Departure and trip to Tarod IX

Posted on Thu May 2nd, 2019 @ 7:10pm by Major General Thomas Jackson & 1st Lieutenant David Henry & 1st Lieutenant Klaus Gunther & Master Warrant Officer Gaius Aquila & Master Sergeant Charlton Gibbs & Master Sergeant Atlee Micklin & Staff Sergeant Sam Hopper & Brigadier General David Hurd Sr & Captain Jack Solomon & Commander Hades,MD & Brigadier General Kaden Ross & Colonel Danny Lennox & Lieutenant David Hannigan & Lieutenant Karl Ballard & Lieutenant JG Ilan Rol & 1st Lieutenant Taz & Gunnery Sergeant Marcus Ermey & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx & First Ramata`tar & Lieutenant Catherine Mclintock & 1st Lieutenant Jericho Alexander & Ensign Sarah Ashley
Edited on on Fri May 3rd, 2019 @ 3:06pm

6,605 words; about a 33 minute read

Mission: Episode 98 - A Raid on Peace
Location: Various Ships
Timeline: MD1 1045hrs

ON:

Ark Royal Conference Room

After getting himself and his belongings aboard, Jack had signed in and made sure that the various crews and crew members of the Ark Royal were already at work, making sure that the Ambassador Class starship was ready to make her way to Tarod IX and see what assistance they could render to the colony there.

What also concerned him was the fact that a Reman Commando Team was named as responsible. Jack had served during the Dominion War and he was lucky that he hadn't had a run in with them, but Starfleet's reports on these acts were simple: The Remans never lost a battle.

His thoughts also went to the Reman Warbird that the Enterprise had experienced combat within the Rift: The Scimitar. That ship had a specific job to do, but its armoury and defences were impressive and they almost took down a Sovereign class starship.

Jack wanted to be ready and also wanted his crew to be ready with ideas to help keep the Colony back up and running and keep the Ark Royal in one piece if the Remans returned. He stood with a PADD holding the mission details in the Conference Room with a nice fresh raktajino on the table as he waited for the starship's senior officers to come on board.

After seeing her boyfriend Nathaniel Off to the U.S.S. Mercy she reported over to the U.S.S. Ark Royal to report aboard she went to the Conference room "Sorry to be late but I was seeing Ensign Capp off to the U.S.S. Mercy, Commander Solomon." She had her belongings sent to her quarters by the quartermaster. She had a PADD in hand ready to take notes.

Xelonul arrived in the Briefing Room. He quickly took a seat, "Commander, Repair Teams Two and Three are already on board and our equipment is being beamed into Cargo Bay One right now".

Before Solomon could reply, a Lieutenant JG walked in. "Commander Solomon?" Ballard looked around, then handed a PADD to him. "Lieutenant JG Karl Ballard. I was assigned to the Ark Royal for this mission as the Security/Tactical Officer since one wasn't already assigned."

Jack picked up the PADD and checked over the orders assigning Ballard to the Ark Royal. Once he was happy with what he saw, Jack signed off on the PADD. "Welcome about Lt, its a pleasure to have you on board," he said.

Ballard gave a respectful nod then took a seat.

Once everyone was assembled, Jack got down to business.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, once prelaunch checks are completed and we are given the go signal, the Ark Royal will be joining the fleet headed out to Tarod IX. Reports are sketchy, but they indicate a Reman Commando Team is responsible for raiding the facility. Admiral Bremer has declared this as an Emergency Response Team situation. They will eliminate the threat, treat the injured, and help with damage control and repairs," Jack explained.

Before calling the meeting, Jack had made sure that there were PADD's available with the required information that the team needed to know.

"We don’t have reports on the number of hostiles, causalities, or even an accurate damage report yet. Communications have been cut off and long-range sensors are having trouble scanning the surface. Tarod IX doesn't have much there. There's a Starfleet outpost with facilities for shore leave and resupply of ships. They have a communications relay station and sensor arrays in orbit for monitoring the Romulan Star Empire," Jack explained.

