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Recon Mission - Initial report

Posted on Sat Oct 4th, 2014 @ 3:10pm by Commodore Kathleen O'Shea & Captain Jey Cleh & Commander Eliana Masters & Lieutenant Commander Aryll LeStrat & Lieutenant Commander Adria "Tempest" Desoro & Master Chief Petty Officer Allison Wilshire & Lieutenant Stacy Pierce
Edited on on Mon Oct 6th, 2014 @ 2:42pm

Mission: Bloodpath
Location: TIC - Conference room 2c

[ON]

[Operations]


"Communications to Commodore O'Shea, we have an incoming transmission from the recon mission. Where would you like it relayed ma'am? "

"Ops, I'm in the TIC at the moment. Patch them through to the Comms panel on the pedestal."

"Routing it through now..."

=^=Tin Six-Two to Starbase 80. This is the Communications Module, we are relaying an initial report. All craft arrived safely in system and are in a holding pattern in the orbital path of Taranok VI.

Elements of Tin Flight have moved up to the third moon of Taranok IV for an initial reconnaissance.

So far there are no active deep space communications channels coming from Taranok IV. There is evidence of some kind of a military grade weapon explosion in the planetary capital city.

There is a large expanding electro-magnetic pulse fallout cloud.
Disruption is from the ground through the ionosphere. Currently covering about fifteen percent of the planet and expanding.

It appears a large proportion of the planetary commendations satellites have been put out of action and there is major disruption to their planetary communications net.

There a very few global communication channels still in operation, but a lot of localized traffic, mostly on military frequencies.

Nothing at all from the Federation Consulate or the planetary government net.

The majority of traffic appears to be on encrypted channels using hardened systems, on non-government military grade channels. So far we have been unable to break the encryption or determine who is using them.

Iron One and Tin Six-Four are going to carry out an orbital recon mission of the planet to gain more data. We will report back when they return.

Standby.... We have incoming vessels from Taranok IV! Are those?..... Hey! They're not ours! ...... =^=

Hissssssssssssssss!

"Communications again ma'am, we've lost the channel from Tin Six-Two. We're trying to reestablish contact. We'll keep you informed"

[Combat Operations: Tactical Information Center]

Kathleen reacted instantly. "Red alert! Get the alert birds moving and get the plus fives spun up. Relay a message to Starfleet and let them know our findings and response. Have all senior officers report to the TIC, Conference Room 2c stat." Kathleen looked at the comms tech. "Anything?"

The COMMs technician turned back to the Commodore, and the Captain. "No, Ma'am." He said. "Nothing at all. It's as if they're just not there anymore."

Lizzy turned to Kathleen, leaning in a bit close, and keeping her voice down. "We need something bigger than fighters." She took a chance saying what she did, but something in her gut told her it was right. "Something like a starship."

Allison had walked over to where Kathleen and Jey were standing. "I would have to agree, Commodore. If this is as big as we fear, those guys will get cut apart like paper in a shreader."

"Ma'am, I'm picking up a faint transmission on an old emergency frequency." The communication tech turned to look at the command pair. "Audio only."

"Let's hear it." Lizzy said, without thinking.

A moment later, the speakers came to life. Much of the transmission was garbled, and full of static as it filled the room.

"...ips, or statio ... cer D'Tal of ... 80, request ... stance ...nok IV! ... ing inva ... origin! I repeat! ... attack ... entified force-"

"We lost the transmission." The COMM Officer said.

"Try to clean that up a bit." Lizzy ordered as she recognized Arianna's voice. She knew it was a long shot, but from what she could hear, it sounded like the planet itself was under attack. "I want it as cleared up as possible, when we present it at the staff meeting."

"Yes, Ma'am...we will do what we can." The Duty supervisor had arrived in the TIC and moved to get things organized. She had already called up off duty staff to fill key positions needed during combat ops. Jes had a bad feeling that they would be doing this for awhile.
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The station was under red alert for the second time that day, but this time Eliana was certain that it was not due to a voice processing error. She was already in the corridor just outside the TIC by the time the klaxon had sounded, and as the lights bathed everything and everyone in a familiar shade of red, the ship's second officer rounded the corner and entered the conference room.
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Stacy had just arrived in the Cerberus Operations Facility on deck 96 when the Red Alert sounded. 'Figures. All that walking for nothing.' She thought as she turned around and made her way back to the lifts, headed for her action station in Engineering.
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Adria was currently in the TIC when the call came in. While she could hear everything going on from the main mission channel, Desoro also kept a private link to the 220th Squadron Fight frequencies as well through a wireless comm set up.

