, ensure the probe is programmed identically. Everything must be the same."

[22:13] Kalayna Troi smiles as she settles into her seat. "We are four minute out from getting out of this debris field." She would stay looking down at the tactical. "We are still at Yellow Alert. We are at maximum shields, warp one. The weapons are still offline as the presence of metreons is still prevalent. Torpedo bay is being loaded with a Class III probe for launch and phasers are loaded but offline incase we do need them." She nodded a bit looking down at the systems the looking over at the navigational screen to make sure everything was still on track.

[22:18] Cato Quan References the timestamp readings on his display and repeats his actions, programming the level III probe as before. He checks Bussard scoop sensors as well as long range sensor results. "Probe programming underway, captain." Cato is at first confused by the metreon readings now that they are away from teh cloud and particulate stream, but soon sees the readings diminish as the sensor facings are cleared. "Metreon readings are abating, captain, now at .008 parts per million"

[22:20] Robinette Waterson keys in the requisite data after calling up the previous logs and translating the frequencies as closely as possible. "Channels open. Ready for deployment."

[22:21] Greg Esharham: “Captain there is some fluctuation but the Warp core is functioning normally with no current power drop off Shields are at full.” Waiting for what he feels is inevitable he views the impulse drive system ready to bring the last 2 fusion reactors online if needed to maintain reserve power and keep the shields protecting the ship.

[22:22] Poison Toocool checked the logs for the time index of the probe's launch. "I believe, Mr Waterson, we sent a status report to Starfleet after the launch of the subspace buoy? If so, repeat it word for word, at exactly the same interval, please." She had no idea if it mattered. Pinastri OPs, if they received it at this distance, might wonder what the heck was going on. Shields up, weapons offline, probe being prepared for launch, a reduction in speed by her order, to one half impulse, then the deployment of subspace comms relay, followed by the dropping of the probe, checking telemetry with both, and a signal to Pinastri... had she missed any step? "Happy to hear the metreon's are reducing." She waited a few moments, then ordered, "Helm, reduce to one half impulse. Tactical, prepare to fire the probe on my mark. Science, confirm when ready. Comms, stand by."

[22:26] Kalayna Troi listen as she looks down had seen that shields were up already but she listened and would drop down to half impulse. "Dropping to half impulse. The probe is prepared and ready to drop." She would load the probe into the bay and then bring the weapons online as soon as they hit the edge of clear space. "Weapons are online and ready to drop probe at your mark Captain."

[22:31] Cato Quan Finishes his button punches and swivels to face the Captain. "Probe is ready for deployment, Captain. " He wonders if he should reproduce the cramp he felt on the previous deployment, he remembers the Fiery chili his cabinmate had given him as "thanks for playin' that sitaaar at all hours". Cato despises human humor of that vein. He hoped Ripley had later enjoyed his practicing of Bitter Dregs" over and over the other night. Perhaps an eyebrow raise will suffice, but he looks over at the doctor to see if She wishes to scan him again.

[22:32] Robinette Waterson smiled as she copied the days-old message from the files and queued it up to send it out once the buoy was deployed. What would Pinastri Station think when the duplicate report came in? Probably that they had a ghost in the subspace relay! "Standing by, Captain."

[22:33] Greg Esharham: And there it was 4% the inevitable power drop in the Warp core just as we dropped to half impulse “ Captain we have a power drop off, Not as bad as last time but its 7% now and rising “ As he spoke it want to 9% and continued to rise to fast to keep reporting , he again eyed the impulse drive and the additional reactors, but the Captain wanted to maintain the original conditions , they only go on if we get into worse trouble

[22:37] Poison Toocool had programmed the computer to alert her to the exact sequence of events. She watched the clock like a hawk. She wondered how many times a starship had been asked to repeat its exact maneuvers again. No matter what they did, though, they could not go back in time. Nor where they in the same location, they had cleared the asteroid belt and emerged, somewhat shaken, on the other side. An inch closer to the Hapke Cluster on the star charts. She waited for Science to confirm the probe was programmed and ready for launch. The time ticked away, second after second. She felt she was holding her breath. Would the aliens respond in the exact same way? If so, did they view the dropping of a probe as an aggressive act? Or would they ignore the Baker since she was traveling away from their asteroid? She was absolutely taken aback when Engineering reported a power drain, when they were traveling away from the asteroid, they were out of the debris field, and had yet to take any action but reduce speed. "Belay deployment of probe. Helm, reduce us to thrusters only. Let's drift towards the designated coordinates." She would rise. "Science, take a look at the resonant signature of the Baker when we reduced speed. Clearly that is what the alien technology is responding to. Comms, monitor the energy signature coming from the asteroid. Determine any change in frequency or resonation with our change of speed." She would stand, looking to the view screen, yellow alert blinking on the consoles around her.

=^=