Nothing Screams Synergy Like a 24th Century Zoom Call

Posted on Wed Dec 4th, 2024 @ 7:32am by Lieutenant Didrea Zade & Lieutenant Ame Solis M.D. & Senior Chief Petty Officer Mason Malone

Mission: Pandora's Box
Location: En route
Timeline: MD2
1236 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

After a security briefing with Kane, where he provided insight into their next mission and the involvement of the squadron, Zade knew there was a lot of work to do. Coordinating with the security teams on the other ships to organize their efforts was a bit daunting, because if there was one thing almost every security department hated, it was another security department telling them how to do their jobs. A small part of her clung to the hope that they would set that aside for the mission, but she would be meeting a couple of them for the first time. The conversation could go any direction.

In her office, Zade took a breath before starting the call to the other ships, having previously coordinated a time between them all to meet. As each face appeared on her screen, she mentally recited their names, and once all of them were present she got into it. "Thank you all for your time. By now, you should all be aware that we're under Pandora Protocols and our ships are en route to protect technology that we do not want falling into the wrong hands. Commodore Kane and I discussed some defensive protocols to implement, and it will involve coordination with each of our teams."

A young Vulcan nodded. "The Spruance will make adjustments as needed," Stef answered calmly, "just tell us what you expect us to do and when you need us to act."

From the tactical nook on the bridge of the USS Vanguard, Lieutenant Inara Deyren maintained a neutral expression as she listened to the introduction Zade offered following a briefing with Wescott. Her dark eyes skimmed the PADD in her hand, reviewing the mission outline and the finer details of the protocols in effect. Wescott was already two steps ahead, and she was fully on board with his plans.

“The Vanguard is preparing to provide muscle and support as needed,” she said, her tone calm but assured. As she studied the mission parameters, her mind wandered briefly to an ongoing private bet with her friends—a quiet wager on how quickly the Ferengi might sniff out a lucrative opportunity amidst the chaos.

With a nod, Zade glanced at her notes. "The Commodore wants the Valiant, Spartan, and Vanguard to organize regular patrols to keep out any unexpected company." Was it really 'unexpected' company if they were expecting to have raiders try and loot the wreckage? "The Edison and Aurora will be doing a bunch of the heavy lifting on the surface, offering security details to protect the science teams. The Athena, as the flagship, will provide administrative oversight, and the Spruance is a reserve that will liaise with with the patrols, but both ships have the ability to step in as the situation demands."

With a momentary purse of her lips, Inara asked the question. “Has there been any reports of movement that would suggest outside parties are headed this way?” She shifted in her seat waiting to see if her inclination was close or if they would just have to wait and see.

"Our long range sensors picked up a number of raider ships," a Klingon on the line answered. Lieutenant Moq of the House of R'ival almost seemed to glare at the monitor, a likely combination of Klingon aesthetics and an unwillingness to attend yet another meeting. The Edison, his ship, was the only other ship in the vicinity, followed closely by the Spruance and Valiant. "Their defenses are weak and they pose no threat to us."

"Stay vigilant anyways," Zade added. "Once news of something like this gets around, it's sure to attract attention."

The Betazoid nodded thoughtfully as the others addressed the team over the transmission, “I’ve outlined a layered patrol strategy combining an inner and outer perimeter to maximise coverage,” she explained sending her proposition to the group. “To enhance our situational awareness, I’ve also proposed deploying a sensor network along likely approach vectors. These should give us the extra heads-up we’ll need if anyone tries to breach the perimeter.”

Inara adjusted the display, highlighting the proposed patrol paths for clarity and playing the ships in patrol formation. “The Spartan would maintain a tight inner loop around the moon, focusing on close-range monitoring of the planet killer and ensuring no one gets too close. Meanwhile, the Vanguard and Valiant would alternate on a wider sweep, covering potential approach routes from a distance.”

Leaning slightly closer to the console, she added with a measured tone, “This is, of course, a working plan and open to input. If anyone has alternative suggestions or refinements, I’m more than willing to adjust." She paused briefly before allowing a small smile to break her composed demeanour. “After all, there’s always room for improvement.”

"The Spruance will stand by as reserve," the young Vulcan ensign spoke up after a very long silence in which he had only listened and taken notes. "There is however one issue. I am to report that the ship will need to make a stop as the helmsman requires specialist medical assistance. We will however keep watch over communications at all times."

Zade looked over Inara's proposal, eventually nodding her head. "A sensor network is smart. The sooner we can see them coming, the faster we can respond. We can fine tune it while the rest of us are en route." To Stef, she added, "We can coordinate transfer for your helmsman when we arrive." There was a brief pause before she continued. "On the topic of communication, it would also not be a bad idea to keep our channels secure. The last thing we need is someone listening to our conversations. Stef, are you willing to coordinate that?"

The young man nodded. "Yes ma'am, I can coordinate communications," he answered quietly. "I will set it up and we will be ready."

"Great." With a content nod, Zade took a breath. It was only the beginning of their collaborative efforts, and there was still much to plan, but this was a start. At least they were all in agreement. "Then I would like everyone to review Lieutenant Deyren's proposed defense perimeter and pitch your suggestions within the next 24 hours so we can review and execute when we all arrive."

"And who decided that you would be delegating these assignments to us?" Moq abruptly asked. If anyone else was tense over the idea of another ship's Security Chief telling them what to do, they weren't nearly as obvious about it as the Klingon. His arms were crossed as he burned a hole through his screen with his eyes.

Focusing on Moq, the irritation was certainly not lost on Zade. "The Commodore did, when he decided that his ship would oversee the success of this mission. If you have a problem with that, take it up with him." There was a few second's pause before the Klingon huffed, and the Trill took it as a sign of playing along, at least for now. Turning her attention to the rest of the group, she continued, "I don't need to stress the importance of keeping this technology under Starfleet control. I want us to be ready the second all of us have arrived. We'll be in touch. Athena out."