A Simple Investigation
Posted on Sun Apr 21st, 2024 @ 3:37pm by Commodore Loatha Targaryen & Rear Admiral Veegg & Commodore Wilkan Targaryen & Commander Shibren Ayi & Lieutenant Commander Jeanette Brooks MD & Lieutenant Chase Moore & Lieutenant Commander Ash Randall & Lieutenant Stacey Moore & Lieutenant Alexia Toryn & Commander Zhora zh'Roothi
5,156 words; about a 26 minute read
Mission:
Pilot
Location: Briefing Room, Starbase 419
Timeline: 2439-03-09, 02:45
Commodore Loatha Targaryen yawned as the lights of the Briefing Room rose around her. While she'd had quite a few late nights since becoming the Bajoran Sector Commander, very few had been as late as this one for her. Between the party at Quark's and her late call from Admiral Dazad about the situation brewing she hadn't been able to get any rest and she didn't think she would any time soon.
Grabbing a Raktajino from the replicator, Loatha looked at the three large windows that looked into the Docking Bay of Starbase 419. Just outside the new Enterprise, flagship of the United Federation of Planets and her husband's command, could be seen through the viewports. That was part of the reason that her Yeoman had chosen this particular briefing room. Loatha had relayed that her husband would appreciate having the opportunity to look upon his Enterprise. It was all he talked about lately anyway. More than anything.
Taking a seat at the head of the table, the Enterprise hovering behind her, Loatha took a drink of her Klingon coffee before setting the cup back down on the oval-shaped wooden table. Now she waited for the others to arrive so that she could give them their marching orders, quite probably sending them to their deaths in the process.
The briefing room doors opened as Lt. Randall approached them, the felinoid Engineer nodded to the, female Andorian, crewman with her. "Thank you for your assistance. I appreciate it." She said, to a smile in return from her guide, and then entered the briefing room proper, the hint of a smile still lingering on her face only to fade as Ash spotted Commodore Targaryen. "Lt. Randall reporting, Commodore." She announced, in the quite, precise, voice the Tuansee officer was known for, amongst other things.
Stacey was an extra walk in to the briefing room. She noticed a one-star Admiral standing near a window. She appeared to be talking to a Lieutenant. Stacy granted she decided to make her way over, at first not interrupting waiting for an opportunity to chime in. Deep inner thought so she was thinking to herself, how lucky she was to be on the Enterprise the flagship of the Federation. A part of felt like she wasn't Worthy.
Chase entered the room not far behind his wife. He looked around and saw her over, waiting to speak with two people, one a lieutenant and the other a One Star Admiral. He casually headed that way and stopped next to her.
Loatha looked up at the arrivals, "We'll get started when the rest of the crew arrive." She was impressed that the Chief Engineer of the Enterprise had already arrived, but wasn't surprised her husband hadn't arrived yet. He was never on time.
Fearing she might be running late, Jeanette quietly entered the briefing room. Looking around she acknowledged the Officers who were already there with a smile and a quick nod as she took a seat closest to her. Much to her relief, she wasn't late and let out a long, silent stream of air as she settled back and made herself comfortable in the chair.
Lt. Randall nodded greetings to the others, as they arrived and made her way to the replicator, the aroma of Klingon Coffee hanging in the air, prompting the felinoid to procure a cup of her own to assist in navigating the wee hours of the morning. "Would anyone else care for Raktajino?" She asked, with a glance around the room for any takers.
Right on cue Commander zh'Roothi arrived into the meeting room and quickly took Ash up on her offer: "Please Randall, extra bitter." The Andorian's gaze roamed the room recognizing the newer faces from their personnel files and nodded to each of them before taking a seat.
Lt. Randall acknowledged the commanders request with a pair of ear flicks and proceeded with her request from the replicator.
The door opened and Lex walked in, padd under her arm and reading an actual book, the spine of the book was labeled "Paradise Lost." She sat down and waited quietly for the meeting to begin.
"Here you are Commander." Ash announced, a moment later, while she set down a steaming mug of 'bitter goodness' and then took a seat to the right of the XO with her own mug of Raktajino. "This should be interesting." She mused, quietly, into her coffee mug and cast a sidelong glance the direction of the Commodore.
