Given a Second Chance Part II

Posted on Sun Oct 23rd, 2011 @ 11:22am by Vice Admiral Iluvar & Commander Michael Evans M.D. & Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson & Lieutenant Thelin ch'Rassa M.D. & Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur & Ensign Matthew Lessly

Mission: Episode 2.3 - "Hippocratic Oath"
Location: Observation Lounge, USS Pandora
Timeline: Mission Day 03, 0817

ON: [[Observation Lounge, USS Pandora, Mission Day 03, 0817 hours]]

"Now that we are all on the same page, I would like to introduce Captain Elias McBride of the Clara Barton, a medical ship which has been heavily involved with relief efforts in this region," Iluvar continued, "Captain McBride will be briefing us on the nature of our next assignment. Captain?"

Elias gave the admiral a brief nod of acknowledgment before pressing a button on the conference table interface. He turned as the holographic rendering of the Pandora behind him simmered out of existence, replaced by the computer terminal which would serve as basis for his presentation. "As I am sure many of you are already aware, the situation within the Romulan Empire has been a cause for concern ever since the failed coup eight years ago," he said by way of introduction, "the Hobus supernova was essentially the catalyst for a downward spiral of events which has left many Romulan worlds without any form of support at all."

Dr. Evans nodded from his seat. He hated to make the accusation, but the Romulan Empire had seemed not only unable, from a resources and infrastructure standpoint, but also unwilling to help some of its most seriously affected colonies and outposts, leaving them to fend for themselves in times of desperate need. The Empire had also, curiously, seemed to be rather hesitant to accept much in the way of outside aid; perhaps out of their sense of secrecy and pride.

Miranda listened and occasionally glanced at the display board as she looked over the current schedules that the flight department had been running in absent of the CFO. She made subtle changes to the roster. Even pulling enlisted crew onto the bridge helm shift, that showed the ability to be great pilots, teaming them up with Officers.

"While the Federation certainly does not have the resources to provide the full support these worlds need on a regular basis, the Federation Council did not deliberate long when deciding to increase the humanitarian efforts we were already providing to the Empire since the failed Shinzon Coup in 2379," Elias continued, calling up a visual of their particular region along the border, "Captain Edwards of the Intrepid has been leading a Starfleet task force for some time to ensure the stability of this region, but with the withdrawl of the Elyshans, we really haven't seen as many threats as those along the Klingon-Romulan border have...which means we have more resources to devote to humanitarian aid."

Matt watched the image as small icons representing the various romulan planets and the federation ships in the area moved about. It was amazing to him that, despite everything that had happened between the Romulans and the Federation, there was still compassion left for those who were once enemies. It was one of the things that he truly admired and that gave him hope.

Miranda looked over the display board with interest as she studied the layout of the sector and already planning the quickest egress from Romulan space if things went to the dogs in a handbasket, Along with several alternate routes. She would have to look up the type of Romulan ships and compare them against the ship to find tactical advantages over them.

Elias smiled. "That is why we're here," he replied, adjusting the visual once again so that it focused in upon a single star system just inside the Romulan border, "I trust some of you recognize this system?"

Commander Evans nodded. "Nerus V," he spoke aloud. "An outlying colony of debatable strategic merit. We visited there briefly about a year ago. A rather isolated system with some rather... reticent... inhabitants." He gave a little uncomfortable squirm in his seat, remembering their visit... and his clandestine attempt at a return.

There was a brief moment of silence as Elias allowed the commander's words to sink in. A majority of the senior staff had not been present during the Pandora's unexpected visit to the Romulan Colony on Nerus V. Aside from the admiral and the ship's former chief medical officer, few of them knew much more about the conditions witnessed there than what little had been presented at Iluvar's inquiry...and that was not saying much.

"Indeed," Elias agreed. He tapped a single command into the table's interface, causing the display to zoom in on Nerus V. "Ladies and Gentlemen...this is our objective," he continued, "Our orders are for the Pandora to escort the Clara Barton to the Romulan Colony on Nerus V, providing support and protection as we attempt to deal with whatever situation we may find there."

Dr. Evans nodded. He'd wondered if something similar weren't to be their assignment, as he put together the pieces of Nerus V and a medical ship presence, only seconds before the actual mission was voiced. It jolted him more than he might have expected, however. In a way he was feeling shame for his own failed attempt to return to aid the colony; in a way he was also feeling anger because he failed. This might be a chance for a sort of personal absolution; a way to absolve those feelings that still gnawed at him sometimes since the events of a year past. Already he was itching to dig up his old lab studies regarding the mystery.

"There are definitely some potential dangers here," Joe spoke up. "We know that there are those among the Romulans who still harbor great resentment towards the Federation and do not wish for our help. Some of these might try and hamper or even completely stop our efforts, especially within the colony itself. While this means we should be on our guard, there is also a danger in that; if the Romulans see us too prepared for conflict, they'll be more inclined towards hostility. Naturally, we want to avoid conflict as this is a humanitarian mission, so we have to walk a fine line between protecting and provoking."

Evans nodded to himself in agreement. He knew how delicate a situation this could be.

Dr. Haelen, who had been sitting quietly until now, spoke up. "If I may ask, sir, what is the current medical status of this colony? Do we know if their infrastructure is still intact?"

"I am afraid we don't know much more about the colony's medical status than what was in the reports compiled by yourself, Doctor Evans, and Doctor Winchester have given us," Elias replied in answer to the hologram's question, "Considering how far off the map this colony was before the Hobus disaster..." He trailed off as those around the table followed his thought to its logical conclusion.

"All departments are to submit ideas for ways in which they may contribute to this effort to Commander Evans prior to our arrival at Nerus V," Iluvar said after a moment, "I don't have to remind everyone this won't exactly be a stroll in the park. We depart within the hour..."

OFF

A Joint Mission Post by:

Vice Admiral Iluvar
Commanding Officer
USS Pandora

Captain Elias McBride (PNPC)
Commanding Officer
USS Clara Barton
Played by: VAdm Iluvar

Commander Michael Evans
Executive Officer
USS Pandora

Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson
Chief Security/Tactical Officer & Second Officer
USS Pandora

Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Pandora

Ensign Matthew Lessly
Chief Science Officer
USS Pandora

and

Doctor Anthony Haelen (PNPC)
Assistant Chief Medical Officer (EMH Mk. I)
USS Pandora
Played by: Cmdr Evans