"Limits of Intelligence" - Part 2 - NonPlot Log - Commo Sebastian Ascari, SFI

Posted on 241605.18 @ 10:43am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Non-Plot Log
Location: Stellar Reference: XKR-21199-B
Timeline: Current-ish

Log Title: "Limits of Intelligence" - Part 2
Setting: Rocky, ice covered moon and underground cavern complex

== Continued From Part 1 ==

As the stone monolith loomed overhead, the marine detachment surrounding their charge, approached the entrance and shelter of a vast cavern whose end narrowed and disappeared into the darkness of the surrounding rock. Two individuals quickly emerged from the shadows to greet the team bundled in heavy Starfleet issue clothing.

“Commodore Ascari”, a woman shouted over the howling winds. “I'm Professor Elsa Bernard. This is Doctor Wren U'lan. Why don't we head inside to make formal introductions?”

Ascari nodded as the pair led them from brilliant white plains into seemingly impenetrable darkness. The obsidian black slowly gave way to work lamps which had been strung up haphazardly on cavern walls akin to something one might see in a poorly regulated mining operation. The two scientists stopped at the entrance to a well-lit horizontal shaft crudely cut from the rock of the mountain. The narrow shaft barely accommodated the height of a fully grown adult humanoid.

“Watch your step”, Professor Bernard exclaimed stepping inside. “The passage is rough. We’ve already had a few injuries as a result of missteps.” Ascari shivered despite a heated suit and several layers of protective clothing and garments. While the tunnel seemed warmer the exposure to the extreme temperatures on the surface had still managed to send a chill through him either real or imagined. The team set off down the tunnel which began to slope downward and then steeply so. Uneven, fractured rock was indeed a hazard as Ascari and the Marines fell into a pattern of walking sideways stepping themselves down the increasingly steep passage. Gravel and loose stones were indeed a hazard as they progressed making each step somewhat perilous. They continued in an almost synchronized rhythm until the tunnel opened up into a massive dimly lit cavern. Ascari emerged and was immediately awestruck by the setting before him. Gigantic dark colored stalagmites and stalactites rose from both the floor and jutted from the cavern’s dark, mysterious ceiling much of which was obscured by darkness. Green and blue crystalline structures adorned most of the rock surfaces catching the various light sources illuminating the cavern. Light glinted from their surfaces or glowed with an ethereal quality giving the entire chamber a supernatural aura.

Bernard pulled off her mask and threw back her blue parka hood revealing a much younger and attractive face than Ascari expected. “It’s a bit more comfortable down here than up on the surface if I do say so myself. Other than the occasional rock slide, endless water leaks, mud, and
freezing temperatures it’s not too terrible. Certainly has a nice view.”

Ascari agreed. Despite the harsh conditions above this place was a rare jewel that was perhaps worth the trouble, danger, and risk. The rock formations while immensely captivating and compelling were not the reason he had been sent from Earth to survey this locale.

“I'm guessing the one there who looks cold is Commodore Ascari, no?”

The marines chuckled much to Ascari's irritation. “Yes, I am Commodore Sebastian Ascari”, he stated. “And for the record it happens to be somewhat chilly on the surface. Just in case I'm the only one who seemed to notice.”

“Lighten up commodore, I was joking. Can't take a joke? I don't like stereotypes, but you're quickly falling into that of the quintessential officer type with a burr up his...well you know.”

“I am sure the commodore would like something warm to drink and perhaps a moment to rest”, Dr. U'lan interrupted with a cool voice. “Forgive my colleague she uses humor perhaps a bit too liberally. She meant no disrespect commodore. We don't get many flag officers here. Discipline is somewhat more lax given the risks and conditions.”

“Speaking of stereotypes", Bernard piped up again with a cheeful voice. Doctor U'Lan is a prime example of a wallflower researcher who's happier with groups of microscopes than actual people. Please forgive him for being a stick in the mud."

Ascari had run into something of a scientific firebrand it appeared. The unconventional professor was both refreshing and annoying at the same time. Although annoyed at her disrespect for his position in front of the marines he was willing to let that slide given the fact he might be taking a liking to her style. He mentally shook his head cleaning out such errant thoughts. He had business to attend to. Getting distracted by trivialities was not why he had been shipped here by Starfleet brass.

“No need for refreshments and I certainly don't want to sit down. The ride down here left more than a mild impressions on my backside. I'd prefer to get right to it if possible.”

“Oh”, Bernard stated. “So you do have some trace of humor. Well that's a start. Follow me and we'll get straight to business.”

Setting off behind the professor, Ascari took a few minutes to survey the area. The massive underground cavern despite its inherent beauty appeared to harbor several hazards. Water dripped or in some cases flowed into small streams from above. He assumed it was melting ice. The entire cave despite being cold was damp as a result. The uneven rocky floor of the cavern was covered in water, puddles, and an occasional patch of muddy silt that stuck to boots and leggings like creamy dressing to leaves in a salad. The sound of the occasional falling rock could be heard in the black darkness which indicated the chamber might not be completely stable.

Ahead of him was a small camp consisting of lights, generators, tents, shelters, a makeshift sickbay, and hundreds of Starfleet supply crates. Several dozen personnel scurried about busily performing a variety of tasks ranging from scientific to manual labor. One could almost call the camp a micro-colony given the infrastructure and personnel in place.

