Situational Awareness

Posted on Mon Apr 12th, 2010 @ 9:06pm by Lieutenant Commander Sara Archer & Captain Vorn Krace & Commander Peter Brown & Commander Jordan Gunning & Lieutenant JG Winter Balmorra

Mission: Borderline Diplomacy
Location: Starfleet Safe House
Timeline: MD08 1000hrs

The mysterious woman led the away team on what seemed like a wild goose chase. Access crawlspaces gave way to service corridors, which then gave way to small alleys. Then, she led them through a maze of alleys and back streets. Even those with excellent memories would have had difficulty keeping track of their path. A couple of times, the convoy had to hide from Bevrudl patrols. Other times, the streets were devoid of any kind of life. The trip took them to more service corridors, then to another crawlspace, and eventually to a very modest Bevrudl apartment.

Jordan sighed as they passed through the front door. Something was playing on his mind and for once it was not the fact that they'd just been inexplicably rescued by some member of Starfleet whom neither he nor the Captain had any idea was even on the planet. He checked their six before closing the door behind them.

Peter Entered the Room his eyes were darting around checking all the different points of escape in case he needed to get the Captain out of there in his Mind Peter Knew his Life was expendable these days the Captain and Crew were not.

While Krace's eyes and rifle muzzle automatically scanned the room, he left the thorough check of it to his security officer. Himself moving towards the centre of the room once he had made himself reasonably sure that the room was safe. By the route they took here, he doubted they could have been followed, and had learnt that their benefactor was very skilled at alluding potential pursuers, in addition to having an intimate knowledge of the layout of the city.

Leading the group into the main room, the woman removed her cloak and tossed it on a chair. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," she told the away team. She turned to Kutan. "Sovereign, you must be tired. I've arranged a room for you. Perhaps you'd like to rest?"

"I'm fine. I want to know what's going on," he replied.

"I'll do what I can to help you contact your people later. For now, let me show you to your room." She took his arm and led him down the hall.

The Tactical Officer approached his commanding officer and spoke very quietly. "Sir, I know this might sound odd but I recognise that woman from somewhere. There's something in her voice but," he paused, "it might just be nothing. I dunno. Probably a lack of sleep."

"Rack your memory," Vorn replied. "Let me know if you come up with anything."

Peter Crossed his Arms and Put one Hand under his Chin then walked over to the Captian taking an Breath Peter Spoke

"I just finished my assessment of our rescuer. During the entire time of our escape her actions have been more military than civilian. Her moves and motives show that of military training of the same level of any major power in the sector. Also she shows signs of more of a secretive person, hiding any normal emotional characteristics that could determine who they are. There is a higher level of training there; not many people can be trained like that, not even in Starfleet. At most maybe 12% of all Starfleet Officers have the ability that our rescuer exhibits; so far she is showing no cause for concern, but that could change quickly. We must prepare an escape plan for you alone; as Captain of the Iapetus you have knowledge of our defences for the entire sector," finished Peter. As he spoke he looked at the Captain as if what happened two months ago never happened.

"I'm not going to put our efforts into extracting me," Vorn stated flatly. "We have a mission to see to down here, even if the parameters of that mission have changed. I'm not going to desert it just because of a higher level of danger towards me."

The woman was only gone a moment before returning. She calmly approached the confused group, ready to provide some answers. "I'm sorry I couldn't explain more to you earlier. However, now I don't think the Sovereign will be bothering us. The sedative I gave him should keep him asleep for a few hours."

With all eyes on her, she knew she better start talking soon. "I am Lieutenant Commander Sara Archer, Starfleet Intelligence, serial number Sierra Echo five three one four four one. I have been assigned to Bevrud on an undercover mission to learn more about the Bevrudl isolationist movement, a group calling themselves Shintaka."

"We have known for some time that forces had been gathering to oppose any attempt of the Bevrudl government to form an alliance with the Federation or Elyshan Empire. However, we only suspected that Shintaka had outside influence. We knew a group supported by a stronger power could upset the balance in this sector. However, it was not immediately known how deep the influence ran."

Gunning's jaw dropped when the woman revealed who she really was. It was little wonder that he recognised the voice, it was her. From 386. The intelligence officer that had been stationed there and had barely uttered a word to him in the entire time she had been there. He kept quiet for the time-being unwilling to have the woman tell him that she didn't remember him.

Peter looked at the woman, then put his hands behind his back. He spoke calmly, as part of his position on the Iapetus he needed to know what this could mean for the ship.

"Commander; given the time you have spent in this sector do you have knowledge of how much support the stronger power is giving, or if this power has control of the leadership of the Shintaka?" He asked.

"Excellent question, Commander. We are fairly certain that the stronger power in the case is that of a rogue Elyshan faction led by a Sovereign Lissek. According to my contacts, Lissek has been providing weapons and equipment to Shintaka. Until only recently, we were not sure who was leading the Shintaka movement. If we had known the extent of Atakimpa's involvement, we would have acted sooner. However, Starfleet Intelligence needed to wait until they showed their hand. Officially, Atakimpa is calling the shots. Unofficially, there is some reason to believe that Lissek will do whatever he deems necessary to ensure that his goals are met."

