Post Number: 141 *Reporting in*

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 9:49pm by Captain Marius Pontmercy & Lieutenant JG Celine Quinn & Commander Jordan Haines & Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon & Lieutenant Jude Haines & Lieutenant Marty Stokes & Lieutenant T'Shas Cruz & Lieutenant V'Lar & Major Charlotte Thrace & Ensign Hannah Thrace & Master Chief Petty Officer K'Ral De Bruinhiena
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 11:33pm

3,197 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Obsidian

On:

Jordan gave everyone one hour when they docked on the base to take care of anything they needed and stressed that they had better not be late to their meeting with Captain Pontmercy or face consequences. He grinned when he walked away as he used to show up late on purpose. It was funny how life changed.

He cleaned up in speed time and headed to the conference room with fifteen minutes to spare. As he walked in, there sat Jude drinking a cup of coffee. Their eyes met for a moment and Jordan shook his head. He swore the kid was switched at birth. He didn’t know how to have fun.

Marius came into the room a minute later his mind racing as he went over the meeting with the Admirals. He sighed as he sat, noting tension in his shoulders that was not about to leave any time soon.

"Jordan," he said in greeting, and nodded at Jude.

Mike walked into the room with arms full of data padds of information. He had been researching and never put them in his backpack. He sat down at the table and started to put them all away.

T'Shas entered the room and nodded towards the others before sitting down.

Charlotte made her way into the room, sitting down she smiled when not long after V'Lar walked in alongside Hannah who was balancing a few PADD's.

Amanda came in and sat down smiling at the others.

"It has been strange around here without you all," Marius admitted. "And now we are sending you right back out."

"It's not the quickest turnaround I've ever been involved in but it's close." Charlotte said. Marius nodded, knowing that to be true. He looked up as Lieutenants Stokes and Andrews walked in. He looked over at Jordan.

"Looks like we are all here," he said.

A message from Master Chief De Bruinhiena flashed on Captain Pontmercy's PADD. "Sir, Not gonna make the meeting. Getting the new LT settled in and squared away." Marius frowned at the report in his hand, and cleared his throat.

"Alright everyone. You all know by now that General Jackson's DNA has been taken, for what purpose...we do not know yet. I have tasked the intelligence teams to get working on that, along with the work of the Admiralty to discover if his codes have been tried in the time he was gone. We are running short on time, so here is what we have. I am splitting you in to two teams to work on retrieving it. Team one will be headed up by Commander Haines, and will comprise of Lieutenant Commander McMahon, Lieutenant Junior Grade Andrews, 2nd Lieutenant Haines, Lieutenant Junior Grade Quinn, Lieutenant Junior Grade Stokes, Lieutenant Junior Grade Cruz, and Lieutenant Junior Grade V'Lar. Team two will be headed up by 1st Lieutenant Thrace, and will be comprised of Ensign Thrace, Lieutenant Junior Grade Ritt, Lieutenant Junior Grade Hemsley, Lieutenant Junior Grade Eschenauer, Ensign Couldis, Lieutenant Junior Grade Chambers, Master Chief De Bruinhiena, and Ensign Galaway. Now, Commander Haines, please describe your mission plan."

"Can we please go through the whole situation before we start assigning personnel based on factors that may or may not be relevant?" Charlotte asked.

"Being that I have assigned personnel with the same skillsets to both teams, we should be fine," Marius said with a warning tone.

“It seems to me that we lay out the information and go as the captain ordered.” Jordan spoke up. “We already know that we need two teams, we are all qualified, let’s talk out what we know for certain.”

"IF you have suggestions on additional crew you'd like to bring along, let me know. However to ensure that both teams have equal skills and abilities, I have chosen the teams this way. We are short on time, and infiltration teams need to be able to handle any scenario." He sighed, grabbing up a padd that was sitting in front of him. "Although it was anonymous, a report was left on my desk a short while ago. From what I understand, you were given similar information," he said, indicating V'Lar. "While I hope you will be able to research it and ascertain it's validity, the report indicates that there were two samples of DNA taken from the General. Two samples, two teams. We need to determine where they are, and then each team will enter to extract one of the samples."

"With due respect sir they most certainly will not." V'Lar said "And if you will permit Ensign Thrace to give the presentation she's here to give she will explain why."

Jordan looked to V’Lar. “With all due respect you cannot tell or captain what we will or will not do. Trust me, it never ends well.” His eyes met V’Lar’s. “If you have a presentation you wish to explain then give it but I’m warning you there will be no more disrespect of authority.” He took a deep breath. “We’re moving quickly on this it would have been appropriate to send a quick message to the command staff with further developments instead of showing up with a supposed solution.” He looked around at everyone.
“In case there is some misunderstanding we all serve under Captain Pontmercy.”

