Planning Ahead

Posted on Thu Nov 14th, 2024 @ 3:48pm by Commodore Jacob Kane & Commander N'Garzi Zora & Lieutenant Commander Finnley Keating VII & Lieutenant Alexis Ryan & Lieutenant JG Astrja Kyan

Mission: Pandora's Box
Location: USS Athena - Conference Room
Timeline: MD-01
830 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

The briefing space had been roughly converted into a coordination center in advance of the Athena's arrival at the Federation border. Kane had long wondered about converting another space for this purpose, but for the moment they were improvising due to necessity.

"For those of you unclear on our rules of engagement," he explained, looking at the quartet of his senior staff in front of him, "The Pandora Protocols grant us a wide remit in terms of 'how' we secure the location, but the regulations are clear that under no circumstances is a foreign power to obtain advanced technology that could be used to destabilise the quadrant." He paused, motioning again to the display and the updates from the Relay Station.

"That is a planet-killer. A doomsday machine. And it has crashed into the surface of an uninhabited planetoid. As you can see, its hull is made of solid neutronium, in itself a sought-after element. But beneath that, we have no idea what that thing's internal makeup looks like."

"Whoa," Finn unintentionally let out a small sound of awe. She's heard of such devices of course, everyone had, but they were more myth than real. To get her hands on one, well, that would be an interesting assignment for sure.

"For this assignment we will be co-ordinating with the starships Edison and Aurora. Commander Lance on the Edison will be the scientific lead, and I want you taking your actions under her supervision. Given most of you know her already, that shouldn't be too difficult." Kane explained. "Captain T'Rin and the Aurora will provide you with full logistical support. Any questions?"

"Captain," asked Astrja, "do we have information on who else might be trying to salvage the planet-killer? It will be easier to prepare if we know who we are preparing against."

Kane nodded, adjusting the display. "Technically the system is just outside of what we'd traditionally call Federation space. It's not disputed, but recent intel puts a Ferengi merchant guild near that sector, and there have been reports of Tzenkethi and Tholian skirmishes barely a half-dozen light years away. To be honest, I think we can expect to have company. Thankfully, that's why we've got the Valiant, Spartan and Vanguard on-hand. To be honest, if they can put out a fleet that matches that alongside the Athena and Aurora, I suspect Starfleet would be throwing the entire Ninth Fleet at them."

Astrja nodded. "So, preparing against infiltrators is probably the best angle to focus on."

"You said we don't know what the internal makeup of it is right?" Finn piped up. "Are we going to be given the chance to find out? Capturing it is one thing, but understanding how it works...I imagine Starfleet would be interested in that as well."

"Indeed Keating makes a good point," Zora said more solemnly than usual. "Once we secure it, what is our objective? Maintain, investigate, or destroy?"

"Can such a thing be destroyed?" asked Astrja. "Even an internal matter-antimatter detonation of a Starfleet cruiser only shut it down."

"Destruction is on the table, but it has to be a last resort. Starfleet would prefer if it didn't come to that, given the engineering and scientific potential," Kane nodded. "Lt Commander Keating, as much as I'm sure you'll want to explore that potential, I'm afraid I'm going to be looking for your expertise in blowing things up." His eyebrow angled faintly, noting the slightly amused expressions around the table. "Once we arrive you'll lead a team to set up a last resort option. Lt Ryan will work with Commander Lance's team on gathering as much data as possible."

"May I suggest a joint Science and Operations team to look for the planet-killer's computer and sensor systems?" said Astrja. "If we could find out anything at all about that, it might give a clue to the origin of the weapon."

Having spent most of the conversation engrossed in reading Kane's missions notes, Ryan's eyebrows raised slightly, though the direction of her gaze hadn't diverted away from her PADD. It suggested she had an ear turned towards the conversation at least, a supposition further endorsed by the nod of her head as she finally set aside the device and shifted her focus to the Commodore. "We'll be ready to supply Commander Lance with whatever personnel she deems necessary."

"I will ready a proposal for Operations cooperation with Commander Lance's team," said Astrja.

"Indeed," Kane nodded slightly. "Any other questions?"

"Just one," Zora said, a worrisome look on her face. "What if the Ferengi or other interested parties don't back off when we wave the flag?"

"I believe that the rules of engagement during the Pandora Protocols are somewhat...loose," Kane responded with a faint hint of a smirk. "If they're brave enough to try it on with a small fleet of Starfleet vessels, then good luck to them." With a final nod, he motioned for them to return to their tasks at hand.