Senior Staff Meeting - Part 1

Posted on 19 Aug 2010 @ 11:28am by Commodore Da`nal of the House of Varal

4,385 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: M6: Blood of the Innocent
Location: Obsevation Lounge
Timeline: MD 2 - 1300

Da`nal and his new Chief of the Boat walked in together after getting things settled in his ready room. He was hoping that the situation was well enough in hand that the Ballard could be completely handed off to the Southerner and allow the he and his crew to find out who was behind this.

Alex walked in behind the two and stated, "Captain. Chief."

The Captain nodded as the Counselor entered and took a seat. "Doctor."

Master Chief Sharpe just nodded in silence.

John entered the Observation Lounge closely followed by Jessica, "Good afternoon." John greeted everyone already seated before he pulled out a chair for Jessica, waiting for her to sit before sitting himself.

As Don walked into the room, half turning still, he almost knocked Ayren off her feet.

"Sorry..." he mumbled at the dark haired diplomat, glancing at Da'nal as he steadied her.

"Careful Commander..." she mocked his embarrassment. "Seems you left your mind somewhere....." she mocked his obvious distraction, with an arched eyebrow. "Better get that all working before the meeting ya know...."

Don grinned, at her accuracy. "Will try..." he said as he acknowledged Da'nal before taking his seat.

Da`nal grinned slightly as he thought to himself... ~either the new head of Ops or the new science officer.~

Jessica walked into the room with John and smiled at him gently as he held out her chair before looking at the Captain. "Captain."


<>


Silonez walked in PaDD's in one hand and coffee in the other he stopped and handed one of the PADD's to the Captain it had a simple message on it 'Serenity is a go', he took a seat and got ready for the fireworks that were sure to fly over his meeting with the COO. At the moment he didn't give a rats ass about it, they were going into a volatile situation and he didn't need some political minded ops officer getting in his way.

Anara made her way into the observation lounge. She smiled warmly at Jessica and John and then acknowledged the Captain and his mate. She sat in a chair and took out her PADD, eager to begin the meeting.

Jess smiled back at her and gave a slight wink before looking back at the Captain as she waited to see what was going to happen.

Wandella staggered in next, she'd had a busy night to say the least, "Good morning," she managed.

Persephone, as flustered as ever, stumbled into the briefing room after Wandella. Being a completely new face to the Achilles she tried not to make eye contact with anyone and took a seat as close to the door as she could, fidgeting with a PaDD to occupy herself with. She nodded to two officers who managed to catch her eye and waited, expectantly, with the others.

Taking notice of the officer Da'nal was slightly irritated at the officers gall. It was obvious she had heard of the staff meeting, possibly during the Master Chief's communication with the shuttle, but to slink in and not report for duty... Da`nal called out to her. "Excuse me Lieutenant....you are?"

Seph’s eyes widened as she slowly looked up to meet the captain’s gaze, hoping silently that he wasn’t referring to her. She quickly shot a look around the room, darting from officer to officer. “Who, me?†she questioned, knowing full well the answer.

"YES...You Lieutenant."

“Lieutenant Gilmore... sir,†she replied after a pause. “Persephone Gilmore.†Her face flushed with embarrassment laced with a dash of anger at being publicly singled out on her first day on-ship. Then, suddenly from nowhere, she ventured further. “I assume you authorized the transfer personally, Captain...?†She raised a subtle eyebrow to punctuate the implied question.

Tika entered the room with a stack of PADD's in hand. She walked quickly toward the seat next to the XO, her long and slender legs stretching in front of her. As she sat, she noticed Silonez with a scowl. She didn't like him....well sorta didn't like him.... "Good morning everyone.."

Don was watching the interaction of the officers. But then that train of thought was interrupted by the arrival of the second officer. "Good morning," he said softly to her.

She looked at the man with a devilish grin.

Da`nal nodded at the greeting. "Afternoon Commander." Then turning back to the lieutenant. "I've authorized a lot of transfers recently, am I meant to remember your more than anyone elses? he fired rhetorically. "However, I do recall the name, I also recall that you were supposed to have arrived on the Southerner."

