Science Station Beta Epsilon, also known as Science Station 146, was a 24th century Federation scientific research laboratory outpost built on Phaedra to study the planet's unique geology and electromagnetism.
Specifics[]
The facility was constructed in a fault-free region along the planet's equator on a rocky plain in a valley capable of withstanding high Richter scale-magnitude earthquakes. A number of fortified permacrete and metallic buildings rested atop large shock-absorbers. The main facility contained scientific instruments, a changing room for outside exploration, an emergency transmitter, and a sickbay with four biobeds. Living quarters were kept separate. It also had a landing field 50 yards away that supported two aircars. In the event of an earthquake, escape pods could be used to evacuate its staff of 25 into orbit.
History[]
In 2368, xenogeologist Adrienne Tillstrom was invited to a three-year stint at the station. In order for her 18-year-old son Mikal Tillstrom to serve a scientific role there rather than attend a university, she had an engram-circuit memory aid implanted in his head that provided him with enough technical knowledge to serve as a technician.
Five months later, while exploring along the edge of the facility's valley, Doctor Tillstrom took samples of a peculiar complex mud made of quartz, basalt, magnesium, alkalis, silicon, and small crystalline compounds that formed whole strata on the planet. The next day, it began altering things around it, and within a few days they realized it was a silicon-based clay lifeform. Personnel transmitted a distress signal as it began killing people.
Shortly after, the USS Enterprise-D responded. William T. Riker, Beverly Crusher, Worf, and Lars Fredricks piloted a shuttle to the landing field. By then, the installation had been contaminated and wrecked by the clay lifeform. The Tillstroms were rescued, but the lifeform killed the rest of the staff, then went on to contaminate large portions of the Enterprise. (TNG novel: Grounded)
Vehicles[]
Notable personnel[]
- Doctor Springton
- Doctor Adrienne Tillstrom, xenogeologist
- Mikal Tillstrom, technician