To Stay or Not To Stay?
Posted on 09/28/2022 @ 8:10am by Captain Cara Letsul & Ensign Rugasi Kiyo & Commander Raphael Mattix & Colonel Loval & Rear Admiral Thomas Rice & Major Tsinira Vishti & Lieutenant Commander Junipyr Danae & Zaos Orihana
3,367 words; about a 17 minute read
Mission:
Mini Mission: When The Cat's Away
Location: Diplomatic Briefing room
Timeline: MD005 0900
Cara had just cleared her meeting with the Engineering staff on preparation for the Breen attack, she hadn't contacted Raph yet and that was next on her agenda. Raph probably already knew that something was going on, as the man seemed to have his finger on the pulse of what was what, this causing a slight smile to surface. Tapping on her combadge Cara gave him a call.
=^= Commander Mattix, I need a meeting with you and the Ambassadors in the diplomatic briefing room. This is an emergency. I'll be sending them a message as well, and will be there very soon. Letsul out=^=
To the Ambassadors, Cara sent this message.
Emergency meeting in Diplomatic briefing room please be there- Commander Cara Letsul
Cara then looked at one of her staff members there, "Let me know if there is any problems, I've got a meeting to go to." then left operations at a fast pace.
Cara arrived at the diplomatic briefing room, to await the arrivals.
Tsinira walked in the diplomatic briefing room wiping her mouth on her sleeve. She was wearing her service uniform instead of her diplomatic robes, On her right hip she wore her disruptor and on the other hip her D'k tahg. She walked over to the cabinet and poured herself a full jigger of saki and downed it in a shot. She turned to Cara. " What seems to be the problem? " She asked with a minor hint of annoyance in her voice.
Brek arrived right after Ambassador Vishti. He had overslept this morning, and every few seconds he would take a sip from a cup of green tea, in the hope that this ‘magic potion’ would help him gather his wits super fast. Having heard Vishti’s direct question to Cara, he couldn’t resist making a comment. “It is obvious, from the Commander’s stance, that something disastrous has happened...”
Zaos had heard whispers of his own. Breen whispers. People would look and think the close relationship he has with the Feshau family might be a link in his gaining of information but not this time. He had many other ways of finding out things.
He strode in, turning ever so slightly to get through the door, clad in what could be described as advanced body armour of such beautiful and intricate design. "Not happened yet Ambassador." Zaos spoke to Brek. "Danger looms on the horizon."
However much impressed Brek was by Zaos’ splendid body armour, the El Aurian words scared him. Despite the presence of numerous Ferengi travelers in the sector, the Ferengi Embassy had not heard a thing...
Raphael arrived shortly after, he was in a fresh uniform and was being trailed by two diplomatic security officers, both armed. The first was an Andorian woman with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. The second was a younger human male, with dark brown hair and eyes. He had the rank of petty officer first class. They both took their places to keep a watch over everything.
"It doesn't look like we have everyone," He said aloud, before heading to get a cup of coffee
"No we don't." Cara quietly agreed, she was feeling a tad bit on edge, and seeing a couple of others already dressed in battle worthy outfits she wondered if they could feel something was in the air.
Raphael got a cup of coffee from the table that had been set up, he glanced over what had been put out for the ambassadors and was glad he had a team that could pivot at the last moment. After selecting something to eat, a great looking danish, he casually headed for the table and settled into his seat.
"Then, we'll have to wait for them. There is plenty of food and drink for those interested."
Vishti went over to the food table and ordered a half kilo blue rare steak and poured herself a tankard of warnog and sat at the table. She took a few bites to assure that it was still tender and juicy, satisfied she ate some more nad sipped at her warnog. " Anyone have any idea what this emergency meeting is about? " The Klingon asked the question in general.