"At last report, they also had a Starfleet Intelligence facility for reviewing data collected. They are civilians there, however, and a team from Earth...Caplinger Industries, a small group of engineers working on the planet's weather control system. They don't have much in the way of defences."

Jack looked around the room. "So, I'm looking for ideas on what we can do to help the Outpost, help the civilians and also make sure that the Ark Royal is ready in case the Remans decide to take potshots at us," he explained.

Chloe had an idea "Sir what about deploying turrets as a defence since Caplinger Industries doesn't have any defenses," she said.

Jack considered this idea after Chloe had mentioned it. "I suspect that as the outpost is for Resupply and Shore leave only, this is a suggestion that may have been looked at and rejected already," he offered in return.

"However, in light of this recent action, its something that we could consider looking into once the repairs to the outpost are completed. If there is a Reman taskforce out there, it's still possible that they could return."

Ballard listened to the conversation and took notes.

"Commander, I'd like to have access to all five personal transporters and all four cargo transporters when the engineering and repair teams are cleared to beam down." Blackthorne spoke up. "I'm not sure if you'll lead the engineering teams or if Miss Gillo or Mister AmHain will, but the quicker we can get down there and repairs started to key infrastructure the better."

Jack nodded as Blackthorne made his recommendations. "Great minds think alike, WO Blackthorne, I approve of the idea. My plan is for both Gillo & AmHain to lead the teams down to the surface once we're given the greenlight," Jack explained before looking around the roo..

"I should also point out that a team will be joining the marines on the surface in preliminary action, however, I'll assign that duty nearer the time. Once the green light has been given, Ark Royal will beam down her teams and provide support for the Mercy."

Jack looked around the room. "Very well, if there are no more questions, take your stations and start preparing for departure. We'll jump to slipstream when the green light is given by Major Jackson."

Chloe hit her combadge and told her department staff get the ark royal ready for departure one of her staff an ensign said. We are ready for departure as she continued to get the ark royal ready for departure she was also thinking of her boyfriend Nathaniel who was aboard the mercy she began to enter the coordinates for tarod IX


USS Saratoga, Bridge

Almost all of the Marines assigned to the Saratoga were onboard, stowing their equipment. They were just waiting for the rest of their heavy equipment, and for their fighter compliment to be loaded on. Jackson entered the Bridge after putting his gear away. Like all the Marines on this deployment, he wore his battle dress uniform. There was not much to brief his senior staff before departure, since he already gave his people the OP Order on the star base. He sat down on the captain's seat. The Saratoga was already powered up for launch.

=/\=Jackson to McDaniel, please advise when your squadron is on board.=/\=

Chief Aquila stepped onto the Bridge. "General, the MARSOC Group is aboard, and ready. " Jackson nodded in approval, "Good. Man Tactical for now."

He expected Major Lennox to report as soon as the 4th was bedded down. He was also doubling as the ship's XO.

=/\=Lieutenants Hannigan, and Taz, report to the Bridge.=/\=

Lennox, Taz, and Hannigan arrived on the Bridge together. "General, members of the 4th Regiment are aboard and gear stored." Lennox reported.

Taz looked around for a moment before fixing his eyes on Jackson, awaiting orders.

"Lieutenant Taz, take Flight Control"

Taz looked around for a moment. He was no pilot.

"General, maybe I should man Flight Control." Lennox suggested. He did have experience. He was by no means a great pilot, but he could get the job done.

Hannigan looked over at the Intel station. It was rather basic, but would service its purpose. He handed Jackson a PADD. "That's the last intel we have, you already know it, we haven't received anything else from Tarod IX."

Jackson read the PADD only to confirm the Lieutenant's statement of no new intel. "Thank you Mr. Hannigan. If you don't mind a little multi tasking, can you double up at Ops for now?"

"Uh." Hannigan stated, but Taz spoke up.

"I will man Opss General. I do have experiencce there." The big Krazzle smirked as he took a seat.


USS Kearsarge, Bridge

MSG Gibbs ran checks on the tactical console.

