Mission 2 Brief
Posted on Wed Jul 14th, 2021 @ 2:14am by Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Maria McMahon & Captain Karyn Somers & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger
Mission:
The Riixian Insurection
Location: Captains Ready Room
Timeline: 239507.01
Mission 2: The Riixian Insurrection
Historical Brief
Betazoid culture had enjoyed over four hundred years of peace and prosperity. Due to their telepathy, Betazoid culture embraced honesty almost to a point considered rude by other cultures. That came to a crashing halt when in 2374 they were invaded and occupied by the Jem’Hadar and other forces of the Dominion. The Dominion wreaked havoc and much destruction on Betazoid culture. Many resistance factions formed almost immediately, but two rose to the top and were the most effective at eradicating the accursed Dominion occupation. The Matriarchy and the Riixxian Caliphate. The Matriarchy was composed of mainly the seven great houses that were talented telepaths. They used a dangerous form of offensive empathy. As the name implied they were mostly females. The Riixxian Caliphate however were a group of male and female resistance fighters who were trained in the offensive forms applications and techniques of telepathy that were far crueller to the Dominion. They were experts at infiltration, assassination, and insurgency, but were also much more xenophobic than the more mainstream Matriarchy.
Once they had driven off the Jem’Hadar, the Matriarch moved to ban and delegitimize the Riixxian Caliphate due to political considerations, namely that the offensive telepathic techniques would most likely cause the Betazoid race their peaceful culture. The Caliphate was rounded up and exiled without due process and expelled from Betazoid society. Two of the Riixian Caliphate (Brannon’s Parents) switched sides to the Matriarchy and had evidence of the terror the Caliphate was going to inflict if their demands for autonomy weren’t met. Namely, an equal share of voices on the ruling council and as they were xenophobic they insisted on Betazed leaving the United Federation of Planets. For many years the Riixian Caliphate has been in the shadows causing discontentment with the Matriarchy to the people. There have been several revolts and the existence on Betazed has been anything but peaceful. Starfleet Intelligence has learned that that agents of the Caliphate have acquired a Thaleron biogenic device and are even now planning to use it as a terrorist weapon if their demands are not met.
I received this message from Starfleet Command:
To Captain Maia A. Sterling, Commanding Officer, USS Leto NCC-80916.
Well done on the establishment and construction of a Federation embassy on Thorion-4 and their entrance into the United Federation of Planets. Your first mission was a resounding success. Well Done! Starfleet Command has received and reviewed your recent reports about the Riixian Caliphate agent you have captured. You are hereby ordered to proceed to planet Betazed with your prisoner for trial. You are also ordered to track down and destroy the Thaleron device and monitor the vote of separation. While we will respect the final vote, however, we do not want to lose the Betazoids and their representatives from the UFP. Do everything you can to represent the Federation in these talks, Yours is a ship of peace. Make the Betazoid understand that.
Good Luck, Starfleet out
"Well, now you know everything I know, Questions concerns?"
"I just wanted to say that as the last crew member to join that I'm as impressed as Starfleet is. And as for tracking down and destroying a Thaleron weapon, isn't that an assignment for a much larger ship. Remember, they said we're a ship of peace so I personally don't think that hunting a WoMD sits within our mandate," Cale said concerned for his new ships being mistaken by others as a ship of war as most people saw Starfleet nowadays. Lt. Llewellyn stated.
"In this case, Lieutenant our mandate would be to protect the lives of Federation members and their property. This is an advanced state of the art cruiser and we are well armed and have great defences. Also as you stated this is a perfect mission for diplomacy as we need to show our Betazed brethren what the Federation stands for. We will also be needed to negotiate peace once the weapon is captured and destroyed. We have Marines and we have diplomats. We also have a Riixian Caliphate prisoner on board." Maia said.
"My apologies, Llewellyn said as he shifted in his seat.
Karyn entered and took a seat as Brannon was speaking, Karyn was still a bit miffed at what happened with the officer, but that was now in the past.