He approached a semi-rigid structure and was welcomed inside but not before dismissing the marines that were following him like loyal watchdogs. Entering the building, Ascari removed his goggles and unzipped his parka. The small room contained a variety of computers, scientific gear, supplies, several display screens showing various information and a small conference table.

“Well then, Doctor, Professor, I realize your time is valuable. I'll cut directly to the chase. Why has Starfleet top brass dispatched me a quarter of the way across the quadrant to this vacation retreat destination? I've read the reports. Beyond that they sent me here virtually blind for reasons they would not disclose. I only know I am to observe the area and report back with my findings, opinions, and recommendations. Not to say I don't have my sources being the head of Intelligence, but I'll put it to you bluntly - Why am I here?”

Bernard poured herself a cup of something while the doctor took a seat at the table. “It's cold coffee, but care for some Commodore?”

“Please”, Ascari stated taking up a position at the end of the table propping himself up on a wall. His rear end still smarted from the journey here and he wasn't willing to be seated again so soon.

She brought him a cup of coffee, handed it off, and moved to the largest display. Entering a few commands into the nearby computer the screen changed to a few images that looked vaguely familiar to him somehow.

“What do you know of the Iconian civilization?”

“Iconian”, he repeated suddenly recalling some of the images from his Academy days. “Wasn't that the civilization said to posses advanced technologies. I believe Captain Picard and the Enterprise located their homeworld but were forced to destroy what little remained of it to prevent it falling into the hands of the Romulans correct? There was another starship, the...Yamato. It was lost due to Iconian technology corrupting its computing systems.”

“I'm impressed. It seems they actually are teaching a few useful items back there on Earth to you commander types. But yes, you're correct. The Iconian civilization did indeed possess technologies which vastly exceeded our own.”

“Is that what this is about? Another Iconian discovery?”

Bernard sipped her coffee. “Not quite Commodore. I only mentioned the Iconians to see if you were familiar with them. What we've found makes Iconians look like veritable toddlers.”

Ascari leaned against the wall and relaxed somewhat. He sipped the coffee which was indeed cold, but still tasted good. “So then, what have you found professor? Or do I have to perform a proper interrogation?”

“You'd like that wouldn't you”, she playfully responded. “Do you think you could get me to talk?”

Doctor U'Lan cleared his throat. “Perhaps we could remain on topic given the gravity of the matter?”

Ascari glanced at the doctor and returned his gaze toward the professor. Was she flirting with him?

“Yes, let's stay focused please. Well out with it then professor. What have you discovered?”

The doctor took charge of the briefing looking greatly annoyed at his grinning colleague. “Our probes detected unusual radiation sources on this moon. Of course you know this already, but I'll summarize. We investigated the findings in person and discovered something below the surface of this moon was generating vast quantities of power. Fissures in the moon's crust were releasing trace amounts of heat and radiation from the interior. When we calculated the energy potential it was well astonishing. A thousand of our industrial fusion reactors couldn't produce the power readings that were being observed and it was further concluded the energy source couldn't be natural. This moon is too far away from other bodies for tidal heating to have that great an effect and since its orbit it so unusual it spends most of its year too far away from this system's star to receive enough solar radiation to account for our readings. This moon is a cold, dead rock in space that is billions of years old. It's core shouldn't contain any traces of heat and yet it's producing more energy than Earth's own dynamo which is powered by its molten core.”

“What is the source of this mysterious power? I'm guessing that has been ascertained.”

“Oh yes, we've located the source”, Bernard stated. “The radiation leakage eventually led us to it. This cavern is part of a massive underground complex. In fact, I have a theory that perhaps this entire moon, at least below the surface, is much more than it seems.”

Ascari drew another sip of coffee. The scientists were enjoying this. He wasn't sure why they were stringing him along like a child, but his patience was beginning to wear thin.

“Well let's see it. I'm not one for beating around the bush. I prefer the direct approach. While I'm sure you haven't had guests in sometime this isn't a courtesy call. Starfleet top brass are the ones with a burr up their butt, to use your phrase professor, and they were adamant that I arrive here with all available speed. I want to see this discovery immediately so I can ascertain the relevance of what it is you have discovered.”

“Good. I like a person who knows what they want” Bernard stated. “Whenever you're ready Commodore, but I'd relieve myself first before we proceed.” Doctor U'Lan shook his head. “Professional courtesy”, she chided the doctor. “I don't think the Commodore wants soiled trousers. Well at least I hope he doesn't.”

U'Lan sighed. “My apologies sir.”

“None needed”, Ascari replied standing. “I think I'm a big boy professor. I've seen my fair share in this universe. I can handle whatever it is you've uncovered here without...soiling myself.”

“Well ok, but don't say I didn't warn you."

“If you'll follow me Commodore”, U'lan stated. “I'll take you to the entrance shaft or what's been nicknamed the 'abyss'.

Ascari recoiled somewhat at the the term 'abyss'. U'lan had delivered it with a sinister inflection. What lie in store for him? He wondered.


== To Be Continued ==



==========================

Commodore Sebastian Ascari
Director, Starfleet intelligence

Dr. Elsa Bernard, PHD
Lead Project Scientist

Dr. Wren U'Lan
Co-Lead Project Scientist