Walking onto the Bridge, Hurd noticed Gibbs at the Tactical Console. Walking over to him, Hurd asked, "Master Sergeant, what's our current Tactical status?

"General, we are maxed out in torpedoes. All offensive and defensive systems are five by five. My security detachment is already manning their posts."

After his report, Hurd said, " Gibbs, you are on Tactical for this mission and be advised as soon as we leave spacedock, we are going to red alert and I want those torpedo tubes loaded with a mix of Quantum and Hellfire torpedos, understood?"

"Aye, Sir." Gibbs answered.

After Gibbs had replied, Hurd his his combadge, opened a station wide channel and said, "General Hurd to all Marines and personnel assigned to the Kearsarge and its accompanying Marine transport, report to your stations we leave in 15 minutes, repeat report to your stations, Kearsarge Senior staff and Bridge crew report to the Bridge, Hurd out"

Gibbs already set the tactical systems on red alert, and watched the torpedo display, as every light denoting a vacancy in the tubes went from red to green.

Gypsy took her station at ops. It was time for action. She wasn't too big on Marines but she was okay with this posting. Better here then a medical ship, she thought to herself.

Tass Hay's hands flew over her console checking and double checking her helm readouts. The gorgeous Betazoid was the best pilot in the fleet. She was also one of the best hand to hand artists. Orphaned at four she was adopted by Klingons and raised as a warrior. Her long hair now sported the coat of arms of her house by way of pin and her sharp coal black eyes studied everything. She turned and saw Hurd standing by her. She looked up. "Sir, I don't think we've met. My name is Tass Hey daughter of Keldar and I'm your secret weapon."

Ramata'tar finally arrived on the Bridge. He looked around for a moment, then stood behind the Tactical station. MSgt. Gibbs was already there, so he just glanced at the displays from behind. After a moment he walked over to the seat the ship's XO typically sat in, and stood in front of it.

In the lower decks, Sgt. Hopper made his rounds among the four squads of his platoon. Many of them were replacements after the Arcanus IV action, but they performed well during the EXEVALS.


USS Kearsarge Shuttle Bay 1

After Specter Squadron transferred their fighters to the Kearsarge, Klaus already had his pilots and back seaters going through their pre-combat checklists. At slipstream, it was only going to be a 4 and a half hour trip, so they had to be ready. Then he spoke to his own space intercept officer, "Wizzard, how is the ship looking?" First Lieutenant Juelz Cullen, callsign Wizzard smiled. "She is loaded for bear, and ready to fly. All we have to do is jump in." That was good enough for him. After the pre-mission, he will have his flight crews rest for a few hours. They will need it.


USS Saratoga-Bridge

Jackson sat on the command chair. "Lieutenant Hannigan, open the fleet channel."

"Open sir." Hannigan replied

"This is Saratoga Actual to Task Force, all ships sound ready for launch."

"Take us out."

The ships, in order, pulled out of their docks, and commenced their 'elephant walk' out of the star base, forming a formation as soon as they cleared.

"Lieutenant Hannigan, send slipstream coordinates to the fleet."

Hannigan tapped a few comments, "coordinates sent General."

"Engage slipstream"

And with multiple flashes of light, similar to ships going into warp, the ships of the task force went into slipstream. The crews, and marines had four and a half hours to gather their thought, and prepare for a possible battle.


USS Mercy-Bridge

On the Mercy bridge the coms chirped followed by the message. "Ensign Clause reply to the Saratoga Tell them we're ready."

"Aye sir." The ensign did as asked. "Coordinates coming in for slip stream."

Hades gave a nod. "Send to Helm. Helm pull away nice and slow. Ready for slip stream on my mark."

When the ship was far enough away from the station Hades gave a nod. "Let's punch it."

In a flash of light he followed the other ships to warp.

Nathaniel sat down at his Helm Console "Commander we are at Slipstream and Corrdinates are laid in for tarod IX"he said.


