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

Her green and her amber eye found his and she gave a nod with a soft smile. She had read up on the special needs of the crew of course and was eager to get to know Cherp’Eng better - personally and medically. “Let’s talk after this briefing is over” she quickly said in a lowered voice so to not disrupt the briefing.

Dr Doctra, CMO