Act I, Scene I
Into the Imvi System
Finally, we’re off. After a longer-than-expected gap since the overview post I finally sat down with some dice and got to play a little bit of Captain’s Log. I found it a bit daunting at first, but decided to approach it as more ofa journaling RPG than a traditional one. I think a strong suit of this system is its ability to get the ball rolling before fading into the background and letting your imagination fill in the blanks. Like I mentioned in the overview post, I’m going to try and structure these sessions like a typical Star Trek episode; let’s start with the cold open to Captain Lorde’s inagural adventure…
”Here and Gone”
Captain’s Log: Stardate 2147.95. The Insight has been dispatched to the Imvi system to investigate reports of a potentially revolutionary advancement in warp drive technology. According to preliminary intelligence, the Netase claim to have developed the capability to transport an entire space station across galactic distances; a remarkable, albeit unintended, byproduct of their experimental weapons research.
The Netase are not members of the Federation. As an independent and relatively reclusive species, they have focused their efforts on defensive armament, striving to safeguard their autonomy as they chart their own course through the cosmos. While not overtly hostile, their wariness of the Federation stems from negative encounters with more aggressive spacefaring civilizations. This, coupled with their perception of us as a potential threat, makes this mission exceedingly delicate.
Diplomatic overtures have yielded a tentative breakthrough. A Netase representative has agreed to meet aboard their orbital station above Imvi IX. Our objective is twofold: to approach this exchange with mutual respect and scientific curiosity while reassuring the Netase that the Federation seeks cooperation, not conflict. The stakes are high—not only for scientific discovery but for the foundation of trust between two civilizations.
Arrival
The Insight drops out of warp at the edge of the Imvi system and performs a preliminary long-range sensor sweep.
Sensor Check:
(Captain Lorde) Reason (10) + Science (3) vs (Ship) Sensors (10) + Science Department (4)
Target: 13 | Dice: 7 and 3 {complication/effect}
2x Success
Note: I typed out the rolls here because I kind of liked the idea of “showing my work”, but I don’t know if I’ll continue doing it. We’ll see how it goes.
The sweep confirms the Netase station is here, holding a high polar orbit above the gas giant Imvi IX. What is also confirmed, however, is the station has suffered some kind of structural event fairly recently. Hull stress readings consistent with a large-scale energy discharge. Thanksfully, not catostrophic (the station is still clearly operational) but notable enough that Lieutenant Vasek, my science officer, flagged it immediately.
Lieutenant Vasek:
“Captain, the stations’ outer ring shows micro-fracturing consistent iwht a directed energy event. Not weapons fire, but something with a very similar energy signature.” - Vasek’s tone carried a particular brand of scientific restraint and could have meant anything from this is interesting to we should leave NOW.
Captain Lorde:
“How recent?”
Lieutenant Vasek:
“Anywhere from secenty-two to one hundred twenty hours ago, sir. The decay rate of the residual energy makes it difficult to be more precise.”
I noted this down, the Netase had agreed to this meeting but hadn’t volunteered anything about structural damage to their station. That’s the kind of omission that could potentially mean the motives behind meeting were not so innocent after all. Then, I hailed the station…
The response came after a long pause. Long enough to be deliberate. The face that appeared on the viewscreen was angular and pale, with deep-set emotionless eyes. The Netase representative introduced herself as Overseer Tarak; her look and attire precise and no-nonsense.
Overseer Tarak
“Captain Lorde. You are on time. This it noted”
Captain Lorde
“Overseer Tarak. Thank you for agreeing to meet. The Insight is here in the spirit of open exchange and understanding. we look forward to bettering the knowledge of both of our peoples.”
Another pause; Tarak’s expression unchanging.
Overseer Tarak
“You wiull be escorted to docking bay seven. Weapons are not permitted on station and must remain in your vessel. Failure to comply will result in forefeit of your right to freedom on the station. You will bring no more than three individuals onto the station. These rules are non-negotiable.”
Captain Lorde
“Understood, we look-”
The channel closed with no further pleasantries and I had to make a choice before I can continue the first act… Who’s coming onto the station with me?
To be continued…