USS Kearsarge

Freya and Braxton -- 1 hour after departure

Freya was sitting alone in ten forward staring out at the stars, she was wondering just what it was they were going to walk into when they reached their destination. She picked up her drink and sipped it as she sensed someone approaching her.

Braxton gave a nod. "I figured we could talk. We will be working side by side...I am not skilled in that area. Socializing I mean."

Freya offered a smile. "That's okay, I need something to take my mind off things anyway!" She shrugged her shoulders. "So what do you think we're going to walk into when we get where we're going?"

He shrugged. "Notin' good." He said his Cajun accent becoming more pronounced as it always did. "Not to worry Cher we will handle it. We have an easy part we are brawn. Chances are more fighting then medical."

"You think so?" She looked at Braxton concernedly. "I'm a fully trained marine, I have some field experience purely as a medic, but I've never been involved in something like this. To say I'm nervous is an understatement but I won't let anyone down!"

He smiled, "Do not worry. We ave each other's back. There will be some medical for sure. I am more knowledgeable about hand to hand. You fix them I will break them," he said in an attempt to make a joke.

Freya smiled. "I'm not quite sure what the General has in mind but he seems to think my abilities will come in useful in the field. I just hope I prove as useful as he's hoping!"

"We are Betazoid..well I am half. Our abilities become useful in battle. We can see things coming or rather pick up on emotions before anyone else."

Freya nodded. "A little too easily sometimes! Are you skilled with your telepathy? Do you use it often? I've had my abilities since I was young as they developed early."

"I use it when I have to. I rarely communicate telepathically or verbally. I used it more on the previous posting." He shrugged.

"I guess I can understand that" She nodded. "Being a counsellor too I use my abilities every counselling session but only my empathy I don't use telepathy on anyone without consent unless it's absolutely necessary." She paused. "To say I’m nervous is an understatement, being the new girl has me feeling a certain air of needing to prove myself in the field.

He shook his head. "Do not be nervous. You do not need to prove who you are. You are a Marine. Our team accepts you and we will defend you. It is the nature of Marines. We are all brothers and sisters. I know you will do well." He studied her. "How long have you been a medic?"

"I've been a medic and nurse since I graduated the Academy in 2388. I started out as a trainee nurse but was quickly started out with the marines as a trainee field medic. There weren't that many female field medics at the time, I don't think there are now either."

"There are not. We are glad to have you. I am glad to have someone to share shifts with...it has been difficult." And it had pulling double shifts in sickbay and Marine medical. "Our medical facilities on the station were redone yesterday."

"I'll be happy to help in any way I can. I do have to divide my time between medical shifts and my counselling duties but it's not like the station is stuck for counsellor's. She smiled. "Although with Ariana on reduced shifts they do need someone to take up the slack."

He gave a nod. "We will work out a schedule. I will not be doing sickbay time for long. I have two more exams." He looked out the window. "When we are there. Stay close." Braxton couldn't help his urge to protect everyone around him. The counseling staff called him reckless and since finding out he truth about Nicole's death he had become more so. Her memory had been an anchor now with the knew knowledge he wanted to forget. He held back a sigh.

"I will I promise" She looked at Braxton. "I haven't had chance to say that I'm sorry about your wife. I'm not going to pry, I'll just say I'm around if you want to talk about it. I'd imagine you've spoken to Counsellor's and I heard what happened recently with Ariana." She gave him an understanding look. "I promise I won't give you any more worries."

He smiled a little. "I will keep that in mind. I will probably be ordered to counseling anyway." He sighed. There was a companionable silence and then Braxton spoke again, "Are you still nervous?"

"A little but I think that's just because I don't know what we're walking into. Once the briefing is over and we're preparing to go I'll be too busy thinking about my duties to be worrying. People will be depending on us to save their lives, I won't let any of them down...or you" She smiled warmly. "I also have Kaden out in the field but he'll have his own people to worry about."

Freya paused for a moment. "Brigadier General Hurd gave me a gun, an old projectile firing gun he said it was a present from him for use in the field if our weapons became ineffective, I had a practice with it but I'm by no means a great shot with it yet."

