Prophetic Epilogue

Unofficial Literary Challenge 19 - Prompt 4 "Epilogue"

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Captain’s Log, Stardate 91247.5

As the Federation, and its Allies, expands into the Delta Quadrant, several systems are being properly charted.  Even if this age of conflict with the Iconians, there is a need to explore.  Solaris has seen some front line action, yet being an Excelsior-class meant we were delegated to supply runs.  Naturally this meant we have suffered fewer casualties than some other ships of the line.  In the course of our duties, I have ordered that we be sure to collect data on planets otherwise missing from record at every chance we can. 

On a particular low-priority mission, we were to pass system E538-alpha-7B.  This was the system on Stardate 54529.1 then Captain Kathryn Janeway deposited a group of Klingons who were travelling the Delta Quadrant in search of the kuvah’magh.  The third of six planets was logged as M-class.  Very little information about the system otherwise existed.  Solaris took the opportunity to develop information and check on the status of the pilgrims, maybe even offer the survivors a chance to “come home”, so to speak.  Coincidentally, my Security Chief had a distant relative who joined the crew of the Klingon vessel when it left the Alpha Quadrant.

Long-range scans returned contradicting information from Voyager’s logs.  As we altered course for further investigation, we determined only five planets were in-system.  Eventually we learned an M-class planet was not to be found.

Entered the system on the outer planet’s L2 point, deep scans of the system were conducted.  Immediately noticed was a large debris field between the second and third planets.  After a few hours correlating and verifying data, we discovered heavy traces of Anti-Proton radiation.  Although Astrometrics is convinced this was the class-M planet in Janeway’s logs, proof is either missing or circumstantial.

Without more time, or further analysis, I loathe thinking the Iconians were the direct cause.  Any reason for their action can only be speculated.  I’m also not willing to declare a natural catastrophic event either, yet it cannot be ruled out.  I think the presence of Anti-Proton radiation is the key.  It’s a mystery Solaris will have to leave for another time.