Operation: Pathfinder

Posted on Tue Mar 24th, 2015 @ 10:10am by Major Alexandria Somers & Captain Jeff Smith & Captain Liarra Von

Mission: Communication Breakdown
Location: Starbase 332 - Briefing Room/MCO Office
Timeline: Current

Naomi was in her Office the a couple of days after her Holodeck combat simulation, she was sitting down at her desk, when a highly classified communications comes across her computer terminal, she types in her access code and the UFP emblem is replaced by a Commander in Intelligence grey, she inwardly sighs, but retains a neutral expression.

"Commander DeDough, to what do I own the honour of this communication?" She asked.

The intelligence Commander looked at her and simply nodded "Starfleet Intelligence has just received intelligence on a lightly guarded Sojourner Communications Array near the space they control, it is a long range communications array and we suspect they use it to intercept our communications. It is on a planet we call Sigma 385 and M-Class world, all indications that it is lightly guarded, but you know as well as I Major, that where the Sojourners are concerned it could easily be a trap, Such an asset coming to our attention is too good to be true."

"I know, its like dangling bait that is tasty, if it is a trap, then it is one we cannot ignore, and I agree it sounds like a trap, but I have a feeling that I and my Marines have been tasked with getting to this array, so what do we do with it if and when we capture it?" Griffiths asked.

"Download all data, codes included, try to hold onto it, but I suspect that will be practically impossible, but what is most important is getting those codes and data, also setting charges to destroy it would not be frowned upon as it is currently a danger to our operations in that area. *pause* whatever happens Major get that data and blow the array then get you and your marines out of there anyway you can, I have sent a Klingon K'Vort Cruiser your way, the Captain will take you and your troops to the planet and land on the planet cloaked, then he will leave the area, after that you are on your own, good luck Major" He added.

"What percentage of marine losses would you assess this venture to get me, a ballpark figure now?" Griffiths asked.

"We cannot be certain, but our projection on such a mission puts any force we send in at a 40% loss, but as it is marines our projections are at 37.8% loss, but these figures are subject to change, good luck and I shall expect to hear from you when you return, I have attached a frequency to this comms, I can be contacted on it, Good bye Major" He finished then signed off.

At this moment in time Marine Captain Smith entered the office.

Griffiths looked up, "Ah Jeff, I need you to assemble Omega Squad and 48 extra marines, we are going on a trip and we will be going via a Klingon B'Rel Bird of Prey as they have a cloak, have the troops assemble in the briefing room in half an hour, we have approximately one day before our transport arrives" Griffiths said.

"Yes Sir" Smith said and left the office.

After he had gone, she looked off into the distance and said to herself "what have you gotten us into intelligence!" with that she brought herself back to reality and gathered her briefing materiel and headed for the briefing room.

- Briefing Room -

As Griffiths entered the room came to attention, she indicated for the assembled marines to sit, and when they were she readied herself and clearing her throat began.

"Okay I have been tasked with a mission and besides Omega Squad I asked for Forty-eight extra and you are those *pause* Starfleet Intelligence has gotten some information on a Sojourner Communications Array near the space they control, it is powerful enough to tap into ship to ship comms around Starbase 332 and most of this sector. The array is located on the Class M planet designated Sigma 385. From what Intel could find out this outpost is lightly guarded. I have heard that before, so multiply the light defence by one-hundred and you will have a rough idea on the enemies strength. Now I suspect it is going to be a trap, but it will probably be sprung when we least expect it." She paused as a marine raised his hand. "yes marine?"

"Major I am concerned that this information was easily come by, I mean; I assume that it was released to Intel operatives so they could set up a S&D team?" he asked.

"Yes, I also share those concerns, with that Comm array, but it is too good a target not to go in, the Sojourners know this, but it has to be done and its up to us grunts to get it done"

The same marine again...

"Major what is our task when we get there and how are we getting there?" He asked.

She looked at him and studied him closely, he was too observant, she looked down as she pulled up his Service Jacket and there it was he was Advance Recon/Sniper and a techie to boot, looking up from the screen.

"Our task will be to secure this Comm array and download its data and hold it, but intel is of the same mind as myself, such a tantalizing bait will be hard to hold on to for very long, so we rig the array to blow. *pause* As for how we are getting there a Klingon K'vort Cruiser will take us in and drop us off, then leave, it will be up to us to get ourselves out of it, so make sure we bring two long distance Comm units." She paused as she looked down at her notes before looking up again.

"Okay out of the 48 remaining marines twenty-four will remain at a secure area and build a makeshift Firebase, it will be with clear access to the air, but have something solid behind it. the rest of the marines will come with me to the array, so make sure you pack you some heavy weapons, because we may need them also lots of grenades and spatial charges." She responded then another marine asked.

"What are our operational parameters considering any enemy troops?" She asked.

Griffiths looked at her "expendable, that is any Sojourner you see you take them out on site, try to do it silently going in, but it will not matter too much on the way out, that answer your question?"

"Yes Sir"

With that the briefing went on a bit longer with no more questions, but she did finish with a warning "Okay be aware that we may be stuck on the planet for sometime so make sure to pack provisions and equipment for an extended stay also skids up in two hours, that is all dismissed" She said and watched them all file out of the room. When all had gone she tapped her commbadge. "Major Griffiths to Captain Von."

Von's voice came spoke out over the commbadge's speaker. "Von here, go ahead, Major."

"Should our mission to this Sojourner array go South like I am expecting, will Ensign De'Havean be available for a combat pickup, it would likely be under fire?" Griffiths asked.

"Lieutenant De'Havean is currently out on patrol with the Jackal. I'm afraid you'll have to find another pilot, Major."

"Understood Captain, Griffiths out" With that Naomi had to look for another hell for leather pilot, and she hoped one of the Marines had natural ability, she just hoped that she could find one, before the mission started.

Major Naomi Griffiths
MCO 14th Btn SFMC/Omega Squad
Starbase 332