HEIRS TO FATE – VENUS
STARDATE 10.29.22
X-SECTOR
Captain Ichabeth entered the Command Center of Outpost Bakira with a grim look on her beautiful, young face. Archimedes, the faceless, metal mannequin who served as Science Officer aboard the Venus, was sitting at the main terminal, typing faster than any human could type. Suddenly, Ichabeth’s Communicator sounded. She flipped it open quickly with a flick of the wrist. It was Doctor Freya calling from aboard Venus.
“Captain, I’ve conducted a more in-depth analysis of the Cryonanotechnology that has frozen the residents of Outpost Bakira. It appears to be some kind of weapon. Each of the Colonists was affected initially through a contact point somewhere on their skin. This contact point introduced the Cryonanotechnology into their system where it quickly spread. Within moments, their entire body would have become frozen. The good news is that they are all alive and in well preserved condition. If I can find a way to reverse the process, all of them will return to a normal, healthy condition. But in order to come up with a counter agent, I need to know more about the Source of the Cryonanotechnology.”
Ichabeth took a moment to absorb all of the information that Doctor Freya was conveying to her. Out of habit, she adjusted her blonde hair with red streaks by tucking it neatly behind both ears. Finally, the Captain answered.
“Well done, Freya. Continue your analysis and keep me updated. Ichabeth out.”
Ichabeth closed her Communicator and walked over to Archimedes. The Metal Mannequin spoke without turning around.
“Captain, I believe I can be of help in regard to Freya’s request. While reviewing the Outpost Logs, I came across some details that could explain what happened here. Six months ago, the residents of Outpost Bakira came into contact with a local Tribe called the Frosten. Their initial communications were peaceful, however the Frosten made it clear that this was their territory. They demanded that the residents of Outpost Bakira leave immediately. Our personnel tried to explain that they were here for scientific study, to no avail. Three months ago, verbal threats were made by the Frosten. Two months ago, violence began. The Frosten began to raid the Outpost at random intervals. Each time they were easily repelled by our personnel’s Phasers. The attacks seem to have intensified the closer we get to today’s date. There is no mention in the Logs about a weapon that can freeze a person.”
Now we know who the most likely suspect is, Captain Ichabeth thought to herself. Archimedes watched her with his faceless head, completely silent as he waited.
“Do the Logs indicate where the Frosten Tribe lives?”
“Yes, Captain. I have the exact coordinates. We can be there in less than an hour on foot. Due to the icy winds, turbulent weather, and unstable ground in that particular area, I don’t recommend we use Transporters.”
Ichabeth nodded. “Instruct Venus to transport down two dozen Security Officers armed with Phasers. We don’t want a fight, but if they get violent, we’ll be prepared to respond. Archimedes, you’re with me. Your nearly indestructible, metal body will be invaluable in that hostile terrain. Are all your built-in weapons charged and ready?”
“Yes, Captain.”
Captain Ichabeth’s deep blue eyes narrowed.
“THEN LET’S GO FIND THE SOURCE THAT FREYA NEEDS.”
