Precautions (Backpost)

Posted on Fri Feb 7th, 2025 @ 11:05pm by Commander Thomas Johnson & Jennifer Daxer

1,026 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Nursery
Location: Chief Security Office

Thomas walked into the Chiefs office behind her, they had just completed the engineering inspection, which not surprisingly went smooth. They did their jobs well.

"Something I did want to discuss with you this afternoon, which is what I wanted to see you about." He looked around. "First things first however... I know you have resigned your commission. However, I find calling you Miss Daxer, kind of downplaying your role. Is there anything other than Miss that you would prefer..."

"You can just call me Daxer, if it suits you." Jen answered, giving him a light shrug. "You can also call me Jen, or Jennifer if first names are your thing... I don't really have a preference, Commander."

"Daxer it is." Thomas replied, given the two just meeting, he didn't feel right with first name basis. At least not yet.

"There's something on your mind, Commander..." Jen said, not missing his first statement as they had entered. "What's up?"

"Honestly... I have never had a good experience with starfleet Intelligence, and knowing there are aspects of you being on here, that I am not privy to... makes it even more unsettling. No offense to you. I have read your file, what I was able to read anyway... your service record up til Starfleet Intel..."
He paused. "I don't doubt your ability... your record your reviews... I trust. I don't trust Starfleet Intelligence and their covert operations that leave key people in the dark."

Jen was quiet for a short moment, before speaking. Based on his words, the Vulcan woman assumed he wouldn't expect what was coming.

"Computer, seal this room and disable all sensors inside." She ordered the computer in simple Vulcan fashion.

"Authorization is required to disable sensors." Came the monotonous reply.

"Authorization Daxer beta gamma 46." Daxer said, immediately followed by the computer chiming to signify that her command was being carried out. "Today is your lucky day, Commander. My orders are on a need-to-know basis. I'm assuming you will be leading away team. Since I plan on joining you, you need to know why I was hired to tag along... Can't promise you'll like what you hear though."

"Ive been informed by the Captain i will be leading the away team." Thomas replied, "just to be clear, its who you are working for I don't trust. Not you." Thomas wanted to reiterate that once again. "I always hope for the best, but expect the worst."

"I don't trust them either. That's why I took steps to ensure the safety of this crew." Jen said, giving him a light smile. "They may have been the ones to hire me, but it was the Admiral who personally requested me. He was the one to give me my mission parameters. At my... request, he also ordered me to keep Starfleet Intelligence out of the loop. I report directly to him, and not them."

"See, liking you better already." He replied as he leaned back. "Now, whats this I gotta know."

"The possibility exists that bringing the hostages aboard may not be a safe, or viable option." She said simply. Though she kept her emotions in check, there was a serious and somber look in her eyes as she spoke. "As a last resort, and only as a last resort... He's tasked me with putting them out of their misery."

"That... unfortunately does not surprise me... it probably is best... you have my enthusiastic permission to do it to me should I ever get turned." He turned to the matter at hand. "Now our last mission against them, the ship got boarded and crew was captured, only by luck did we rescue them. "I dont want a repeat... what do we have planned."

"Our orders are to get the hostages, and destroy the facility." Daxer said without any hesitation. "We take a single team. We find the hostages first, then we set charges. From there, the best idea would be to get the hell out, before the timers expire... Unless, of course, like being blown out into space."

"Set the charges... I'm somewhat of an expert of blowing up facilities in space." Thomas replied with a smug look on his face... "No doubt you read in my file." Clearing his throat. "With being in charge of security, what measures do you have for the ship."

"I'm not really in charge of Security... Just manning the Tactical station." She said, seeming thoughtful for a moment. "The only measures I can think of at present are to arm them with special weapons I'll be unveiling at the briefing... and hope they can aim."

"Not exactly the answer I was hoping for." He replied as he turned. "I will look into planning security measures." He took a padd from the table. "Anything else to add?"

"If you really want a better answer, I'll need authority to provide my own surprise inspection, and issue orders to the security department." Jen said honestly. She'd only been asked to man the Tactical station on the bridge during their launch, but this ship's security department was still her baby. "From there I can get things back in order, and provide better options for defending the ship."

"For now I want you to focus on what starfleet Intelligence has sent you here for. Being familiar with the security defenses of the ship, I can make sure the ship is ready to repel any boarders." He replied, it would be an all nighter, and most of the day. But it was do able.

"I know this ship's defenses pretty well, and most of my mission happens on arrival." Daxer replied simply. "If you want any assistance, feel free to recruit me."

Nodding, "The ships systems have been upgraded a deal since your last station on here. Ive worked on the systems a great deal, as well as the previous two chiefs. I would certainly welcome the help. There are some officers i need to talk with, in regards prepping the ship in case."

"Brushing up on the new systems can't hurt." Jen said after using her code to unseal the room. "Lead the way Commander."

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