Preparation "
By: Admiral Stone , Maquis Fleet Admiral , [NPC]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58208.14 0859

-- Qul Tuq Tactical Briefing Room --

Admiral Stone stood as Commander Wright entered the briefing room. "Good we're all here," he announced.

Wright quickly took a seat at the table.

The Admiral stood at the end of a long oval table. His mood was somber. Across from Captain Hunter and Commander Wright were the top tactical advisers to the Alliance. Sitting between Hunter and the Admiral was the Maquis head of Intelligence, McBride. Next to Commander Wright sat the Bajoran liason Ro Laren. Behind them along the walls sat another dozen dignitaries and other high ranking officials.

The room dimmed and several images appeared over the center of the table. They were images from events that had recently unfolded and connected to each other in a timeline fashion.

"Many things have happened recently, and yet so few things have changed," said the Admiral as a picture of devastated ships and burning wreckage hovered over the table.

"The Alliance destroyed 9 Federation ships in a battle near Pacifica, at the same time a fleet of Federation and Cardassian ships masacred 11 ships on the Tau Ceti front. Between these two battles the Alliance lost 8 ships."

Next a 3-dimensional image of Gowron appeared. "Following the death of the Klingon high counsel, several factions within the High Counsel began vying for power. Some made clear their disdain toward the Maquis Alliance. A small faction loyal to Gowron have even aligned themselves with the Breen. A Maquis ship was assigned to transport Successor..."

Next to Gowron's image appeared several views of a Steamrunner Class Maquis ship.

"This ship, the U.S.S Atlanta, commanded by Jennifer Hailey mysteriously disappeared. Based on eye witness accounts we can not rule out a new, previously unknown weapon type."

Stone cleared his throat. "With it, disappeared the Klingon successor.

"Now the Empire has now chosen a new successor: General Martok," said Stone as the image of of Gowron disappeared and was replaced. "

At this point Stone paused before he continued:

"With regards to the war, we have decided to change our tactics," said as he continued.

"We are bringing the war to our enemy."

Hunter looked over at Wright.

Stone gripped the edges of the podium in front of him, "as we speak, Tango fleet is enroute to Cardassia Prime, where they will penetrate the planetary defenses and attack key installation."

One of the members of the security counsel, a Trill, stood up and asked, "how is it possible to attack the planet directly?"

Stone nodded and brought up a star chart showing the major positions of the Cardassian fleet.

"Both the Federation and the Cardassians gamble on the defensive strategies and our political position that we will not attack unless provoked. This offensive maneuver will be a complete surprise."

Gavin McBride stood up as the Admiral nodded at him. "The cloak detection matrix of Cardassia Prime is flawed. We have had regular surveillance recons going in and out for some months. We are reasonably certain of the positions of their ships in and around their system. The Cardassians are arrogant in believing that their planet is too deep into their system for us to risk any type attack. Ergo, their tachyon grid is not up to par."

"Even still," said Stone interjecting, "we are going to set off their detection system and let them know we are coming. In the time window of our attack Cardassia Prime will be the most vulnerable it has been in months because of the build up of Cardassian ships in the Tau Ceti system.

They will not have a chance to respond. The attack will be quick, intense and short. Primary targets are shipbuilding facilities in orbit and military installations on the planet."

The display showed holographic images of several of the targets.

"Meanwhile, Captain Hunter and Commander Wright will be engaged in a mission never before attempted."

Wright and Hunter exchanged glances.

"The Zion's mission is to penetrate the defense parameter of the Sol system and engage in recon and sabotage. It will also be transporting supplies for resistance forces located on Mars."

The Trill stood up again, "But Earth's security system is much more sophisticated how will you get the Zion in?"

"I'm afraid the specific details of the Zion's mission is highly classified," answered Stone. The Trill shook his head and sat down with a grunt of contempt.

"It won't work," said a Bajoran sitting next to Ro Laren.

Ro Laren looked at the protester and said, "You are letting your fear get in the way Sijal. Let's allow the Admiral to continue."

Wright started running their new mission over in his mind. The thought of going back to the Sol system was exhilarating, like a breath of fresh air, and despite its risks Wright was eager for more details.

"Thank you Councilwoman. As I was saying," continued Stone, "Our Intelligence efforts have uncovered the location of a new ship building facility near Venus." Stone cleared his throat, "Our plans are to sabotage this installation as well."

A 3 dimensional image of the ship yard appeared and slowly rotated.

"There are a number of other small objectives which are only secondary considerations. Once the Federation learns we have been in their backyard, we may not get another chance to do anything. Ever. This is an opportunity we intended to capitalize on."

Stone looked around. He could see his presentation had a variety of mixed reception.

"That is all for now." said Stone straightening himself upright.

"Dismissed," he said with a sharp nod.

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