Loval had a leg up on the rest of the Ambassadors aboard the station. He had been contacted by Lieutenant Daynah Ral and apprised of the situation. The Romulan Ambassador showed the magnality of the Romulans as he offered his ship for the defense of the station. "He strode into the Briefing Room flanked by his Centurions. Loval took a look around the room and knew that the guards would not be needed, so he dismissed them to wait outside. His purple robe of office waved as he took a seat. His silver badge of office, the one that indicated he was a Romulan Senator had been affixed to the center of his robe at the base of the v neck. He flashed a smile in the direction of Cara and Mattix, Grand Proxy Brek was also graced with a smile from the Romulan. For the time being Loval sat and leaned on his hand as he awaited what was to come.
Brek smiled back at Ambassador Loval. Odd how he, on his side, would not have thought of taking even a pen knife to a diplomatic meeting. Too much good life had corroded his vigilance.
Junipyr rushed towards the door, she had a diplomatic status, but the Alcaren ambassador was off the station for a few days, so when the call came to the embassy, Juni was sent. Her two cats trailed her as usually, she waved her hand and both moved to the wall, as far from anyone as possible and laid down, side by side, their tails twitching. "I apologize for being late, I was not prepared for this." she said quickly, as she shifted her Alcaren leather corset, over her tunic, the uniform of a Quenya. "What is going on?" she asked as she grabbed some coffee for herself and taking a seat, finding herself next to Mattix.
"We're all probably going to die, and the lot of you should get off the station," Raphael replied casually, before taking a sip from his cup of coffee. He took a bite from the pastry and chewed and swallowed before speaking again. "There is a breen attack force on the way, at least that's the rumor. The commander is likely to have more information."
Vishti stood and pulled her communicator from her hip. " Prepare the Chal Qul for battle and immediate departure. " She turned to Mattix and Cara. " My ship is ready to defend the station and the crew is preparing to depart. We will either die an honorable death or have a victory party and some good stories to tell. We will stay and help defend the station. "
Cara after having a bite of a pastry and washed it down with some coffee, nodded her thanks to Kiyo then turned to the others.
"You do have choice to stay here or evacuate. And it isn't a rumor of the Breen coming to attack. They are slated to arrive sometime today close to 1600 hours. An evacuation is already commencing as we speak of as many civilians that can possibly be done in the short time we've got." she directed her gaze to Vishti. "Your offer for going into action will not be opposed to, Ambassador Vishti." her eyes went to Grand Proxy Brek. "I do recommend that you get your people off the station. Unless you decided to roll the dice and take a gamble." gazing at the others whom she had a feeling they may not leave either.
"Questions? Comments?" Cara stated.
Leave it to the Klingons to make a holier than thou speech about duty and honor. It was something that Loval detested and yet at the moment he would not speak up about it, now was not the time nor the place. "Commander, I have spoken with your Lieutenant Ral and placed my ship the Glan'To on yellow alert and at her disposal. The Romulan Empire will not stand idle while the scourge that is the Breen attacks. As for me I believe I will be quite safe aboard this station."
Brek, who, for the past few minutes, had been typing furiously on a PADD to obtain some assistance from the Ferengi Alliance, was given next to nothing by his government. He glanced at the assembly of Ambassadors with discomfort. Had it been about gathering funds, he could have done it in no time. But asking his people to put their lives at risk to defend Poseidon... And then he had one of those eureka moments that might just save his reputation.
“I’ll certainly help with the evacuation of my people, Commander Letsul.” Brek said. “There are many Ferengi merchant vessels on Poseidon and those I’ll requisition to help with all evacuation projects. As for myself, I intend to stay on Poseidon. There is a D’Kora class vessel, the Veklan, operating in the area. I’ll make sure it joins us within the hour. It will fight alongside the Chal Qul,” he added, in case there was any doubt on which side the Alliance stood.
"I thank you all for the offer of your ships, but I must ask a rather pointed question," Raphael arched one of his brows, he'd finished eating and was nearly done with the cup of coffee. "They need to be able to work together, despite our differences, and follow whoever is in charge of the station's defense. If we can't work together cohesively, this fight will not last long."
