Turkana IV, part 1

Posted on Sun Aug 1st, 2010 @ 1:16pm by Lieutenant Commander Karma Sinclair & Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Kaj Mikkola & Lieutenant Lorne Jaxara & Lieutenant Commander Delon Tovan & Lieutenant Commander Leanne Bowen & Lieutenant JG Jerreck O'Connor & Lieutenant JG Erin Tal & Lieutenant JG Nava & Major Leroy Mangalia

1,191 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Peace, or Something Like It
Location: Bridge
Timeline: Current

ON

The Calypso dropped out of warp as it entered the Turkana system.

"Lieutenant O'Connor, scan the system for other ships. I want to know who's in the system with us."

"Lieutenant Jaxara, contact Turkana IV, Tell them we'll arrive in 45 minutes."

"Lieutenant Tovan, make sure all hands are ready for... whatever." Sam had no idea what they'd be facing when they arrived.

That was a strange order to receive but he knew what she meant. "Yes ma'am." He turned his attention back to the console and began working. He informed all departments to be ready to go to battle stations if necessary.

"Major Raine, I'd like a squadron of Marines to accompany Commander Sinclair, O'Connor and a medic."

Sam looked around, wondering what she was missing. She looked to Damon and Karma. "Anything else you think we need at the moment?"

"I would recommend going to Yellow Alert until we know what we're dealing with," Karma suggested.

Nava stood toward the back of the Bridge watching as they arrived at Turkana. She was still uncomfortable with the initial contact method but deferred to those with more experience. She was interested to see what the planet looked like and the inhabitants.

All the while, something had been bothering Kaj, and the more he stared at the viewscreen the more bothered he became. As he thought there were plenty of ships in the area, all clustered over imaginary points in orbit, which wasn't unusual. However something about a particular cluster of ships was attracting his attention, enough for him to open a small screen that focused on the point of his attention. He had his suspicions, but his alone weren't enough to justify any caution, hence why he needed a second opinion.
"Uh Lorne, would you humor my possible paranoia and take a look at grid 252? Specifically the ship that's about 5 or 6 thousand kilometers to the left of that cluster of pakled garbage scows. Either I'm seeing things or that looks like a Cardassian Hideki-class patrol vessel."

Jaxara nodded. "I was just noticing that. It's about 4 decades out of date, so I presume that's a Cardassian mercenary vessel of some form." Jaxara said. "Grid 374 has an old Orion Police cruiser, and 129 has, believe it or not, an old DY-100 sleeper ship parked there. It seems that these mercenaries are quite tasteless when it comes to transport."

He tapped his console a few more times. "And it's confirmed, based on the new scanners. All 7 mercenary ships in this sector would have problems either scratching our shields, or taking anything we feel like dishing. I'll leave the relevant maneuverability data in your Nav display, when you feel up for it. Captain, there is a fairly familiar looking Federation 'Freighter' parked here as well. The only problem is, the last time I saw it, it wasn't armed."

Damon remembered the last time they came across a ship that should have been 'out gunned' by a Galaxy class cruiser.

"I would be inclined to keep a close eye on those ships." He said as he crossed his arms "They may look like scrap but there could be a lot more going on that we can't see."

"Major, you are apparently unaware of our recent tactical scanner upgrades. I have taken note of it's supposed weapons capacity, and it's actual weapons capacity. There is a notable difference, but even if four to six of these vessels were to attack, at the same time, which is unlikely, we'd be able to handle our own." Jaxara said. "Weapons fire. Apparently the Orions and the Cardassians don't like each-other much."

"Shields up. Yellow alert," Sam said. "I'd prefer to get to Turkana IV in on piece." She looked at the science station. "O'Connor, scan the ships."

"Captain, seriously?" Jaxara asked. "We're going into a solar system, where we know that there are hostilities. I've had the shields up for the past four light years."

Sam gave Jaxara a cool look. "Next time, ask first. I'm still in charge of this circus. And yes, we are still going in. We've been given an assignment and I intend to carry it out if we have to go in by dingy."

"Captain, it's just common sense. You didn't specifically order me not to raise shields, and it's by the regs. And I quote, 'when entering an area where hostilities may be, or have a higher than 50% probability of either breaking out, or currently in progress, the tactical officer is required to have shields raised, as a precaution to protect the lives of both civilian, and enlisted officers aboard.'" Jaxara retorted. "Just doing the job, as the regs stipulate."

"The tactical officer is also supposed to announce that shields are raised," Sam added. "So we don't have to guess what you're doing." Okay, that wasn't the nicest way to state her point, but Jaxara had worn her patience a bit think.

"One assumes, that as it's in the regulations book, it is in progress, ma'am." Jaxara noted in a very soft voice. "I'll make sure to notify you of all the redundant things I do by the books in the future."

The other tactical officer snorted, but refrained from commenting.

Sam turned to glare at the Sec/Tac. "After your recent activities, Lieutenant, I wouldn't assume you could so much as read the regulations, let alone follow them." She was tempted to send him back to the brig for insubordination, but she might need him. She glanced at Damon. Then again, she might not. "I keep forgetting that in your case common sense isn't."

Jaxara refrained from commenting, having more or less expected precisely that response. The other tactical officer whispered to him. "Don't forget, chief, Both Lire and Winchester are after your job, and you keep giving them opportunities."

"Shut up, Jefferies. I know, foot. Mouth. I get it. Get back to your scanner boards." Jaxara said, shaking his head.

Damon had his arms crossed and a deep frown creased his face. He was astonished at the lack of respect Lorne was showing toward his supperior officer on HER ship.

He left the station he was standing and and walked over to the man, arms still crossed. Damon stood behind the security officer and spoke in a very quiet but deliberate tone that only he would hear.

"Lieutenant, you are standing on remarkably thin ice here. I would suggest you stow your disrespectful tone. If you have a problem with an order, talk to the Captain in private, OFF the bridge. Clear?"

From the councellors seat, Erin rolled her eyes. Evidently the anger managment times in the holodeck was'nt gonig to be enough for Mr. Jaxara.

(To be continued...)

Commander Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Karma Sinclair
Executive Officer

Lieutenant JG Nava
Chief Diplomat

Lieutenant Lorne Jaxara
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant Kaj Mikkola
Chief Flight Control Officer

Lieutenant Delon Tovan
Chief Operations Officer

Lieutenant Leanne Bowen
Chief Medical Officer

Major Damon Raine
Marine CO

1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Marine XO

Lieutenant Jerreck O'Connor
Chief Science Officer

Lieutenant JG Erin Tal
Chief Counselor

 

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