Posted by Gamemaster Voidwalker (GMT) in Main sim-Briefing room

Posted by Lieutenant T’Shain (Counselor) in Main sim-Briefing room

Posted by Major Tuvock (Diplomatic Attaché) in Main sim-Briefing room
Posted by… suppressed (16) by the Post Ghost! 👻
After replying to Adm. Von Dane’s communique, DaVinci tapped his comm badge.

=^=Colter to all senior staff. We’ve got new orders. Meet me in the main briefing room in 10. Colter out.=^=

Capt. Daniel ‘DaVinci’ Colter
CO-USS Manhattan

=/\= Tuvock to Colter “copy Captain enroute sir”

Tuvock
Sub-Commander, Vulcan High Command
Major (Equivalent), Diplomatic Attaché
USS Manhattan

=/\= “This Is COS Lieutenant Kreegar Kreegar Captain I’m in route sir.”

Lieutenant Saxon Kreeger
Chief Security Officer
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000
Starfleet Command

“Security Through Preparedness. Honor Through Service.”

=/\= on my way sir. =/\= she replied as she left her office to the main briefing room.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

The door swished back and Valeria entered. She held a pad in her hand and was engrossed in it, her red hair obscuring most of her face. Then she looked up and her green and amber eye met his with a curious look.
“Captain” she greeted as she took the chair at the other end of the table.
“I was just down the corridor… “ she said in her deep timbre voice.

Dr Doctra, CMO

Cherp’Eng was in Main Science when the CO’s call came through. Ensign Millis looked at him.
“You shouldn’t take your egg with you, Sir” Millis told him, “I can keep your offspring safe. And you can give the meeting your full attention.”

Cherp’Eng nodded to the Trill. “Very well, thank you, Ensign.”

Cherp’Eng left the Science Lab for the turbolift that would take him to the main briefing room.

Cherp’Eng tapped his combadge and replied, =^= Cherp’Eng on his way, Captain. =^=

The turbolift ride was uneventful and the tall Avisarite strode down the corridor to the briefing room. He reached the door and it opened at his approach. He looked in, saw the staff already gathered, two Vulcans, a Trill, and a couple of humans. It didn’t look as though the CE was here as yet. Cherp’Eng looked for a spot around the table where he could nest on the floor. Finding such a place, next to the trill, he lowered himself to the carpet. His long neck meant he was able to see above the table despite sitting on the floor.
He nodded politely to the others already there and waited for the briefing to commence.

Cherp’Eng: CSO

OOC Cherp’Eng is a member of my own custom species, the Avisarites, approved by the GM department. Details of the species is linked to his character profile, but if you think sentient ostriches, you are pretty much there with him. It also contains a picture of him. (And yes, his egg will hatch soon)

Russell

Valeria had been itching to lay eyes on the Avisarite, and getting to know him. She gave him a welcoming smile, hoping to make his closer acquaintance soon, preferably in sickbay. She counted herself lucky to get the chance to work with (and examine) this alien race.

A couple of minutes later , Marcus arrived

“Captain, Doctor”

Her smile broadened when Marcus greeted her.
“Hello” she said shortly with a softness in her voice that betrayed her familiarity with the CIO.

There was also what looked like an Ostrich present, He thought it was strange , this was a meeting for the senior staff not their pets he thought, He decided not to say anything about ot now But instead smiled before taking his seat, he didn’t feel the need to confirm he was coming to the meeting like many of the other senior staff did , you were either present or you weren’t and If you weren’t you expected to be chastised for it.

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

The doors to the main briefing room parted with a quiet hiss, and Lieutenant Saxon Kreeger stepped through with the measured confidence of an officer who had spent most of his career making certain that everyone else could afford to relax. His uniform was immaculate, his security field jacket sitting neatly over his shoulders, and the phaser at his hip was secured in its regulation holster. He paused only long enough to take in the room before proceeding toward the conference table, his eyes moving across the assembled senior staff with the practiced sweep of someone who automatically catalogued exits, personnel, and anything that seemed out of place.