Zaos quietly listened to the others speak and nodded at Cmdr. Mattix's comments. A very wise statement of fact and it was no secret that the Klingons did not entirely get on with the Romulans. Ultimately Starfleet was in charge it being their station in peril and their space in which they resided. It truly would be a test, a show of the strength of their relationships and will to be part of the Federation family... even if they were not all members at this point.
"We have one of our older vessels, the EExD Lucani, her General Ageas has a few hundred years on me and is close by." Zaos offered much in the same vein as his Ambassadorial counterparts. It was not often the older El Aurian divisions (EExD - El Auran Exploratory Division) were used, not many survived. The ship itself was over 300 years old. Now it was all Kaitos built vessels and they were not as diverse yet. "I will signal him to move in. He will listen to whomever leads the defense of the station and surrounding space."
Brek nodded his head appreciatively at Zaos's words. Then, realizing that he may have spoken too hastily as to how and when the Veklan might be deployed, he added: "“I’ll make sure Damon Nark follows what orders he receives from Poseidon. Are civilians being evacuated to planet Aquil and its islands? Also, Commander Letsul, whom should I contact to offer the help of those Ferengi merchants and their vessels?”
Just then over the communications came the voice of Commodore Rice.
"This is Commodore Thomas Rice, in command of the USS Paramount. I am assuming command of the fleet; we depart the station in one hour. I want every ship prepped and ready for departure. Lieutenant Ral will coordinate the fleet from the Paramount.”
Cara then stated, "There is your answer Grand Proxy Brek." Looking at those gathered, "There is still an exodus being made of civilians and staff down to Planet Aquil. Choices are being made right now."
She looked over towards Raphael and also towards Juni. "Will you be leaving or will you be staying?"
Vishti stood up to leave. " Commander, My crew and I will be ready to depart shortly. The Chal Qul may not be the biggest ship in the defense fleet. "She stated with a grin. " But it does havt teeth and an extra surprise that the Breen won't like at all. "
Raphael arched one of his brows, Rice was going to take his small picket fleet out to meet the enemy? Or was his intent to do something else? Sure, it was brave but the man should remain on the station and direct the defense from the command center. Finally he took a breath and waved one of his hands.
"I'll be here, in the CiC. I still have my clearance level," Raphael said simply. "And if Rice is leaving, you'll want someone who's actually defended a station before."
"Anyone who's had experience in that aspect then by all means do so. What about your staff? Commander Mattix?" taking a look at those who were standing in the background keeping things up to date.
Ensign Rugasi cleared her throat, "I would like to stay, Commander Mattix and Commander Letsul."
Loval sat and listened. Up until this point this was what he expected from Starfleet. A lot of talk and little action, with some bluster mixed in. In truth he had not much to add. "As stated earlier I intend to honor the Federation/Romulan mutual defense pact of 2374. My ship will serve as the Romulan contribution to the cause. I will remain aboard the station and in the embassy. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve should the cause arise. I am after all a Romulan. To further that effort I am going to be turning over all data relating to Breen vessels that the Empire has accumulated. This will include classified data, so it should be for your command eyes only." Loval typed a few commands into a device he had and then looked toward Cara. "It is in your databanks now..." The features on his face now said that is all I am going to say, so it is your move.
Cara gave a slight smile when Loval offered his information. "I do appreciate the information you have given to us Ambassdor Loval." her voice almost sickly sweet, to hide her irritation.
Cara setting down her cup of coffee.
She moved to where she can see those that were there. "Now before any of you have a minor seizure at what Commodore Rice is doing, I am in support of his actions." Locking eyes with those there. "You may feel that he should have stayed on the station. Calling the shots. However I was left in charge of the station while the other members of the command team are on their mission. Commodore Rice out ranks me yes. And he is in charge of this sector but he in his own wisdom had felt needful to go out there to the frontlines. And in his shoes I would have done the same and HAVE done the same thing."
Her voice rather firm. "Let me inform you of something. You may not know this, but I have commanded a station under the rank of Admiral. I have not flaunted that fact until now." her voice taking on a rather sharp and steely tone. "And I have actually defended a station against enemy attacks." shooting a glance towards Mattix. "On several occasions." her eyes flicking over towards Loval, a furrow in her brow. "I am certain that you do have your tricks up your sleeves as well, Ambassador Loval, something that a Romulan had always been ascertained in having."