"Desoro to Maguire. SITREP."

Caitlin was currently flying lead for Phoenix Squadron as with the recon group. It wasn't unheard of when Lt Commander Desoro wanted to get a look before entering the situation herself. =^= Phoenix Lead here. We're just picked up incoming bogies headed this way. =^=

"Copy that Phoenix Lead. Keep me up dated. Stay with your ROE's and cover the escort." Adria was already moving to the designated conference room as she spoke. Entering TIC conference room 2c she found a seat.

=^= Roger that Tempest weapons are on hot standby. We're maintaining cover Tin Squadron. =^=

"Keep me updated," Adria replied then shifted her attention to those assembling for the meeting. This situation was going downhill quickly.

*Conference Room 2c - A few minutes later*

Moments after giving the order to clean up what was received of the transmission from Arianna, Lizzy left the TIC to go to the designated conference room. During the initial distractions earlier, she had copied a schematic of the entire station, sending it to the Orions. She set a few PADDs on the table, sighing as she realized that she was actually beginning to fall into line with her job here. All she had left to figure out was how to repair the more complex medical equipment.

"We've lost contact with our own people, but not before they mentioned vessels that were not ours incoming from the surface of Taranok IV, and some type of EMP based explosive device in the capital city that is working to disrupt the whole planet." Lizzy said, looking at those who had arrived before her. "We also received a distress call from the surface moments after that from Petty Officer D'Tal that they were under attack by an unknown force... Questions, or a report?" Lizzy gave a kind of questioning look around the room. "What have you got?"

Adria was about to report when another call from Maguire came in. Silent for a moment before addressing the others. "My pilots are engaged hot with air to air combat and ground fire. The reception is a crap shoot at best. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some jamming in the area." For a moment she paused, “SAM sites have been confirmed. Our Alert 5 birds our in the air and our next wave are being moved to the active cats as we speak.”

SAM sites? Wow, haven't heard that one in a while, Masters thought to herself. She had entered the conference room and taken a seat as members of various departments filtered in through the door. What they had already suspected had now been confirmed, but unknown to every person at the table was the identity of the responsible party. In times like these, one could see the use in having an active starship patrolling the area.

"This sounds like the start of a war and from the sounds of it, it's being perpetrated by an alien influence. It's time to act swiftly to protect our interests, we need more support at Taranok. Are there any other assets we can mobilize that we haven't thought of yet?" Eliana questioned the group.

"I've already suggested to the Commodore that we need a starship to handle something like this, but from what I can tell, none are close enough to be of any help." Lizzy explained as she finally sat down. "What we need is some way to break through whatever it is that is causing the interference, whether it be jamming, or some other kind of electro-magnetic interference... What kinds of ships do we have ready to launch right now?"

Von Hyden and Kathleen walked into the room at that moment, already discussing the turn in events.

"EMP weapon doesn't sound like a natural disaster" Von Hyden commented after hearing the relayed transmissions from the CIC "That sounds like somebody began a shooting war, but is it an outside aggressor or internal? Either way, we need to know who's doing the shooting."

"I agree, Commander. However, we essentially have zero intel. No ground truth, and confusing comms. For all we know it could be the Borg, The Orions...even some radical Romulan splinter faction." Kathleen did not like making any plan based on guesses or assumptions. Somehow they were going to have to get better data...and fast. She moved up to the head of the conference table. "OK folks, what do we have?"

Adria turned in O'Shea's direction, "I just got finished saying my on site pilots are encountering significant resistance from fighters and SAM sites. So we're not talking a lack of technological warefare here. While it may not be what we usually see it does pose a major threat to anything in the air. Alert 5's have been launched to assist. The next wave have been moved to Alert 5 status. Its the lack of decent comm frequencies that bothers me because anyone we send to get eyes on will most likely end up with the same comm issue unless we can find a way around it."

