Post Number 32 Briefing

Posted on Fri Jul 23rd, 2021 @ 9:00am by Commodore Cyndi Song & Major David Hurd Senior & Lieutenant James McTavish & Lieutenant Alister McKeon & Captain Alesha Rivers

Mission: Mission Guardian Shield
Location: Briefing Room
Timeline: Current 1 hour to orbit

OFF: Please read the JP so you'll know what your characters will be doing. Pay close attention to the final two paragraphs.

ON:

Alister entered the briefing room and glanced around before pulling setting down into the head chair and pulling out his PADD glancing over the notes he had made for himself. =^=Senior Staff, please report to the briefing room.=^= He settled back into his chair and waited for the other officers to arrive.

Cyndi walked into the briefing room carrying a large mug of coffee and took a seat next to Alister "Did you manage to get some sleep?"

Alesha entered just behind the commodore and took a seat where she could keep an eye on the door.

Lt Commander Bird joined the fun cruising by to a replicator.

" Ice water thirty four degrees Fahrenheit." Jay ordered. He absolutely hated the Celsius system of measure.

Kahn entered the briefing room wearing a utility belt, phase pistol and tricorder. "Hello everyone." With a pleasant grin she sat.

Bjorgo came in, his swagger always there but slight enough to not offend. Being his usual self when feeling good Tore gave a smile as he sat down to Liza's right. "Hi, doll. Hi everyone," he greeted in turn.

James entered the Briefing Room with coffee in hand "Hello everyone" then gave some nods and found a chair to be seated in while wondering what the meeting would reveal.

Cyndi looked at Alister, "We'll give the major a few more minutes before we begin."

The computer chimed. "Lieutenant Kahn, you have a priority signal from Starfleet Command."

"Acknowledged," she said as she stood up and brought out an earbud, placing it in her left ear as she walked to a far corner with her PADD in hand, speaking low. Very little was said on her end, except for things like; I understand, is this confirmed, I will inform my CO. All that sort of thing. Once the call was finished she put her PADD in her pocket along with the earbud, returning to the table.

Kahn looked at Song after her eyes had included all in a quick gaze. "Federation Security has agents on the ground here, Commodore. People in deep undercover situations. They knew the risks when they infiltrated, but not all we shoot at may truly be an enemy."

"Well," added Bjorgo. "That makes things more interesting. People with up to the moment Intel could be very helpful."

"That's what the Intel Chief, Lieutenant McKeon has called this briefing for. I've been up since the wee hours of the morning. He called this meeting to bring everyone up to speed on what he's found out and what the status of the planet is," Cyndi responded.

“The coup attempt dates back to two of the original governments on the planet,” Alister said from the chair, “What we are seeing is families of the former Federation attempting to overthrow the current government. They have managed to almost control the entire former Federation territory with government forces being forced back into two port cities clinging to a foothold which will fall if reinforcements can’t arrive. Finally they have started a drive to the Capital, in an attempt to take it before government forces can get completely organized.” Alister paused, “It’s believed that the government has a greater number of loyal forces but they have suffered the lose of most of their top leadership and a number of formations have been taken by surprise and forced into a disorganized retreat by rebel military formations.”

"Can't they work together?" Alesha asked "But in any case just tell me what you need from me and my people and we'll be ready. If you need ground forces as back up we may be fighter pilots but we're still marines. We'll do what it takes."

Hurd walked in, agitated because he was running late Nodding to those present, he took a position In the corner, listening.

“I believe your pilots will be of better use staying aboard ship if the worst is to occur and an evacuation of the embassy is needed,” Alister said with a nod to Rivers, “The good news is based on running numbers a scratch government brigade held long enough before being shattered for a regular formation to arrive and start digging. We will arrive before fighting breaks out at the Capital and the embassy is in Federation hands still. The plan is for the Major and myself to land directly onto the embassy grounds. The Major will see to holding the embassy and if he believes it’s secure enough allow a medical station to be set up. We have reports of refugees already entering the embassy seeking protection and safety that will escalate once fighting begins in earnest. My self and an Intel team will track the movements of the station chief and try to either locate him alive or more likely hope to see if he was on the trail of something before the coup kicked off.”

" I have offered my infiltration services to Major Hurds team Commodore. You will be more needed on the ship or to negotiate between the combatants," the new XO added.

