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As Gerhart review the information from Gibs' scanning, he scowls. 50/50 odds are not good, but at least no 'rescue' is necessary. Let's get to the combat and searching parts. He thinks back on a lifetime of chasing crooks, criminals, and saboteurs and his training in espionage, counter-espionage, and SERE, and chooses a shuttle to follow.
Kosst! Gerhard mutters. He triggers the active scan, hoping to gain any information on whatever had attacked the Jaradi ship. He quickly keyed a follow-up scan to focus on any ejecting lifepods. Captain, recommend immediate 'yellow alert.' No point in risking an incident warming up weapons after the shooting was done, but getting the shields up can only help us. While he waited for the Captain's response, he alerted his security crews and directed a combat search and rescue to head to Shuttlebay No. 2. Captain, requesting authority to launch runabout number 2, which has combat search and rescue crew en route. Gerhard paused slightly. With your permission, I'd like to join that crew.
Gerhard smiled inwardly: The Captain knows brute strength is not the most important asset in a fight. Gerhard reviews the reports from the passive scanning systems and, acting on a hunch, adds communications frequencies into the system; while he wouldn't be able to decrypt them, if there was a change, he'd know. He also verified that the scanning data was making it into the firing solutions subroutines, keeping the database of standard "firing solutions" updated and ready for deployment. Finally, he prepared the active scanning system, readying it to scan the Jaradi ship; while this would only trigger if the Jaradi ship scanned the Defiant, it would hopefuly ensure that the Jaradi were receiving an active scan before they could even begin processing the returns from their own.
While the ship is underway, Gerhard gathers the security NCOs for a final security briefing. In addition to the regular exhortations about maintaining the ship's security and security protocols, Gerhard reminds them of their dual role as a presence in diplomacy: "Each of you represents the strength and resolve of the Federation. We represent strength, not aggression; we cooperate for peace, we do not impose it. Each of you, and the persons in your command, must strive to display that resolve without intimidating our guests -- we want to welcome them to the stability the Federation can provide. To the extent that you can provide assistance to our honored guests, do so -- it both supports our diplomatic mission and allows opportunities to gather intelligence. This mission is primarily a diplomatic function, so keep a sharp lookout; I'll be debriefing each team after our meeting with the Jaradi." After answering any remaining questions regarding applicable security protocols, Gerhard returns to the bridge for the rendezvous. He relieves the junior officer seated at the Tactical station and begins reviewing the ship's status.
Listening to the scientific analysis from the senior officers, Gerhard stifled an involuntary shutter, remembering the various science courses he'd suffered through at Academy. Give me a straight-forward engagement, I can handle that ... Hearing the Colonel's suggestion for using the emergency fuel reserves, Gerhard started speaking, immediately regretting it: We use that fuel. I mean, Colonel, sir, I have concerns that use of the emergency anti-matter reserves would impair our ability to fulfill the requirements of Order 2005, should that need arise, Colonel, sir. Current operational guidelines, in particular Star Fleet Regulatory Agency regulation 4832.4, restrict use of emergency and reserve anti-matter and anti-deuterium to combat operations, sir. Gerhard looks around desperately, seeking someone else to speak.
Sir, based solely on existing information ... Tork scowls slightly ... from the Ferengi ... this sector is nominally controlled by the Wadi, a humanoid species fond of gambling. We have received some reports of unknown, likely military, activities; while the top hats in the Diplomatic Corps are dismissive, I'm inclined to suspect the presence of the Dominion. I've been unable to verify those suspicions at this time as ... Tork paused apprehensively. ... sensor operations have been prioritized for other matters ... appropriately so, given the Commander's report. Tork finished, hurriedly.
Aye aye, sir. Gerhard responds crisply to the Colonel. After you, sir. Gerhard quickly stows the rifle and walks briskly from the range after Col. Verelon. He nods to Kol, Thank you; I'd enjoy that.
Lt. Gerhard stands motionless at a table on the side of the small arms practice range, his hands resting by his sides. He takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he closes his eyes. A timer sounds and Gerhand's hands move to the table though his eyes remain shut. Quickly and methodically, he rapidly disassembles the TR-116. Without looking, Gerhard releases the magazine, opens the bolt to verify the chamber is clear, and spins the thumb selector to release the bolt carrier assembly. Setting the assembly beside the magazine, he removes the barrel and targetting systems. The TR-116 is quickly reduced to its component parts as Gerhand's hands move, placing each part on the table. Just as quickly, the components are brought back together. With a snap, Gerhard cycles the action, releasing the bolt to close the chamber and slaps the timer. He opens his eyes to see the timer flashing :27.44. Damn it. I've got to stop fumbling with the extractor. Alright ... again. Gerhard clears the time and begins to slow his breathing again.
Time for dice ... I'll vote for Defiant-class ... no kids and heavy weapons! |