"Ensign." V'Lar said, nodding at Hannah

"While we agree with a two team recommendation, where we disagree is in target." Hannah said "I'm going to take this step by step, or team by team because there's a lot of information here. First things first context." she pressed some buttons on the table and a holographic list came up in front of them "This is the Federation missing person database, containing anyone whether Starfleet or civilian who is presently listed as missing, now if I apply a colour filter." she pressed another button and a proportion of the names turned from white to yellow "The yellow names are Starfleet officers, ambassadors, diplomats, politicians and other high profile persons, we've not yet updated the list to remove General Jackson but that is being processed. Given we believe that what we've stumbled into is a plot hatched by one or both of the Tal'Shiar and the Obsidian Order this raises a concern because if you have a persons DNA and the right equipment you can create a clone of that individual and in this context with some of the names on this list you could plant agents and operatives within the Federation and effectively damage it from within."

Pressing some more buttons Hannah brought up a map marked with three locations, two marked in red and one marked in green "The two red markers indicate locations where the DNA is we believe being kept." Hannah continued "This furthers our belief that potentially both our adversaries are involved. The two locations are firstly here in what used to be the Romulan Neutral Zone and secondly close to the Maxis system, famed for Jean-Luc Picard's maneuver. We recommend a strike team to handle both these targets. The reason is that retrieval of the DNA while critical to preventing future developments is not likely to stop the immediate threat. Away team after action reports detail overhearing the apparent pirate leader stating 'report this to command' this must be assumed to mean that they are reporting to Romulan or Cardassian authorities, this is supported by the fact that a Cardassian defector pointed the away team to the General's location. Therefore it is logical to believe that whatever plot this is, and we have a very strong theory on this, is on an accelerated timetable it is in motion, we are currently hours behind this. The green marker is on the Klingon homeworld, we don't know for certain for this plot is but given how big it would have to be it is safe to say that all roads lead to Qon'os which is why we recommend an infiltration and investigative team to head there and put a stop to it. This also highlights the need to shuffle personnel around. The wild card is that the USS Restitution's last reported position was at Bolarus, that puts it in the vicinity of the former Neutral Zone location. The point sir is that there are two halves to this equation there is retrieving or destroying the DNA and there is stopping the current threat, both must be addressed."

Jude looked around. “So we’re sending three groups out, two to get each of Jackson’s DNA back and one to go to Kronos.” He paused for a moment. “It seems like every time we have a meeting the entire scenario is already solved. Are we even needed here?” This was the second time he’d been to a meeting where everything was done and they were left to be soldiers in someone’s else’s game.

"Lieutenant if we'd solved everything I'd be strongarming Commander Haines over there into a vacation on Risa but as that isn't happening let's just be clear where we are. We have to address both sides of this because if we don't and something happens we all get investigated and potentially court martialled, I've been there twice and it's not fun. Also although it's likely that whatever this is is going to go down on Qon'os we still don't know what it is, that entire aspect is dealing in theory at this point and could use the insight of security personnel." Charlotte said

Yujas watched the exchange silently. “If I may,” he said looking around. “After everything is said and done the most important thing is stopping the threat and Hannah’s presentation seems to be a logical route.”

Marius heard what Ritt said, and glanced over at Hannah.

"After this meeting, I expect a quick...conversation with both Commander Haines and 1st Lieutenant Thrace," he said, his voice low and serious. As for this new information, in the future it would behoove you to relay it to your Commanding Officer before a Senior Staff meeting. Protocol is still required under my command." He sighed. "What is your suggestion then," he asked Thrace?

"Not knowing what the threat is for certain means we need a team with a wide ability range on Qon'os." Hannah said "The journey there takes a fair amount of time, that means that strike teams can hit the two locations, secure the DNA or destroy the samples in either case we need to remove their ability to do this. But critically those strike teams can potentially capture persons who may know what the endgame is, that gives whoever is on Qon'os the information they need."

“So if we are going to hit this mystery place I still don’t have a name for.” Jordan replied for one of Jackson’s DNA while the other team goes to Kronos are you saying the second DNA is a fabrication? Otherwise there doesn’t seem to be a plan for it?”

"The former Neutral Zone location is the Nelvana system." Hannah said "The counsellor I'm sure can explain more about frenemies, but suffice to say we believe that the strike team can with relative safety take the two DNA locations one at a time."

“And while that is going on what is happening with Kronos?” Jude asked. He was curious what the answer would be.

Celine watched as the meeting devolved into a confusing mess. She glanced down the table at the Captain, who was observing the few speaking with an expression she could not describe as he waited to hear what Thrace would say.

"Make contact with the General's friend, see what's going on, ask questions, do basic investigative work." Hannah said.

“So who exactly is doing that with our away teams on those ships?” Jordan asked. He looked at Marty. “At one point you stated the Cardassian was being honest and not an issue and now he seems to have tried to set us up? Which is it?” Jordan was concerned about the change in stories.

“I still believe she isn’t a threat, Commander,” Marty said evenly. “There’s no evidence to suggest otherwise.”

“A few moments ago in was insinuated the Cardassian was involved. I wanted clarification from you.” Jordan returned. “So if the Cardassian has no part in this them what happens to the hypothesis?”

"Commander the Cardassian was mentioned to infer involvement on the part of the Cardassian intelligence community aka the Obsidian Order." Hannah said slowly "Put simply she directed you to the planet where the General was being held, that information proved accurate, that implies she's accessed that information somewhere in all probability on a Cardassian computer system. I don't believe the hypothesis changes."

