A few hours later, the Galaxy-class USS Dynasty departs from Earth. Upon exiting the solar system, the ship goes to warp.
Aboard the Dynasty, the command staff is now assembled in the observation lounge, seated at the large conference table in the center of the room. Present are- Jack; Lorza; Jen; Lieutenant Commander T'leth, a vulcan woman serving as Chief Medical Officer; Lieutenant T'Gor, a klingon man in his early twenties serving as chief of security; Lieutenant Norzon Thade, a trill man in his late twenties serving as chief engineer; and Ensign Raven Suro, a nineteen year old woman serving as conn officer. Lorza's friend, Lieutenant Commander Vezzi, is also present, now in a green uniform, indicating Starfleet Special Forces.
"Now that we're under way, I can brief you on our current situation. As all of you are now aware, we were attacked on Earth by a group of Kasari terrorists called the Order of Kodar. They… took my children." Jack says.
"They steal children? They are without honor. We will destroy them." T'Gor says.
Yes, we will. Lorza thinks.
"As you are aware, I was injured in the confrontation. I haven't been cleared to return to duty yet, but I was able to convince our good doctor to allow me to attend this meeting." Jack says.
"Captain, if I may…" Norzon says.
"Yes, Mr. Thade?" Jack asks.
"We could have used at least another six to eight hours in drydock. Some of our systems are still offline, and we haven't finished simulations for the engine upgrades. I recommend we go no faster than warp seven for the time being. I also recommend not using the slipstream drive." Norzon says.
"Your recommendation is noted, lieutenant. We won't be needing most of the offline systems for this mission. I want your focus to be on getting engines and weapons to a hundred percent." Jack says.
"Weapons? You expect to take us into combat?" Norzon asks.
"It's very likely. If you have any additional concerns, take it up with Commander Dalton. She's in charge until I return to duty." Jack says.
"Aye, sir." Norzon says.
"As you all can see, we have a guest with us. This is Lieutenant Commander Vezzi from Starfleet Special Forces. She'll be with us as a mission consultant." Jack says.
"Special forces? What exactly is it you do, commander?" Raven Suro asks.
"Special things." Vezzi answers.
"The commander's work is classified, ensign." Jack says.
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir." Raven says.
"The commander… is here because she has some intelligence useful to our mission. She will share it with us… on a need to know basis. She is also tasked with helping us bring these criminals to justice. I expect everyone on this crew to give her their full cooperation." Jack says.
"Aye, sir." Raven says.
"Commanders Dalton, Lorza, and Vezzi, please remain. The rest of you are dismissed." Jack says.
Officers get out of their seats and leave the room. Eventually, only Jack, Lorza, Jen, and Vezzi remain.
"So, you're pretending to be with Special Forces now… " Jen says.
"It seemed to be a suitable cover story. I can't exactly go around telling people I'm with Section 31, can I?" Vezzi asks.
"Okay… 31's involved. You're obviously here as more than a consultant." Jen answers.
"That's correct." Vezzi says. She looks at Jack.
"You can tell her." Jack says. Vezzi nods.
"I am here… to make sure the Order of Kodar no longer poses a threat to the Federation. I have orders to kill their leader, Grand Emtoc Zarayn." Vezzi says.
"Assassination? Is that… really necessary?" Jen asks.
"It is. He is a terrorist and thief, with twelve outstanding warrants from the Federation, and the Klingon Empire. He was arrested three years ago, but escaped before he could stand trial. Officially, he's wanted alive by both governments. Unofficially… that's where I come in. Honestly, even if I didn't have orders, I would gladly kill that traitor." Vezzi says.
"You and me, both." Lorza says.
'Traitor?" Jen asks.
"Zarayn… used to be a member of the Kasari Grand Council, until his extreme religious views ended his political career." Vezzi answers.
"He found new allies, in the form of the Dominion, and helped them when they attacked our world! His disciples helped the Jem'Hadar as they butchered our people in the streets! I lost my entire family in the attack! Now, he takes my children from me! I hate him, and I will not rest until he is dead!" Lorza says, anger rising in her voice. Jack walks behind her, and begins to massage her shoulders.
"Easy." Jack says. Lorza turns around, and looks at her husband.
"Jack, the son of a bitch took our babies! For that alone, he dies. I trust Vezzi, and I know she'll do her best to make sure it happens, but… if I have the opportunity, I will kill him." Lorza says.
"Regardless of what this man has done, can't we just... arrest him?" Jen asks. Lorza glares at her.
"No arrest. No trial." Lorza says.
"Lorza…" Jack says. Lorza turns to look at her husband once more.
"He's too dangerous to be left alive, Jack!" Lorza says.
"I know you're angry. I am too, but… we can't kill him. Not unless he endangers the ship and crew. That's why Vezzi's here. This… is her job. Let her take care of it." Jack says.
"I'll… try." Lorza says. Jack takes her hand and squeezes it.
"Vezzi…" Jack says.
"Yes?" Vezzi asks.
"Officially, I don't know anything about your true mission, and I can't openly support it." Jack answers.
"I understand." Vezzi says.
"So, you're… okay with this." Jen says.
"We can debate the moral implications… afterward. For now… this just... has to be done. Lorza's right. Zarayn is too dangerous to be left alive. His terrorist activities have become a real threat to the Federation, and I will not allow this threat to continue. On top of that, I want my kids back, too, and I will do whatever I have to do to get them back." Jack says.
"I'm not… one hundred percent on board with this, but… I've got your back. As usual." Jen says.
"Thanks, Jen. I know you have objections to Section 31's methods, but… in the right hands, the agency does serve a vital purpose. Sometimes, we just… have to get our hands dirty." Jack says.
"I know. I don't like it, but I know." Jen says.
"Alright… this conversation… doesn't leave this room. As far as the rest of the crew is concerned, Zarayn and his people are going to be taken alive, and returned to Earth for trial. We… have a lot of work to do, so let's get to it." Jack says.
I am taking a break from this story for a while. At least a month, maybe longer. I will be working on two other stories for the time being. Thanks.