A Change of Focus (part 5)
Posted on Fri Dec 9th, 2016 @ 4:35pm by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Commander Hans Munich & 1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia & Logan
900 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Shadow Dance
Location: Calypso, Conference Room
Timeline: Day 3, morning
"I agree with Dr. Barak. We had no reason to suspect that there would be a murder and one of our crew accused of it," Sam said. "And, as they are supposed to be in talks to join the Federation, why would we need to be concerned about locking up our technology? Besides that, how would they know how to use the replicators? I don't think the shuttle is the origin of the poison."
Sam looked at Yui. "Lieutenant Hirasawa, file a report of what you found amiss when you returned to the shuttle. Check the logs and vids to see if you can find out exactly what happened and who -- if anyone -- came aboard."
Then she switched her gaze to Lieutenant Wolfe. "I do not believe any other action need be taken with the Lieutenant. It was a minor infraction, under the circumstances. A full report will be sufficient. We've allowed Jenefrans on this ship to observe our investigation. They've seen far more than anyone walking on the shuttle would have."
Sam then turned to the rest of the crew. "Any other questions or suggestions?"
Logan looked around a bit before clearing his throat. "Am I going to be tracking the Princess alone or with other people? I think that's important to know so I can get an idea of how I am going to proceed."
"That depends on you," Sam said. "Do you want other people, or would you like to work alone? One other might be good so that you have backup if you need it, but I wouldn't recommend more than two others."
Damon spoke up seeing as how he was the ranking Marine in the room. "Commodore, I think it would be a good idea for the marines to start on extraction drills. In the event that our evidence clears the Commander of wrongdoing and diplomatic channels fail, I'd like to have a plan to retrieve her already drawn up. It would greatly increase the margin for success and reduce casualties on both sides. It isn't a popular thought here, but I'd rather be prepared for the worst."
"It would; if, as you said, it was a last resort and only if we find the proof we need that Jennifer was framed," Sam said. "There's still a lot of pressure I can put on the Council if we have the evidence. And we also have the Princess -- if we can find her." She paused, considering his suggestion. "But if you're careful, and the Marines know this is only a drill, go ahead." She hoped it would remain just a drill, but it would be nice to have an ace in her pocket, just in case.
"Commadore." Munich began. "Might I suggest a minor suggestion about an extraction planning, the people involved wear transporter enhancers; I have been working on a unit that could be used in the plan to get the target back to the ship."
Sam looked at Damon. "What do you think?"
Damon thought about this before speaking. "I'm not a fan of relying on unproven technology. Until I'm satisfied it will work exactly as planned I will not risk the safety of my marines or the mission success. I will, however, allow a group of marines train with the devices. If everything goes to hell and we get the green light to go in, I will make a judgement call then." He then looked to Munich. "Commander, if you have some time I invite you to come down to Marine Land and we can get started on putting you devices through the rigors."
Sam nodded in agreement with Damon.
A younger officer peaked her head into the room. "Captain? You have Lieutenant Mangalia on... do we want to fill him in, or put him in here?"
"Put him on the viewscreen," Sam said.
When Leroy appeared on the viewscreen, Sam quickly filled him in on what was going on. "Do you have anything to add?" she asked.
"I doubt that someone would have been able to synthesize a poison through the shuttle, even if they had had access to my files. You would have to know the exact chemical composition down to the micron. It's not something easy to make with our devices. So your looking for tech that doesn't have our safeguards. What about our friends that I stumbled across getting out of the system?" Leroy stifled a yawn before tapping a few commands, the sound of a warp engine cutting as he dropped out of light speed.
"We're still investigating them," Sam admitted. "We'll let you know as soon as we learn anything. You do raise a valid question. Either the Jenefrans have technology above what we've seen so far, or someone else is helping them."
Sam paused for any further questions. When there were none, she nodded. "Okay. I'd like science, medical and Marines to be ready within the hour to beam down to the first burned. Lieutenant Mangalia, keep an eye on your friends. Report anything you find. Qunari village. The rest of you, gather whatever evidence you can to clear Tate. Lieutenant Wolfe, I'd like to speak to you privately. The rest of you are dismissed."
____
OFF
Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
Logan
Assistant Intelligence Officer
Colonel Damon Raine
Acting Marine CO
Lieutenant Commander Hans Munich
Acting XO
2nd Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Flight Leader
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