“With all do respect Lt Commander, you will be needed in the ship with the 3rd officer on the planet and Commodore busy with negotiation, that would leave you to keep an eye on our guests along the border making sure they don’t stick their noses into what’s going on here,” Alister said from his chair, “We have an ID on the main players so comms can be sent with an invite to hold negotiations on the Amandora as a neutral location. I have forwarded the info to science with latest we have on Romulan cloaking devices. Major the ground forces you will encounter on planet, once front lines are established will begin deploying both communication and teleporter jammers. They might not have combat experience themselves but their more senior people would have been trained by combat veterans. Don’t underestimate their fighting capabilities, Intel views this world as capable of supporting a fleet base without needing additional Marine deployment to counter a possible Romulan ground invasion. They are well drilled and combat experience soon won’t be an issue for them. I’ll go into details about their gear shortly, Doctor I assume you’re as ready as you can be for a possible mass casualty event with the need to separate out combatants from the civilian casualties?”

Hurd still didn't say anything, although inwardly he was furious. His face was blood red, he was shaking, and his fingernails were dug so tightly into his palms they were drawing tiny drops of blood which dripped to the deck. This man's plan was suicide, but still, Hurd held his tounge.

James sat listening to the conversation and thought he should chime in "Speaking of the Romulans, with the information that Lieutenant McKeon sent to the Science department, Lieutenant Herculoid and I have come up with a way to enhance the Parametric Scans to detect cloaked Romulan ships. We further tested the Scans, with the help of First Lieutenant Rivers using her cloaked Fighter, and have been able to detect the cloaked Ships. So if any cloaked Romulan Ships should show up along the boader, then we should be able to detect them without any problems" James concluded.

"Not all Romulan vessels use the same cloaks," added Kahn. "There are those with cloaks that use gravitons and neutrinos to remain hidden. Again, the power requirements are extreme."

"I admit it's been a while since I had to check for cloaked Romulan ships. But they do cause a distortion if you know what your looking for. You have to be quick in order to see it," Alesha spoke up. My personal fighter will cloak but it does have limits as to how long it can remain cloaked. I do know a few tricks."

Liza gave a few nods. "Range is a factor. The closer a cloaked object gets to a sensor source, the more chance it will be detected. Try to keep your distance."

Jay listened on as his fate was being dictated to him by a shadow. But wasn't that normal for Star Fleet to leave their fastest horse in the barn?

" We could also deploy quantum beacons as well." Jay added to the conversation. " I will make sure to deploy those . New cloaking techniques allow smaller crafts to be right upon you and you want even know it. " the XO added.

While the others were discussing options, Liza made her way around the table to just over David's left shoulder, speaking quietly to just him. "Major Hurd, I believe you and I need to have a chat." She saw sign that he had heard her, but he remained vigilant to the main conversation.

"Yes, yes we do", Hurd said, his voice low so only she could hear and drooping with venom. "This "Man", and I only say that because I don't want to say what I really think he is, well, his plan is absolutely FUBAR, it's going to get a lot of Marines, Marine Pilots, and Civilians hurt or killed, and it places this ship and everybody aboard at a extreme chance of attack and destruction".

Liza patted his shoulder twice. "Then speak your mind."

Alister nodded his head, “Seems making sure the Amandora doesn’t get caught by surprise from a cloak vessel is in good hands.” He glanced over at Major Hurd, “Do you have something to add Major?”

"Oh you should not have asked that". Fuming and finally exploding Hurd said, "Your plan is FUBAR, and pure suicide, so find yourself another damn group of idiots because I will not commit any Marine under my my Command to it!!!" His face getting redder he added, "That is my final word on the matter".

“In that case the embassy will need to be fully evacuated, with the shuttles we have, no medical sites will be set up,” Alister turned to look at the Commodore, “It might weaken your negotiating position since we’ll be seen to have simply cut and run. My team will still go to the planet, but a message will have to be sent to all Federation personal and anyone that’s wants to be evacuated to reach the embassy by a certain time.” He glanced over at Hurd, “My team will still deploy to the planet.”

Cyndi had been listening and after Hurd's outburst "Major, there is nothing wrong with his plan. While you do command the marines on this ship, I still have final say. You will deploy the marines as the lieutenant has instructed. Do I make myself clear?"

