Finalising the Plans

Posted on Sat Feb 2nd, 2013 @ 3:35pm by Commander Brian Ratchford & Captain Liarra Von

Mission: Reindeer Games
Location: Cdr Von's Office

"Commander," Ratchford said pleasantly as he entered the station XO's office. "We didn't get much of a chance to meet at the briefing," he extended his hand in greeting. "Lieutenant Commander Brian Ratchford, your hunter whilst you're having your roving terrorist phase," he joked.

Liarra smiled and shook Ratchford's extended hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander. I can't say I've dabbled much as a terrorist, but we'll see how it goes. Please, have a seat," she added, gesturing to the chair across the desk.

"Well I guess that in at least two ways I'm glad to hear that," Ratchford responded jovially as he took the offered seat. Privately, he he hoped that despite the lack of any experience in the role, the commander's performance would at least prove to be good enough to serve its intended purpose."I was hoping that we might get a chance to discuss some of the timetables and the objectives surrounding the mission."

"Of course. I've been preparing my crew, but it would be good to have the rest of the objectives. From what I've been told, this is mostly your baby, Commander. What's the plan?"

"Essentially, it is a simple wargames scenario," Ratchford answered. "However, we're hoping to generate a few situations which are outside the realms of a straight fight, and more along the lines of situations we may find ourselves in with the Sojourners."

The lieutenant commander leant back in his chair and interlaced his fingers over his stomach. "Starfleet has devised three scenarios for this purpose; a convoy raid, system capture, and a snatch'n'grab. There will also be two more scenarios of which I will be unaware; Starfleet would like you to devise and implement these, with the aim of giving the Jackal's crew something that we may be unprepared for."

Liarra's brow raised. She had run missions before, be devising her own attacks would be a new one. "Where will these raids need to take place. I assume we can't run all over creation."

"The scenarios will all take place within a defined sector of space, with marker bouys already set for some of the objectives - I've asked Captain Gunning to have one of the station's smaller vessels ready to make the run to drop them - but I won't know in which order you will execute the scenarios, nor the precise details of the exercises such as coordinates more specific than a planetary system and the like. Those," he reached now for a sealed red container bearing the mark of Starfleet command and designed to contain a single PADD. "Are for your eyes only."

The executive officer took the container, but hesitated before opening it. "I suppose this contains my orders for the three prepared missions. When are we to set out? I would like to start away from the station so you can't simply follow me."

"I've told the Jackal crew to be ready to leave in two days," Brian answered. "We can delay that if you need us to, but from both the time that the shuttle leaves to drop the waypoint markers and the Carthage departs, I intend to have everyone aboard the Jackal until our departure time; as much as it would show ingenuity, I'd rather not have the operation spoilt by one of the crew members being able to download your course trajectory from station operations."

"I appreciate that, Commander. Two days should be fine. I've finished putting together my crew and the Carthage is already standing by. We'll get underway and I'll review these," Liarra added, gesturing with the box in her hand.

"I'll leave you to that then," Brian responded, standing as he prepared to leave. "Anything else you want to ask me about?"

"I think that will be it, Commander. I wish you luck. I have a feeling that you'll need it," Liarra said as she grinned from ear to ear.

"I'll see you out there then," Ratchford grinned back, making his exit.

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Commander Liarra Von
Station Exec

&

Lt. Commander Brian Ratchford
Starfleet Tactical Attache