Good Intel is Everything..

Posted on Wed Apr 11th, 2012 @ 9:38am by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Gifford & Captain Alexander Gunning & Lieutenant JG Nvaiden

Mission: The Mystery Men of Mira
Location: Intelligence Section - SB 332

[ON]

Gifford entered the lobby. He had a good relationship with many Intel officers over his career. The issue at hand was his need to find out the important information about this sector. His briefings so far had been rather bland. he knew what most did. This was a unknown sector to him. A good working relationship with the station Intel Chief would save him and the Battalion time and possibly lives.

A young Warrant officer sat behind a glass console and smiled as he approached. "Hello Major, how can I assist you?"

"Yes, I'm Jon Gifford. I command the Fourteenth Marine battalion. I have just arrived an thought I would see if the Chief of Intel was available for a short meeting. I would be more than willing to arrange an appointment if the Lieutenant is busy."

The Warrant smiled, "Lets see if we can get you in. Please have a seat."

The shrill chirrup of the office door was more of a piercing din to Lieutenant Nvaiden, who sat behind his desk trying to ignore the outside world. A holographic representation of the Thane System buzzed and flickered on his desk as the same three vessels continually passed through the viewer. This was his focus, not whatever interruption the idiots in his department had for him.

"What is it?" He snapped as the door parted in front of the Warrant Officer.

"Major Gifford is here to see you, sir." She replied, doing her best not to seem offended.

"Ahh, what delights does the United Federation of Planets Marine Corps have for me this time?" He said with the traditional sneer of a Romulan. "Send him in."

Jon entered the office after clearly hearing the Intel officers comments. "Pardon the interruption Lieutenant, but I was requested to pay a visit by your Commanding Officer. if you had the time perhaps we could discuss some of your concerns in this sector." Gifford's tone was pleasant as he flashed an armored smile at the Romulan.

It was all Nvaiden had in him not to roll his eyes. As much as his background predisposed him to subterfuge and the finer points of interaction but he hated the forced politeness of these interactions, especially when it was obvious that his visitor had heard his comments.

"Hello, Major." He said, ignoring the platitude of the Marine, a man who could probably kill him with a particularly barbed stare. "If you would like to, please take a seat."

Jon pulled up a chair and sat down. His smile was gone. He continued his neutral expression clearly sending a signal for the Intelligence officer to continue. It was clear that someone saw merit in Nvaiden's abilities to do his job, but obvious he was a bit closed off. There were other sources to get information. It was a benefit. Certain times it just wasn't possible to get a complete picture. Gifford had dealt with many over the years. He suspected the Lieutenant wasn't much of a team player at all..

"Our main problem at the moment is the fact that everyone and their aunt seem to believe that they can run whatever contraband they want through our territory." Nvaiden racked his brain for a reference that the Marine might understand. "It's turning into the Wild West out there."

"Agreed, the contraband has to be controlled. As you well know that will take deployed units. I can get that rolling pretty quickly. I have several hundred drone capable of amassing large amounts of confusion in the lanes. I propose we start cracking down as soon as possible. I'm aware all vessels and their cargo will tell us something. That information I shall gladly share with you. Any useful contraband such as weapons or tech will be sent to your section."

"If possible, and if you have the staff assigned, I could use a few of your Intel officers to add to customs and our Marine boarding parties. They would have expanded knowledge my Marines just don't have yet. They would be under your direct command but have my protection while carrying out their specific duties."

Nvaiden glanced at the duty roster. "That's fine, take who you want."

"Very well. Thank you for your cooperation Lieutenant." Gifford stood. "If there's any further issues please don't hesitate to contact my staff." He left the Intel chiefs office. Jon decided this Intel officer was indeed a 'Dead horse'. It was unfortunate but he would most likely be using other measures for Intel for the time being.

That was the delights of the Federation, you didn't waste time moving mountains. You just flew over it...

::End::