Staff meeting with Admiral T'Molina was, to say the least, Vulcanishly effective. The admiral beamed onboard, debriefed Captains Stacy and MacAuliffe on the situation and then proceeded to give an additional assignment to the ad hoc formed crew of Dawn Treader. Her ship, USS Destiny, had been patrolling in the region and received a distress call from system designated OB-501. While the system itself was not fully surveyed, there was none to have one class M planet, settled by a small colony of Draan, one of the species native to The Outback. The distress call didn't unravel much, except that the colony was under the attack by some "mechanical monsters". Dawn Treader was to proceed to OB-501, in the escort of three more ships, one of them being USS Fearless, under command of Commander Wilson, apparently MacAuliffe's old acquaintance.
"Considering all that was said about your encounter with the two hostile vessels, we must assume it is the Scourge." T'Molina concluded. The report from Doctors Paltra Nerot and Jeleen Aelae on autopsy that was performed on eviscerated Draan corpse, retrieved from the freighter by R'Rwo and t'Lira, was even more concerning.
"Admiral, I would like to point out that ", Paltra began nervously, "given the intrinsic nature of the surgery done, it would be extremely difficult to perform such a task in haste. I doubt even the Federation's top surgeons would be able to do that surgery successfully." she took a deep breath before continuing. "Also, with the specific muscles removed, I would be on high alert in the future. The muscles extracted could be used to, surgically, make someone look like a Draan, and fool nearly all medical scans."
T'Molina, as many Vulcans, raised "fascinating" eyebrows. It was something of a species' trademark ever since the time of Commander Spock. "Muscle tissue was priority then?"
Paltra simply nodded in confirmation. Commander Farah was obviously displeased with such an explanation. "Doctor, I appreciate your observations, but I am curious as to the basis of hypothesis that they might be trying to imitate the Draan?"
Paltra looked at her colleague, Dr. Aelae, who had knitted her fingers together, resting her hands on the table. "With zis specific muscles removed, Commander, we can't imagine any other use. Each set of zis muscles has to do with ze specific facial features. Of course, with only one set of ze remains from the Draan crew, it is difficult to hypothesise what they are planning to do." said Aelae in one breath.
Admiral T'Molina was silent for a moment, tips of her fingers connected together. It was difficult for Yorkin to guess what she was thinking, but to him it gave the impression there was something behind all this. Yet, it wasn't his to question a ranking officer.
"Be that as it may, your orders are clear. You will proceed to OB-501 and investigate the distress call and provide assistance by any means necessary." she said with a cold voice. "Captain Wilson of USS Fearless will assist you."
As she said that, the blonde woman popped into existence. "According to my records, Captain Wilson has been dead for some years now."
Lt. Fortune rolled her eyes. "Dawn, are you harassing our guests again?"
"Not at all, Lieutenant. I merely wish to clarify the situation with the Admiral…" Dawn replied swiftly and turned to T'Molina. "Admiral."
Admiral T'Molina did not seem impressed with the appearance of the sassy hologram. "I see you have become quite active, Dawn."
"Forgive me, Admiral, but given how they've pushed me around… " Dawn began and turned to T'Val and Yorkin, "... I think I am entitled to a long vacation in the drydock." T'Val rolled her eyes and Yorkin simply shrugged at this comment.
"That may have to wait. Is the ship ready for further action?" T'Molina inquired.
"In the same way the warp drive is an emergency propulsion system." Dawn continued in the same tone.
"This distress call is important and your further assistance will be required."
"Aham…" T'Val suddenly cleared her throat. "Admiral, I believe I can answer your question about the ship's readiness." she paused briefly to see if Admiral would react, "The Dawn Treader is ready for action. We've patched up what we could, but we will be ready to respond. Though, I would prefer we not get hit by the Scourge directly." In an instant, T'Val pulled a roll of duct tape from her belt and set it on the tabletop. "Engineering doesn't have enough duct tape to hold the ship together if we get hit by one of their weapons."
Still unimpressed, T'Molina simply replied: "I am afraid duct tape will have to do - for the time being." She then turned to the MACO Commander R'Rwo. "MACO, assume Scourge activity on the planet. I will have the Fulcrum and the Lightning provide additional escort. Destiny will be moving off under the cloak. If you need us, call on subspace. Dismissed.", she finished the briefing and rose from the chair.
"Alright, people. You heard the Admiral. Battle stations." Farah ordered.