Nodding her thanks Zhora blew on the steaming cup and wondered what was holding up Captain Targaryen - avoiding a reunion with his wife she pondered.
Stacey wondered what he meant by that. She felt like there's a story to tell there, she wanted to know about it. You hear this wasn't the place to deal with it. Drama should never be at the workplace, but obviously there's some kind of hidden meaning in his words.
As the conference room doors slid open, Captain Wilkan Targaryen was surprised to find that everyone else had already arrived for the emergency briefing that had been called. Abhorring being the last one to arrive, he was more surprised to see that his wife had already made it for the meeting as well and she was usually always late for these kinds of things. This was a disastrous turn of events though, and Starfleet Command was watching closely.
"Sorry I'm late," the Captain said as he rolled the chair out from under the table and took his chair. Looking across at his wife, he saw the Enterprise hovering above her through the window. His two favorite views.
"We were just about to start," Loatha answered as she reached forward to the keypad built into the table. Typing quickly on the keyboard, another two people appeared in the room.
Commodore Veegg was the first hologram to materialize inside the Conference Room. A younger Zaldan who was considered one of the most ambitious officers within the Fleet currently, Veegg had quickly worked up the ranks after the Vaadwaur invasion. Bald with icy blue eyes, the Commodore passed for a Human except for the webbed membrane between his fingers that was native to his species. Wilkan had met him once before while aboard the Pequod, but had been left relatively cold by the experience. Initially, Wilkan had assumed it was because Zaldans were infuriated by courtesy, as they viewed it as a form of phony social behavior that was designed to cover true feelings. It didn't take long for Wilkan to realize it was just Veegg's normal personality.
Next to him was Commander Shibren Ayi of Deep Space 47 in the Gamma Quadrant. Bajoran by birth, Commander Shibren had been selected for her position as DS47 was the first line of defense for the entire Alpha Quadrant from the Dominion. Despite that, he'd often wondered if she was a token appointment because of her origin. DS47 wasn't exactly a stellar example of Starfleet's finest these days though and many had seen the station as a career killer. From the looks of her that may have been best for her.
Veegg looked around the room before returning his attention to Commodore Targaryen, "Is this everyone?"
"Yes Sir," Starbase 419's Commanding Officer confirmed.
"Alright then," the Commodore answered. "Computer, discontinue monitoring of this room until further notice. Authorization Veegg 4 Gamma Theta 7."
"Authorization accepted, command confirmed. Electronic monitoring of this location has been terminated."
The Zaldan explained, "This briefing is classified and not to be discussed with anyone outside of this room. For more details, I am turning this briefing over to Commander Shibren."
"I'll tell you what I know," the Bajoran said after stepping closer to the table. "DS47 was established in 2411 to maintain communication with the Dominion. Since then we've never actually had official contact and have been serving just as a monitoring station for incoming Dominion vessels. They occasionally do a fly by every now and then, but never usually reach out, and usually its only a single craft that gives us a wide berth. That was until today."
The viewscreen came online within the Conference Room displaying the sensor feeds from DS47. It was a horrific sight. A contingent of eleven Dominion Warships - led by a Battleship no less - appeared on the display screen flying toward DS47. Sensor details scrolled across the screen, showing that the ships were not armed and were conducting detailed scans before moving away and returning to Warp.
"They appeared to be looking for something," Shibren continued, "But we have no idea what."
"Or they are not, and this is a ruse to see what we would do about what they are doing," Lex noted. "I highly advise not to take this bait, Captain, as the Dominion always plays the long game. My house fought them during the Dominion War, and we learned their Strengths, and their weaknesses." She smirked on the inside. 'Especially their weaknesses.' Lex thought to herself.
"A battleship and eleven escorts is a, fairly, small task force for the Dominion. No weapons at the ready and they only came in as close as needed to confirm whatever it was they had to, and then they left." Lt. Randall, mused, aloud. "DS47 could hold against a force that size so sending it as an attack force would make no sense, nor would it make sense to send it for recon purposes and set DS47 and half the Alpha Quadrant, to prepare for an attack." She added, and took a sip of her coffee. "An overture for contact, perhaps?" The Tuansee suggested, quietly.
