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The Battle of
Altorus
As requested, everyone was planning to meet in the ready room. David and Glenn's faces could already be seen on the small viewer as they joined the Tigris senior officers in waiting for the Captain and XO to arrive. "Thank you all for meeting here," Joe started off as he entered and took a seat, followed closely behind by his Executive Officer. "I have taken the time contact Starfleet to find out more of what is going on with Ambassador Ocal." "Is she hurt, Captain?" David asked from the viewscreen. Joe turned slightly. "Not that we know of. She went on a mission a few weeks ago and this is actually the first word Starfleet has gotten from her. She is heading to the Altorus system now, as it is the closest one to her in neutral space." "Starfleet Command also specifically specified that we are not to enter Elyshan territory. They don't want an incident," Cain added. "Correct," Joe said. "However the Elyshans will not hesitate to come into Federation territory. The Tizona and Carthage are almost there now and we will be joining a few more ships as the front line. Several others will meet later just in case." "So what are the chances of this leading to yet another war?" Monroe asked. "I certainly hope it doesn't come to that," Joe replied. "Our job is to get the Ambassador back in one piece. If the Elyshans start shooting, we will defend her and ourselves." David interrupted. "That could be the hard part, Captain." Joe turned to the screen. "Can you explain, Mr. Skii?" "He's worried about the subspace weapons that seem to come standard on every Elyshan vessel," Cain explained, leaning in a bit. His voice was intense. "Subspace weapons are extremely unpredictable, and very dangerous." "That is their advantage," David said, agreeing with Cain. "Our shields don't really stop their weapons. We are still repairing the damage on the Midnight as we speak." "Subspace weapons? How do we defend against that?" Monroe asked, looking around the room. "Captain, I think adding extra power to structural integrity fields will help lighten the blows," David said. "While there is no way to stop the attacks we should be able to last longer." "We will also need you to be in top form, Mr. Lexon," Joe said. "I'm always in top form," Drake replied. "Except when I'm not, of course - which won't be anytime soon, I can assure you." Ella leaned back, her mind already working its way through ideas on making the structural integrity last longer, and halfway going back to her first mission on the York where they had to bump warp fields with another vessel. Maybe some of the principles could be applied in this situation. She picked up a PADD and started working the numbers through. "I will be down in sickbay preparing for the wounded. We'll be ready, Commander," Tybek promised. "Phasers will be standing by and ready," Monroe said as he felt a bit overwhelmed. "I thank you all," Joe said. "Now, I am sure we can resolve this peacefully, but everyone… have your people ready." Meanwhile, Jen had to ask, "Sir, what about fighter support?" "Given the situation, I am not launching your fighters," Joe said looking at Athena. Jen stood up, "What the?!?!" Joe interrupted her. "I would send you and your squad to your deaths if I launched you. One hit from those weapons and you’re done… vaporized. I am asking for you to sit this one out as a favor to me." Jen was beyond angered. "We fly with death every damn time we launch! How is this any different?" "Maybe if Mr. Wilson can find a way to get our shields working against those weapons, I’ll reconsider," Joe said looking at Mike. "Aye, sir," Mike replied. "I will try to figure out a way to get our shields to stop subspace weapons." "Now… we will arrive in the system at about 1615 Hours tomorrow," Joe said, looking around the room. “Let’s get everything ready." Jen suddenly stormed out of the Ready Room, not speaking to anyone. Ella stayed in her seat, punching in numbers, contorting her face when she didn't get the answer she wanted only to start again. She thought the Captain may want to know what she was thinking before it was implemented on the Tigris. Next to her, Drake watched Williams storm out of the room and sighed. So much useless anger getting tossed around, he thought. It would be a lot nicer if everyone got along. Meanwhile, Tybek was planning to head directly to the infirmary and sickbay to prepare Dr. Socrates and his staff for the impending unknown, but instead, he decided to hang around to see if the Commander needed him on the bridge. Now that he was the Second Officer, he had to be familiar with the duties of the job.
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