Captain's Log, Supplemental: It's been two days since we've left Earth. We've continued our search for the stolen runabout, which has turned out to be a dead end, as the ship was found abandoned in the nebula we tracked it to. However, thanks to a reliable source of intel, we might now have a new lead. I've now assembled the senior staff to discuss our next move.
Aboard the USS Dynasty, Captain Jack Thomas is in the Observation Lounge, seated at the head of the conference table. Also present- Lorza; Jen; Lieutenant T'Gor, chief of security; Dr T'leth, chief medical officer; Lieutenant Norzon Thade, chief engineer; Ensign Raven Suro; chief conn officer; and Lieutenant Commander Vezzi, a Section 31 agent undercover as a Special Forces officer assigned to the Dynasty as a mission consultant.
"Alright, everyone. Let's get started. I've just gotten some intel from a reliable source, and I've called this meeting to share it with you." Jack says.
"What kind of intel?" T'Gor asks.
"We have the possible location of a ship belonging to the Order of Kodar. The USS Sturgis… Miranda-class, reported stolen from a Starfleet junkyard almost a month ago. The ship has now been confirmed to be in the hands of the terrorists." Jack answers.
"They stole another ship? That makes three! How is it that these dishonorable petaq keep stealing our ships?" T'Gor asks.
"Decommissioned ships aren't directly monitored by Starfleet. Command considers those ships to not be their problem anymore. That means… there are a lot of thefts. Not just by the Order of Kodar." Jack says.
"Assuming the transponder codes haven't been changed, we should be able to track the ship using its emergency beacon." Lorza says.
"I was thinking the same thing." Jack says.
"Hopefully those bastards didn't remove the transponder or find some way to deactivate it." Lorza says.
"We'll find out soon enough, won't we?" Jen asks.
"Alright… the plan is… we will track the Sturgis, find it, and proceed to its location. We've been authorized to use the slipstream drive for the rest of this mission." Jack answers.
"The slipstream drive? We're one of only ten ships in the fleet to have slipstream. We should be careful. I don't recommend using it for more than a few hours." Norzon says.
"Your recommendation is noted, lieutenant. We will use the drive whenever I decide it's necessary. Is that clear?" Jack asks.
"Yes, sir." Norzon says.
"Okay… moving on. We will find the Sturgis, rescue my children, and take the terrorists into custody." Jack says.
"It won't be easy. As most of you are aware, phasers don't have much effect on kasari thanks to our physiology. A blast that would knock out most races, would just piss one of us off. Combat against these people… will be challenging." Lorza says.
"I think we have a solution for that. Commander Vezzi… has some special equipment that just might be of help to us. Commander… " Jack says. Vezzi nods, then sits a sealed briefcase on the table in front of her.
"Captain, with your permission…" Vezzi says.
"Of course. Go ahead and unlock the case." Jack says.
"Aye, sir." Vezzi says. She presses a few buttons on the keypad on top of the case. The container unlocks, and Vezzi opens it. She then takes out a black pistol, which vaguely resembles a standard issue phaser.
"Some kind of… experimental phaser?" T'Gor asks.
"This… is a polaron disruptor. A new weapon in development by Starfleet R&D." Vezzi says, as she shows the pistol to everyone.
"I thought disruptors were illegal in the Federation." T'leth says.
"Normal disruptors are, but… this is a polaron disruptor. They've never existed before, so there are no regulations against using them. Still, I had to get special authorization from the c-in-c himself. I was able to convince him that this weapon is necessary for the success of this mission." Jack says.
"I… object to the use of this weapon, captain." T'leth says.
"I thought you might. Alright, T'leth. Let's hear it." Jack says.
"Disruptors are banned for a reason. They are weapons designed for one purpose only, and that is to kill… in a rather violent fashion. I believe that the use of such a weapon goes against the moral principles of the Federation." T'leth says. Lorza stands up.
"These kasari… are religious extremists! Their goal… is to destroy everyone that doesn't convert to their faith! They can't be reasoned with! They will not stop! Ever! Until we're all dead! So, to hell with your moral objections!" Lorza shouts.
"Lorza…" Jack says. Lorza looks at her husband, and seems to calm down. A few seconds later, she returns to her seat.
"Commander, I believe that you are allowing the abduction of your children to affect your judgement. You seem to be unable to approach this mission with the appropriate objectivity." T'leth says.
"They have my daughters! There's no way in hell I can be objective!" Lorza says.
"Given your physical capabilities and current emotional state, this could prove to be… problematic." T'leth says.
"Doctor, that's enough." Jack says.
"Captain, I am simply offering my honest medical opinion. I believe that Commander Lorza is emotionally compromised, and should not be involved with this mission." T'leth says. Lorza starts to get out of her seat again, and Jack looks at her. Lorza seems to calm down, and eases back into her seat.
"You have the right to your opinion, doctor, but I am the captain of this ship, and I am in charge of this mission. I will be the one who decides the personnel for this mission, and Lorza will be involved as much as she wishes. Is that clear?" Jack asks.
"Yes, sir." T'leth answers.
"Good. Now, this is supposed to be a briefing, so let's get back on track. Commander Vezzi has brought five polaron disruptors. She will be using one of them. The other four… will be given to Commander Dalton, Commander Lorza, Lieutenant T'Gor, and Ensign Suro. Before using these weapons in combat, we will test them on the holodeck." Jack says.
"I have designed a holoprogram that I think might be helpful, captain." Vezzi says.
"Very good. We'll run the program on holodeck 3. Commander Dalton, assemble an away team and prep for combat simulations beginning in two hours." Jack says.
"Understood." Jen says.
"Everyone has their assignments, so let's get to work. Dismissed." Jack says.
The assembled officers get out of their seats, and leave the room, except for Jack and Lorza.
"Vulcan bitch! I'll rip her damn ears off!" Lorza says.
"Easy, Lorza." Jack says.
"Well, I won't actually do it. Probably. But can you believe her? Suggesting that I shouldn't be part of this mission! Like hell that's going to happen! That's why I can't stand vulcans! No emotional connection to anything or anyone!" Lorza says.
"I don't agree with T'leth either, but I can understand where she's coming from." Jack says.
"Really? You… agree with the damned ice queen?" Lorza asks.
"No, I don't agree with her. But I do understand her point of view. Technically, if we were to do things strictly by the book, then we would both be sitting out this mission." Jack answers.
"These are our babies Jack! I can't just let someone else handle it! Regulations be damned!" Lorza says. Jack gets out of his seat, and walks to Lorza. He stops behind his wife, and puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, I'm with you. 100 percent. We're going to get through this. We're going to get the girls back, and we're going to end these bastards, once and for all." Jack says. Lorza gets out of her seat, and turns to face her husband. Her lip starts to tremble, and a single tear rolls down her cheek. Jack embraces her.
"I miss them, Jack." Lorza says, voice wavering.
"Me too, sweetheart. But, they're going to be okay. They're our little terrors, remember?" Jack asks. Lorza chuckles.
"Yeah. That they are." Lorza says.
"Zarayn and his people are in for a bad day I think." Jack says.
"Damn right." Lorza says.
After three months, Years of War returns. I'm hoping to have the next chapter in about 2 or 3 weeks. After that, updates are likely to be slow again.
I'm more of a Star Wars person, so the Star Trek stuff just doesn't come to me as easily. I have this whole story very roughly outlined, but things are always subject to change. I'll just have to take my time with this one. Thanks for reading. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.