Author's note: I realised that I have been mistakenly referring to pattern buffers as "transport buffers", so I'm retroactively changing the terminology used.

Just then, there was a shout to Alan's left. It turned out that Daniel had just awoken, and was just as bewildered as Alan had been when he arose from his long slumber.

"What's going on over here?! Why am I not in my quarters?" he cried out.

"Hey, hey, both of us went into anomaly together. Do you remember?"

Seeing Alan's countenance, Daniel's memories came flooding back. "Uh, yeah, I remember now. What happened after I blacked out?"

"I'll let the computer fill you in on the details. I'm not too sure myself, as I just woke up before you."

After both men had gotten a better idea of the situation they were in, the computer paused for a moment before speaking again. "By the way, both of you may like to know that you are in a possible first contact situation at the moment. A ship belonging to an unidentified species, or group of species, is currently attempting to break through this ship's hull."

"What?! Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?!" Daniel raged.

"It was deemed to be a good idea to get both of you better acquainted with your general situation before informing you of the specifics. While executing a first contact, it is best to have a clear idea of the circumstances you are in. Besides, it had been ascertained that the unidentified ship is of no threat to this ship, so you were at no point in time in the way of harm," the computer calmly replied.

"…Fair enough. So what can you tell us about these aliens?" Daniel asked.

"The ship that is currently attempting to breach our hull is likely to be a mining ship. Judging from the similarity of this ship's equipment to those of mining ships of earlier eras, there is a strong possibility that the species, or group of species you are facing does not have transporter technology."

"So, at least we'll have some sort of leverage during negotiations," Daniel said thoughtfully.

"By the way, the unidentified ship sent subspace message around 20 minutes ago, to a ship orbiting the third planet of this system. The translated message has been displayed on the viewscreen," the computer added.

It read:

Dear Captain Aerik,

I have just made a discovery that you will find hard to believe. You have helped me out many times in the past, but this time the payoffs will be huge. I'll give you 50% of the profits if you assist me in my recovery efforts this time.

Yours Sincerely,

T'Alan

P.S. I'll make sure that your superiors in the Space Force don't find out that your balance increased all of a sudden.

"Corruption," Alan exclaimed in disgust. "Besides, why does this person's name sound so similar to mine…"

"Regardless of the moral character of the beings we are dealing with, the ship that received this message is currently heading towards you at a velocity that would allow it to come within a light second of you in approximately 4 minutes and 27 seconds," the computer informed them.

"Can we get a visual of the ship heading towards us?" Daniel asked.

A holographic display appeared in front of their eyes, giving them a clear view of the approaching vessel. One thing that stuck out at them was the distinct lack of any type of structure that could serve as a warp nacelle. In addition, the vessel had a white matte surface, and had an exceedingly angular design. There was not a single curve on the ship; quite unlike graceful Federation designs. It was composed of a lengthy primary structure flanked by two shorter secondary structures. There was no apparent physical connection between the secondary structures and the primary structure, giving the vessel a mysterious appearance. Grooves adorned its surface, giving the otherwise flat finish some depth. Completing the unique appearance of the ship were obsidian black trapezoidal regions filled with the pinpoint lights of windows.

Both humans aboard the runabout were impressed by the ship's appearance. "Could you tell us how long that ship is?" Alan asked.

"According to estimations, it is approximately 6389.23 metres in length," the computer replied blasély.