Episode 2.01: Brushfire!

[Davy, aka GM]

OOC: Sorry for the delay. Been a hectic return to campus for me (started hybrid instruction, so it's been a lot of running around between classes every hour).

Question 1. Which Side Fired First?
Based on the timeline of the initial sensor readings, the group on the hillside clearly initiated hostilities with a nearly-simultaneous volley. In fact, only sporadic fire came from the camp, and most shots from below were made after the last shot was fired from the hill.

Question 2. Does the timeline fit Cole's theory that the Rostov crew take part?
There's enough time for Styles and his team to beam down, properly stow the weapons in the storage cave, and head out with a group of Tyreen hunters to be part of the attack. That said, there's currently no evidence they did anything but beam down with the repeater shipment.

Regarding the Momentum Spend, you can also ask additional questions (1 Momentum each). Regarding an Advantage, are you looking for a way to provide Advantage on tests to help smooth ruffled feathers both on the ground and in Starfleet?

[Nolmir]

OOC: Yeah, that's what I was thinking for the Advantage -- a way to deal with diplomatic/bureaucratic issues that might come out of this. Like I said, I'm not in love with it, but I haven't been able to think of any better ways to spend the Momentum.

[Patrick Goodman]

Treyva put the letter down. "Thank you, Cole," he said tersely. "Is there any evidence that Starfleet personnel were involved in the attack?"

[Davy, aka GM]

OOC: I think this is a good point for a segue.

Cole suggests Mr. Les would have the answer to that question, and the pair converge on Lt. Thadis' lab, where the two science officers have been working. Treyva calls Sorak along the way and has him meet them there.

Tobin explains his findings, stating that he has no evidence that a Starfleet officer participated in the firefight at the Apellan camp. They can only state with any authority that Styles and a security team beamed down to the planet with a shipment of repeaters earlier this morning.

He does point out that one Klingon used his communicator after the fight, on a tight beam transmission that the crew can trace.

OOC: Okay, the four of you are in Thadis' lab, and you know what Tobin has discovered.

[Doug Burke]

Sorak's brows furrowed on heating the news of the events planetside. "Despite the lack of non- circumstantial evidence, based on Captain Styles' record and his behavior since our arrival, I calculate the probability that he has, as the humans say, "gone native" at roughly 92.453 percent. An event similar to that on Omega IV in 2268."

He paused to let that sink in for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps we should contact Captain Styles to validate the hypothesis."

[Renny]

"Whatever the outcome of that conversation, sir," Cole offered, "I've got everyone in my team standing by for further orders."

[Patrick Goodman]

Life's been hectic. Haven't forgotten about this.

[Patrick Goodman]

Treyva looked at Les and Thadis. "If you can track that signal, do it; at least we'll know where to look for company." He turned to Sorak. "I think you're right. If you would be so kind, Commander...."

[Doug Burke]

Sorak inclined his head slightly to acknowledge the order and activated the nearest com panel. "Sorak to bridge. Please contact Captain Styles on the planet and pipe it down to this location."

[Davy, aka GM]

"Aye, sir. Stand by," replies Lt. j.g. Portmain. The line is quiet for several moments before the Vulcan hears Captain Styles' voice.

"Styles here. What do you need Mr. Sorak?"

[Doug Burke]

"Just seeking some clarification, Captain,"  the Vulcan responded in a helpful yet pedantic tone. "I was not made aware of any planned changes to the delivery schedule for the new firearms this morning. I felt it prudent to verify that you had apprised Captain Treyva at least of this acceleration in the timetable."

[Davy, aka GM]

OOC: To track the Klingon signal, this will be an Insight + Science task vs Difficulty 2 for Tobin. Thadis will assist with his Insight + Science (8/4), and you'll also have the ship assist using Computers + Science (7/2). Because a secondary character is assisting a main character, you get the benefit of the "Well-Oiled Machine" Advantage, reducing the Difficulty to 1.

"I had a personal request from one of the hunt leaders, Pelel," Styles replies. "He wanted to go on an pre-dawn hunt, to get more familiarity with their repeaters in the field. So, I took the initiative to have my people bring the shipment down with us. Mr. Reed did properly sign for it, I hope."

OOC: You can almost hear the stern look he gives Ensign Reed on the other side of the call.

[Davy, aka GM]

OOC: On a side note, I just realized that Thadis needs a benefit for being featured this episode. Any thoughts on how Thadis has grown?

[Doug Burke]

Sorak raised a skeptical eyebrow and shared a meaningful look with Treyva. "While the proper signature was logged on the dataslate, it is also customary to provide verbal notice of such a change in plan. At least aboard the Drake, that is."

[Davy, aka GM]

"You're right, of course," Styles admits. "My apologies to you and Captain Treyva for the oversight. I'll ensure that all of us from the Rostov will properly liaise with your crew if we intend to deviate from normal routine."