“Yes,†she replied, searching for her excuse, “I was. But...†she searched the room again for someone friendly, something welcoming and then turned back to regard the captain again. “But I missed the departure.†She knew that this was not the impression she wanted to portray to her new commanding officer, but she would be damned if she relayed the real reason. Being hospitalized with three broken ribs due to a drunken brawl was not the best excuse to use at this time.

Tika saw the officer in distress and knew what happened. She'd been at the bar where the fight happened. "Sir..the times for the departure of the Southerner were changed a number of times. Its very possible the Lieutenant simply didn't get the memo for the change..."

Of course he already knew about why see was late. When the Master Chief had contacted SB 515 they had informed him and he relayed the information. Da`nal glanced to the Chief, then he returned to the lieutenant. "Thank you Commander, Lieutenant we will finish this later." Indicating the woman opposite her. Lieutenant Gilmore, this is Ensign Dawson. She's been filling in since our last Csec was injured and transferred."

Silonez was getting annoyed, at the waste of time over a scheduling mishap, he kept himself looking busy with the PaDD he had brought in, in actuality he was looking over the review he'd done of both the Kyari and the Laruc, finding that history was repeating it self with this sector, meanwhile time was being wasted chiding some junior officer over a time table issue.

Da`nal had had enough of the banter himself...it was time to get this show on the road. "Now that we are all here lets get started. First things first, we have a lot of new faces on the senior staff but to expedite things allow me to do the introductions."

Da`nal when around the room indication each officer in turn. "Our new Chief of Operations, Lt Cmdr Phoenix-Patil."

Anara gave the woman a small smile and a nod.

"That's you," Don said dryly in Tika's direction.

"Yup" was all she could think to say.

"Lt. Cmdr Frece, Chief Counselor."

Anara turned toward the counselor, acknowledging her presence with a professional nod.

"Everyone." Alex said with a nod of his head.

"We've all met Lt. Gilmore"

Anara gave the new Lt. a warm smile, hoping to make her feel a little more welcomed considering her mishap.

Seph simply smiled silently, already feeling out-spoken.

"And Finally Master Chief Sharpe, Our Chief of the Boat." not forgetting his promise he began the task of securing the Chiefs position. "As Chief of the Boat he answers to me and the XO alone."

The Chief just stood as stiff as if he was at attention. Looking proudly, carrying his pace stick.

Anara simply glanced at the Chief of Boat, as she was given the impression that he was not looking for a warm welcome.

The Chief could feel the eyes looking at him from the room. He stood there, like a statue. Unmoving, and unmovable.

Tika's eyes fixed on the Chief. She shouldn't be jealous, she knew, as her position on this ship was quite high, but what could she say...it was in her nature. She sighed loudly, not liking the idea.

"Well now that we've all met the new members to the crew there is one other item to take care of before we get down to business....Chief."

" AYE SIR! " Snapped the Master Chief as he took one step forward, and began to speak to all.......very loudly. " In case you have forgotten, my name is Master Chief Sharpe. If you forget that, sir will do fine. Now, with that said......." Sharpe gave a look to everyone in the room. " Lets get this meeting going. Attention to Orders! " He bellowed. " That means, get out your PADDs, and be ready to accept your orders people. " Then he took one step back, right where he was beside the Captain. " Sr. Staff is ready and waiting for your orders, sir. " He said to the captain, looking just as expressionless as before.

Instantly, Tika's jealousy was replaced with extreme confusion and rather powerful annoyance as she looked up at the balding man. She'd never seen anything like it in her life. Were they expected to refer to a NCO as sir? She looked at the Captain inquisitively. "Sir?....."

Don didn't know if he should laugh or shiver. "Right," he said.

Anara's eyes widened and she touched her ear reflexively, "Master Chief Sharpe- While I appreciate your fantastic enunciating but, I don't believe the volume is necessary. We all have decent hearing."

The Master Chief looked at the Lieutenant, and he addressed her like an Academy Drill Instructor speaking to a First year cadet. " I'm sorry, I thought by the speed you are getting your PADD's out that you couldn't hear me. Shall I repeat myself, OR will you do what you are told? " said the Master Chief with a scowl.

Tika nearly snapped out of her chair, but still managed to stay seated with her eyes planted squarely on the Captain. "Sir, I hope when you said he reports to you alone, this is not what you had in mind...."