Brannon walked into the Briefing Room and took her seat at the table with something to drink. She listened to what was going on. "Captain I think I know now why my amulet is so important to the Rixxian Caliphate. I think it may have some hidden information my parents put on it to expose them and that is why they sent Toda to get it and kill me. I still have it hidden but can get it when needed. I don't want the wrong hands to get it and then sell it to the highest bidder. It could bring a hefty price on the Black market. Brannon said
"I don't want to risk the vote on Betazed and don't feel safe with what it could hold. When we arrive at Betazed I will bring it out of hiding to be examined by the Federation and Betazed Governments. I would like permission to contact the Betazed government on a secure channel to further discuss it with them too. I am looking forward to going back to Betazed and see what it looks like. I have been researching since I was in High School and hoped one day to go back. Brannon continued. As my mothers only living female child I will inherit her seat on the Betazed Council. But I do plan to stay with Starfleet." Brannon added.
"The only problem with that is who do you know that you can trust"? The Captain asked.
"I had a friend when I was in the Academy and she taught me a lot about Betazed. She is an Ambassador to Starfleet on Betazed. I took the liberty of contacting her on a secure channel and informed her of how Toda attacked and kidnapped me. She told me if I come to Betazed she can meet me and act as someone to get us to the right people that are supportive of Starfleet. And would get me a meeting with the Council President to be properly identified and help get me my mothers seat on the Council." Replied Brannon.
"Who is your contact"? the Captain asked.
She is Ambassador Stera Saaguand we were very close in the academy and still keeps in touch as friends. I can contact her and have her beam upon the Leto when we arrive and also bring a Betazoid security detail that is Federation friendly to take Toda to their Brig to stand trial for her charges. And then she can discuss any matters with you from the situation on the planet as well.
"I would be more comfortable if this was done with greater transparency, Lieutenant Brannon. I am trying to avoid a diplomatic incident." Maia stated.
Brannon replied, "I can make arrangements for her to come to the Leto. That way you can talk and it is done without anyone knowing what is going on down on Betazed itself. She could beam up from a location where she is alone and if needed beam back down without anyone knowing as well."
"Alright Lieutenant see to it, Make your arrangements and keep me informed," Maia instructed.
Sheena had already been in the briefing room long enough to hear what had been said. "I agree with what Ryan says. If we are to tread lightly, we can not change policy or we could cause the whole mission to collapse. Betazed went through hell during the war, now with the two houses at odds with each other, as it were, maybe it would be a good idea if we were to understand then why is there no compromise. I'm a Betazoid yes, but not having been raised on Betazed has not afforded me the knowledge of the houses," Sheena said slightly embarrassed. "However, if this is not handled carefully, the repercussions could be devastating in the Federation."
"Quite correct Number One. However, I have noticed that Betazoids are honest to a fault. I don't believe it's two houses that are at odds. Right now the ruling house is the fifth house. The Riixian Caliphate is more closely defined as a terrorist group spreading an ideology of isolationism, and are willing to kill to get their way, They do not represent a house per se, but more of a movement." The Captain clarified.
Jamie had been sitting there the whole time, and heard the entire message from Starfleet and was mulling the whole thing over. She finally spoke after Sheena. "They're a sovereign people," Jamie said finally. "The Betazoid people need to have their wishes respected and heard. If they want to leave the Federation because it no longer serves their interests, that's their right. The Federation has no right to invade to force them back in because we want to keep them and their resources or manipulate their politics to suit our whims. That would be immoral on our part. That said...if there's a thaleron weapon out there being used by a bunch of extremists, we do have an obligation to stop it. If there's a way to somehow discredit the extremists without it seeming like we're meddling that would be better...expose some incriminating information perhaps?"
"Starfleet feels the same way, Lieutenant. They will have their voice and vote. Our mission is to simply open their eyes to how they are being manipulated. We are not here to go in with guns blazing and force anyone to do anything. In fact, it's our duty to protect the sovereign rights of the people and government. If they vote to secede from the Federation, new treaties will have to be struck and signed. That is also one of the reasons Starfleet assigned us to this mission. They didn't want to send a battleship, that would not be good optics, Right Mr LLewellyn?" Maia asked.
