Briefing Room - Deck 1

With the apology from Capt Adonis in the air, E.J. rose up from his seat to address everyone seated at the table. There was a reason he wanted both Captains and their supporting staff with them. He felt they were going to need them after they heard what the Commodore had to say as he began walking over to the Main Systems Display.

Como Carpathia: The Deltaurans are a threat to us as we all are well aware of, however what you may not be aware of is that they are indeed a threat to this whole galaxy. They've taken the crews and passengers of all the civilian ships that were rescued from the gas giant, and they've taken members of our crews as well. Admiral Arayuss and I were fearing what would happen should they attack Starbase 34, when it occurred to us...

The Commodore sighed and had a very stoic look upon his face as he continued speaking.

Como Carpathia: What would happen if they attacked any of our homeworlds in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants? We can't very well arm every man, woman, and child throughout four quadrants of this galaxy with modified Phaser Rifles to protect ourselves from their emergence. They've got to be stopped here...they've got to be stopped now.

E.J. looked around the room at the faces of the other officers, and their curious and emotional expressions.

Como Carpathia: Admiral Arayuss and I have come to the realization that if we use Infiniti's Deflector Array to emit the same dimensional frequency as the Deltaurans, it will open one of their gateways to their realm of existence. By deploying the ablative armor, it will protect the ship's hull from being shredded by the Warrior caste drones. We will proceed to the strongest sensor reading within that realm which should be the center of their hive mind...then fire every transphasic torpedo we have until they're obliterated.

In the complete silence of the room, E.J. walked back over to where his Yeoman was seated and rested his hand on the back of the chair.

Como Carpathia: Other than necessary Department Heads, Marines, and Security Teams, all other personnel will be evacuated to Oriskany and Whitestar for their return trip to Starbase 34. Also, under these circumstances as Division One Commander it is necessary for me to commandeer the Marines and Security Teams from both Oriskany and Whitestar. I'm not going to stand here and lie, telling you that the odds in our return are in our favor, because they're not. But this is our last stand before those things gain enough in numbers to attack Starbase 34, and even though they'll be fought off, the chances are that their number will increase again...and then they'll hit planetside on one of the worlds we're trading with here. After that...we're screwed. They'll be opening gateways all over the galaxy and it will become Armageddon on a galactic scale. So there you have it, the die is cast.

E.J. returned to his seat and waited upon the bombardment of inquiries, comments, and remarks about the resolution that was played out before the Briefing Room. The Commodore knew for sure that several of his young officers were going to protest their order to evacuate. But it was their duty to follow orders, and that is what he expected them to do. It was why he was so proud of them all.
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Commodore E.J. Carpathia
Commanding Officer, USS Infiniti
Division 1 Commander, Gamma Fleet

Jansen sat in his chair beside Como Carpathia and felt a shudder run through his entire body. The very thought of going into Deltauran space terrified the young officer, but was scared him even more was never seeing E.J. or Infiniti ever again.

Lt. JG Panettiere: Just so we're clear on this, Commodore. I AM going with you, and that is my final word on the matter.

The Yeoman looked over at his CO and smiled so that it was obvious that he wasn't being disrespectful to the Commodore. Jansen just wanted him to know that he wasn't going to be evacuating the ship this time. He knew that Prof Brewer would be safe returning to SB34 with Adm Arayuss.
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Lieutenant Jansen R. Panettiere
Yeoman, USS Infiniti

The Admiral smiled at the Yeoman's diligence in remaining with his Commanding Officer. Aeryck knew that Jansen had a strong bond with E.J. and removing him from Infiniti may prove to be difficult for the Commodore.

Adm Arayuss: Well there you have it, Commodore Carpathia. There are no other options available. Lieutenant Panettiere will be going with you.

Aeryck winked towards the Yeoman and nodded, letting Jansen know that he would allow him to remain aboard Infiniti, and spare Como Carpathia the drama of trying to get the Lieutenant off the ship before the entered the Deltauran Realm.
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Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Sean looked to his XO and Doctor, then proceeded with his answer.

Capt Reich: My crew is at your disposal, Sir. I do wish to stay onboard with my senior staff to lend a hand where ever it might be necessary. Also, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to have another Doctor on board if she chooses to stay.