Her eyes panned back to the others. " I do also know that you've not seen me in action of any type except for me doing my job in keeping the station running. I can not blame anyone for having their own personal opinions and doubts. As it stands, Commodore Rice will be out there leading the charge while we maintain the defenses here at the station and fend off any attack that could slip by. Commander Mattix you will be coordinating with me on different functions, I will not be dismissing your experience. The rest of you who have offered the use of your ships to help out in the defense of the station until other ships can arrive, as I said it has been accepted. You do not have anymore time to worry, it is now time for action. Backup the Commodore in this endeavor."
Her eyes went to Commander Junyper Danae, "I request that you coordinate with Lieutenant K'Doc Valadorn our Chief of Security, just in case the unthinkable happens we'll be prepared for possible unforseen circumstances."
Cara continued, "This station is well equipped with Ablative armor, and high capacity shielding. Along wtih retractable weapon pods. With Commodore Rice out there with our own little fleet, in case the unthinkable happens and our sensors go out we will still have communication and he will be the proverbial eye in the sky for us."
If it wasn't for the fact that Raphael liked Cara, he'd have already said something he'd greatly regret. It also reminded him why he left Starfleet in the first place, damn the rules. He needed more time and they needed to get past this attack. He worked his jaw for a moment, as he considered his options and finally decided to say nothing.
Brek, who had hoped that a bit more about the situation would be revealed, barely managed to repress a sigh. He knew, from his one encounter with Cmdr. Aer, that days ago, Intel already had concerns about Breen activity in the area. And here they were now, with the Breen on their doorstep... So many things were kept secret. Would Loval’s generous intel bring more light to what the Breen wanted with Poseidon? He certainly hoped so.
"Well, with decisions being made extempore, I'll make myself useful wherever I can. Best of luck in the CiC. As I’d really love to avoid the registrar at the gates of the Divine Treasury for another solid 60 years.”
Those words said, Brek left the briefing room.
Zaos watched as Brek left. He could sense his feelings on the subject and whereas Ferengi were not reknowned for their battle prowess he knew the Ambassador would find something, some way to contribute to the safety of those on the station.
"I will coordinate with your security Chief also." Zaos spoke. "I am not needed on the Lucani and will be of more use here helping with the evacuation and fighting off any boarding parties that may slip through. I do not like to fight, but that does not mean I won't in defence of innocents on board."
Loval had heard what he needed to and said what he needed to say. As such he saw no other reason to remain. Silently he rose and left the room. He had preparations of his own to make, and they would be done within the safety of his embassy.
Vishti returned to the Klingon Embassy and sent off a coded message to the high command as is required before battle. She departed he embassy with the remainder of the ship's crew Leading them in a rousing chorus of Y'aj K'oH as they went towards the ship, leaving behind only the embassy security detail and the diplomatic staff.
With apparently everything said that needed to be Zaos too took his leave of the briefing room. Certain 'things' had to be taken care of, paths cleared and whatnot. Captain Ageas would do them proud and he would remain on station to assist in any way he could.
Vishti and her crew reached the ship and soon had it ready to be underway, She opened the com channel. " The Chal Qul is manned and ready for departure. Let us make those Breen pups regret the day that they were born! "
TAG open
Grand Proxy Brek
Ferengi Embassy
Poseidon Station
Colonel Loval
Romulan Ambassador, Poseidon Station
Commanding Officer, Tal Shiar
Major Tsinira Vishti
Klingon Ambassador
Poseidon Station
Ambassador Zaos Orihana
El Aurian Ambassador
Poseidon Station
Lieutenant Commander Raphael Mattix
Chief Diplomatic Officer
Poseidon Station
Lieutenant Commander Junipyr Danae
Poseidon Station
Commander Cara Letsul
Poseidon Operations Commander
Chief Counselor
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