"The first order of business is going to be to establish a safe area for an LZ. I'm not going to commit relief teams...or even ground combat personnel until we can ensure they will make the surface safely. The Scimitars are perfect for that roll, along with some support craft. Get an ordnance configuration made and commit them all. We can get more if needed. Also we will need to start thinking about using one of the Aeries for Ordnance and supply support as well." Kathleen took the larger PAD of the stack and moved around a few screens before continuing. "We will need to figure out something for refueling as well...probably look at pressing a civilian tanker into service. The other Aerie is being held for the Corps of Engineers. They will have their hands full trying to get critical infrastructure supported and repaired."

Quietly, a woman in blue collar, stepped through. She had refound her composure, as she had traversed the Starbase. She nodded to everyone present, and said, in a fairly confident tone, "Lieutenant LeStrat, reporting for duty, sir."

She stood, passively, awaiting official permission to join the briefing.

Lizzy looked over at the new arrival. She'd heard they were getting a new CMO, and figured this was that officer. "Welcome to Starbase 80, Doctor." She said casually. She inwardly hoped that the arrival of the new CMO would mean that she wouldn't have to use her medical skills here. "Have a seat. I'm sure your input could be useful."

She nodded, but remained quiet, until she sat. "Disengage. Disengage safety." She added, quietly, and almost instantly felt relieved, as she loosened her brace.

Adria let out a small sigh of frustration, "Its not going to be that simple. Sure we can get the craft, more ordinance, etc. But we have another issue, a shortage of qualified pilots in general not just one type of bird. Currently we have some temporarily grounded due to medical reasons, others that don't have enough flight time for an operational rating in a Scimitar just yet and which leave the rest of my pilots overcommitted. We can launch all our Scimitar's with our current rotation of active pilots we have available and that includes me. However we can't sustain this forever. Its an issue that needs a more permanent solution that doesn't involve putting unqualified or only partially qualified pilots out there until they can get that flight time."

"Something like a Starship. The problem is that we don't have one." Lizzy said. She'd mentioned it to Kathleen in the TIC when the report came in, but now it came out again. "The other big thing in this situation is going to be medical relief. Regardless of what's happened, or how, the people on Taranok IV will need large scale medical relief." She glanced at the new Doctor as she said this. "With our medical department still being rebuilt, and what little medical staff we have already swamped, this could be a real problem."

"We are expecting additional medical staff. You are also underestimating the capabilities of those present, and I take offense, if you don't mind. I will work triple shifts, and live off stim-shots, if I have to. Unless you have a medical degree, please leave the concerns of the medical department to those who do, or the Commanding Officer." Aryll said, sharply. "I do not appreciate the implication that I'm not capable of doing my job, ma'am. As the medical department is apparently "swamped", permission to leave a recorder, so I can review this briefing later, and assist them?"

The room was silent for a moment before Kathleen cleared her throat and spoke. "Dr LeStrat, allow me to introduce my XO, Dr Jey Cley, MD. She also is assigned as the Stations Medical Systems Specialist."

"Then, with respect, Doctor Cley should be aware of incoming medical staff." LeStrat replied. If this revelation bothered her, she did not show it.

"I knew you were coming, Doctor." Jeh said with some annoyance. "You're newly arrived to the station, so unless you've been to the medical area already, you have no idea the state of your department... I do."

"While that is correct, you should also be aware of other medical personnel being assigned to station. I am not the only one slated to arrive within the next 48 hours. Regardless, I have never been one to stand down from a challenge. My previous statement stands. If the medical department is in such a state, my priority is to the wounded, and not this staff briefing. Permission to be dismissed?" Aryll replied, still unshaken in her demeanor.

"Go get yourself up to speed, and get your department in order." Lizzy replied with a sigh. Not even five minutes on the base, and it seemed like this doctor already didn't like her. "I can handle medical input in your place. You're dismissed."

"I was not addressing you with that statement, ma'am. You are not the senior officer in this staff briefing." Aryll said, her attention returning to the Commanding Officer.

The icy tendrils that reached out through the room were not an unfamiliar sensation to most of the staff. It was something that all of them had experienced at one time or another, though with less frequency as of late. They all knew what it meant...

Except one. Aryll felt the air temperature suddenly drop. Kathleen was looking right at her with a piercing gaze, her blue eyes shimmering...no, that had to be an illusion...

When Kathleen spoke, it was in a very controlled tone. "Is there a problem that I am not aware of, Doctor?"