"Do we have any indication on what Lissek's goals are at this time?" Vorn responded. The revelation that their rescuer was Starfleet Intelligence was a little surprise for him, though he had been suspecting it on their way over to the safe house. Starfleet made it policy to place an operative undercover on worlds prior to First Contact - while contact had been made with Bevrud decades beforehand, it made sense that if Starfleet suspected an underground movement on a planet in such an important strategic location, they would send an operative to it. The main thing that bugged Vorn was the fact they had kept this information from him during his briefing prior to the mission.

Sara responded to the Captain's question without missing a beat. "At this point, it's mostly just speculation. We weren't even sure until recently that Lissek was involved, much less behind Shintaka's success. Due to the strategic location of the Bevrudl system, our best guess is that Lissek wants to use Bevrud as a safe harbor where his ships can rest and restock supplies without fear of pursuit by the Elyshan government. With its proximity to both Federation and Elyshan space, Bevrud would be a perfect location to launch attacks in both territories."

"Commander, how much support does Lissek have with the Elyshan Goverment? If none then how many resources does Lissek have in the area? If this means what I think it does, the Iapetus as we speak is under attack given the events that are known. Think of the tactical advantage the commanding officer and on the surface so I suggest at our earliest moment we must return to the ship," finished Peter.

Sara responded quickly to the question. "From our best estimates, Lissek has little to no support from the Elyshan government. We already know that he has destroyed Sovereign Kutan's ship. As far as the resources at his disposal, we only know of a couple of ships at the moment. However, with access to a safe port, it may be possible for him to use Bevrud as a base of operation and recruitment center." She paused a moment to consider the Commander's suggestion. "I think I have to disagree with your assessment. Any attempt to contact or return to the Iapetus would be detected by Lissek's ship. It may be possible to jam their sensors long enough to act, but it would still get their attention and possibly provoke them to attack. Regardless, my mission still lies on Bevrud. In the event of a successful coup, I am to evaluate the situation. If I feel that a real threat exists, I am to remove that threat by any means necessary."

Jordan thought better of troubling the commander with the "do you remember me" question and moved on to the secondary thought that was now racing toward the front of his mind like an out-of-control shuttlecraft. "By any means necessary, Commander? Do you have reinforcements available or is it just you down here?"

"Unfortunately, Lieutenant, you are my reinforcements. That is why I risked the mission to rescue you. A single officer was far easier to conceal, but we did not expect Shintaka to act this quickly or with this much support."

Jordan's interest was instantly piqued. Outnumbered, outgunned, with only their cunning and limited firepower to protect them? He loved the idea already. He looked around the room at the shabby little safehouse. "What kind of firepower do we have?"

"I was only able to bring selected weaponry. Most of my armament, if needed, was to be OSP. However, I do have a few Starfleet weapons, including two Type III phaser rifles, five Type II phaser pistols, and two Marine issue sniper rifles. I have also acquired several Bevrudl rifles and pistols, though as you correctly pointed out before, are inferior to the Starfleet equivalents. I do not have any grenades, but I do know of a Bevrudl armory that we could raid if necessary."

Peter put his hands behind his back then looked at the Commander. "Commander; I am sure you are aware of my Service record, so you know why I am asking this; do you have full Omega Clearence Authoriztion to override the Prime Directive in this matter?" Finished Peter looking at Krace for an long moment knowing that he will know more then he wanted about Peter's knowledge.

"Prime Directive doesn't apply," Vorn cut in, answering for the intelligence officer. "The Bevrudl are warp capable, and by inviting us here for the negotiations, we are involved anyway." Turning towards the undercover agent, Vorn wanted to get the conversation moving on towards action. "Do you have any current plans for next steps, Commander?"

Sara nodded in agreement. "Captain Krace is correct; the Prime Directive does not apply here. However, to answer your questions, Commander, yes I do have the appropriate Omega clearance. My orders are conditional standing orders based on Shintaka's movement, straight from Starfleet Command. However, this operation is to be handled with care. I will be acting unofficially on the Federation's behalf. If caught, Starfleet will deny all knowledge of the operation."

Archer turned to face Krace. "Captain, so far I have not yet formulated a plan. I had to wait until I knew how many people I would have at my disposal. I am certainly open to suggestions."

Winter spoke up for the first time in her little corner of the room. "May I explain to everyone involved in this little party and for the record, that it is not the Federation's policy to interfere in the internal affairs of others." She noted. "And that as both a Doctor and a diplomat may I recommend that we try and get off this hell hole instead of meddling in the internal affairs of others?" She asked. "And that we quit while we're ahead?"

Sara was quick to defend her chosen profession. "I'm sorry to ruin your idealistic vision, Doctor, but not all of the Federation's policies involve non-interference. Given the situation, this is not just an internal Bevrudl matter. If Lissek's faction gains a strong foothold here, it could destabilize the sector. This is a matter of national security. In peace time, Doctor, I would agree with you. The diplomatic solution would be preferred. However, diplomacy is no longer an option. This is the middle of a cold war, and desperate actions must be taken. If you feel that this operation is out of line, then it would be best that you didn't dig too deeply into my service record." The intelligence officer looked around to whole group. "This mission is mine alone. None of you are under my command, and if you choose to have no part in it, I'll be sure that you are not held accountable."