His attention briefly settled on Cherp’Eng seated beside the table. Kreeger had encountered enough unusual species and configurations during his Starfleet career to know better than to make assumptions based on appearance alone. The Avisarite’s presence registered simply as another senior officer answering the Captain’s summons, and Kreeger gave him a respectful nod before continuing. If Marcus Kane’s expression suggested he had reached a different conclusion, that was Kane’s problem, not his.

Kreeger approached the table and took an open seat, placing the PADD he carried in front of him. His gaze settled on Captain Colter.

“Captain.”

There was no need for further acknowledgment. Colter had called, and Security had answered. Kreeger leaned back slightly, his hands resting loosely before him as he waited for the briefing to begin. Whatever had prompted Admiral Von Dane to send new orders, Kreeger suspected it was unlikely to be routine.

For the moment, however, he said nothing. He simply watched, listened, and waited for the Captain to speak.

Lieutenant Saxon Kreeger
Chief Security Officer
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000
Starfleet Command

“Security Through Preparedness. Honor Through Service.”

She waved her hand at Saxon in greeting.

The doors to the main briefing room opened with their customary hiss, and Sub-Commander Tuvock entered with the quiet composure expected of a Vulcan officer. His expression remained neutral as he crossed the threshold, though his eyes immediately took in the room and its occupants with practiced efficiency. The senior staff were already assembling, which suggested Captain Colter had not exaggerated the urgency of his summons.

Tuvock paused briefly, allowing the doors to close behind him before proceeding toward the conference table. His gaze moved from Captain Colter to the assembled department heads, registering each officer without lingering unnecessarily. His attention settled momentarily on Cherp’Eng. The Avisarite’s unusual appearance did not appear to concern him; Starfleet had long since established that physical morphology was an inadequate measure of intelligence, capability, or rank.

He approached the table and inclined his head respectfully toward the Captain.

“Captain.”

His voice was calm and measured, carrying neither urgency nor hesitation. Tuvock took an available seat, placing his hands neatly upon the table in front of him.

As the diplomatic attaché assigned to the Manhattan, Tuvock understood that Admiral Von Dane’s communique could potentially carry implications extending beyond the ship’s immediate operational mission. Until he knew precisely what those orders entailed, speculation would serve no useful purpose.

His attention returned to Captain Colter.

“I am prepared to receive the briefing.”

Tuvock then fell silent, his posture perfectly composed as he waited for the Captain to begin.

Tuvock
Sub-Commander, Vulcan High Command
Major (Equivalent), Diplomatic Attaché
USS Manhattan

What an announcement she thought with hidden amusement. But they were not complete yet. The only other female department head was missing and Valeria couldn’t wait for her to arrive. The air was getting a bit thick with testosterone.

Dr Doctra, CMO

Kaia walked into the briefing room and wordlessly leaped up onto the table in front of one of the empty seats. Much like Cherp’Eng, her body wasn’t built for human chairs, and she would struggle to view the briefing if she tried.

Her tail wrapped around her legs as she crouched, giving a shap nod to the officers she’d had the time to meet, and an analytical gaze to those she hadn’t yet met.

Lieutenant Kaia
Chief Engineer USS Manhattan

Celador walks in and takes his seat near the head of the table. “Good Morning Everyone.” He greets the room as he takes his seat.

-Cel

“Commander”

Marcus said in greeting with a little nod to the XO

Lt Marcus Kane
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Manhattan

DaVinci nodded in acknowledgement to each member of the senior staff as they entered.

When everyone was seated, he stood and activated the monitors.

“We’ve got new orders, people. Not a lot of info yet, but this is what we do know . . .