Captain Targaryen listened to the two viewpoints, considering both of the statements carefully. As Lieutenant Randall proposed this was possibly an attempt at communications as the Dominion would be aware that DS47 was established for that purpose, but Lieutenant Toryn had a point that the Dominion was known for playing the long game. Instead of commenting, he opted to wait to see what others said.
"I'm just spit balling here, what if this is just a sign of respect? They have 11 powerful ships, they're not provoking us into a fight. I remember once watching a television show that talked about showing Peace by showing up their weapon ports are open but they're not preparing to fire. They show us their strength but yet they come in peace by not locking onto our ships. However they have enough shifts to defend themselves if they need to." Stacy suggested hoping she didn't sound like a complete idiot to her colleagues, but given the fact that the dominions all about pride and honor in some ways a lot like the Klingons. To her she wondered if this was a sign of respect from the Dominion?
"The question is do we assume the worst." Chase said quietly. "Do we do nothing or do we try and reach out and see what they have to say, if anything." He felt like he needed to at least give them the options as he saw it.
"Either way we're not likely to find out from here," zh'Roothi added bluntly to the speculation. "I assume our mission parameters are about to change in order to investigate this potential threat," she nodded to Lex then to Chase, "Or olive branch?" she question the room.
Ash nodded, slowly, while Commander zh'Roothi spoke and then looked to the hologram of Commander Shibren. "Commander, has there been any, unusual, sub-space activity detected by your, unmanned, sub-space listening posts? Something beyond the, tell-tale, hum of a Dominion warp drive, perhaps?" The Engineer asked, quietly.
Commander Shibren answered, "Nothing truly unusual. Our sensor probes keep a close eye on the Dominion side of the border, but they don't come our way all that often. The stray attack ship will be detected on long-range every now and then, but they usually give us a wide berth." She paused, as if remembering something, "Come to think of it though we did have one situation you could call unusual a few days ago. A single attack ship appeared on our scans, pretty far out and barely perceptible. It was traveling at high speed and was only within range for minutes, maybe half an hour at most before leaving the station's scanning range. Why, do you think that's relevant?"
"I think so, Commander." The Tuansee Officer replied, quietly. "They give you a wide berth. Thirty minutes was enough time to derive a heading and I'm guessing that attack ship, moving at high warp, held that heading the entire time it was in range of your sensor array. It had somewhere to be, in a hurry, and didn't care if we knew it." Ash explained and drew an imaginary, straight line in the air in front of her, indicating a point A and a point B. "Do we know if there is a point B along the heading of that attack ship?" She asked, in a contemplative tone.
Loatha leaned forward in her chair, "If the Dominion was willing to risk getting our attention whatever they were after had to be important to them."
"The question is are we willing to risk ourselves to figure out what was so important to them?" The Captain of the Enterprise asked from his seat opposite his wife. "Enterprise is brand new, she's the most advanced ship in Starfleet, but she's not indestructible. Going after something important to the Dominion could be a dangerous gamble, especially if they're willing to kill for it."
"Captain, this is not easy for me. The Dominion was cruel and oppressive to my people, and it is not easy for me to put aside the crimes they inflicted. They took my mother's sister and lobotomized her. Trying to learn our telepathy." Lex noted. "I have many words to describe then, and a thousand curses for their shapeless false gods." Lex said as calmly as she could. "Do not ever mistake their intent."
"It's not easy for me either," Wilkan answered, having served as a Captain during the Dominion War and having been present at several major engagements.
Commodore Veegg interrupted, "Unfortunately, as Starfleet officers, we do not always have the luxury of serving in easy situations." The Zaldan's words were harsh, cold. "If you have difficulty with this assignment, Captain, perhaps Starfleet Command should begin to consider a replacement for you?"
Loatha looked at Commodore Veegg, then back to Captain Targaryen.
"That will not be necessary, Commodore," Wilkan answered from his chair, maneuvering himself into a more direct posture. "Rest assured that I'll do the job I've been ordered to do to the best of my ability, Sir."