"The Commander is right, in this case, doctor," Vorn added. "We are by default involved in the internal affairs of Bevrud; Atakimpa has seen to that by capturing us. Additionally, with the Commander's point about the strategic importance of Bevrud, I cannot in good mind order us to simply put our tails between our legs and return home."

"Commander, with the Captain's permission; I can't speak for anyone else but you need the help and I am willing to give it as much as you reqiure." Peter said.

Jordan shot a sideways glance towards Brown. I don't think we're really getting the choice, He thought.

"Our missions are, for the moment, one." Vorn said. "You will have our assistance, Commander, to the extent that each individual is comfortable to provide," he added, thinking particularly of the Doctor's prior objections to staying.

Sara listened carefully to the comments before moving on. "Now, we still have the matter of how to reach Atakimpa."

Peter looked at the group then took a breath. "This is what I have done before. First we need to have two phases; we need to break down the command and control. One way is to cause the guards on the Government Quarter to believe that the buildings are under attack by their own people," stated Peter as he looked at the group. "Then a small covert team enters the building. The next part of the plan depends on the Captain's orders. We could go in sneak past the inner circle and jury rig one of the rifles to overload to cause a distraction as one person snipes and kills all in the room; or we could create some kind of nerve agent, killing or subduing the people there. This is an idea from my experience in Dark Projects. As Captain, you for one know I have had some interesting assignments in my life with Federation Security," finished Peter.

"I would prefer to not take lives if it can be avoided, Commander, even if I am authorized to use sufficient force. Capturing Atakimpa alive would be a much better result. We may be able to extract valuable information on Lissek's faction. A gas of some sort that merely knocks them unconscious would be better."

The Chief of Security and Tactical of the Iapetus merely listened as his area of expertise was discussed without him being consulted. He began to wonder whether these officers saw him as something more akin to a hired gun than someone who might be able to contribute to a tactical discussion.

"Well I wont do it." Winter was quick to say. "And I dont believe anyone else here is familar with biochemistry, so try something else."

"Why won't you do it? Would you rather these people died than just got put to sleep for a while?" Jordan snapped.

"Well; I happen to know that with 4CC of Triox and 2CC of Viament C in air form will cause a humanoid to become disabled. I have used the exact process before with great success - I can't tell you the mission as it's still classified, but it worked. I understand your feelings doctor, but the needs of the many out way the few. These are the hard choices of any Starfleet Officer," finished Peter.

"Commander," Vorn said, speaking in a quiet voice, yet one with the strong hint of authority. "If your prior missions are still classified, would it not be a breach of security protocols for you to even mention them in passing?" Regardless of how it was phrased, the way Vorn spoke made the phrase a statement, not a question.

Gunning was sick to death of playing the strong silent type. He picked up one of the AR-116 rifles and looked down the sight. "I would suggest creating a distraction. It's a classic manoeuvre, obviously but if we can draw attention to the main entry point of the facility then it would be simple to sweep through to the target. Frankly I believe it's better than sitting in this safehouse with a chemistry set."

The Tactical officer grabbed a PaDD from the table and began to look over it. "There!" He shouted, pointing to a large space near the centre of the city. "That must be the Civilian Transport Station. If we can get hold of one of their controllable vehicles we should be able to create a nice little traffic accident just outside the compound. Assuming that most of the guards are not completely heartless then it would make it easy for us to sneak inside while they're trying to deal with the accident."

"All we have to do is get remote access to the controls for the vehicle and it would allow us to send a team in through the rear of the building."

Sara nodded her head at the suggestion. "I like that plan. It would certainly be easier than gathering the necessary chemicals for the gas. We can split into two teams. Perhaps Captain Krace and Commander Brown can create the diversion, leaving the Lieutenant and I to infiltrate the compound?"

"Sounds good to me." Jordan replied. "Once the diversion is in effect you could take up covering positions in these nearby buildings, just in case things get hot."

Peter looked at the Padd looking over to the Captain for an long moment. "I am fine with that plan; what about you Captain?"

"What about Kutan?" Vorn asked. They had so far left the Sovereign out of their discussions, but Vorn wanted now to know what the intelligence officer intended on doing with the Elyshan officer.

"I would prefer to keep the Sovereign out of the operation as much as possible," Sara responded. "I would be in our best interest if the Elyshans did not know the extent of Federation influence on Bevrudl. That being said, we could establish a cover story for the rest of us, and leave him with Doctor Balmorra."

Vorn nodded. The plan was tactically sound; the under cover operative and his security officer would tackle the actual infiltration aspect of the mission, whilst he and Peter handled the distraction. "Let's do it."

----------------
Captain Vorn Krace
Commanding Officer

Commander Peter Brown
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

Lieutenant Commander Sara Archer
(Future) Chief Intelligence Officer

Lieutenant Jordan Gunning
Chief Tactical/Security Officer

Lieutenant JG Winter Balmorra
Chief Medical Officer
USS Iapetus