"I never said that we shouldn't proceed with our mission, Captain. I was merely stating that I didn't feel as though we were equipped to handle a Thaleron weapon," Cale replied in soft tones and then continued, "But as Chief Science Officer, I am not usually privy to the tactical status of starships." Cale added.
"Thaleron is deadly. Regardless of what politics or what Betazed wants or doesn't, this weapon must be found and destroyed. SFI has made that very clear. This is why this has to be done very carefully. I can't impress upon the horror of what Thaleron does to flesh. I have had the misfortune of seeing it and it ain't pretty," Sheena stated.
"I've indeed seen it work too, Thaleron radiation destroys all organic matter it comes into contact with. Literally turns it to ash. It's imperative to find out where they got it and how they plan to deliver it." Maia stated.
"I've only heard about its use in theory but also recognize it for the blasphemy that it is. Having read the logs from the Enterprise-E, we're lucky for it to have been destroyed with minimal loss of life," Llewellyn said
"I'd be happy to go down to the planet," Jamie offered. "Since my Orion encounter, I've been pretty resistant to telepathy outside of touch-telepathy, so my motives would be less suspect on the surface."
"I'd welcome all volunteers, Jamie," Maia replied.
"I'd be willing to go down to Betazed with the away team. I have many friends as well as ex-classmates and -teachers who could be of use in the current political climate," Cale said
Gorebets cleared his throat, "I would be giving a mistruth if I said this isn't the first time some of my men have handled weapons of this magnitude, If ordered we will go down. I just would like a science report of a planetary scan of where the energy is. If the weapon is of the size and magnitude this brief says then finding it isn't going to be hard, throw some scans, maybe talk to some locals. Bribe them somehow. The down point you are going to have is the normals like me who don't have any resistance to telepathy. I am no superman but I am willing to put my life on the line for this.. sirs."
"That's just it, we don't know how big it is or what the magnitude is or how it might be delivered, Mr Gorebets. We do know that once activated it reacts with the culminated energy of Nadion particles and explodes. In other words, a phaser blast can take it out. All we know for sure is that the weapon isn't on Betazed it's enroute." Maia said.
Les sat there listening. There were concepts she was obviously having trouble grasping. When had her home become so upside down? When she had relocated before the invasion none of what the Science Officer's brief felt true. She sat there in full-blown panic mode and then blurted out. "Any neuro stimulant used in the paracortex or lower part of the hippocampus should solve the problems for as the Captain said the normals. My concern is the ethical paradox and paradigm this creates. Betazeds are not known to be militant. Now granted to me this is a big shock! It's like finding out Am Tel is still a thing or the V'Shar want to separate from the Federation to start their own Vulcan empire. Captain it's not going to be a simple scan and capture, at least I don't think it would be. But when the time comes to get it there is nobody more suited for grabbing it than you or security?"
She paused for a moment, "Captain whatever I can do, either here or on the ground. Count me in." Alessa said.
"Thank you, Alessa," Maia said.
Now I do have a question for all the Betazoids on this ship, do any of you loyalties to the group called the Riixian Caliphate?" Maia asked.
Brannon replied, " I am loyal to the Federation and friendly Betazed to the Federation. Captain, I am checking our crew against all know lists of names that are associated with the Rixxian Caliphate and am doing it personally as I have to be sure no one can change the list to add or remove a name for any reason. Also, the Rixxian Caliphate was responsible for the death of my parents so you know where my loyalties lay.
Also, remember Betazed is a female-led government too everyone.
Also, I can use the cover to go to the Betazed planet to take my seat on the Betazed Council as I am rightfully entitled to by Birth rite. And it allows me to escort Toda to a Betazed Brig for holding as well. Also, I know for sure right now that Lt Herria's family are not on any list at this time as well."