"With respect, ma'am. I did only just arrive, as it's been pointed out, and yet, despite not having been introduced to anyone, nevermind the executive officer. Yet despite my assignment as Chief Medical officer, the Executive Officer has taken the liberty of speaking for me, and my department, as though I was still in medical school. As my presence is clearly redundant, my time would be better used treating the patients that apparently are overwhelming my department, despite Dr. Cket finding time to be here, at this meeting." Aryll said, in a calm fashion.

The temperature dropped even more. "Captain Cley had no choice but to speak for Medical. Your arrival was expected several hours ago. And the situation that we find ourselves in was not exactly planned." Kathleen paused for a moment as she collected her thoughts. "And the patients that we are referring to are not on this station. They are on Taranok IV...approximately 250,000 given initial estimates. Most likely those estimates are off...on the low side. At this time there is an ongoing incursion of Taranok IV. The entire planet is hot. We have essentially zero comms, and even less intel. And you are going to be treating folks in the thick of it. Now, I chose your application over all of the others because of your Marine background, and your reputation for kicking ass no matter what the odds are. But I warn you...interrupting my briefing is not the battle that you want."

Aryll nodded. "And had the executive officer explained it that way, instead of casually belittling the department, and exaggerating the casualties currently on Starbase, ma'am, I would not have commented as I did."

It was fairly obvious that the new CMO had taken an instant dislike to Cley, Allison observed. 'I like her.' She thought as she walked over to the CMO, shrugging off the cold that was already starting to dissipate. Kathleen had learned a lot of control over the last couple of years...but she still had yet to totally master it. "I'll see to Doctor LeStrat's immediate needs, Commodore." She waited for Kathleen to nod her approval, then turned to the physician. "If you will follow me, ma'am."

"Engage Safety." She instructed her brace, while waiting for the Commanding Officer to comment. "Activate." She added, and winced at the sudden sharp pressure on her leg.

Kathleen noticed the doctors hesitation. "Dismissed." Was her singular reply. She had other things to worry about for now. Like keeping millions of people alive.

Happy to be given the opportunity to leave, Aryll happily vanished out the door with the woman who had given her her reprieve from the Commanding Officer.

"What about the Chesapeake?" Masters chirped in, having been content to sit back and listen for a few minutes. The ship's second officer looked around to see a mixed bag of responses.

"I think it's worth checking out. I mean - they left week a few weeks ago on a VIP transport and the fleet has assigned that ship to operate in this sector. They should be back any day now. What do you think?"

"Worth a try, Commander. And I believe the McClusky is close at hand as well...supposed to be working some kind of Orion Intel Gathering Cell working out here. If you would, try to establish contact with both ships and have them re-tasked to our station as soon as possible."

"Yes ma'am," Eliana acknowledged the task.

Though she didn't show it, at the mention of an investigation of the Orions, Lizzy was suddenly very worried. Such an investigation could not only put her sister's life in grave danger, but it could also compromise her own position here.

"Alright...sorry folks, we just do not know a lot at this point. Hopefully by the next brief we will know a lot more about the situation. Is there anything else?" Kathleen paused to open the floor to questions or comments.

"We still haven't addressed the issue of how exactly we are going to deal with the medical issue." Lizzy chimed up. "How is this station going to properly treat a whole planet full of people who need medical attention?"

Kathleen glared at the XO. "How about we let the CMO worry about that. That is, after all, her job." Her gaze did not falter. "Any other questions?" The room was quiet. "Then let's get this mess sorted out. Dismissed." Kathleen watched as everybody quickly exited their seats and headed for the door. Spotting Jey at the end of the group, Kathleen logged out of the PADD she had been using and moved to follow. She wasn't letting the XO get off that easily.

----------------------------------

Commodore Kathleen O'Shea
Commanding Officer
Starbase 80

Captain Jey Cleh
Executive Officer
Medical Systems Specialist
Starbase 80

MCPO Allison Wilshire
Chief of the Boat
Starbase 80

Lieutenant Aryll LeStrat
Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 80

Commander Eliana Masters
Director of Flight Operations
Second Officer
Starbase 80

Petty Officer 2nd Class Stacy Pierce
Structural/Environmental Specialist
Corps of Engineers
Starbase 80

Lieutenant Commander Falk Von Hyden
Commander Tactical Airlift Group
Starbase 80

Lieutenant Commander Adria "Tempest" Desoro
Commander Air Group
Starbase 80

 

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