Braxton gave a nod. "Good that he did that. I prefer...the Betazoid version. I always have it on me in battle situations. And my dagger."

"I've never had to use a weapon in the field, yet that is!" She shrugged her shoulders. "Guess I'm going to have to get used to the idea though. I'm good at hand to hand combat, Kaden helps with my training we spar regularly." She paused. "I'm not sure how I'll feel if I have to hurt someone rather than heal them."

He gave a nod. "Focus on healing. I will be there." His size was enough to intimidate. It's times like this that he missed the long hair, beard and mustache. He looked like a grizzly bear or werewolf so people feared him.

Freya looked at Braxton. "Thank you Braxton, but I can't expect you to be forever watching my back. Not you, Kaden or anyone else, if I have to defend myself then I will I trained to be a marine I will act like one."

He smiled, "Cher the world does not need to rest on your shoulders. We all here to help you carry the burden."

"In that case" Freya nodded. "I would appreciate any help in the field, although I will do my best not to need it." She grinned as she looked at Braxton.

He smiled at her. "I must say since I got here there has been something that has been very difficult for me to master."

"What is that?" Freya looked at him curiously.

"Talking. In my old unit we would spend weeks some times months with just grunts and hand gestures...some not so polite," He deadpanned.

She couldn't help but giggle. "I can just imagine that!" Her giggle became more of a laugh, it felt good to laugh after all the recent stress between Kaden and herself. "Trust me Braxton, you're talking to me just fine. Hell you're making me feel better! It's been a bit stressful lately and it's nice to be able to laugh."

He smiled, "Remind me to show you a picture of the group. That will bring tears to your eyes...thank goodness pictures do not smell."

"Oh I will" She smiled the warmest smile yet. "I can't wait to see it!"


Braxton and Hurd -- 1.5 hours after departure

Braxton walked toward the General's Ready Room. He checked himself in the reflection on the door and rang the chime. He was thankful to be with the Marine's again. He'd been working on his medical tests so long that it felt like an eternity since he'd been back with the marines.

Sitting at desk, Hurd bellowed "Enter!!', and waited for whoever it was to come in, a bemused look on his face.

Braxton entered the office and snapped off a quick salute. "Warrant Officer Mikhail Braxton reporting for duty." He stood at attention. It had been a while since he'd spoken with Hurd. He wondered if his decision to get his full MD and his having to work in Sickbay for the hours had soured any of his COs on him. He didn't want to give up being a Marine but he wanted to be an MD, fully licenced Surgeon so he could be of more use to his squadron.

Pointing to a chair, Hurd said gruffly, “Sit down and tell me about yourself, Marine”.

He sat down. Actually, when he thought of it this was the first time he was meeting Hurd. He'd dealt mostly with Jackson. "Marine, Warrant Officer, Medic. I....realize that I have been away from the team a while. I have tried to pull as much Marine Medic duty as I can. Did a lot of double shifts but two more exams and that will be done." He looked at Hurd. "I appreciate your patience during all this. Glad to be back with the team." He didn't like talking about himself nor did he like talking in general. He'd done a lot of it as of late.

Flashing a rare smile, Hurd said, "I'm sure you will fit in, and welcome back to the Marine family". Looking him dead in the eyes he added, "Do you have any questions for me?"

"Yes...my bedside manner has been described as atrocious. Will that be a problem. I am not used to .... playing nursemaid?" It had been something he'd been working on but nothing that seemed to have made much improvement.

"No, that won't be a problem, I assure you.". Standing, Hurd asked, "So what scuttlebutt have you heard about me here on the station?"

"I do not...listen to..." Before he could finish the door chimed again. The two men had no idea what tornado would hit them when it opened. A tall, redhead with wild curled hair and deep green eyes as if the light was shining through and emerald stood on the other end.

Standing and drawing his .45, Hurd pointed it the person in the door and yelled, "Freeze and identify yourself now!!!!!".

Braxton looked over and his eyes went wide. "Oh no! Vent the airlock!"

