Asking for help...

Posted on Sat Jun 13th, 2015 @ 5:50pm by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Lieutenant Colonel Jillian "Phoenix" Sullivan & Captain Jack Solomon & Lieutenant Zhao Quan & First Ramata`tar

1,477 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 88 - Memories Lost, Trouble Found
Location: USS Steadfast Wardroom
Timeline: MD4 1200hrs, Following 'Lost in Thought'

Jack stood pacing in the Wardroom, having been given the opportunity to go ahead with his personal mission along with both T'Lar and Ramata'tar. He'd sent a message to them both to request a meeting to discuss and plan a strategy for the mission ahead. He'd also sent a message to both Lieutenant Quan and Lt. Col Phoenix regarding his mission and what part they would play on board the Steadfast. Bremer had recommended Phoenix for her piloting skills and Jack had chosen Quan for his Engineering skills.

Admiral Bremer had given permission for him to use the Steadfast, just in case Talia had a Raider class ship or larger at her disposal for the rendezvous. That was something Jack had still yet to respond to formally, but now he knew he could go, that request would be answered shortly.

As ordered, Ramata’tar arrived in the Wardroom. He scanned the area and found only Solomon present. Ramata’tar was in full Jem’Hadar battle dress...his usual attire...and armed with a Starfleet Type-IIf phaser and Type-IIIe Phaser Rifle.

“Lieutenant Solomon, I have been ordered by Fleet Admiral Bremer to protect you. It will be done.” Ramata’tar said to Solomon as he took position at the door.

Admiral T'Lar hadn't slept well. Not only was she worrying about Solomon, she was also worried about Clifford. She walked into the room. She gave Ramata'tar a double take, "Ramata'tar, it is not necessary to guard the door at this time." She shook her head as she passed Ramata'tar and approached Solomon, "Hi. What is up with him?"

Jack shrugged for a moment at the question before looking back at Deela. "Erm, apparently he's been ordered to protect me by Admiral Bremer," Jack surmised. "This is going to take a bit of getting used to, to be honest, having a Jem'Hadar as protection."

"He don' need ta protect ya," Phoenix announced as she entered the room eating an apple and shouldering her sniper rifle. "Ya got a SpecForce-trained pilot on your shindig."

He took a good look at Deela. "Are you ok? You look tired" Jack asked. "I've invited Lt Quan and Phoenix along at the recommendation of Admiral Bremer. His thinking was that he wanted a good Engineer and Pilot on the Steadfast to make sure we come back alive. I'm hoping we can get underway soon."

Ramata'tar watched Solomon and T'Lar, but didn't move. While she had said he didn't need to guard the door, but he had his orders from Fleet Admiral Bremer and he was going to do as ordered. Perhaps he still had a lot to learn about how Starfleet conducted business, but the Jem'Hadar First was going to do his duty. It is the order of things.

Deela nodded, "Very good choice. As soon as they get on board, we can leave. And do not worry about me. I had a lot on my mind last night but my focus is completely on us now."

Almost immediately Admiral T'Lar was speaking, Lt Quan was stepping off the transporter pad. Taking directions from the transporter operator he hurried along to the wardroom. As he entered he almost collided with Ramata’tar still standing in the doorway. He dodged to one side and looked sidelong at the massive Jem'Hadar as he walked into the room. "Are we expecting trouble on board?", he asked everybody. His eyes suddenly alighted on Admiral T'Lar and he froze on the spot and stood to attention. "Lt Quan reporting for duty, Admiral".

Deela looked over at Phoenix for a second, then at Quan. One was standing around, relaxed, not a care in the world and the other was standing at attention. It was almost comical. "Relax Lt. Quan. Have a seat."

Zhao moved towards the table and took a seat. He felt uncomfortable in the presence of a flag officer, but watching the other officers in the room this one was clearly relaxed about formalities.

"What's this mission 'bout exactly?" Phoenix inquired as she plopped down in her chair and ate rather loudly on her apple.

Deela had very good hearing, the perks of being part Vulcan and became very annoyed at Phoenix at the loud sound. She walked over to Phoenix and snatched the apple out of her hand, "Seriously Phoenix, must you?" She glared at her, "Apples do not belong at briefings." She sat down and set the apple on the table in front of her, "Lt. Solomon, the sooner we get this briefing going, the sooner we can leave."

"Understood," Jack answered. He stood up at the end of the table to explain why they were all present.

"You're all here today to help me in fulfilling a personal mission and righting a wrong that took place several years ago. Basically, I was courtmartialed for the death of several officers under my command during a mission for Starfleet Intelligence which was sabotaged by Section 31. I was also held responsible in that hearing for the death of the crew of the USS Valkyrie, which was assimilated by the Borg before the Korriban mission," he explained, pausing for breath.

"I held the rank of Commander before the hearing and I maintained the whole time I was setup by an agent of Section 31, called Andrea Milano. Now, it has recently come to my attention that my former long term lover, who has tried to frame me and kill me on several occasions during my service on the USS Wildcat, has possesion of evidence which could allow me to reverse this decision," he added, before stopping and realising what he was saying to the others in the room.

"I appreciate that this sounds nuts and incredibly insane but Admiral Bremer has authorised the use of the Steadfast for this mission, requesting Phoenix to be pilot during the mission while I request Mr. Quan to be Chief Engineer based his expertise. I will rendezvous with... Talia and take her into custody along with the evidence... Of course, if you think this is something you don't want to do, I understand."

Ramata'tar didn't say anything, truthfully he didn't care about the reasons behind the mission. His duty was to protect the crew and ensure the mission was a success. He gave a respectful nod, as he'd seen many of his Human crewmates do before. He was ready to serve.

"I'll fly this thing, but I'm goin' on tha away team with ya," Phoenix admitted and pulled a pack of cashews out of one of her pockets and began to eat them. "Ya need to grab an' bag her before she knows what's hit her. An' since none of ya are SpecForce, that leaves me whoever else can be sneaky ta bag tha bitch for ya."

Ramata’tar turned his gaze at Phoenix. He wasn’t sure of the dialect she was using, but he had a good idea of what she meant. “As a Jem’Hadar, I am the only one here capable of shrouding, therefore,” he glanced at T’Lar “it is only logical I also go along on any away team mission. As a member of the Dominion, my job as First was to lead the Founder’s...Odo’s Commando Team and serve as his personal bodyguard. I will serve you the same way for this mission.”

Deela sternly addressed both Phoenix and Ramata'tar, "I appreciate your eagerness to help but this is Mr. Solomon's mission and he will be making the decision who will go with him and who will not. Until then, we all have jobs to do." She gave them both a look, one that needed no explanation.

Zhao shook his head, "I'm in Jack. Just let me know when you want to get underway."

Jack gives a small smile and a nod as everyone agreed to going on the mission. That made him feel a little better. Phoenix's comments were true though, regarding catching Talia. With Ramata’tar on the away team, it made sense too.

"Very well. From myself, I want to say thank you. This means a lot to me. The aim was to meet with Talia to gain the evidence, but I realise that capture would be a better option... But I ask all of you to be prepared for anything," he advised, "The last time we met, she had a Klingon Bird of Prey as her command ship, along with a fleet of twelve ships that were crewed by Rogue Jem'Hadar and Klingon Warriors... I can't say what we will face but be ready for anything. Any original solutions are welcome."

Jack stepped around from his seat at the table and stood firm. "I want the Steadfast ready to launch in two hours, the sooner we get to the rendezvous on Virimonde, the sooner this can be over," he explained.


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