This expedition started out with the description:
From that description, I wrote this 'Mission Brief' on Google Docs. Briefs go out 3 days before a mission.
This is what we created after months of writing together, one post at a time, five rounds per weekly session.
- We were on a deep-space exploration mission, about twenty-seven light-years beyond the reach of a Federation subspace communication buoy. We landed on the planet for a week-long archaeological dig via shuttle craft. A bit of R&R while the ship performed a detailed solar-system study. A few days into the mission, the ship is attacked, and before we have a chance to get off the surface, it warps out of the system. We'll have shelter, food replicators, energy weapons, ground shields, and a warp-8-capable shuttle.
From that description, I wrote this 'Mission Brief' on Google Docs. Briefs go out 3 days before a mission.
This is what we created after months of writing together, one post at a time, five rounds per weekly session.
Arc 1, Mission 1: Attacked (4 sessions)
After the USS Ailurophile-A is forced to flee, the runabout Panther is stranded on Bolteen. The crew initiates a "breadcrumb protocol" and deploys a drone fleet to find five missing team members. They discover biomechanical predators have killed Lt. Commander Tavik Rell, but successfully rescue Mary Fitzgerald and T’Pral.
Arc 1, Mission 2: Escape (4 sessions)
The crew rescues the final two survivors, Doran Kell and Grex. To escape, they utilize a Faraday cage configuration and a grounding beam to punch through a 1km-high electrical barrier. Once in the upper atmosphere, they discover thousands of drones generating subspace distortions.
Arc 1, Mission 3: Pursuit (3 sessions)
The Panther navigates a "Swiss cheese" of subspace distortions while being pursued by 57 drones. Lieutenant T’Vera is treated for a concussion and helps chart a path using predictive algorithms. Commander Corcoran uses photonic shockwaves from micro-torpedoes to disable a portion of the pursuing swarm.
Arc 1, Mission 4: The Search (1 session)
Following the breadcrumb trail, the crew discovers the Ailurophile nearly a light-year away. The mothership is being besieged by a massive swarm of 1,300 drones. The crew uses signature spoofing to remain undetected while approaching the ship.
Arc 1, Mission 5: Our Response (3 sessions)
Upon rejoining the Ailurophile, the crew learns of 22 fatalities, including the Executive Officer. The ships remain in a stalemate with the drone swarm. To find a way out, the Panther crew successfully captures a single drone for analysis.
Arc 2, Mission 1: The Probe (4 sessions)
The captured drone begins communicating, asking the crew about their "perfect meal". After evacuating the injured to the mothership, a massive data dump from Captain Zarlinz reveals that the drones are part of a "threshold" designed to quarantine a genocidal race. The crew passes the "test of cooperation" and the drones stand down.
Arc 2, Mission 2: Clean Up
Writing in Progress as of July 2nd, 2026. Come back later for an update. :)