Anara pointed to the PADD that was already out on the table in front of her, "Sir, I have had my PADD out since the moment I arrived." She looked at him candidly. Her eyes met his head on without flinching.

John began getting a little irritated, he had been replace in the 'Gung Ho' category. "Master Chief, you may want to put on your glasses, there are no Enlisted in here, but you. We are all Officers and will act accordingly. If you need a refresher on protocol, I can send you the proper Star Fleet regulation."

Wandella remained seated, she was way too tired for this kind of drama, ~He's like Cora, only worse. Whatever.~ She wasn't even sure if she'd brought her PADD or not, fishing in her jacket, ~Okay, there it is.~ She smiled, quickly hiding a semi-racy message from an old Academy friend.

Silonez silently nodded approval at the comment, but his next thought was interrupted by the comm system, "Lieutenant Commander Ericson you have an incoming comm from Admiral Kellenger priority one." Silonez rolled his eyes, he knew what this was about, "I'd love to stay and participate in this little chat but the real business calls." and with that sour but pointed comment he exited the room

Da`nal slammed the padd on the table. "ENOUGH! You were ALL call to attention per MY Instruction or are you all blind to that fact. Now on YOUR FEET!"

The Master Chief remained standing at attention. His pace stick under his arm, and no expression on his face. Just like before.

Anara gave a smug smile to Raymond when she heard John support her side. She turned toward the Captain at his roar and she rose to her feet, grabbing her PADD in hand. She waited at attention to see whatever would come next. She kept her eyes on the Captain.

Jess stood up wondering if something was going on and because of that she didn’t let her snarky comment out to play. Looking at the Captain she tried to work out what might be going on.

Tika stood rigidly at attention, her face hot with annoyance. "Apologies sir....but perhaps you could explain to us exactly what is going on. Perhaps we are all simply confused. This is all rather unorthodox."

Seeing Silonez at the door frozen at attention. “You are dismissed. See to the Admiral and return.â€

John had stood in a flash and snapped to attention, becoming ridged and unmoving.

Don stood, frowning. He would have to speak to the Captain. They were not cadets, nor were they children. However, this was not the time or place to raise his opinion. He would let it play out first and see where this was going.

Gilmore had never witnessed anything like it… She rose, awkwardly at first, to join the others and follow the captain’s orders. The look that washed over her alabaster face was one of complete shock and disbelief. She felt, despite her years and experience, as a child, being berated by a parent. She remained silent as the smirk of discomfort stretched her lips upward. Not want to appear insubordinate, she gazed blankly at the table before her.

Wandella turned to the left and right, taking in the entire scene, "Vat is everyone doing? Oh, yeah, that." She sighed, rising slowly to the single least rigid position of attention in recorded military history.

Da`nal began walk the room, silently circling behind the backs of those assembled calming his temper thanks to Ayren’s steady mental reassurance. “This is the last time anything like this will happen. When I give a queue for a course of action I don’t care if the queue is given to Commander, Crewman, or Cadet; I expect that order to be followed. What is ‘unorthodox’ about being called to attention? When the order ‘Attention to Orders’ is given a presentation usually follows does it not.†He stated rhetorically.

Completing his circle of the room he stopped at his XO. “Lieutenant Commander Killian to say your service to this ship as been honorable would be an understatement. As such you are here by promoted to Commander. Congratulations.â€

The Master Chief yelled out... " Three Cheers for the XO....Hip Hip "

"Hurray...." Tika said rather blandly. She was happy for the man, just upset with the situation.

Sharpe repeated his chant. And he was actually showing a slight smile. " Hip Hip...."

"Hurray!" John added in for the benefit of the XO only, he was happy for him and didn't want him to think any less.

Anara chose to ignore the Chief Petty Officer's chanting. She turned directly to the XO, "Congratulations, Commander."

Wandella whispered softly to Don, "Wandella will come celebrate with you properly later."

Don grinned at Wandella, hiding his overall surprise. Da'nal tended to do that with the others though. "Thank you Captain," he said after a few moments.

Taking his hand firmly, he clapped him on the shoulder. "It is my Honor...Commander."