The Captain looked to Dr. Jovic and smiled and nodded to LtCmdr Kee in affirmativeness. Sean was ready to put an end to this battle once and for all.
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Captain Sean P. Reich
Commanding Officer, USS Oriskany

The CinC looked over at Capt Reich and shook his head in disapproval. With Sean being a Captain, Gamma Fleet couldn't risk sending two Starship commanders along with their XOs on a mission that could be their last. Besides, Oriskany still needed to get back to SB34 for repairs which was Capt Reich's promise to Capt Harris.

Adm Arayuss: Captain, it wouldn't be prudent for me to allow such a shift in command personnel. You and your command staff need to get Oriskany and it's crew back to Starbase 34 for repairs. I'll be coming aboard along with Professor Brewer.

The Admiral looked over at Capt Adonis and continued.

Adm Arayuss: Captain Adonis, once Whitestar is ready to depart General Alderez will be aboard your vessel along with members of Infiniti's crew Commodore Carpathia is evacuating.

Aeryck waited on comments from anybody else seated at the table. There were still others seated in the Briefing Room that had yet to express their concerns and/or comments regarding the upcoming plan. Adm Arayuss continued looking at Capt Adonis, figuring he'd be the next to say something.
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Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Treasar looked over at the Admiral as he was speaking. Once Adm Arayuss finished what he was saying, Treasar responded.

Capt Adonis: As you wish, Admiral. As soon as Whitestar is ready we'll return to Starbase 34 and escort Oriskany along the way.

The Captain wished he could remain and fight the Deltaurans personally, but he knew Adm Arayuss had an uncanny amount of wisdom and it wasn't wise to challenge it.
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Captain Treasar T. Adonis
Commanding Officer, USS Whitestar

Mr. Skonch processed all the information he heard from Adm Arayuss and Como Carpathia and an inquiry came to mind. It would be illogical to remain silent at this time.

Lt. Commander Skonch: Commodore, I have an inquiry. What if the transphasic torpedoes are not effective in destroying the hive mind?

The Vulcan Science Officer noticed that everyone in the room was now looking towards Como Carpathia for the answer to that question. Skonch wondered if the Commodore thought of an alternate option.
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Commander Skonch
Chief Science Officer, USS Whitestar

E.J. turned towards the Vulcan that was seated by Capt Adonis. He had thought about that scenario and already came up with a solution.

Como Carpathia: Well, Mr. Skonch, I will have no other option but to initiate Infiniti's self-destruct sequence. Being inside their realm, the explosion of the Warp Core should be catastrophic.

The Commodore looked around to see if anyone else had any inquiries. E.J. didn't want to hold the meeting up sitting in silence, that would be extremely inefficient.
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Commodore E.J. Carpathia
Commanding Officer, USS Infiniti
Division 1 Commander, Gamma Fleet

Skonch thought about what Como Carpathia had said. The destruction of the Warp Core in their realm would be catastrophic indeed. But that would also mean that it would become a one-way trip for those embarking on this mission.

Lt. Commander Skonch: I see. Well in the interest of success and a safe return, I hope the torpedoes work out just fine.

The Science Officer looked over at the other officers seated around the Briefing Room. Skonch wondered if any of the others were going to speak. Surely they had something to say about the events that were presented before them.
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Commander Skonch
Chief Science Officer, USS Whitestar

Chase thought hard about all that was being said, and wondered if Infiniti was going on a suicide mission. If the torpedoes weren't successful, then the ship would have to be destroyed, killing everyone aboard since there would be no way for them to return to the Gamma Quadrant without Infiniti.

Cmdr Ashborn: Couldn't Whitestar be altered to do the same thing you're planning on doing with your ship, Sir? I would think that two ships in there attacking that Hive Mind would sure do better than one.

The XO of Whitestar sat proudly in his seat, hoping the Commodore would see the possibility as feesable. Chase knew the Akira Class Starship had some powerful weapons, and that Hive Mind wouldn't know what hit it if Whitestar came along for the mission.
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Commander Chase S. Ashborn
Executive Officer, USS Whitestar