"No Captain but my parents run a cafe near the Opal shores, I am sure they would give us shelter, supplies and information if pressed, they might know somebody who knows somebody." Alessa offered.
"Right now my parents are on Betazed but I was born on Altair, so my knowledge of Betazed is limited but both myself and my parents are in Starfleet and loyal to the Federation and Betazed. They will help in any way they can Captain," Sheena said.
Maria sat looking around the room knowing that she had just come from betazed and now was coming back, as she didn't think it would be so soon, but on a mission, " I will contact my GrandMother Sir to see if she has heard anything," Maria stated as she piped up with everyone looking at her.
[Tag] All Betazoids /Half Betazoids
Hendon sat in his chair and considered what he was hearing. "It might be prudent to wear these neurostimulators. We don't know the full situation on Betazed. We would be foolish to go in there unprotected. I would also like to be considered for any away team. You're going to need a medical team if things turn nasty." Hendon said
Raising her hand Karyn asked, "Is there any form of isotope on the planet that would render energy weapons useless?" She asked, "if so then we are all going to have to use TR's if our regenerative Phaser rifles are affected by such an isotope" she added and looked around the table. <------ OOC Somers: It was I, apologies adjusted.
"At the very least, I'll start looking through all the information I can find on Thaleron devices," Jamie added. "It's very likely to have a similar design to the one that dissolved the Romulan Senate a few years back..."
"A few years? That was over a decade ago. Did you know someone who was there, Jamie?" Maia said.
"...sorry, I 'accidentally' pulled up logs from the Enterprise-E when you said something about Thaleron," Jamie replied, giving 'air quotes.' "Strange how that happened." She didn't need to admit she cracked through four layers of encryption with a hacking algorithm she had developed when she was bored.
Brannon replied, "It is possible the Riixian Caliphate could use this weapon to cause an assignation of the Council Leader and Council and try to blame it on the Federation to make it easier to get Betazed to pull out of the Federation Alliance?"
The comm system chirped. =/\=Captain we have a priority one communique from Starfleet Command.=/\=
"Pipe it to my terminal," Maia said.
=/\=Captain, the transmission is earmarked 'Eyes Only' for Lieutenant Commander Blake.=/\=
Ryan looked at Maia with a puzzled expression. He had no idea why anyone at Starfleet Command would contact him over a priority one channel.
Maia got up and gave her seat to Ryan.
"Could be some new strategic information we need to complete our mission," Maia said
'Now that's very interesting. I would very much like to know what this is all about,' Cale thought to himself remembering to close off his mind to any errant or intentional mind scans.
Alessa looked at Captain Gorebets and then said, "The captain has a good idea, scan all ships coming and going for the radiation and then when found board it, tow it to a safe distance and destroy it?" She offered thinking like a marine.
"I can do that, Captain," Lieutenant Llewellyn offered.
Brannon also replied, "For those of you not familiar with the Betazed Government Council and the History here is some information.
The Houses of Betazed is the topmost social class of Betazoid society. All of the individuals in this class are considered to be actual descendants of ancestral Betazoids. The Houses of Betazoids are numbered, and they can also be classified in the qualities that the Houses are supposed to hold. Each House can be made up of numerous families, all distantly related, and often holding their relation to the ancestral Betazoids in high regard.
Members of the Houses are considered nobility by their culture and can be afforded numerous titles. Among them include:
mother/father (often named head of House or individual family - sometimes also known as regent)
daughter/son (offspring of the House head or one of those considered next in line for the title)
speaker (representative for a family)
Due to the matriarchal society of the Betazoids, daughters of nobility are always the first to be considered as heir to a family name, but if no female heirs have been produced, males are also accepted in these roles without question. When a Betazoid or a member of a family chooses to forsake their title and position in a House, their names are often struck from the family tree.
Those employed by noble families can also be inducted into their house of nobility, but generally are not afforded titles or positions of representation.
I have been researching the Betazed traditions and customs along with their Legal system as well."
