Page 223 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

the small craft and its occupant. Midas and Jason came up with the solution to retrieve the vessel.
Traction beams will not work in “folded” space. So an older; much cruder system was deployed.
Guided tether; with gravity slope units would ensnare the craft and help synchronise the speed to
that of the Endeavour. Once synchronised; it would be possible to slowly “winch” the tiny craft into
the Endeavours’ Hangar bay. It eventually took five attempts at capture but success was achieved.

The craft and its single occupant were brought aboard. The
occupant was in a state of deep stasis. The signal was coming
from a transponder linked to what looked like a Kryst
headband. However; the wearer was definitely not Kryst. In
the creatures hands were a number of small objects. Doc
Manson asked for the being to be taken to Med Bay for
recovery. The craft would be pawed over by the Engineering
contingent. The being was in some form of survival suit; one
which was capable of generating a substantial stasis field. It was small; only about a meter and a
quarter high, slim of build and, without disrobing to be certain, had apparent female lines as regards
body shape. The Headband apparatus was removed and a sample of the suits atmosphere taken. It
was Terran normal.
“When we figure out how to remove the suit; the occupant will not have difficulty breathing the
ships atmosphere” Lucy announced; and Doc agreed. Later a meeting was convened in the Ready
room.
“That automated beacon rig is something new. Not even the Ulahri and Kryst have anything similar. I
think we have a new species here” Midas said when he joined the bridge Officers in the Ready room
“The circuitry is incredibly minute; it’s on a Pico scale”
he added and sat down handing out reports and scans
“I want you to pay attention to the medallion type
thing that was around the occupants neck” he said and
brought up an image on the central viewer. The device
was about 26 millimetres in diameter; 2.5 millimetres
thick and had been suspended on a fine metallic chain
only 1.2 millimetres thick. The complex circuitry that
was found inside consisted of Pico scale modules, Nano
scale plasma and wave guides, and a sophisticated
array of sensors and periphery equipment, all on the
Pico scale of engineering. These included a holographic
optical sensor and a wide beam sound receptor. “We believe the chain acted as a form of antenna
for transmitting in the upper sub-space bands” Midas concluded his descriptions.
“Doctor; have you been able to examine the occupant yet?” Dagnor asked over a closed link that had
been set up with Med Bay.
“Not as yet. Though; we think we have found a release system for the seams on the suit.” Manson
replied “Lucy has managed to locate the stasis controls and we will be starting resuscitation shortly.
And I’ve been asked to say Mother and baby girl are doing fine. Could we please rig up some kind of
shielding quicker next time we Fold Space?” he added. T’luha winced at that last remark; and
nodded acceptance. An alarm sounded suddenly and they all left for the Bridge. The Helm was
having difficulty compensating for an invisible disturbance in the “Fold” ahead of them. The rest of
the fleet were having difficulties too
“Any ideas what’s causing this Leeson?” Dagnor asked. The Science Officer; after consulting with his
team looked puzzled
“Not exactly sir; it appears to be a disturbance coming from outside our “Fold” something in the
region of interstellar space near to our first checkpoint” he replied. He brought up a schematic of
their route on the main viewer “It’s emanating from this location. A strong “Old Fashioned” radio
wave!” he concluded