The woman rolled her eyes. "Bite me wolfman." She turned her fiery eyes to the general. "Put that away unless yee know how to use it. Daft man! I be Lieutenant Gypsy Sentinel." She strode in without being invited and plopped down glaring at Braxton. "What you lookin' at fur boy."

The vain in his neck throbbed and he hissed at her.

Gypsy rolled her eyes. "Will you put that away" She said looking at the General. "I be yer Operations Officer."


22nd Regiment Meeting

Kaden was looking over the hologram of the Tarod IX outpost trying to analyze the proper method to how to secure outpost and facilities. He picked up a PADD making notes on the surrounding terrain on good defensible positions and insertion points.

Lieutenant Henry entered the room. He gave the Captain Ross a salute. "First Lieutenant Henry, reporting back from Recon School at Camp Archer. I was previously assigned to Alpha Company before I left."

Kaden returned the young Lieutenant’s salute. “Good to meet you, Lieutenant, I was hoping things would be on a more better circumstance. I was just going over formulating my battle plan could use your input hell maybe you might have a few ideas to add.” He returned back to the hologram resting his hands on the edge of the table. “We been given the task to try securing the outpost and facilities.”

"Well Sir, if there are sensor jammers on the surface, I would suggest that the initial company go down via Black Hawk runabouts, hot landing zone protocols. They should set down a safe distance from the installation, then secure the LZ, and set up transporter enhancers for the rest of the battalion. Once we are all down, you can direct us on the approach to the facility." David hopes that he made some sense.

Kaden smiled as he looked at the hologram of the outpost. “Very good, Lieutenant Henry, but upon examining the terrain I found a good spot that could serve as our foothold,” Zooming to a pond on the far end of the map he pointed to it. “This pond is located just a few miles to the east in a small canyon which could could provide us with a nice natural defensive position. Only way in or out is thru this pass which faces the sun something our Reman playmates would like to avoid due to their sensitivity to bright light. The rest of the surrounding canyon would be difficult to traverse if not using the path way which gives us the advantage in case they try to go on the offensive it would force them to funnel in.” Kaden looked at David hoping he was liking the idea. “With that in mind we can use your idea have the first set of ground troops fly in set up a perimeter for the LZ and beam in point with the transporter enhancers. Set up a Command Post and a M.A.S.H. unit to direct operations and stabilize the wounded for transport vial shuttle or transporters.” Crossing his arms paused to think in silence for a moment. “Odds are though...the Reman forces could be dug in real good like a Andorian Ice Tick not wanting to give up any ground without a lot of bloodshed for it I know I would if I was them...what do we have for ground support? Assault Argos? Gunships? Artillery?”

David gave his answer some thought. "Ground wise, each company has a mortar squad of one gun detached from the heavy weapons battalion. Plus a battalion level section of the same mortars, which should be four guns. Overhead cover, the Black Hawks that are not being used for CASEVAC pack enough punch for the gunship job. Plus I assume the vacuum heads are going to be flying overhead cover for our advance. " Then David seemed nervous about the next part of his answer, "Sir, General Hurd will be with us. I would not be surprised if he brings a couple of tanks, but you will have to check with him. He is a great leader, but tends the 'Use a sledge hammer to kill a fly' approach. After Arcanus IV, I don't blame him one bit."

Kaden rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Am I to assume he will have a plan of his own once we hit the ground, Mr. Henry?” He stared at the hologram of the outpost wondering if he needed to rethink his strategy before talking it over with the Lieutenant.

"Sir, General Hurd is a history buff. He idolizes an ancient general named George S. Patton. He will point us to an objective, and generally let us 'surprise him with our ingenuity.' That being said, he likes to get into the thick of the action as a warrior. I suspect that he will motivate us during a fight. I suggest reviewing the plan with him, which is per SOP anyway. He should not make major changes to it, unless he thinks it is totally sub-par. "

“Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.” Kaden said as he walked around the hologram. “A quote from Sun Tzu, I like to take those words to heart and discuss plans with people under my command, Mr. Henry, you never know what kind of ideas others have that could be instrumental in success maybe even avoid bloodshed altogther.” He paused shaking his head recalling his days in the academy. “Probably explains why I got such high marks in Combat Ethics I have high morales when it comes to battlefield combat. I am not afraid to kill if necessary but nor am I afraid to seek a peaceful solution that to me is what makes a good marine in my eyes."