Returning to his seat he looked out at his officers, their eyes still forwards and the hardness gone from their expressions. He gestured for all to retake their seats and as they did so did he. “Now, Lt. Cole, what is the overall status of the Ballard?â€

"To borrow a Marine term sir the Ballard is FUBARed. We have managed to restore life support to Engineering and below but the saucer section is Swiss cheese ... no way they would be able to sustain the stress of warp. Only possible option is to release the saucer section and destroy it ... but the release will have to be done manually as the clips melted in the heat and fried the release circuitry. Honestly I'm amazed they didn't go boom sir." Jess had maintained eye contact with the rest of the table the whole time. Dropping her head to confirm the numbers finally she added "They lost all bar three of their engineers when a conduit blew ... and two of those are cadets."

Silonez not so quietly returned to the meeting his face looked pale, "WE have our first real lead on who attacked the Ballard, a group calling themselves Laruc First was directly involved."

Now it was Da`nal that was confused "How? What is the source of this information? We have a claim of responsibility from a Larucian terrorist group."

"That would explain the mismatch of weapons damage we found sir." Jess looked over at Silonez and then back at the captain "We found evidence of weapons from 5 different races sir."

"A lot of the evidence points to Lurucian, but all of the DNA was Kyarian. The scientific research supports what Intel and Engineering has found," Anara chimes in.

"So it's possible it could be more than one race? Or perhaps just one that's trying to trip us up by using a variety of technologies." Tika chimed in.

"These planets have been trading and fighting each other for nearly 50 years. That would easily explain the difference in weapons."

Commander Phoenix-Patil nodded. "I imagine our search would start with these weapons. With a bit of research, perhaps we can discover who sold the weapons....and who to..."

Lieutenant Gilmore looked up from her PaDD. She had to admit, this was a lot of information to assimilate, even putting aside the differences in personalities relaying the meat of it. “Perhaps that’s where I can be useful,†she expressed, finally chiming in with something worth while. “If I could be supplied with the information already gathered on the weapons’ signatures, maybe a fresh pair of eyes could be beneficial. After all, weapons are my area of training.â€

"A Ferengi arms dealer name Boric is known to work in this area he's probably a good bet on having sold some of the weapons, the Klingon disruptors may have been stolen so finding that dealer might take more time, neither side is willing to provide us with intelligence reports or other data, so we will at some point have to depend on what ever we can get through interrogation and simply by going out and looking for the information our selves."

Silonez moved on the group themselves "From what we have on this region and its multitude of factions this group are made up of rebellious settlers who will attack Kyari military targets by several methods from simple bombings to military style raids."

Tika made a note on one of the PADDs she'd brought. "Then the saucer section will pursue that lead. Any idea of the whereabouts of this Boric?" She asked, looking toward the officer she'd come to dislike quite a bit in the last few hours.

Silonez looked at Tika, "Heading to a pre arranged meeting location, he's also an informational operative so I'll have to go meet him, I have orders from Admiral Kellenger to that effect."

Tika nodded. "We will meet him where he's going and track the terrorists from there."

Silonez looked at her with total disgust, "Hes' an undercover operative, if you feel like blowing his cover and there for wrecking all intelligence operations in the area then by all means lets go there and blow two years worth of work out the nearest airlock!"

Ayren was disturbed by the animosity between the two officers, but before she could intervene, the ops chief spoke.

She'd had more than enough of his attitude. Why was everything she said to be challenged? "Is it your policy to be rude and boorish every time you disagree with someone, Commander? This is not the time or place for this but I assure you, as you will be working under MY command when we separate the ship, we will have a little chat in private.." She said, her beautiful face scowling.

Silonez had enough of this person and did something he should have done awhile back, "I resign my commission effective immediately, I can not do my duties on board this ship with people interfering with them." he took off his comm badge and dropped it on the table exiting the briefing room.

Lahtikah winced as the man walked toward the door. <> She thought to herself, rolling her eyes.

Da`nal was white hot it had seemed that what had been a smoothly operation crew had degenerated into a handful of children. Before Silonez could even get around the table, "MR. Silonez! That will be Enough of That. Now Sit Down"


Ayren was less aware of what was said than the underlying tension. She exerted every bit of mental power to calm her mate down and keep him rational.

