Eyes on the Prize
Posted on 13 Jan 2019 @ 7:36pm by Captain Akio Tachibana & Commander Juan Zamora (Dec [CDO]-Jan 2389 - TRSNFR to Gorn Dip.) & Commander S’chqenr T’Jedf Tolkath (Jan 2389 - TRNSFR After Gorn War) & Lieutenant Commander Rafe Cassidy (Jan 2389 - TRNSFR After Gorn War) & Captain Edward Bolingbroke (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR After Gorn War)
Mission:
Ka Hakaka Maikaʻi - The Good Fight
Location: Bridge - Deck 1 & Shuttle Bay
Timeline: After "The End" & "Survivors - The Living and the Fallen"
[ON]
[Bridge]
"Captain," Tolkath approached Tachibana's chair, "l will prepare a full report on the Boarding Action, but l thought you would wish to know one detail now. We brought you a Prize..."
"A prize, Commander?" Akio said, wondering what it could be.
"One of the Gorn Raider shuttles" Tolkath confirmed " We managed to tractor-tow it back"
"You have outdone yourself, Commander. Mr. Cassidy, you have the bridge," Akio said.
Normally, Cassidy would have regarded the captain's chair with trepidation. Now, as he rose and gestured to his relief officer to take the conn, his internal groan was because he'd started to fantasize about a shower rather than responsibility. "Aye, Skipper," he said instead, crossing the bridge for the central seat.
Once Cassidy had confirmed the order, Akio was already heading to the turbolift with Tolkath.
=/\= CO to XO, please meet us in the shuttle bay. Mr. Tolkath informs me he has a prize. =/\=
=/\= "Yes sir." =/\=
[Shuttle bay]
Security and the medical response team were shepherding out the last of the Wyoming survivors when Tachibana and Tolkath arrived.
"The Gorn mistreated their prisoners" Tolkath informed Tachibana "Torture and murder apparently. A few also appear to have been subject to experimentation of some sort, with devices placed within their bodies. I assume medical will be able to provide further analysis once they have examined the victims."
"This is no way to fight a war," Akio said grimly while looking at the state of the prisoners before his eyes locked on Tolkath's prize. Only as they walked towards the Raider did it dawn on Akio on how ironic his statement was, considering Imperial Japan's transgressions for the Laws of War during World War II.
Tolkath made no comment, his face impassive. There was no right way to fight a war. Needless death and destruction was always an illogical response to any sitaution. War's had nearly destroyed Vulcan in the past, only the shift to a life of calm, peaceful, logical thinking had saved his species. But perhaps not all could turn away from violence.
Instead he led the way over to the captured vessel. Laying to one side of the hanger was the Gorn craft. It was a greenish-gray color and appeared comparable with a Starfleet Runabout, although it was somewhat shorter and wider. It had two stubby wings at the rear and a weapons turret on the upper hull. There was a forward doorway and a rear ramp.
Zamora joined the pair as they looked at the alien craft.
"Excellent thinking, Mr. Tolkath. No doubt, this prize will carry invaluable intelligence for our efforts. Captain Ramsey will be pleased," Akio commended Tolkath, referencing the Gorn Theater Commander.
Tolkath inclinded his head. 'Thank you Captain. I merely took advantage of the situation as it presented itself."
"It is quite an achievement, I will say that." Juan said sweeping his eyes over the seized vessel. He began to rub his chin, working to place this new piece on his increasingly chaotic mental chess board.
"Gentlemen, I would like a full intelligence, science, and engineering report on this craft," Akio directed.
"Already ordered Captain" Tolkath replied "Along with a conversion process so our Flight Control crews can operate it"
"Good thinking," Akio replied, once again, impressed with the Vulcan officer's astuteness for anticipating requirements.
"Yes, good thinking Mr. Tolkath" Juan agreed. "We are going to have to find out how best to use this new tool."
Bolingbroke saw the last of the survivors escorted out of the Hanger by Security and sent his team back to the barracks. He wandered over to join the Command Team who were looking over the Gorn shuttle they had brought back with them.
"Should give it the code name Aubrey" He suggested respectfully.
"After Captain Jack Aubrey, of Her Majesty's Ship Surprise. Historical fiction character from the Napoleonic Wars, he went about capturing prize ships. Was a whole series of books by a chap called Patrick O'Brian. My Grandfather used to read them to me when I was young." He finished with a shy smile.
Akio looked at the Lieutenant. He had not met this marine, always interacting with Major West. Yet, his suggestion forced Akio to overlook the perceived breach in protocol, especially in quoting O'Brian's books.
"I am surprised you know of Patrick O'Brien," Akio replied. He was a history buff and enjoyed the books describing the age of sail.
Bolingbroke smiled "One of my ancestors was at Trafalgar, Sir. It's in my blood"
Akio considered Starfleet a space-faring Navy, which partly explained his leadership style. "I am working on a model of the HMS Surprise actually. I think you make an excellent suggestion," Akio rubbed his chin while looking at the Gorn craft.
"Thank you sir. I'd like to see that sometime" Bolingbroke came to attention, nodded his respects and withdrew
Akio then turned back to his most senior officers.
"I will log our prize as the Aubrey," Akio grinned.
[OFF]
Akio Tachibana, CAPT, SF
CO
Jj Zamora, CDR, SF
XO
Tolkath, CDR, SF
2XO/CSO
Rafe Cassidy, LT, SF
CONN
Edward Bolingbroke, Lt, SFMC
2d MSOT