Having finished what she was doing with Braxton, Freya made her way to see how Kaden was doing. She paused at the rear of the regiment meeting not wanting to interrupt important plans being made. Instead she quietly took an empty seat and waited for the meeting to finish.

Kaden repositioned himself to get a better view of the layout of the hologram when he saw Freya waiting in the distance he was still working out the details with Lieutenant Henry but gave her a quick smile and nod.

Freya smiled and nodded in return. She was willing to wait as long as needed to get to see her husband before they reached their destination.

Walking in very quietly, General Hurd stood as quiet as a statue observing the meeting, a neutral tone on his face.

Freya turned to look at Hurd, she wasn't part of Kaden's people but she was sure Hurd would understand why she was sitting at the back observing the meeting. She just hoped he wouldn't mind her being there.

David was now convinced that his CO never got to read his record. He needed to know what he is working with. "Sir, permission to speak candidly."

Kaden lifted his index finger wanting to clear something with the Lieutenant. “Of course, but before you say anything I need to point out that this my first Command here. I was offered this post in the middle of my wedding reception with very little time to familiarize myself with the people so I am learning on the fly here for the time being.” He told him promptly.

"Oh Sir, that is not a concern for me at all. They don't just hand regiments to anybody, especially in this division. I just thought it is fair to tell you what you have to work with, regarding myself. First, I graduated dead last in my class, barely. And before the action at Arcanus IV, I was the longest serving Second Lieutenant in the Federation Marines. I barley could perform land navigation. The only reason I got promoted, and was given a slot at MARSOC School was that all the commissioned officers in the 22nd were either killed, or missing when the Klingon rebel attack commenced. I assumed command of the whole battalion, for the rest of the battle. Hours of it. I had to engage in close quarters combat, including hand to hand. When it was all over, I lost almost 40 percent of the unit. Since we held, they gave me a medal for my troubles." David looked down as he spoke the last half of his story. "Sorry for the rambling, but I just want you to know what you have to work with."

Kaden turned off the hologram resting his hands on the table staring off in the air for a moment. “I suppose I am not exactly better off myself, Mr. Henry, there are many times I don’t see myself in high regard as I suffer severe depression and have a genetic condition. I was born with myostatin which means my body produces too much hormones that make my muscle cells grow I have to take a suppressant everyday to keep my muscle cells from growing or it crush my bones in and kill me. I didn’t exactly have good childhood cause it either but I had to seek counseling and still do today. I joined the Marines cause I was hoping to find something to help me find meaning in my life and be more confident in myself.” He wanted to continue but Kaden didn’t wish to discuss more with the First Lieutenant for the time being. “I guess what I am saying is...we both have our flaws but somehow when things really matter we seem to find the strength in ourselves when out there on the battlefield to get us and those that look to us back alive.”

"Agreed, Sir," David responded.

TO the surprise of all Hurd said, gruffly, "Interesting"

Freya couldn't help but look up at Hurd and smile. "Like all Betazoids she didn't usually feel comfortable around anyone she couldn't sense but Hurd was the exception to that rule. "Sir may I ask you something?"


USS Mercy

A good hour had passed and the ship was on its way. Hades sent a note to all the chiefs to join him in the briefing room. He'd taken the time to prepare some PADDs of information and now sat awaiting the arrival of his staff. The first to arrive was Rol.

Rol walked into the room with his coffee. He didn't relish the idea of being first but hey, what could he do now. "Commander."

Hades gave a nod. "How are you feeling?"

Rol sighed, "Better. I did get a clearance exam from doctor Corrigan."

Hades gave a nod. Anything he would have said was interrupted by the other arrivals.

