The Plan "
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]
Jeff Westfall, Tactical Officer, [PST]
Melissa Jarvis, Chief Security Officer, [RNPC]
Ryan-Steven ‘Rusty Ryan’ Madriani, Marine CO, [PST]

Stardate: 58205.28 1755

Melissa made her way thought the makeshift security office heading towards the bridge. She could not say that she was surprised by the summons to the bridge. She wondered what was on the Captain's mind. The turbolift doors opened to reveal the form on Major Madriani inside.

"Hello Major," said Melissa as she stepped inside.

"Ma'am," he said acknowledging her with a nod.

Melissa and Madriani rode in silence the rest of the way to the bridge. When the doors opened she stepped out onto the bridge. The Bridge guards, she was happy to see made eye contact with both of them as they got off. She was always concerned that people standing guard not get bored and complacent.

She looked around and did not see the Captain or the XO on the bridge. They made their way to the Captain's ready room where Melissa rang the door chime.

Hunter stepped out of the conference room, "We're in here," said Hunter.

Melissa entered the conference room followed by Madriani and finally the Captain. Commander Wright was seated at the table. Melissa took a seat across from the commander.

Wright watched as Melissa took her place at the table. He had not had much time to talk to the Security chief lately, however, in the past couple months he has noticed a change in her. Her physical appearance had changed. She obviously has been working out. As she walked into the room, she had done so with a certain amount of strength that he had not seen in her when she first reported to duty on the Zion. Apparently being made Chief was good for her. Wright smiled at her, "Hello Lieutenant," he said.

"Commander," said Melissa returning his smile. She could not recall ever seeing Wright smile before.

Hunter stood at the front of the table, behind him was a display of the current situation on a starchart. "Alright, people, listen up..." he said, "Here's our situation, when we get to Pacifica, we're going to find a sovereign class cruiser."

"Our away team, " said Wright, "has learned that the Federation has installed their own puppet government on Pacifica. They have control of the Planet. They are also holding Governor Deleplane and some or all of his cabinet on that Sovereign."

"What's more," continued Hunter, "Using technique described by Mason, eight Cardassian ships are also in orbit."

"That bit of information will be good to know," said Melissa. She was a bit relieved that that the intel that Mason had provided indeed was true. Maybe he would be one less things to worry about.

"We'll need need to get on the planet and attempt to regain a foothold," said Hunter.

Madriani cocked his head a little, "With all due respect, Captain, that sounds like a job for me and my men."

Hunter glanced at Melissa, and back to Madriani, "Okay," said Hunter with a nod of approval. "Melissa, can our security team figure out a way to get Delaplane off that Federation ship?"

"Of course," said Melissa with confidence, "would you like us to capture the ship as well?" Melissa wore a serious expression on her face. It was clear that she was asking a serious question and not joking.

Madriani glanced at Jarvis and let out an arrogant scuff.

"Elaborate Lieutenant," asked Hunter.

"If we were able to gain control of the ship, it would yield good intelligence," said Melissa.

"How would you manage that," asked Hunter

"With the help of your Klingon friends," replied Melissa. "We could take over their ship and rescue the diplomats the trick would be getting them to lower their shields so we can get over there."

Madriani rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, "that'd be quite a trick."

Hunter glanced at Madriani with an annoyed look and back to Jarvis, "Do you have something specific in mind Lieutenant?"

Melissa gave Madriani a smile, "Thanks you our away team we now have the ability to listen to their communications," said Melissa, "After we engage them we can simulate some severe damage. If their communications indicate they are planning to board us we simulate a shield failure and the moment they drop their shields we send our boarding party over and bring up the shields again."

"But then we'll have a boarding party on our ship," pointed out Hunter.

"Yes, that is true," Melissa conceeded, "However, we will leave part of our security forces here led by Sam Carter and becasue we can hear their communications we will know where they are going to beam into. We can contain them with security force fields."

"The success of this mission hinges on rescuing Deleplane." stated Hunter, "I'm not sure I see many other options...Commander?"

"I am afraid I do not see many other options either," said Wright, "BUT make no mistake, recovering Deleplane is the priority here. IF we can get the ship that is great but is is not priority."

Hunter nodded, "Do we have any ideas on how they managed to build another sovereign class ship after the Maquis decimated their shipyard?"

Westfall commented, hearing the Captain's assertion about Federation ship building capacity, "I suspect the Federation may have "Borrowed" some shipbuilding capacity from the Cardassians in that regard, Sir; it's just a little too much of a co-incidence that they should have a Sovereign Class Starship, after the war damage done to their shipyards," Westfall paused and then added, "Don't forget the ancient quotation of Arabic Origin: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend".

"Explain," asked Hunter

I suspect the Cardassians of being something far less benevolent than the Federation may think, and when you 'make friends with the wolf,' you should at some time be thinking about "When *might* I be dinner"? if this relationship goes sour".

"What is your point Mr. Westfall," asked Captain Hunter.

Before Westfall could reply, Madriani interrupted

"I wouldn't be surprised if it were largely built by the Cardassians as well.

Hunter leaned back, "obviously we have no intel to suspect that." Hunter looked around the room. "...and in fact, if the Cardassians were helping the Federation that much, they'd have helped them build a better cloak."

After a pause Hunter looked back toward Madriani, "Major, Do we stand a chance to wrestle the government away from the Federation."

Madriani looked up confidently at Hunter, "Yes," he said looking around the room. "The Plan...We have been working tactical simulations with the Klingon warriors aboard the D'kuul. As soon as we have identified Federation strong holds we can launch our assault. There are about 800 warriors aboard the D'Kuul, that gives us about 1000 men. We have no idea what we're up against though." Madriani crossed his arms and leaned back, "I would take about 200 of those klingons and have them assist Jarvis to ensure the success of this mission."

Madriani looked over at her, "I'm not suggesting any incompetency, I just believe in having enough fire power to get the job done."

"I agree," said Hunter nodding at Jarvis. "Deleplane is a priority. After we arrive at Pacifica shortly after 1300, we'll have another tactical review if the situation permits." Hunter stood up, "dismissed."