You are in command of the USS Foundation, a Nebula Class starship, dispatched by Starfleet Command to a remote planet with a large number of wrecks on its surface, known locally as the Graveyard of Giants. The wrecks in question are one generation behind the most probable threat-vessels in this galaxy, and are numerous; your mission is to gain the most comprehensive understanding of the technologies used that you can, and/or to obtain the most useful cargo you can from the planet.
The initial survey conducted by the USS Progress indicates that there is a small local population, primarily clustered around a settlement called Neema Outpost, who explore the wrecks and salvage small components, which are traded for food pre-fabricates, and water. You may either avoid contact with this local population but if you become involved with them you are likely to encounter small scale resistance from armed exploitative traders who rely on having a monopolistic and violent control of food supplies to retain their position on Jakku.
Other risks include radiation and toxins, which the natives appear to lack treatment or serious protective gear for, and possible surviving hostile mechanical life forms within some wrecks.
The Starfleet Judge Advocate General’s office and the UFP State Department have advised that the Prime Directive does not apply in this situation.
Expected mission duration, 2+ years on station, with periodic resupply and removal of artefacts for study via the USS Armstrong.
1.2 Mission Resources
USS Foundation – Nebula Class Starship
Upgraded to post-Voyager specifications, including quantum slipstream drive (cruising speed - 2,630,000 c) and equipped with transwarp beaming technology (maximum range 1 parsec approx.) and a cloaking device.
Recommended loadout suggests use of pod space to provide additional runabouts and shuttles for the mission, allowing extended stays on the planet’s surface.
Smallcraft (Main Complement)
10 shuttlepods
5 personnel shuttles
5 vehicle (Argo type) shuttles
2 Mission Scout Vessels
Smallcraft (Pod; Optional)
20 Danube Class Runabouts
Personnel
You have a complement of 800, of which 300 are essential ship crew, including engineering, command, medical and security branches, and 500 of whom are scientific personnel. The majority of these will be Starfleet, however, up to 100 of the scientific personnel are likely to be civilian experts.
For the mission:
- What kind of scientists and engineers particularly do you try and bring?
- What is your approach to researching the wrecks, landing runabouts with laboratory modules and working on the ground, or short duration transports from orbit (or beyond)? Feel free to make up your own ideas/concepts.
- Do you hire native guides?
- What security measures do you take?
- What are your goals in exploring the wrecks?