Quote:"Captains Log, Date: 12/02/2025.

USS Virgil Grissom remains in polar orbit of planet Earth conducting final calibration tests of our modified sensor array. Installation and commision of the array has been completed two days ahead of schedule. Doctors Katsuragi assures me that the modifications will be functional in time for our scheduled survey of Arcadia in two weeks time. "

Captain Lutjens set the PADD down on the armrest of his chair, letting it upload to the ship's master computer. The bridge of the big Gagarin-class ship was closer in feel to the cockpit of he airliners he'd flown in another career - slightly larger with enough space for a couple of extra crewmembers, but still small and snug compared to the spacious Trek ideal.

Beside him, the science specialist, Doctor Katsuragi of the Tsoukalos Institute for Extraterrestrial archeology. Technically an acting Lieutenant, it entitled him to the traditional blue-shirt, while exempting him from the usual starfleet grooming requirements. The Japanese man's hair and beard grew wild, the good Doctor preferring to spend his time preparing for the greatest mission of his life, than on personal grooming.

His head was down, buried in a computer console as his fingers flashed across a touchpad.

Lutjens took the time to survey his ship, operating mostly under the automatic supervision of it's Mind. Pilot and Navigator stations were locked and idle, as was the communications station to his left. The crew were otherwise busy with final preparations. Earth orbit was a safe harbour.

Lutjens became aware of strange emptiness encroaching on his bridge, an absence that defied explanation. He scanned around, taking a few squirming heartbeats to realise that Katsuragi had stopped typing.

"That's funny," said the doctor in that mildly curious tone that heralded all the greatest of scientific discoveries.

"what is?"

System error, Lutjens had already concluded. Instrument failure was the bane of all scientists. Especially prototype instruments. It had to be a malfunction. It just had to be...

"I'm getting a Tannhauser signature, Captain. It's coming from Earth."

The man didn't believe it himself. It couldn't be possible.

"What?" This all but confirmed it as a malfunction. "I thought you'd ironed out all the bugs. Check your gear."

Katsuragi already busied himself at his sensor controls, working at speeds that'd make an android jealous. Lutjens found himself staring out at the blue ocean rolling past above his craft, a thousand possibilities sparking in the back of his mind, even as he braced himself for the disappointment.

"Confirmed," said Katsuragi, placing is palm softly against the side of his head as he drew in a deep, long breath. "Antarctica, about five kilometres South of Mount Markham, on the surface, beneath the ice-sheet." His eyes were wide as he turned to face Lutjens. "It's there Captain. I'm certain of it."

His breath was shaking.

"Another gate..."

Ever the scientist, Lutjens searched for the simplest explanation, and now that equipment failure had been ruled out, that left only one possibility. A gate between Earth and the Moon certainly matched the pattern... maybe intact gates were the exception, rather than the rule.

"I'm not sure..." Answered Katsuragi. "It's just a signature."

Feeling the hand of history weigh down upon his shoulder, fully aware of the certainty that his name would forever be associated with what was, by any accounts, something big and important, something that changed the history of Earth and potentially that of humanity entirely. He said the only thing a ship-Captain could say at a time like that....

"Oh bugger me."

Dartz Wrote:The collective hath spoke...

I'd still like to save Dr. Katsuragi, and the Tsokalous Institute for Extraterrestrial Archeology...