His fist was at his chin and his knuckles cracked as he fought for control. "I don't care where this intel came from or what the Admiral told you. I give the orders on this ship and we will deal with the Admirals instructions in a moment.

Silonez snapped, "The only thing you have been able to do is romance one of the medical staff and take unnecessary risks when they have not been required." Silonez decided to make a point, in a single fluid motion an eight inch throwing knife appeared in his hand and in what seem like a blink of an eye it hit the wall directly behind the captain "I report to starfleet on matters like this, not you."

Anara's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the intelligence officer now had a knife. She glared as he threw it at the Captain. She wasn't sure what was going on with this man. Why was he acting like such a jerk?

Tika shook violently in suden fear as the blade soared acrossed the the room. She let out a scream so loud, several people in the room reached for their ears.

<>

Da'nal face turned to pure rage and in one fluid motion he threw the back his chair spun aking the knife from the wall and moved to leap the table...

<>

"YOU DARE TO ATTACK ME!! He struggled as the two men held him back, but he was still able to gain ground.

Tika couldn't believe what she was seeing, but she knew she wanted to see more. The adrenaline rush she felt was not something she usually had the opertunity to experience in a briefing. ~I think I'm gonna like it here...~ Even as she thought this, she hoped no one was seriously injured.

Anara watched in shocked silence as the Captain struggled to retaliate toward the officer. She wasn't sure what she should do. She simply moved back, making sure she was out of the line of fire.

<>

<>

The staff meeting had devolved into total chaos. Da`nal roared as a third man moved into hold him back. "AAHHH!!!! I will....!! "

The XO shouted, trying to get through the Klingon to the Starfleet Captain that was in him "CAPTAIN!!"

<>

As the XO's exclamation and Aryen's pleas broke reach him he stopped. This blade in his hand spun bringing the handle forward as held it out for the XO to take.

<>

Da'nal glared at the man opposite side of the room. "You will report to no one! For your repeated insubordination and you assault on myself. As Captain of this ship I strip you of all rank and you are DISHONORABLY discharged from Starfleet! Get Out of MY Sight!"

<>

As the Major and his new Master Chief released him, Da`nal straightened out his uniform. "Excuse me for a moment." With that he exited through the door connecting to his ready room to calm himself.

Tika had to stop herself from smiling, so she instantly barreled her face in the PADD's pretending to read. She hoped no one noticed the real reason. She could be pretty immature at times. She knew that Ericson had issues, but she had no idea he was a lunatic like this.... She watched as the Captain left the room then looked around the table at everyone sitting there. "I like it here already....."
<>

[Several moments later]

Da`nal reentered the Observation lounge as all eyes immediately locked on him. He walked up to the back of his chair, that someone had replaced, resting his hand on the top of its back. "I must apologize to you all for my....outburst. Even if I am Klingon, my actions were not those of a Starfleet Officer."

<>

Pulling his chair out to took his seat. "Now, Lt. Cole you were saying before you were interrupted In your opinion is there any way to salvage the Ballard's saucer section?."

Jess had taken it in her stride, she had implicit trust in the Captain and John. Shaking her she said "The Ballards saucer section is swiss cheese ... we have life support in the sections below the saucer section but it will be impossible to uncouple the saucer except by hand they got melted in the heat. Best option is to uncouple it and blow it up before it goes boom and takes the rest of the ship with it."

<>

Wandella had listened to this entire thing, but her mind was more on what the hot new Lt. Commander and Ericson had said about the arms dealers, ~Ericson might be able to find something out, but you can pretty much look at him and tell he's Starfleet. Her, she'll just get attacked and that is no good.~

"Keptin, I would like to offer services to Mr. Ericson for mission to root out arm's merchants." Wandella offered, "I'm really the only choice for the job if we need to put someone undercover. Face it, Keptin, you only have one experienced criminal on ship and is Wandella. Let me help."

~I'll have her know I've been arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct countless times.~ Tika thought to herself with a beautiful grin.

Wandella noticed the new beauty grinning at her, wondering for a second if this Lt. Cdr. Patil was prettier than her, ~Nah. Close though. Wonder if she wants something to really grin about?~ "What about it, Keptin? Any of my people can fly the ship, but how many others have actually done time?"

 

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