Michael had prepared as much as he could for the unknown, as well as having his crew prepare for what was about to happen. Michael was in his seat on the bridge with Lexi beside him, watching as the ship dropped out of warp into the Vraekton System.

He observed the area and immediately started to give orders, “Ruvok let the Fairfax know we are starting our sensor sweeps.” He turned and looked at his second officer. “Xiao, begin a broad scan of the system to see if we can determine where the outposts are located, and also watch for any enemy signals. I don’t want to discount the possibility of an ambush.”

He waited for the acknowledgement and looked back to Amanda, “Be ready to raise the shields if needed.” He looked at Lexi, “Make sure an’ let engineering know that we might have to get close to a planet to scan, so I want all extra power they can give for probes and sensor data.” She nodded and departed the bridge as she liked to go face-to-face when giving orders, unless the captain needed her on the bridge.

Xiao looked up from his console “I seem to be getting some faint signals from the fourth planet, though I cannot ascertain what exactly it is.”

Michael thought for a moment, “Launch three probes to that system to try and determine more information before we approach any closer. Also launch one probe to each of the other systems.” Michael wasn’t quite sure of what to expect, but he wanted to see what he could find “Helm, bring us to the most central point for launching the probes.” He saw a nod and heard the hum of the core as the ship started to move from its current location. He could not see the planet that Xiao had mentioned, but he saw the closest planet, and it seemed familiar in some way, but he had no clue how.

The Neptune quickly made it to the point that Michael had commanded, and the ship launched the probes as commanded. The truth was, surveying wasn’t always exciting, but when it was quiet, sometimes that gave them a false sense of security. Michael stood and began to pace as he waited for the data to come back from the probes. He saw Xiao turn and went to his console. “You have something?” he asked.

Xiao nodded and smiled to himself as he knew Michael could be impatient, but it was something he had learned to deal with through the time he had been on the Neptune. “Looks like the initial data has come in.”

He paused before continuing, “Vraekton One looks like a Class G, as it is covered in what looks like magma from former volcanoes, with little life present and some active volcanoes dotted throughout. The whole core of the planet seems to be heated, but with no indication of anything catastrophic to come from the scans we’ve ascertained.”

“Vraekton Two seems to be a Class D, has high temperatures with a rocky metallic body, but with no life present. The temperatures would be bearable, but not for a long amount of time and would require suits for us to survive. The planet has nothing that resembles any manmade structures or signals.”

“Vraekton Three looks like a Class Y or demon planet, as we have been known to call them. It has exceedingly high temperatures, as well as sulphuric storms and constant unstable events. I would say anyone being stupid enough to try and go there would be signing their own death warrant immediately.”

“Vraekton Five and Seven look to be what we classify as gas giants and seem to be bombarding Vraekton Six with tidal currents between them. This is a unique phenomenon and not something we see super often. This is some great data for us to learn from, but the truth is that the dwarf planet has been in tidal disruption for hundreds of years and is nearing the point of reaching orbital instability. It is nearing the Roche limit of Vraekton five and seven because of the gravitational influence of the gas giants, which has begun to perturb the dwarf’s path. This has now changed the dwarf’s orbital eccentricity. While I cannot provide you with a time on how long this has been occurring, it seems as though we still have quite some time before a catastrophic event occurs. History accounts for these phenomena, taking millions to billions of years before the planets reach a grazing trajectory.”

As he finished, the final data came into his console for the final planet.

“Ahh, it seems as if Vraekton Four is the planet we’re looking for, as it is the only Class M planet in the system. It seems to be full of deep oceans with a very humid climate, though we will need to fly closer to get better scans. I can ascertain this would be the only planet the Romulans could survive on. It looks as though this is where we need to head.” Xiao finished with his thorough explanation of the systems survey, looking at Michael.

Michael gave Xiao a pat on the back “Make sure and send this information to Lieutenant Bolton in astrometrics so she can start to get the information in the database about this planet. Also, forward all findings to the Fairfax’s science officer so they can review the information as well.”

He looked at Ruvok “Open a channel to the Fairfax” He waited for the channel to open before speaking “Captain Dubois, we have relayed the information that we have been able to obtain through our first cursory scan of the entire system. We forwarded this information to your science officer. Please let us know when you would like to proceed.”

Alex glanced over at his first officer in astonishment. They had only been in-system for less than an hour, and the Neptune had already surpassed them in scientific efficiency. “I’m impressed, Captain.” He said, wandering over to the science station to review the data-stream. “We’ll take some time to review the data and get back to you, Fairfax out.”

“Still imagining the Neptune’s crew staring at our nacelles in awe, sir?” Wallace chuckled as he joined his captain, peeking over Sovek’s shoulder.

“I can see why you were so impressed, Number one,” Alex said sincerely. “A survey of this detail would have taken us a day and a half to accomplish.”

“Well, if their entire crew comes down with a case of the Ankaran flu, I’m sure they’ll find us Invaluable!” quipped Wallace.

“Curious,” Sovek exclaimed impassively. “It seems the sixth planet is subject to a particularly rare instance of tidal shear from the fifth and seventh—”

“I’m sure it’s very fascinating, Mister Sovek.” Alex butted in, “But please try to remember the real reason we’re here,” putting the Vulcan back on track,

“My apologies, Captain,” Sovek said, raising an eyebrow. “The Neptune has identified only one M-Class planet in the system; Vraekton Four, Sir.”

“Any lifesigns?” Said Wallace.

“Unable to detect at this distance, Commander. However, it appears to have an oxygen-rich atmosphere, tropical and sub-tropical climates. All other planets in the system are inhospitable to humanoid lifeforms, sir.” The Vulcan interpreted the data on his screen.

“Any Indications of technology anywhere in the system, warp trails, power signatures, anything?” Alex proposed.

Sovek took a moment to scan the data, cross-referencing with the Fairfax’s own sensors, “None, sir, though I feel it prudent to point out, the Romulans could be cloaked.”

Wallace nodded in agreement, “We should scan for elevated tachyons and get the Neptune to do a sweep.”

“No, we’re on a scientific expedition, remember,” Alex said reservedly. “We’ll start with the most obvious candidate, Vraekton Four,” he added, pointing to the screen. “We’ll plot a non-direct course via the second planet… make it look like we’re prospecting for dilithium.”

“That would be logical, sir. The second planet appears to have rich metal deposits.” Sovek added in agreement.

“Have the Neptune investigate the dwarf planet in the first instance; that seems like a reasonable source of study to maintain our cover.” Alex proposed, he had to think like a Romulan. Two federation starships, having just arrived in the system, what would attract the least attention?

“And what if the Romulans are cloaked?” asked Wallace, concerned about the possibility of an encounter. “Might be a good idea to set a yellow alert, just in case.”

Alex stood up straight and rested a hand on his X.O.’s shoulder. “Normally, I’d agree with you number one, but you’re forgetting one thing,” he said supportively.

“What’s that?” Wallace asked, oblivious.

“If the Romulans are watching us, they probably don’t want to be detected any more than we want to show our hand,” Alex smiled, “No point showing your playbook during the warm-ups.”

Wallace rolled his eyes, “Please, sir, not another ice hockey metaphor.”

“Go Huskies!” Alex playfully cheered.