[Conference Room - Deck One - USS Chimera NCC 96899-C - Aeran Sector]
The CO's of Commander Ohmsford's task group were called to assembly by the Commander in the Chimera's Conference room, the night before their departure. Captain Rojac assumed it was a measure to make sure that everyone was on the same page as far as their purpose and the tactics to be used in negotiation. Cropa looked eagerly around the room at the fellow ship COs as Bren entered the room. Cropa's face was the youngest in the group, but his battle-field experience made up for most of it.
Captain Frederick Mayo was a large man who easily stood out any any room. He was neither tall or overweight, but he still had a large frame, which included broad shoulders that made him seem bigger than he was. It was his white hair, though, with dark gray streaks that made him standout. It contrasted with his dark skin that gave off his Spanish heritage, even though he could also trace his roots back to Germany and Central America.
"Captain," Frederick said with his usual deep voice to Cropa. "It is finally good to meet the captain of the Chimera."
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Captain Mayo." Rojac responded. "Your record here in Special Forces is something to be admired. I only hope to meet half the length of your resume before I retire."
Frederick shook his head, "My accomplishments pale in comparison to what you and the Chimera have achieved. Anyhow, even though I consider myself my favorite subject, my guess is that we're not here to talk about me. What's important is what we can do next to kick the Romulans behinds back to whatever hell spawned them."
Commander Typhon, selkie CO of the katana-B class Eagle-B, chuckled beneath the respirator of his hydration suit. Selkie's were an aquatic people from the world of Pacifica, and once they reached maturity, they no longer held the amophibious qualities of their youth. Typhon would spend the rest of his service in starfleet inside his hydration suit.
"I believe our participation in this mission will be more... indirect than you are hoping for, Captain Mayo." Typhon replied in his casula sing-song cadence. Selkie's had a way of 'singing' more than talking. "Negotiating with Erassians doesn't quite seem as exciting."
Bren was sitting at the head of the table reading through reports, battle tactics and scenarios for their upcoming mission to Erassian space. They were still waiting for the last member to arrive, Commander Telson. Bren was feeling a little strange seated in a room with some officers who outranked him whom he was about to "command", but he figured he wouldn't have any problems and they all expected the authority granted to him by Task Force Command. He was about to look at his chronometer when the doors slid open and Commander Hank Telson entered hurried, taking his seat at the table.
"I'm sorry I'm late," he apologised quickly, seeming almost out of breath. The Rapier had just arrived from their latest patrol and he had beamed onboard as soon as they were in range. "Sorry for keeping you waiting. My ship was a bit delayed."
"That's quite all right, Commander," Bren said with a nod as he stood up from his chair. "Glad you could make it. Let me introduce myself to those of you who don't know me yet. I'm Commander Ohmsford, currently the Science & Engineering Advisor for 1st Task Force. Commodore Guzman has assigned me to oversee this task group. But before we start strategising, Captain Rojac... you mentioned there was a slight change of plans that was brought up during your senior officers' briefing?"
"Ah, Ivanov," Bren nodded with a knowing smile. "Yes, I'm familiar with him. I suppose that he is our best shot at a successful mission. The Grand Banks is a dense nebula consisting of a series of supernova remnants. If at least nothing else, it should give us adequate cover from long range sensors and possible Romulan spy probes. Now, this changes our strategy a little. I think the best course of action would be to send the Chimera and the Eagle in to meet with Ivanov and the Second Fleet. The Eagle packs the biggest punch after the Chimera, so if anything should go wrong she will be there for backup. She's also fast, so if there's any problem she can get in and out of the Grand Banks fast. Mayo, I want the Magellan to take up position outside the nebula and the Rapier just inside. The Rapier's the fastest ship we have, so if communications fail for some reason, she'll be our messenger. Any comments, questions?"
"Commander," Rojac raised he hand and continued after a nod from Bren. "I would like for Captain Xerxes to join the delegation if possible. Her tenure as an Erassian officer could aid in our negotiations."
Bren nodded. "Of course, I think it would only help to put the Erassians more at ease and maybe smooth over negotiations. The make-up of the delegation is up to you, though. I have limited experience with Erassian diplomacy, so I'll leave that in your capable hands. I'll make sure we get in and out in one piece, you just make sure we get what we came for," he smiled.
"Aye sir." Rojac responded. "It's been a while since I've studied diplomacy, but they say it's like riding a bike."
"A bike, Captain?" Commander Typhon 'sang' in a questioning tone.
"It's a primitive form of ground transportation technology on Earth, Commander. An idiomatic expression, I apologize." Rojac responded.
"I'm glad I can just swim wherever I want back home." The selkie CO responded. "Very well, the Eagle will have your back, Captain Rojac."
Frederick listened to the exchange and nodded when the attention was on him. "I have no questions, Commander," Frederick said. "The Magellan is ready whenever everyone else is ready."
"Commander Telson?" Bren asked. "Any questions from you?"
"No sir," Hank replied firmly. "The Rapier is ready and on standby."
"Anything further you'd like to add, Captain Rojac?"
"I think we're unanimous." Rojac replied.
"Good, then this briefing is adjourned. Let's get underway," Bren said as he got up.