Jay Bird watched on as it appeared the hamster's we're eating one another.. He then walked over to the replicator

" Computer please make popcorn."

" In that case", Hurd said shaking with with fury as he he ripped his combadge and rank insignia off, slamming them on the table with such force that it sent cracks shooting through it. "That is my resignation, effective immediately, I will not listen, nor knowingly order them on a suicide run because some damn spook said so". Walking towards the door he added, " and if any of them die because of this I'll make damn sure the entire galaxy knows exactly who's to blame", he finished before walking out.

"So be it," Cyndi said tapping her com-badge "First Lieutenant Jackson this is the commodore, take charge of the marines, stand by for orders from Lieutenant McKeon and I want Major Hurd confined to quarters, he's not to leave without a direct order from me."

Greg tilted his head to the side as he received the message, =^=Aye, aye, ma’am, we’ll be ready for deployment when ordered. I’ll send a couple of people up now.=^=

Alister gave a shake of his head, “Moving on we have identified the military leader of the coup General Kava former commander of the planet’s 3rd Corp and a descendant of the last chief of staff for the Federation Marshall.” He keyed a button on his PADD and the screen behind him lit up with a video showing a group of officers shoved against a wall before being gunned down, “This is a recording from the end of the Federation Republic conflict. That is the Field Marshall and his staff being shot after being dragged from their command center. Similarly the Prime Minister, senior government officials, and even families where killed during the mopping up operation. We believe this is an attempt at revenge by those with ties to the old Federation government.”

Jay studied the screen and then moved closer to pay more attention to the report.

"This is personal folks. They are totally anti Federation terrorists. Before you throw our greatest military mind in the brig you might want to hold off. He is going to be needed down there." Jay commented.

“We have received communications stating that both sides view us as neutral and wish to continue membership in the United Federation of Planets. I see no indication they are anti-Federation terrorist as you put it Lt Commander, this happened before they discovered warp flight and joined the UFP. This is long simmering issue that is simply coming to a head on the anniversary ending their war and uniting under a single planetary government.” Alister said from his seat, “The Major resigned his commission, the mission to reinforce the embassy is simply to make sure neither side sees it as shortcut to flank a strongpoint or try to get around a front line. No one is asking him to fight half a million men on the planet. I also question his capability to not break the Prime Directive when he’s asking for orbital strikes into a planetary Capital. That’s asking for trouble and you can bet the Romulans would be more then happy to pass around an image of a Federation warship bombarding a planet ‘to keep it in-line’.”

"He's right and I don't need or want to get us into a firefight with the Romulans while we're trying to broker peace. Guest quarters have been arranged aboard ship, security I'll need you to make sure both sides are safe once they arrive on the ship. As for the major, he's not in the brig but confined to quarters. Rivers have your best pilots on alert, you'll only launch if there is no other recourse," Cyndi said

The voice in Jay's stomach churned as they mentioned both sides were coming aboard the Amandora.

" Commodore I would recommend scrambling the fighters. If the Amandora we're to be compromised from with in we would never get those fighter launched." Lt Commander Bird added as he heard this information.

"Commander, should the ship be compromised from within scrambling fighter's won't make any difference," Alesha spoke up "But should that happen the fighters can and will launch, remember I said I know a few tricks and leave it at that, sir."

" Very well...Commodore." Jay replied standing down to say no more . " Lieutenant Jackson I will go with you to escort the Major. "

"The major should be in his quarters by now and under guard," Cyndi said "Right now commander your needed here."

" Yes ma'am." Jay pretended to bow .

Doctor Bjorgo had watched all that had transpired, raising comical, sarcastic, and cynical eyebrows on occasion, depending on topic. "This is, by definition, an internal political situation on this world. We cannot interfere. Protect our soil and people, yes. Interfere, no."

"He's not wrong, Commodore." Liza said, backing the Doctor, and Federation policy. "I will gladly work with Hurd, but right now he stormed out. Give me ten minutes to assemble my tactical officers on standby, and we'll beam down and secure the embassy compound."