OOC: To save time of repeating everything here, please read this post:

https://www.star-fleet.com/core/stf1/manhattan/posts/295943/

“We’re going to be on our own here, folks. Priorities: Rendering aid to the Predator if need be. Medical and engineering, that’s where you come in. Security and tactical, keep us safe from whatever happened to the Predator or from the Predator if the situation warrants it. Intel and diplomatic, I need everything you can get on the Predator–Captain, capabilities, offensive and defensive. I also want to know why the Klingons are out here. All previous intel shows that they’ve had little to know interest in the Delta Quadrant , except for some pilgrims that were discovered by Voyager about 25-30 years ago. Science, we’re going into an area we haven’t been previously. I want to know of any anomalies, planets, moons, or other space hazards that might cause us problems.”

He turn to look at T’Shain and Cel. “You two, use your areas of expertise to help out wherever it’s needed.”

Colter leaned forward and placed his palms on the table. “We’re already en route and will be there in XX days (GM?), Any questions?”

Capt. Daniel ‘DaVinci’ Colter
CO-USS Manhattan

OOC: It’ll be 5 hours.

Valeria tried for a poker face and failed, showing her surprise. No introduction? Or did they all already know each other. And no information why the situation was deemed unusual. They had to know that at least, otherwise why send a ship. But she was sure somebody else would ask that question. Klingons, she sighed inwardly. So difficult to operate on.

Dr Doctra, CMO

Lieutenant Saxon Kreeger remained silent for several moments after Captain Colter finished speaking, his attention fixed on the tactical information displayed across the main monitor. He had listened carefully to the Captain’s priorities, but there was one aspect of the briefing that immediately concerned him. Starfleet Command had effectively told them that the Manhattan was on its own, that the situation surrounding the Predator was unusual, and that they were authorized to take defensive action if necessary. That combination was enough to put Security on alert.

Kreeger leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms against the edge of the table.

“Captain, from a security standpoint, I recommend we approach the Predator as an unknown contact until we’ve established otherwise. We can render assistance, certainly, but I don’t want the crew assuming that a Klingon vessel in distress automatically means a friendly boarding environment.”

His expression remained controlled, his voice matter-of-fact rather than alarmist.

“We don’t know what happened to that ship. We don’t know whether the crew is still in control of it, whether they’re capable of communicating, or whether whatever caused the incident is still aboard. For all we know, the Predator could be disabled because of an internal conflict, a weapons malfunction, an outside attack, or something none of us have considered yet.”

Kreeger glanced toward the tactical display.

“I’d like Security and Tactical to maintain a heightened readiness posture until we’ve identified the nature of the incident. Phasers and shields should remain available, transporter operations involving the Predator should require authorization from the bridge, and any boarding party should be equipped and briefed for hostile conditions before we send them over.”

He paused, then looked back toward Colter.

“I also recommend that we don’t send anyone aboard simply because we detect life signs. If the Predator is broadcasting a distress signal, we establish communications first. We determine who is requesting assistance, what condition the vessel is in, and whether there is anything aboard that could present a threat to the Manhattan.”

Kreeger settled back into his chair.

“I’m not suggesting we treat the Klingons as the enemy, Captain. I’m suggesting we treat the situation as unknown until we have facts. Starfleet Command has already told us that something about this incident doesn’t add up. Until we know what that something is, Security should assume the possibility of a threat without assuming its source.”

His eyes briefly moved toward the other department heads before returning to Colter.

“If we’re going into an unknown situation without immediate reinforcement, I’d rather have my people prepared for the worst and be pleasantly surprised than discover the worst after it’s already aboard this ship.”

Lieutenant Saxon Kreeger
Chief Security Officer
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000
Starfleet Command

“Security Through Preparedness. Honor Through Service.”

Sub-Commander Tuvock listened without interruption as Kreeger outlined his security recommendations. The Vulcan’s expression remained composed, though his attention briefly shifted toward the tactical display as the Chief Security Officer described the possible circumstances surrounding the Predator. Kreeger’s assessment was logical. However, there was another dimension to the situation that warranted consideration.