Andrea Wilde nodded politely as she walked into the room. "Andrea Wilde Operations officer reporting for duty Commander" She smiled as she greeted Hades.

Walking round to her seat she nodded politely to Rol "Lieutenant" she sat down and made herself comfortable.

Hades gave a nod as he checked off another name. "Welcome Lieutenant. Grab a drink, a PADD and have a seat."

Nathaniel Walked into the meeting Lounge went to the replicator and order a Earl grey tea Hot and sat down with a PADD in hand and waited for Commander Hades to Arrive and get the briefing Started he was also thinking about his girlfriend Chloe who was assigned to the USS Ark Royal .He was glad to be on a starship and a department head like the U.S.S. Mercy.

Hades looked at the complement. They just needed a few more members of the staff to arrive and he could start.

The door slid open and in walked a tall redhead. Blue eyes that looked like the sky of Betazed and hair wild and red and curly. Hades jaw damn near hit the floor. Rain Sentinel stood before him. He looked around expecting her twin sister Gypsy to jump out. He saw Rain smile in that Cheshire way.

"I'm the chief engineer. Lieutenant Rain Sentinel." She sashayed into the room and plopped down at the head of the table across hades. She glared at him. "Hello double H."

He surpassed every swear word he knew jumping to his lips. "Please tell me your sister is not here."

She grinned "She's on the marine ship."

Hades sighed, Poor Hurd. The general didn't know what he was dealing with. Before anything else could be said the rest of the group arrived followed by Corrigan.

“Sorry,” Dr Corrigan apologized as she entered, realising she was the last to arrive. She slipped into the nearest vacant chair.

Hades sighed, "Alright. Let's get tot he heart of the matter. I could draw this out but the long and short of it is Tarod IX was attacked. Unfortunately we don't have a lot of information. Some say it was Reman Separatists. We don't know anything for sure. We don't know how many casualties there we don't know what's going on as we speak all we know is that there will be a lot of people needing our help an the conditions could be dangerous."

He let that sink in. "The other ships with us will do the heavy lifting and secure things. That is when we come in. I will need a small team to triage planet side. Transporters for those who are stable, shuttles for those who cannot be transported and we'll need on sight medical. We'll let the Marines clear things and we'll be notified when they are ready for us. Hopefully they will give us a good head's up." He looked at his staff. "This is not going to be easy but I have faith in you all and I know you all will do great. Any questions."

Nathaniel said " I have no questions Commander just eager to get underway"he was eager to check on his department staff on the preparations to get the ship ready for Launch.

“When do we expect to arrive?” Corrigan asked.

"About four hours." Hades said. "It will be tight."

"Ops is ready to go Sir" Amelia smiled "We're packed to the rafters with medical supplies, so you won’t have to worry about running out for a while.”

Hades gave a nod.

"What about Counseling. I mean I have basic knowledge but..." Rol piped in.

Hades turned to him, "I need you not only basic medical but I don't want my doctors and nurses worrying about emotional support. You are there for that. Counsel, talk, and you have a few staff members so I need them there to help the wounded in that way."

Rol gave a nod.

"Engineering. I need shields as high as you can get them, I need what little weapons we have at ready and I need, above all else, power to medical. I need all EMH's on standby and treating patients."

Rain gave a nod. "You got it double H."

He glared at her. "Lieutenant you will address me as Commander Hades."

She rolled her eyes. "Yes sir." She knew enough not to push him. Her mind was preoccupied with engineering.

Franklin was finishing up with several of the nurses, making sure to note special assignments to them. Before his eyes, the time slipped away from him. Handing off the PADD he was working on to Ashley, he headed up to the Staff Meeting for the Department Heads, where he managed to slip in quietly and listen to the various assignments being handed out.

Franklin jumped in and said, "Sir, I know that we'll be heading into this pretty soon. Any certain or special assignments that you'd like me to hand out to our nursing staff?"

Hades gave a nod. "We're going to be spread think so just make sure that there are surgical nurses with the surgeons. I need you and Carolyn to check all the EMH programs, work with engineering.

Rain gave a nod.


TBC...

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