"And if anyone believes she was involved in the General's abduction, interrogation and so on." V'Lar said "Then do say so because I'm not in the habit of giving free passes to people who torture the brass. Give me and Jude a reason and we can invalidate her deal."

"That's enough of that," Marius said. "You will do no such thing. You gave her a deal, she held up her end of the bargain, and that's that. Enough straying off task." He looked at the Marine CO. "You've been silent enough. Who do you need going to the Klingon homeworld?"

"Ideally." Charlotte said "Jordan, Jude, Commander McMahon, Celine, Lieutenant Cruz, Doctor Helmsley, Mr Andrews, Yujas, Chief K'Ral, Hannah and myself. Widest range of capability possible and plausible cover provided by having the presence of a diplomatic officer."

Jordan didn’t agree but this wasn’t his rodeo, his opinion had not been asked for and it was a little late now. “And the other ship that we supposed to track down two sets of DNA in two different locations.” This appeared to be there show he was just a spectator. He wasn’t happy, not one bit.

"I'm not comfortable leaving the other team without more experienced crew," Pontmercy said. "Commander Haines, what would you suggest?"

“Just bear with me.” Jordan said as he spoke. His eyes met his captain’s. “Leave Admiral Olvera in charge of the station and you lead the team. This is important and we need you there.”

“I concur.” Jude spoke up with a nod, finding it hard to believe he agreed with his uncle. His eyes met Marius’s as well. “Had the commander not recommended you I would have. There are others who could lead it but we need you.” Marius thought about it for a moment.

"I think, in this case, I will go. Not for anything but that more hands could be useful." He looked around the room. "Knowing, finally, all the information, I believe that while the second team may not need as many people, it is still important that we have officers who are experienced." He looked at Charlotte. "You can have Commander Haines, Lieutenant Junior Grades Haines, Ritt, Quinn, Cruz, Hemsley, Stokes and Andrews. You can also have Ensign Thrace." He paused before continuing. "My team will have Lieutenant Commander McMahon, 2nd Lieutenant Haines, Master Chief Petty Officer De Bruinhiena, Lieutenant Junior Grades Chambers, V'Lar, Eschenauer, Ensigns Couldis and Galaway, and a few each from Security and Marines. Does this sound acceptable?"

"As far as I'm concerned yes." Charlotte said going through it in her head, her assessment of risk tended to differ from others because of the more intense and specialised training the marines went through and repeated on a daily basis, but as far as a strike team went Joel and numbers that would likely include Okan easily tipped her metric into the positive numbers. "What's the transport?"

"Admiral Tabolt came here on the USS Harbinger, which is a Dauntless Class starship. He has graciously allowed us to use it for this mission, and I think it would be best used by your team, Lieutenant Thrace. My team will take the Arcadia."

“Captain.” Jude spoke up. “If I may ask a question. Sir?” Marius nodded.

"What is it Lieutenant?"

“Commander Haines spoke with me about a pirate ship he was able to obtain.” Jude replied. “It is powerful and excellent in a fire fight. It can be here yet today if you approve it.” He waited for the captain to reply. Marius thought for a moment.

"I think that would be perfect for the Kronos mission. Let's do that instead. Get it here as soon as possible," he said. "I want to depart as soon as we are able."

“I’ll take care of it immediately.” Jude replied and glanced over at Jordan.

“It will be here within the hour.” Jordan spoke up. “I had it enroute just in case.” He had a feeling Captain Pontmercy would agree. “When you board the ship leave all signs of Starfleet behind you. There will be weapons and communicators on the ship for us to use. If we get caught we don’t want to start an incident.”

T'Shas nodded.

“I expect everyone on the ship in one hour and five minutes.” Jordan further added. The crew was so quiet, he looked around. If you're on my team and have something to say speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Marius scanned the room, noting the tense expressions and slight hesitation. This war had been long, and had taken so much.

Mike had listened to everything everyone had said and done. He had wondered how an alien anthropolgist whose job by title was to know about study alien & human behavior and experience, both past and present, and how cultures, societies, and their interactions develop, was able to come up with the combat strategies which technically was part of an operations officer job. Maybe he should offer her a job in his department. He listened to Jordan and Marius speak and give their thoughts and agreed with their plan. He spoke up. "I think working with you on this will be a great experience Captain." Marius nodded at the Lieutenant Commander.

"Alright then, you are dismissed. We will be out of here within an hour and five minutes," he said. "Commander Haines, and 1st Lieutenant Thrace, my ready room please."

Off:

Captain Marius G. Pontmercy
Commanding Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Commander Jordan Haines
Executive Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Commander Mike McMahon
Chief Operations Officer/Second Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

1st Lieutenant Charlotte Thrace
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant David Chambers
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Jude Haines
Chief Security Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Amanda Hemsley
Chief Medical Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade Celine Quinn
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade Charles Andrews
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade Marty Stokes
Chief Counseling Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Shas Cruz
Chief Science Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade V'Lar
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Master Chief Petty Officer K'ral De Bruinhiena
Chief of the Boat
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

Ensign Hannah Thrace
Alien Archaeologist/Anthropologist
USS Arcadia/Starbase Obsidian

 

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