"Splendid," the Commodore answered. "Commander Shibren will get the sensor data to you," he looked at the Bajoran woman then returned his attention to the Enterprise crew, "Begin your analysis of their data and attempt to extrapolate if it's of value. Regardless, you will be traveling to the Gamma Quadrant to investigate further. The Dominion needs to know that we're still around, and we're going to show them that we are."
Jeanette sat there quietly her hands gently folded in her lap, her eyes shifting from speaker to speaker taking in everything each one of them said and gathering all the information she possibly could. This was definitely going to be quite an interesting adventure, however, she knew the Captain would do everything in his power to protect the ship and her crew. The medical staff would remain ever-ready should any of their services be necessary during this event.
Part of Stacey wanted to punch the Commodore for making the remark of replacing their captain. But another part of her also agreed with the Commodore's decision to question the command fitness of Captain Targaryen. She hated the fact that the Commodore was able to inside a riot out of her, luckily she kept it to herself and Stacey was relieved to hear that the captain was up to the task despite their personal feelings. She debated about saying something but for the moment she would just remain silent. She knew her main focus at this point was to listen and prepare for the mission.
Lt. Randall looked to each as they spoke, giving them her, complete, attention and fixed her gaze on Commodore Veegg as he summed things up and issued his orders. The Engineering Officer nodded, slowly, to herself as if she had just heard confirmation of something she had suspected already looked to Captain Targaryen for a few seconds, her expression one of some concern.
Lex examined the Commodore. He had a point, they had to do their duty, but Lex took note of the back and forth between Targaryen and Veega. She decided to keep what she was going to say about this being inappropriate to discuss such things in front of the crew for private. She shot a glance at the Captain and even a non-betazoid would transilate as 'did he just question your command fitness in front of the senior staff on a Federation Starship?'
Chase listened as they spoke and kept his opinions to himself. This wasn't the time for a discussion amongst them. He wanted to be prepared and ready for what was ahead of them.
So far Captain Targaryen had been very quiet, Stacey was curious to see how he was going to react. His silence made her a little concerned. Especially since the Commodore had a dress earlier his competency. She was getting mad again at the Commodore for making her doubt her captain.
Zhora restrained the urge to roll her eyes as the senior officers squared up in a show of testeostone. Given the tactical strengths and speed of the Enterprise she was the best suited to investigate this anomaly in the Gamma Quadrant, aside bringing the Fleet's flagship sent a strong message. The prospect of encountering the Dominion didn't fill her with the same level of dread or fear the others demonstrated - they would be a formidable opponent for certain should that occur. However, learning more about their behaviours and of other factions with the Quadrant, was more intruding in her opinion.
"Yes, Commodore," the Captain of the Enterprise agreed to the instructions as they were given to the crew. His natural inclination was to allow the meeting to end at this point and not ask any further questions, but there was one burning question on his mind that he knew would be germane to the situation before them. "But, to clarify, if the Enterprise encounters the Dominion during this mission, hostile or not, what are our orders?"
The Zaldan Officer crossed his arms, "If the Enterprise encounters the Dominion, and their intent is hostile, you have permission to engage."
"Not to run the risk of sounding as an alarmist or to make you further question my fitness for command, Commodore," he said the rank with a bit more harshness than he'd intended, "but, I will pursue a diplomatic approach prior to a combat oriented one. The last time that the Federation engaged the Dominion on their native soil it plunged three Quadrants into a war that nearly destroyed everything. I lived through that once, and had we failed you wouldn't be here."
Veegg answered with annoyance, "if you have problems with following orders then you shouldn't have accepted the grade reduction that you took, Admiral, to play starship Captain." He looked around the group, "I think that we're done here, unless any of you have anything else to add or any questions?"
Lt. Randall watched the back and forth between the Commodore and Captain Targaryen in, tennis spectator, fashion, looking from one to the other as each spoke. There was history there and, in her estimation, Veegg was openly courting a conflict with the Dominion that he could blame on the Captain. The Engineer had a whole slate of questions she would love to ask Commodore Veegg but thought better of indulging her curiosity.
"Commodore..." Lex noted. "Permission to speak freely." Lex had enough of this man. She didn't even know how he became a Commodore. This unprofessional tirade was disrespectful not only to the ship, but the entire crew.