"Lieutenant Brannon, I would like to assist you in this study of Betazoid culture. After living among them for many years, I have information that most non-Betazoids are privy to," Cale turned and said to the Lieutenant.
Brannon smiled, "I would like that Lt. Llewellyn. I only know what other Betazed's on the ships with my parents taught me and what I could pull up in research from computers over the years. I did not grow up on Betazed. Due to the death of my parents, I was brought up by a family from Earth that was with Starfleet to protect me while I grew up. But now we can get back to business and talk later on.
Ryan had finished reading the eyes only report sent directly to him from Starfleet Command. The report was actually from his father at the Office of Strategic Operations where he was Chief of Staff for Admiral Warren. He left the communique open and rose from Maia's seat. He moved to his chair but remained standing as he gave a brief situation report regarding Betazed. "I have just been informed that the situation on Betazed has escalated. Protests formed in front of the Embassies of Earth, Vulcan, Andor and Tellar. There have also been incidents of violence against non-Betazoid persons, including Earth's Ambassador to Betazed."
"My father is the Delegate at the Embassy," replied Maria looking back at Ryan as she knew that he was on Earth at Embassy as she hoped that he was alright, although he had not spoken to her she found herself worrying about him.
"Oh, my goodness. Then, I would suggest we get on to Betazed," Cale said.
Her tablet beeped, as she read the message she knew what it was. "Captain the amulet that belonged to my mother has a computer chip in it. I have broken the code that had it locked up. The information on it contains the names and photos of all know Riixian Caliphate members and tells of what crimes they have committed against Betazed Government. I can show this to you now on the large screen if you wish. " As she went to the screen."
"Okay please do that." The Captain requested.
Brannon pressed a few controls and it came up. As you can see the caliphate has penetrated a lot of key areas of the Betazed Government. However, by identifying them as my parents have done in this hidden chip we can help the Betazed Council remove them. They left all know names and pictures of each of them so if they changed their name they could be identified. My parents died for the information on this chip. And Toda was sent to capture me and get it back to prevent my returning with the information to Betazed to give it to them. The caliphate is very brutal. As you can see they use their telepathy skills to kill someone by causing their brains to rupture. This is extremely painful to the victim.
My parents left the caliphate to try and warn the Betazed council. And was planning to give the chip with the information on it to them. They died before this could happen. I was raised by foster parents from earth till I was able to protect myself. Now it is time for me to finish what my parents started. I am heir to the House of Belbre and also the diplomatic seat on the council it carries and I plan to claim my inheritance. Once I do return with this information on the chip and assume my seat on council I can help to stop the unrest on Betazed.
As you can see there is a lot to be done. And a friend of mine from the Academy will meet me to be sure I get to the right people on Betazed.
"Is this friend of yours part of the Betazed diplomatic corps?" Maia asked.
Brannon replied, Actually she is attached to Starfleet as an Ambassador and her current assignment is to represent Starfleet to the Betazed Council. She is extremely good at what she does and has a strong reputation for getting things straight with her negotiations. She is a troubleshooter when Starfleet needs one. He named is Stera Saagu. Some know how tough she can be but others don't till they work with her.
I can get her to me you here on the Leto so she can bring you up to date on the current situation.
"Excellent, but first we have to get there. We will leave at 0700 tomorrow morning any questions?" Maia asked.
Brannon returned to her seat, "No further questions at this time Captain."
Sheena's mind went back to her parents and how the communication was cut instantly. Could they both be in trouble, or worse dead? She had to know for sure.
Maia thought about something.
"We are going to need a team to track down the Thaleron weapon the Caliphate is planning on using. I don't believe they would destroy the whole planet merely the ruling council, which happens to be the Fifth House at this time. However, you can never tell with terrorists. If they are planning on killing, then one never seems enough. We need to know where it came from, and its capabilities and how they plan on delivering it. We also need to know how many they have and who is making them. Any volunteers"? The Captain asked.
Brannon replied, "I will help out Captain even with other things I need to do. The mission cannot fail no matter what."
"I'm willing to go and do whatever the captain requires of me," Lt. Llewellyn said.