When the security officer finished, Tuvock folded his hands neatly before him.

“Lieutenant Kreeger’s recommendations are prudent. However, I believe we must also consider the diplomatic implications of our approach.”

His eyes settled upon Captain Colter.

“The presence of a Klingon vessel this far into the Delta Quadrant is, in itself, significant. According to the intelligence available to us, Klingon activity in this region has historically been limited. If the Predator is operating under the authority of the Klingon Empire, then there must be a reason for its presence here. Until we determine that reason, we should avoid assuming that its current circumstances are unrelated to its original mission.”

Tuvock paused briefly.

“There is also the possibility that the Klingons themselves may not know precisely what has occurred. If the Predator has suffered an attack or encountered an unfamiliar phenomenon, its crew may be operating under considerable stress. A Starfleet vessel approaching with shields raised and weapons ready could be interpreted as an aggressive action, regardless of our intentions.”

His expression remained perfectly neutral.

“I therefore recommend that our initial contact be conducted through established diplomatic channels whenever possible. We should identify ourselves as a Federation vessel, state clearly that our intention is to render assistance, and request confirmation of the Predator’s command authority before attempting to board or transport personnel.”

Tuvock’s gaze moved briefly toward Kreeger.

“That does not conflict with Lieutenant Kreeger’s recommendation for heightened security. On the contrary, the two measures are complementary. We can maintain defensive readiness while simultaneously demonstrating that we have no immediate hostile intent.”

He turned his attention back toward the Captain.

“There is another matter I believe warrants investigation. If the Klingons have established a presence in this region for reasons unknown to the Federation, the Predator may represent only one element of a larger operation. We should determine whether other Klingon vessels, personnel, facilities, or diplomatic contacts exist within sensor range or the surrounding region.”

Tuvock paused, considering the implications.

“If the Klingons are conducting an expedition, we need to know its objective. If they are responding to a threat, we need to know what threat they encountered. And if the Predator is itself the source of the disturbance, that distinction must be established before we involve ourselves further.”

He finally leaned back slightly in his chair.

“My recommendation is therefore straightforward. We approach cautiously, establish communications before taking physical action, determine the authority and intentions of the Klingon command, and gather as much information as possible before committing this vessel or its personnel to the situation.”

A faint pause followed.

“Diplomacy should be our first instrument. Security should ensure that it is not our only protection.”

Tuvock
Major, Vulcan High Command
Major (Equivalent), Diplomatic Attaché
USS Manhattan

She looked a little puzzled that the captain had asked her to do something with the first officer. As it is unusual. “Yes, Captain. I’ll make sure to do so. Commander, i am hoping that everything is well between everything. Looking forward on allowing our expertise to be combined into one.” She replied back.

Lieutenant T’Shain
Chief Counselor
USS Manhattan • NCC-88000

Voidwalker
Gamemaster Trainee
USS Manhattan
Never walk into the void.

Cherp’Eng listened to the captain and each of the other department heads talk. As each of his colleagues spoke he twisted his neck to give them his full attention with an unblinking stare, which may have made them uncomfortable, but it was how his people showed that they were listening.

This was exciting to him, the new planets, the moons, the anomalies. This is why he went into science, after all, to discover the unknown. When there was a gap, he said, “understood, captain. I’ll pass the instructions onto stellar cartography and the labs. We’ll be as ready as possible given our expected arrival time of 5 hours.”

He paused briefly, and said, “I had a personal matter to discuss, but given the nature of what we’re facing, it might be best it be discussed on a later occasion … but maybe not too late.” He paused and then turned his neck so he was looking at the female Trill.

“Although, Doctor,” by a process of elimination, he worked out that the Trill was the CMO, and he looked straight at her, his eyes unblinking as he addressed her, “I do want to get my needed injection from you before I might need to go off the ship.”

Cherp’Eng: CSO
Manhattan