The Zaldan crossed his arms, his webbed hands briefly visible, "You may."
"Sir, with all due respect, I must advise that regulations state that any discussion regarding Captain Targaryen's fitness for command be conducted, in private, and not in front of the crew." Lex noted. She was trying to get this man to stop attacking the Captain in front of the senior staff but also at the same time, try to defuse the rather copious amounts of anger she was feeling from her peers. And at the same time, voice her support for the Captain.
Veegg smirked at the comment, carefully considering how to proceed with his response. "I am not questioning Captain Targaryen's fitness for command, merely responding to his comments and past decisions, as required of me as his Commanding Officer for this assignment. If any are questioning his fitness for command I believe it to be each of you, and the Captain himself based upon what he just said. Besides," he glanced at Commodore Loatha as he spoke this part, "blood is far thicker than water."
Lex said what she needed to say, Someone had to stand up for the captain, but not in a way that sounded insubordinate.
"I realize I'm new here, and I'm probably going to get in a little bit of trouble for saying this. Don't think that conversation should have been held in private, and not to demoralize the crew?" Stacey asked, feeling encouraged to speak up after listening to Lex. She was relieved to know she wasn't the only one that felt their Captain was being targeted by the Commodore.
"I am in agreement with the comments made by my crew mates." Chase said in a serious tone. "This was not handled properly. We didn't need to sit and hear this. It makes me wonder what the real motive is?"
The Zaldan looked around at the Senior Staff of the Enterprise and sighed, "You disapprove? Well, too bad! If you each cannot take a small amount of commenting on statements that you made then perhaps Starfleet should reconsider Enterprise's assignment as I'm certain that the Dominion will come with you with far worse than just a few words. This mission is a red directive mission, classified at the highest levels of Starfleet Command, so I'm going to be clear that you cannot, and will not discuss this matter with anyone, but you're no longer the ones going to complete it." The Commodore turned toward the other Flag Officer in the room, "As the Sector Commander, Commodore Loatha, find me another ship that will be able to handle this mission because it is of critical importance to the safety and security of the Federation." He returned his attention to the rest, "Enterprise is dismissed from this assignment and this meeting is adjourned."
Wilkan had listened to the Senior Staff members of the Enterprise as they said their piece, and listened to the counter of Commodore Veegg. There was a lot more to their relationship than the crew of the Enterprise would know so far, and there was a lot to consider. Nonetheless, he wasn't going to allow the crew to throw away their own careers over him. Veegg was considered the new hot shot in Starfleet, much as Wilkan had once been, that got him a lot of pull.
"Commodore," Wilkan called after rising from his chair, "please excuse our temporary lapse. The prospect of returning to the Gamma Quadrant is a daunting prospect and I am certain that the crew of the Enterprise are the appropriate choice for this assignment. I, respectfully, request that you reconsider the decision to dismiss."
"Captain, I am going to be clear, you are an excellent tactician, which you've proven by allowing your crew to attack while you sit and watch for a weakness that you can exploit. Fine, we'll play it your way. The Enterprise will remain on this assignment; however, I will be closely monitoring your progress. If I believe you have attempted to undermine or countermand the orders of Starfleet, the penalties will be swift: son of the Fleet Commander or not. Commander Shibren, transmit that information to the Enterprise immediately. I want the Enterprise on assignment and in the Gamma Quadrant within the next hour. Understood?"
Captain Targaryen nodded, "Yes Sir."
Veegg nodded back, You're dismissed." The holographic communication ended, leaving empty space where Commodore Veegg had just stood seconds earlier.
Lt. Randall took a sip of her coffee and reflected, for several seconds, on the reactions and interactions that had just taken place. "Not much time to lose." The engineer commented, quietly. "Permission to, make ready, for our departure, Captain?" She asked, and took another sip of her coffee.
"Granted, Lieutenant, I think that's a great idea for us all."
Zhora sneered the empty space where the hologram once stood disliking the Commodore's attitude as he cast doubt over the new crew before they'd even had a chance to test the water together. She glanced over at Wilkan wondering when he'd trust her enough to be more open with her. So far, aside form his name and long service history she barely knew him and, more importantly if he was up to the task ahead of Vegg implied. Across the table however sat his wife, whom no doubt had may questions of her own and some private words to share with him before they departed - none of which the Andorian wanted to hear or witness.