"I can't help but wonder if our old nemesis Arwella is involved in this somehow," Maia suggested.
"Captain may I ask who Arwella is and if I should check it out." Replied Brannon.
"You know who Captain Arwella is Lt Brannon, though you may not have met her. She is the Orion Pirate that pretty much runs things in this quadrant." Maia replied.
"Sir, I'd like to go if that is ok with you," asked Maria as she knew that she would be of help to them, but also help her to understand where she came from and maybe, just maybe get to build somewhat of a relationship with her father.
"Very Well your in". The captain stated.
"I would be happy to assist in this matter in any way I can. I don't have any living family on Betazed but my family estate still stands and my family was part of the Sixth House. The descendants of my family's attendants still reside within my family's estates and I always have a place when I am on Betazed. Thus I can likely get us a location to have a team on the planet as we seek out the answers to address our mission. I will do what I can for the Federation has been my family after mine has passed." Tanger stated after keeping to himself for so long.
Brannon replied I am not sure which of the main Houses my family tie to. But I know my family has an estate there as well. It is the House of Belbre, LT Tanger. My Betazed name is Havri Belbre/ I was put into foster care to protect myself when the Rixxian Caliphate killed my parents.
"I am not very sorry for your loss, but I will do what I can to help get this mission's purpose addressed and get Betazed to remain in the Federation. I would not be here today without the Federation or Starfleet." Tanger replied. "Brannon, I hope that we can work together to accomplish what is needed to get to the bottom of this situation for not only us but for the better of Betazed."
Alessa said, "Once again, I will have counselling staff stand by and help out any way they can."
Karyn indicated that she had nothing more to add, she remained silent, but still, the situation was a strange one she thought to herself.
"Captain, I can have my teams start working on all of the science-related issues that anyone may need. Just get with me after the meeting," Cale Llewellyn said.
Sheena could not stay quiet any longer. "Captain, I had a conversation with my parents not long ago. They are currently on the planet and as the conversation was drawing to a close, it was cut off at the source. They never said goodbye or anything else. I fear for them as my mother is from the 5th house by way of her parents. I will volunteer to go on the away mission to the planet.
Ryan's mind was already working on the mission requirements. There were many facets to their overall mission and it looked like substantial resources both from the ship in personnel and on the planet by the Federation and Starfleet resources already there. They were going to be stretched extraordinarily thin. "All Departments should prepare readiness evaluations. The Command Section will review the current situation reports coming in and assign specific tasking by the time we reach the Betazed Sector."
Gorebets looked over at the table, "After this meeting, my senior marines are having a security briefing and going over procedures. Lieutenant Brannon, I invite you to attend so we can sit down and coordinate and plan to better defend in this op and in future operations."
Brannon replied "I agree Captain Gorebets, this is an all hands on deck for your marines and my Security. I also with you. This is close to a battle scenario and we all need to be on top of our games if something happens. And will be there.
"Marine Captain Gorebets, I will have that information about the geological data of Betazed for you as soon as possible," Lieutenant Llewellyn added.
There will be an awards ceremony at 1930 Hour on the recreation deck. If there is no further business, then you are all dismissed.
[OFF]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A post by:
Captain Maia Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916
&
Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake
Second Officer/Chief Strategic Operations Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916
&
Lieutenant Cale Llewellyn, DSci
Chief Science Officer
USS Leto NCC-8916
&
Captain James Gorebets
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916
&
1LT Angelina Brannon
Chief of Security
USS Leto 80916
&
Lieutenant Maria McMahon
Chief Operations Officer
USS Leto 80916
&
Lieutenant Alessa Herria
Chief Counselor
USS Leto 80916
&
Lieutenant Angelina Brannon
Chief of Security
USS Leto 80916
&
2nd Lt Karyn Somers
Marine Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916
&
Lt. Cmdr. Sheena Toran
Executive Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916
&
Lt. Cmdr Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC 80916
&
LT Kasey Tanger
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Leto NCC 80916
