Mining Survey

Posted on Sun Sep 6th, 2026 @ 4:58pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Lieutenant Wyatt Steele & Lieutenant Ashlynn Regan & Lieutenant JG Vienna Steele & Lieutenant Phlox Ph.D.

1,058 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Here There Be Dragons
Location: Draco IV

The runabouts Bahamut and Tiamat exited the shuttle bay of the Washington and made their descent to the planet surface to begin what Phlox hoped to be a productive and potentially exciting mineral survey. They had already been informed by the bridge that Cmdr Celes had indeed detected what appeared to be dragons, and the primary away team had beamed down to take a closer look. The two runabouts were filled with scientists, engineers, and security personnel. Phlox had made requests and the captain had obliged.

Phlox was the lead of the two teams, but he couldn't be on both runabouts at the same time. He pulled from the science department to find qualified personnel that could handle leading a survey team under the strange and somewhat unique circumstances they found themselves in. After working with her for a similar sort of endeavor, he decided the best option was Lt Regan. He made sure she had the best tactical team with her, so he decided to speak with the captain and had gotten the green light to being in the Steele's for her protection.

As they broke into the atmosphere, Phlox and the Bahamut directed themselves towards their landing zone, while Ashlynn's team on the Tiamat edged starboard toward their zone.

**************

Wyatt sat in the co=pilot's chair and looked at the data coming in. "So far nothing out of the ordinary to report. I wonder if we'll see any dragons like Commander Celes team." He remarked.

Having the intelligence background that she had, Ash had past experience under her belt leading a team, not to mention she had tactical experience; even without the Steele's she knew she could take care of herself, though she didn't object to the extra protection. "As long as we don't come off as their dinner, I'm all for it" she quipped morbidly from the pilot's seat.

Vienna was keeping an eye on the readouts from where she sat. “We should be extremely cautious, if this planet has dragons what else does it have? Plus, we now know they’re not all friendly.”

"Just going to have to be extra observant and treat all creatures we encounter with caution." Wyatt replied.

"Agreed. I don't think staying low once we're at the site can hurt" Ash said as she checked her readouts. "We're approaching the landing site."

"You will get no argument from me on that." Wyatt answered as he looked over the landing site. "Site appears clear. You can land when ready Ash."

Ash gave a quick nod before dipping the Tiamat's nose down to lose a bit more altitude as per standard operation. She slowed the craft down and took her about before hovering over the landing site. She gently set the Tiamat down and began shutting down the engines. "Butter" she retorted with an old saying pilots and aviation enthusiasts used to say when a plane had a smooth landing.

“Yep, smooth as” Vienna grinned as she looked at Ash. “I’m looking forward to getting out and looking around.”

"Nope." Wyatt grinned at Vi as he said his next. "Smooth as glass Ash, nicely done."

Ash gave a quick look at the Steele's. "I'm just glad I can get some fresh air" she chuckled before crouching down to collect and prepare the science equipment before offloading it to collect and examine the samples.

Wyatt watched her go, "Ash is glad to get some fresh air. I am glad to be here with you and what are you glad about my love?" he questioned Vi.

“Me?” Vienna smiled. “Right now being right here with you. Just where I’m meant to be.”

Wyatt beamed at her answer, "As, thanks sweetie. I feel exactly the same about you."

Vienna grinned. “So where shall we start? Just follow on behind Ash and get stuck in?”

Ash is the mission commander. We follow whatever orders, ideas or instructions she has." Wyatt pointed out.

“Of course” Vienna nodded. “Let’s see what she needs us to be doing.”

"Sounds like a plan to me." Wyatt agreed.


******************

While Phlox was in charge of the mission aboard the Bahamut, he had Cmdr Smith and his team aboard as security. As such, Smith was at the helm with Murdoch, and Peck had been given the task of keeping Barracus quelled until they landed, as he seemed to have issue with the idea of Murdoch flying the runabout. Phlox was unsure why a conflict existed, as he had found Murdoch's piloting to be quite impressive thus far.

Phlox moved to the rear compartment and checked in with the other science team members, making sure all the equipment was ready with them landing soon.

"Lt Murdoch says we'll be landing in just a few minutes. I believe you can revive Mr. Baracus" Phlox said in passing to Peck.

"Easy for you to say doc. You don't know Bosco the way I do. We may end up with a genuine medical emergency" Peck replied in a panic.

"Optimism lieutenant" Phlox replied, offering that uniquely Denobulan smile.

"Optimism, right" Peck said nervously, his eyes rolling ever so slightly as he looked to Bosco.

"Equipment is ready to go. This is going to be great" Duvall said as he looked over the drilling equipment.

Suddenly the runabout veered hard and everyone flew to the side before the inertial dampeners kicked back in. "What in the world?" Phlox questioned.

"We may have a problem here!" Smith called from the pilot console.

Phlox got up and composed himself quickly and hurried to the front compartment. As he approached, he could hear Murdoch howling like some sort of excited banshee. "What seems to be the problem gentlemen?" he asked. As he asked a jet of flame streamed across the shields followed by a massive red colored creature.

"Is that what I think it is?" Phlox questioned.

"If you are asking if that is a dragon, then I would have to say that the answer is yes" Murdoch replied gleefully. "And it seems to have taken issue with us. We can land or I take evasive action, or rather, advanced action."

"By all means, take the action. I leave this in your hands Cmdr Smith" Phlox replied, his voice filled with excitement and fear.

"Murdoch bring us around. I'll warm up the phaser banks" Smith ordered.


TBC

 

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