Bring em home

Posted on Sun Feb 28th, 2021 @ 11:59am by Commander Jonathan Grayson & Commander Samantha Howard & Lieutenant Michael Stonebridge

Mission: Sabotage
Location: SEPTIMUS

SEPTIMUS assault

Dr Samantha Howard forced the feeling of dread aside as the word of her away team assignment graced her padd. The last time she'd been on a mission like this the team had been captured and tortured, forced to work for their enemy. She has formed a strong friendship with the ships XO during those days, a friendship she still cherished. She only hoped this off ship mission would be more successful.

With information received from the agent they interrogated on the planet, they knew roughly where to look. But Stonebridge was old school. He needed a map of the area so he requested a mapping probe to map the area and give him all the topographic info he would need to plan an assault. Once that was done, he would begin formulating a plan.

Stonebridge was studying the map of the planet. He was going over the phase lines for the op. Make a mistake in training you get a do over. Make one on an op like this and you’re screwed.

Jon watched Stonebridge study the map of the planet undoubtedly trying to plan for every possible scenario. "Where do we stand in terms of being ready to beam down?" He asked.

“I have coordinated with security and they given me a few hot shot that are level headed and prepped for this type of action. I’m going over the phase lines so the Washington and us are on the same time line. This way no body escapes.” Said Stonebridge.
“Shall we wait for the the Doctor before we get started?” He asked the XO.

Jon didn't hesitate, "Yes. We wait." He answered crisply.

Sam joined the men, feeling as though she were the odd one out on such a mission. She paid attention to the detail and followed as much as she could. Whilst trained in all sorts of general mission protocols, this one was not one she was overly comfortable with.

"Apologies for being late Sir" she apologised as she settled in and brought herself up to speed.

Stonebridge began pointing at the topographical map of the land they would be accessing upon. “Once we expose ourselves things need to go quickly and with military precession.” Said Stonebridge

Jon smiled at her, "Quite alright Sam. Lt. Stonebridge was just preparing his briefing. Go ahead Lieutenant."

Stonebridge pointed at the map, identifying a saddle. In the middle of that map feature was a cave. That was the objective. But first they would deploy crossing phase line DODGE. This would let the Washington know they were initiating the op. Once past Dodge, they would touch down in two shuttle crafts and set out snipers and Overwatch. Upon completion of that they would alert the Washington they had made phase line Gambler. Just before they breached they defences, they would announce phase live Maverick. If all went well they would gain entry and kick some butt and grab a few prisoners and hostages. That would be phase line Jackpot. If all went well, they would consolidate and Exfil the planet expeditiously and link up with the Washington a job well done. Yeah right. Only in fairy tales. The best they could hope for was minimum casualties on either team. Each team would enter through a different point in the saddle thereby affording us the element of surprise needed on an op like this.

Sam nodded as Stonebridge went through the plan, making mental checklist of the items she would need to take with her. The best most stocked portable medkit was a definate to have in the shuttle, a smaller more portable kit she could strap to her leg was also needed. Phaser and tricorder on each hip and a clear head. Where were those stocked these days? A head not filled with caution and doubt and fear the previous mission could repeat itself.

When Stonebridge had finished, Jon glanced at Sam. "You got everything you need Sam?"

Sam had made notes on her padd, memorising the plan, adding descriptions and the kits she had already mused over.

"I think so Sir, I expect we will potentially meet heavy resistance?" She asked, carefully keeping all emotion out of her voice. She had a funny feeling her oath was about to be out to the test.

"Very good. We'll get the hostages and get out. Nice and quick." Jon replied with a confidence he didn't feel. Hoping he was correct in his statement.

Sam looked over at Stonebridge to see if he had anything else to add to the plan before they embarked on such a dangerous mission. She felt confident in the abilities of her teammates, it was her own that she questioned.

“Doc if you could organise a Medic or two for the other teams. I think that covers everything. XO don’t worry, I got your back! My team won’t let you down.” Replied Stonebridge as they concluded the operations Order Briefing.

"Yes Sir" Sam confirmed, making a few more notes before asking one more question "what's our timeframe?" She asked as she rose, saving a copy of the map onto her padd for review if time permitted.

“I think that’s a question for the XO. He’s leading the op!” Said Stonebridge

"Once we're in system. We'll launch two shuttles and come in on a low vector. We'll land and set up a perimeter and then deploy to rescue the hostages." Jon answered before turning to Sam, "You still got time Sam to get anything you need. We'll launch an hour after arriving in system."

Sam nodded thankfully, glad she now had time to mentally and physically prepare herself. "Very good Commander, I'll brief the medics and meet you in the shuttle bay" she smiled what she hoped what a confident and encouraging smile.

"Sir you sure you want to do the rescue yourself, I'm 100% positive they will be guarded. Why don't you let security and Intel breach first then you come in?" he asked not wanting to over step.

"I'm doing the rescue by myself Lieutenant. I'll have Dr. Howard and a security officer with me." Jon replied evenly.

Stonebridge had reservations. He had been on many extraction teams and never had he seen a three of four man team kick in doors without get way laid. He hoped that the XO wasn’t trying to prove something and got people killed. There was a protocol for a reason. If you wanted to be a door kicker you got trained and put in time. There was no way the doctor should be amongst those first through the door when you had all these trained professionals who had the experience. But he would keep his thoughts to himself, and clean up the pieces if need be. But he’d have to take his concerns to the Captain or be derelict in his duties.

“As you wish XO. But I disagree with your decision on who should be breaching and making entry!” Said Stonebridge.

"That is your right Lieutenant. However my decision stands." Jon replied firmly.

And with that Stonebridge made his way to the Captains office to discuss the matter further as to avert a serious mess!