Q & A - Keith R. A. DeCandido [12]
The captain considered his senior staff. T’Lana, seated next to Leybenzon, looked even smaller than her stature next to the security chief. Miranda seemed to hardly notice that La Forge had settled in beside her.
Folding his hands on the conference room table, Picard spoke: “As you know, we will be arriving tomorrow morning at Gorsach IX.” Turning to his second officer, Picard said, “Commander Kadohata, what can you tell us about this world?”
A holographic display was activated in the table. Kadohata said, “The Gorsach system was first charted about two hundred years ago by a Tellarite astronomer, Efrak chim Gorsach.” The display showed a sensor triagram of a star system with a yellow G-type star, and the orbital path for its ten planets, seventeen moons, six planetoids, and three asteroid belts. “The system was the test bed for a long-range probe he’d developed. Unfortunately, it broke down before he could successfully return the probe to Tellar. He lost his funding to build the probe series, which is why there aren’t more systems named after him and why the information is spotty.
“According to various long-range probes that the Federation has sent that way over the intervening years—and our own long-range scans—the ninth planet is Class-M. There are also two gas giants in the system, the fourth and fifth planets. Those three are the only ones of the system’s eleven planets that have any kind of atmosphere. The remaining eight are little more than barren rocks.” Kadohata had been talking to the room, but now her gaze fell specifically on Picard. “Captain, I’d like to send class-twos to both gas giants. Gorsach IV’s fairly standard, but the other one, the fifth planet, is quite large. It’s possible it might be on the verge of igniting into a red dwarf.”
Before Picard could answer the request, Leybenzon leaned forward in his chair. “Would that pose a danger to the ship?”
Giving the security chief a withering look, Kadohata said, “The process takes centuries, Lieutenant. We should be fine.”
“By all means, Commander,” Picard said quickly, “send the probes.”
Kadohata smiled. “Thank you, Captain.” Then she grew serious again and touched a control in front of her. The hologram narrowed to the ninth planet. “Something else the probes have detected are considerable deposits of dilithium and topaline—worth looking into.”
Worf added, “No signs of sentient life have been detected on the planet. Based on long-range sensor analysis, we have found a large canyon that is near some of the heaviest topaline and dilithium deposits.”
“Are there any other signs of life?” Crusher asked.
“Lower animal life only,” Worf said. “Impossible to say for certain beyond that.”
“We’ll be able to get a better notion of that once we’re in-system, but I agree with Commander Worf that canyon’s the best place to start a ground survey.” Miranda deactivated the display.
“Very well,” Picard said with a nod. “Number One, you will lead the away team.”
“Thank you, Captain. With your permission, I will begin with a minimal team consisting of myself, Commander Kadohata, and Lieutenant Leybenzon. Once we have completed our initial survey, and determined that the location is secure, we will beam down a more complete scientific survey team and set up a base camp.”
Kadohata said, “If you don’t mind, Commander, I’ve some ideas about who should go on that team.”
“The exact composition of the second team will be left to the discretion of the department heads,” Worf said.
“Thank you, sir,” Kadohata said with a pleased-looking nod.
Worf looked at the chief engineer. “Commander La Forge and I have discussed the physical aspects of the base camp.”
La Forge nodded. “My guys are already on it. We should have a fully operational setup by the time you three finish the initial survey.”
“If I may, Commander?” Leybenzon said. When Worf nodded, the security chief continued. “For the second team, I want one security guard