She dropped her half consumed coffee to the replicator turned to Randall and along with the other still lingering: "Let's not miss our deadline." She hustled them out allowing the two Targaryen's the room to themselves.
Captain Targaryen looked to his crew, "I'll see you all on the Enterprise. Dismissed."
Lt Randall finished her coffee in a, single, gulp and followed the lead of the XO by dropping the cup off in the replicator and headed out as well. "I'm late...I'm late...for a very important date. Oh dear...oh my, I'm late...." The Tuansee announced in a, sing-song, tone, half way out the door, her long tail whipping back and forth in an excited manner.
Chase looked over to Stacey and nodded as he stood. It looked like if was time for them to head out and go to the ship.
Stacey looked over to chase, it was a smile she asked. "Will you walk with me?" She simply said that she started to leave the room.
“Yes.” Chase said and walked beside her as they headed on their way.
After the last of his crew hat left the room, Captain Wilkan Targaryen sat quietly in his chair looking at his wife in the one opposite him. Behind her, the Enterprise hung connected to the docking port via transport tunnel, her beauty only superseded by that of his wife. He was normally quiet, but this time he spoke first, "Looks like I'm in the thick of it again, aren't I?"
"That depends on you," Loatha answered firmly from her chair. "You had plenty of opportunity to take control over the meeting, but you're the one that chose to leave things be and let the crew handle it."
"I needed to see how they'd handle a stressful situation," Wilkan explained.
Loatha countered, "That's true, you do, but you didn't need to bait Veegg in the process either. All you did was paint a target on yourself and the Enterprise, your crew." She sighed and rose from her chair, turning and looking out the window at the Enterprise hanging there. She turned and looked at him, "I know that you think that you're untouchable, your confidence is part of why I fell in love with you, but you aren't infallible. You can make a mistake and you just made one. You're part of a chain of command now - you're not an Admiral anymore - and that was your choice. You decided to return to the center seat so you have to follow the rules just like the rest of us."
"With my track record and history I'm better off in the chair than behind a desk," Wilkan answered. "Enterprise is my 11th command as a Captain and it's my 13th if you include the Starbases. I've been awarded multiple times for my actions, have saved my ship - and the Federation - on more than one occasion. That's not anything to scoff at," he said as he now stood next to his wife. "Upstarts like Veegg..."
"Upstarts like Veegg run the show," the Commodore interrupted, "and you can't keep resting on the laurels of the past to justify your actions. Plus, in case you forget, you also have also lost your commands not once but three times. You can't keep relying on the C-in-C to pull your feet from the fire when you get too deep."
Captain Targaryen crossed his arms, "That's a low blow, Elle."
"But not far from the truth," she shot back. "Veegg is not going to pull back, nor should he. You command the flagship of the Federation, that makes you a tempting target so you're going to have to play by the rules." Her tone became a bit more sympathetic, but still had a slight edge, "Will, nothing would please Veegg and his cronies more than to convene a special tribunal to take the Enterprise away from you. You must follow the rules, take responsibility, and respect the chair. If you can't do that, well then maybe you're still not ready for it."
"I understand the regulations, I know I have to follow orders..."
Loatha sighed, "I can't listen anymore. I'm sorry I didn't tell you what you wanted to hear, but what you needed to hear." She looked at the Enterprise, "Your ship's waiting. Dismissed, Captain."
Wilkan Targaryen let the words sink in and stood, staring, at his wife for a moment. He wanted to say more, wanted to defend his position, but he knew that it would be pointless. Loatha had made up her mind, had said her piece in all of this, and he didn't agree with her; nonetheless, deep down, he wondered if she was right. Was he intentionally putting the target on himself by questioning authority and doing things his way? He never felt that he'd gone against the Federation and the ideals of Starfleet, but was he misinterpreting his own actions and making the wrong call?
"Yes, Commodore," he finally answered his superior as he turned and left the briefing room. His wife's words rung in his ears long after he'd left the briefing room, but he knew, deep down, he'd do what was best for the Federation.
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