Orion

Posted on Fri Feb 25th, 2022 @ 8:37pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Aiko Kato

Mission: The Orion Syndicate
Location: USS Washington

Shran wasn't thrilled with the idea of them arriving at Orion while Samantha and Celes were still trying to help Dex, but he couldn't delay the mission any longer. So much still had to be done, and they'd simply have to do their best as is. "Ayana, keep the shields up but weapons on stand by. I don't want to alarm anyone when we drop out of warp." Shran sat thoughtfully. He turned to Jon, "Are you up for leading an away team?"

Jon didn't hesitate in giving his answer, "Yes sir. I'm up for it."

"Orion isn't like other Federation worlds. It can be dangerous even in the best of circumstances. Fairly certain the Syndicate will be aware of our arrival within moments, and they will be only too happy to capture your team. Ayana has picked out six of her best tactical for your group. It'll be a lot like the war once shooting starts. I don't expect the Syndicate to simply roll over for you."

Jon gave a tight, humorless smile. I wouldn't expect them to sir. That would be too easy. We won't get taken by surprise."

"Aiko, put us in a high orbit. Keep a lookout for attack craft." Shran was looking determined. He felt confident that his crew could handle whatever was to come next.

"Aye Captain," Aiko answered.

She had dropped the Washington out of warp as close to the Orion planet as she dared without risking interfering in the local space traffic. She maneuvered the Sovereign class starship into an orbiting position above the planet but put some distance between the ship and planet. It was a small measure of comfort that theoretically allowed for some reaction time should the Orion planet chose to open fire from ground based defenses.

She could feel her body tense as she realized that this operation was finally commencing. She felt as if all the mission she had been to date so far on the Washington, this was the most dangerous. Even the conversation exchange between Shran and Jon confirmed to her that this was no ordinary mission and the margin for error had to be near zero.

Shran turned to Jon, "No one in the government has been made aware of why we are here, so your only help will be from us. Keep an open comm channel. And Jon, stay safe."

"Understood sir, don't think I want anyone in the Orion government to know why we are here. We'll keep an open comlink with the ship. As for staying safe. Sage advice sir. Make sure you do the same up here."

"Oh I think once the Syndicate realizes we are here things are going to get a might bit festive for all of us. I suspect we both are going to have our hands full rather quickly. Not to worry though, I fully intend on sticking around to cause everyone many more headaches."

"I'd say that was a safe bet sir. I'm sure they will do all they can to keep both of us busy to prevent us from stopping their illegal operations." Jon replied grimly.

"Ayana has her troops waiting for you in transporter room 2, and the coordinates will be set when you arrive." Shran pulled out a PaDD and handed it to Jon, "Those are your targets. We are going after big fish. You have orders to capture if possible, but if they resist, the use of force has been authorized. Try to bring a few of them back though. And keep a close watch for Orion females. You know their impact on males of every species, so I suggest a quick trip to sickbay for any medical help Samantha might be able to provide. I'm sure she has her hands full with Dex currently, but she'll get you sorted."

"Very good sir." Jon answered as he took the PaDD and looked it over, a low whistle coming from him. "Big fish indeed sir." He replied looking over the list. "I'll go and see Sam, see if she can fix me up with something to block the influence of the Orion women."

"I made sure most of the troops Ayana assigned to you were female, though Ravencroft is simply too good not to include. With luck Samantha will be able to assign you a medic if nothing else, just in case, maybe that Amethyst girl. Happy hunting commander."

"I'll take her, she seems to have a good head on her shoulders, and we can use a medic." Jon paused, "Thank you sir, same to you. Stay safe." Jon finished as he headed towards the lift and then to Sickbay to talk to Sam.

Shran looked back towards Aiko, "Keep us close for transport lieutenant. And let me know if you see any hostiles."

Aiko nodded as the ship maintained its high geostationary orbit. She knew there was a lot of chatter happening as the Orions were likely caught off guard by the sudden appearance of a Starfleet ship in their backyard.

In truth, she was actually surprised that they had not opened fire and asked questions later. To her, that meant at least the Orion realized attacking a Federation starship was a dicey affair, and even more of a tricky proposition when said Federation starship was a Sovereign class starship.

Still, as expected, Aiko's navigational sensors picked up three Orion combat cruisers entering the system. "Contact Captain," Aiko called out, a smug satisfaction on her face as she realized she beat the tactical officer to the announcement, "three Orion cruisers heading directly for us."

"Keep us in orbit for now Aiko, but be ready to get us into a more tactical way shortly" Shran replied. "Ayana, hail those ships. Notify them they are to hold position at the edge of the system or they risk being viewed as hostiles and we will fire on them." Shran sat solemnly and whispered to himself, "And so it begins."