"Limits of Intelligence" - Part 3 - NonPlot Log - Commo Sebastian Ascari, SFI

Posted on 241605.20 @ 10:37am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

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

Log Title: "Limits of Intelligence" - Part 3
Setting: Rocky, ice covered moon and underground cavern complex

== Continued From Part 2 ==

Ascari peered down into the tiny shaft that had been cut into the rock below his feet. The narrow hole snugly fit two persons on a makeshift lift suspended by a single wire cable which was secured by a small, portable crane.

“The crown jewels are a kilometer below us. The lift is the only way up or down. Ready?”

“I'm assuming transporters are out given the same radiation problems”, he asked again gazing at the hole.

“Partially true, however we can't risk using them given what's down there. It'll all make sense once you see it in person.” Professor Bernard stepped into the circular yellow steel disk suspended by the cable and took hold of a flimsy looking railing that was attached. “Took the science ships in orbit over a week to cut through the rock with full phasers. The crystalline formations in the rock somehow absorb and deflect concentrated energy. We've never seen anything like it. It's like a super dilithium to use a non-scientific description. We're fairly confident the crystals aren't natural although how they were created is a mystery. I think we might have the who pinned down however.”

Ascari looked at the cable overhead and inwardly cringed. He wasn't looking forward to this. He stepped onto the tiny platform where the professor secured him to the dangling elevator if one could even call the crude implement such a thing.

“A kilometer huh?”

“Give or take a few decimals, yes.”

“Commodore Ascari” a marine shouted quickly approaching. “I need to assign a guard detail. We're under strict orders to be at your side at all times and...”

“I don't think the Professor here or anyone else in this facility poses a significant threat.” He turned toward the professor. “You aren't a threat are you?”

“That remains to be seen”, she murmured back with a devilish grin. Ascari rolled his eyes and turned back toward the marine. “You and your team can remain at ease. The lift system here can only accommodate a few people at a time..”

“Sir I must insist that you are escorted at all times and that...”

“Top Secret hun”, the professor stated. “Besides we can't permit any form of technology or weaponry down this particular rabbit hole. I'll keep an eye on the Commodore for you. You can check in with him periodically via the comm system if that's acceptable.”

“I suppose we will do what the doctor orders”, Ascari stated with a half grin. “I'll be careful captain.”
The marine captain seemed unhappy with the arrangement but was otherwise unwilling to argue with his superiors. “Yes sir. Please contact me in 30 minute intervals. If you miss a check in, I'll be forced to send personnel down to ascertain your status.”

“I don't think that will be necessary, but I'll remember to check in.”

The captain nodded and stepped back giving the commodore and scientist some room.

“Ready commodore?”

“As ready as I'm going to get. It isn't everyday one gets to ride a thin strand of wire, whose integrity I'm questioning, a kilometer into the bowels of a supposedly dead planet, in a hastily constructed tunnel bored out of the rock by a starship's phasers from orbit, while tightly pressed against another person they barely know for the duration of the journey. Oh, and I'll add I have no idea what is waiting for me at the bottom, assuming there is one.”

The professor laughed. “Am I so bad? Would you prefer the captain?”

“No”, Ascari curtly answered. “Can we get this over with please?”

“Of course.” Bernard touched the controls for the crane and activated a small overhead light that had been crudely attached to the makeshift elevator. There was a sudden jolt as the crane wench engaged and began slowly feeding out cable. Ascari glanced at his feet as his hand clenched the railing. He had had far too many jolts, and drops today. He peered down past his feet through the mesh grating down the long, dark, shaft and into the unknown.

== To Be Continued ==



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Commodore Sebastian Ascari
Director, Starfleet Intelligence

and

Doctor Elsa Bernard
Lead Research Project Scientist