"Beaming down will happen once Intel has all the information. As for Hurd, remember he resigned his commission and is now confined to quarters pending word from General Long as to how she wants me to proceed, or do I handle it internally," Cyndi replied "Security you'll be needed more on the ship as we're going to hold the peace talks."

Jay, for the first time, missed the boredom of watching the Admiral given the results of this meeting.

" Admiral Sanderson is still considered a flag officer Commodore and would carry the same weight as General Long," Jay added.

"He would if he were not retired," Cyndi commented.

“I believe Governor Kenton will be representing the standing government, I haven’t heard who General Kava will send as his representative, but I don’t see either sending military commanders up at the start. We might also have a third representative from the royalist. They have been calling for calm and ceasefire but so far have taken no active role. They might be waiting for one side to gain an advantage before putting their weight behind them to end the war for additional concessions,” Alister said from his seat pulling the meeting away from the recently departed Major, “It appears the deep divides left from the planets unification haven’t been as well healed as the government had led us to believe.”

"Guest quarters are ready," Cyndi said "I'll let you assign the away teams to the planet, once you have it assigned I'll make the final approval. Will you want ships security as well as the marines? If so then Lieutenant Kahn can have her tactical officers."

“I’ll leave it up to 1st Lt Jackson if he wants the additional tactical officers,” Alister replied, “As for away teams right now it’s just my team and the Marines. Once landed medical will be dispatched once Jackson feels like he’s secure enough to bring them down. Doctor, I assume you have a list of who you want down on the planet?”

Bjorgo had been standing there tapping a PADD lightly into his palm as the fiasco finally corrected itself. "Not really, no. I am confused as to what role we are all to play. I made a comment earlier that was false in regards to this planet. If they are a full Federation member, and have fallen back on their agreed to promises, then we can act with the full authority of Federation law and as Starfleet." He paused a moment. "Nira will be coming down with me, as my personal assistant. As for other positions and needs, I leave that to you lot." He gave a friendly grin.

"Doctor why take Nira? You have a full medical staff that you could chose from," Cyndi asked.

"Commodore, I just said that anyone else was up to you folks," answered Bjorgo. "Nira has proclaimed herself an envoy for her people, and since ALL Starfleet personnel are diplomats FIRST, then I am seeing to that directive. As far as I am concerned all of Sickbay can go down once the threat of violence has been reduced." His tone had become terse, with a touch of simmering anger. "I cannot tell who is going to be doing what. If that was clarified then my choices would be more streamlined. Hurd walked out, then came forth a bunch of what if's and maybe's. This entire situation is a huge powder keg and the wrong spark will ignite it. I feel that the aftermath would be quite horrible indeed." Tore's tone had returned to normal, with a hint of sadness. "I have seen, firsthand, how horrible civil war can be. I will do all in my power to avoid that outcome."

Cyndi nodded "Your right doctor, Nira can go with you, have Doctor Long prepare things aboard ship for what we're getting into."

"I too have seen the effects of war, not only civil war but an all out war," Alesha spoke up with a hint of sadness in her voice.

When Alesha said that Bjorgo's eyes met hers for a brief moment, enough for him to nod at a fellow combat veteran. "Long is more than capable, and will have her time down below. If it serves the landing party better then I can remain behind while Doctor Long goes planetside. I am not opposed to that."

“I think two doctors and six nurses,” Alister said from his seat, “That will give us two doctors supported by four nurses and two to run triage.”

"Understood, Alistair." Tore glanced around at the group. "Hence, why Security would be welcome. Part of their duties is aiding with triage. But, if no one down there truly hates us then I'm thinking the embassy may be in good condition, just under a constant threat."

“1st Lt Jackson will make the decision on who else goes down, I’ll bring it up to him in a separate briefing,” Alister said, “Does anyone have any questions?”

"I'm good," Alesha said

"Any other comments or questions?" Cyndi asked "If not Lieutenant McKeon will assign away teams and he'll dismiss you."

“As of now the teams will be myself leading an Intel team, 1st Lieutenant Jackson will deploy the Marines. Lieutenant Kahn will have tactical officers on standby to support the Marines if called for. Doctor please pick another doctor and the nurses for your medical team, to beam down once the embassy has been secured. As for the rest of the departments keep an eye on on the border and get ready to host a diplomatic function.”

Jay had the bridge and prepared to exit as soon as this ended.

OFF