The Galactic Barrier (A Gilded Cage, Part I)

[Solluk]

Starfleet observation outposts notice an object approaching the galactic barrier from outside the galaxy.  This object turns out to be a ship, and it halts just outside the barrier, but details about it are difficult to discern.  Yourship is dispatched to investigate.  Upon reaching the barrier, Yourship is contacted by the alien ship which remains on the other side of the barrier.  The ship identifies itself via powerful subspace radio as Noyali Maintenance Ship #223, assigned to check on the galactic barrier.  It explains that the Noyali people installed the galactic barrier eons ago to protect a young and developing galaxy, but now the barrier is scheduled for removal.  The Noyali offer information to Yourship that will allow it to shut down the barrier, opening the Federation to extra-galactic exploration.  But should you trust these aliens?

Starting Point: Yourship is dispatched to investigate a ship approaching the galactic barrier... from the outside.

End Goal: Yourship passes on a recommendation to Starfleet regarding the intentions of the Noyali.

Story points that must be passed?:

I) Yourship is dispatched to investigate a ship approaching the galactic barrier... from the outside.

II) When Yourship arrives, it is contacted by an alien vessel on the other side of the barrier.  Identifying itself as Noyali Maintenance Ship #223, It explains that the Noyali people installed the galactic barrier eons ago to protect a young and developing galaxy, but now the barrier is scheduled for removal.  The Noyal offer information to Yourship that will allow it to shut down the barrier, opening the Federation to extra-galactic exploration.

III) The Noyali ship explains that the barrier can be shut down in sections by visiting ancient, secret control facilities in star systems containing Pulsars.  The entire barrier can be taken down this way, or individual sections of the barrier can be shut down, depending on how many Pulsar control systems are shut off.

IV) Communication with the Noyali ship is limited to subspace transmissions, as sensor data is difficult to receive accurately through the barrier.  Science, Engineering, and Ops personnel may devise a means of boosting signal strength to get an accurate picture of the Noyali maintenance ship.

V) Using developed techniques, Yourship is able to finally get a fairly accurate sensor scan of the Noyali ship.  It seems to be a massive incredibly well-armed and highly advanced warship.  Hardly the 'maintenance' vessel it described itself as.

VI) The Noyali ship presses Yourship to go on and immediately deactivate the galactic barrier.  Their insistance becomes rude, and even threatening.  Eventually, the Noyali ship launches an unmanned attack drone that penetrates the barrier.  This drone is small- scarcely larger than a shuttle- but powerful, and Yourship engages in a life-and-death struggle against the drone.  Eventually, Yourship barely comes out on top, defeating the drone.  If one small drone is capable of such power, it boggles the mind what the massive Noyali warship might be able to do.

VII) Yourship reports back to Starfleet, giving their information and recommendations about what to do.

Departments: (To make sure everyone has something to do.)

- Flight: Thrilling combat with the Noyali drone.

- Engineering: Science, Engineering, and Ops personnel may devise a means of boosting signal strength to get an accurate picture of the Noyali maintenance ship.  There will be necessary repairs after the battle.

- Operations: Power transfers during combat, plus Science, Engineering, and Ops personnel may devise a means of boosting signal strength to get an accurate picture of the Noyali maintenance ship.

- Security and tactical: Thrilling space combat against the drone.

- Medical: There will be some injuries, no doubt.

- Science: Science, Engineering, and Ops personnel may devise a means of boosting signal strength to get an accurate picture of the Noyali maintenance ship.

Note:  This is the beginning of the 'Gilded Cage' story arc dealing with the origins of the 'galactic barrier' seen in the Star Trek second pilot episode Where No Man Has Gone Before.