Special OPS Seminar 
Stardate 10509.23 1800 
Conference Room #Special_OPS 
Hosted By: LtCmdr Mrlr CIV on the USS Triton
***********************************************************************************************************

LtJg_Burton says:
::Takes a seat in the front row::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::looks up from her notes and smiles:: Burton/Turok: Hello Lts...we'll begin in a few minutes.

LtJg_Burton says:
::Nods::

Capt_Fowler says:
::Enters the room, nods to the others and finds a seat::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::smiles at the audience:: All: Let's give the stragglers a few minutes to get here and then we'll begin.

Capt_Fowler says:
::smiles::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
INFO: As the lights start to dim a little, a small Caitian female, barely 5 foot tall, silver and black fur gleaming in the lights step up to the podium and finds that she is too short to see over it.

Capt_Durron says:
::enters the room quietly and takes the seat next to Captain Fowler::

Capt_Fowler says:
::nods to Durron::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::chuckles and steps around the podium:: All: Ahhhh...that's better. ::grins at the audience:: Welcome everyone to the Special OPS seminar.

Capt_Durron says:
::Returns the nod and stays quiet::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
All: I am LtCmdr Mrlr, currently assigned to the USS Triton as the CIV.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::leans against the podium:: And this seminar is about the real truth behind Special Ops.  ::looks down at her notes and begins::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Special Operations....those two words can conjure up a multitude of mental images and feelings.  Excitement, awe, fear.  It is a role and a function that is glamorized by the media.  All Special OPS personnel must be brave and strong and manly, right? ::grins and indicates her lithe 5 foot frame:: So what is a little bitty kitty cat doing <c>

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
talking about and participating in Special Operations. Good question. ::grins:: And the answer is...the media is wrong. I will now pause for the gasps of disbelief and dismay.

Capt_Fowler says:
::smiles and nods knowingly::

Capt_Durron says:
::smiles and has the feeling that the kitty could probably clean the deck with most of the people in this room::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Special OPS does require, for some positions, more brawn than brain.  But for most of the positions it is this ::taps her skull with her paw:: that is your most important weapon.  Whether it be extraction, elimination, disposal or Intel...your mind, your knowledge is what is important.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::sits down on the edge of the stage and looks out towards the audience:: Let's go over a few scenarios and break them down into their individual parts.  Shall we?

Capt_Durron says:
::nods to the Cait::

LtJg_Burton says:
::Agrees::

Capt_Fowler says:
::raises an eyebrow and smiles::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
First of all...you have your operatives.  Those that go into danger, drink martinis and look dashingly handsome or ravishingly beautiful. ::grins::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
But behind them are many more people who work extremely hard to get the operatives what they need so that they can complete their job.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::looks around:: Anyone care to give a guess about whom I'm talking about?

LtJg_Burton says:
::raises his hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Yes Lt?

Capt_Fowler says:
::looks around, wonders who might hazard a guess::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::turns so that she is looking more towards Burton::

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Supply personnel, mechanics, medics and other support personnel.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::grins:: Burton: Exactly.  And without those people....the operatives would be left wandering around lost in their underwear. ::shudders:: Not a pretty thought.

Capt_Fowler says:
::Laughs softly at the mental image::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
How about if all of you get right into the driver's seat, so to speak.  Let me give you a situation and we'll discuss how we'd resolve it.  Ready?

Capt_Fowler says:
::nods::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
You are given orders to rescue a high-ranking ambassador that has been kidnapped and is held hostage on a desolate planet.  The Federation will continue to try all diplomatic avenues but negotiations have been dragging on for months.  The ambassador's home planet ( not a member of the Federation) is threatening to go to war with the kidnapper's home world.  This will throw the entire system into chaos.  You have been ordered to take a nine person team and extract the ambassador. You must not be seen and the ambassador must be kept alive.  Casualties must be kept to a minimum.

Capt_Durron says:
::sits back with his arms folded trying not to think about some of those operatives in their underwear::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Intelligence on the planet, the kidnappers base and the location of the ambassador is practically non-existent.  You have coordinates and approximate numbers of hostiles.  What would be your plan of attack?

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::sits back and lets them collect their ideas::

Capt_Durron says:
::whistles under his breath::

Capt_Fowler says:
::fingers tap softly on the arm of the chair as she thinks::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Anyone care to take a stab at the first thing we need to do?

Capt_Durron says:
::laughs lightly and raises a hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Durron: Yes Captain?

Capt_Durron says:
Mrlr: The first thing, at least from where I am sitting, is to see if you can get some intel.  On the system, or the planet that the ambassador is being held on, preferably both.

LtJg_Burton says:
::Nods in agreement::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::grins:: Durron: Exactly.  ::tilts her head and flicks an ear at him:: But how?

Capt_Fowler says:
::nods and thinks to self, nice start::

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises his hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::looks around:: Anyone?

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::points:: Burton: Yes Lt?

Capt_Durron says:
::pauses and thinks:: Mrlr: It would be nice if our good friends the Klingons could lend us a ship...::stops as she opens the question to the room::

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Probes and scans if possible then followed by a scout team.

Capt_Durron says:
::nods his apologies to Burton::

Capt_Fowler says:
::her ear bud gives off a soft buzz, she listens::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::nods to them both:: Those are both good possibilities.  Although, Captain...usually by the time the special teams are sent in...it is because the Federation wants it to be clandestine...and Klingons are not the most diplomatic in keeping their missions quiet. ::grins::

Capt_Fowler says:
::Getting up, she nods to Mrlr and the others:: All: Sorry  ::makes her way out of the room::

Capt_Durron says:
::nods and keeps his mouth shut than glances after Fowler::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
But probes and scouts are a distinct possibility.  ::nods back to the Captain as she leaves and then turns back to the rest::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
So getting Intel is the top priority.  Let's say you get that Intel.  They send someone like me in who is bred and built for being sneaky...I get the info and give it to the team leader....now what?

Capt_Durron says:
::raises a hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::smiles:: Yes Captain?

Capt_Durron says:
Mrlr: You get a team together.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Correct.  Based on the Intel, it would either be a brute squad...or just a few stealth members.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Now comes the part where the support personnel is so important.  Anyone guess why?

Capt_Durron says:
::decides to let someone else answer the really hard questions::

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Go ahead, Lt. ::nods at Burton::

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Travel, they would need a ship. The proper equipment for either deployment that is decided. And medical support for possible casualties.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Correct. ::looks around the room and chuckles:: How many of you thought that special ops meant just a few people sneaking in and then out...completing a mission and only they know what and where it was...or even if there was a mission.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
That's the perception a lot of people have.  but when you think about it...that is impossible...isn't it?

LtJg_Burton says:
::Nods in agreement::

Capt_Durron says:
::thinks about it than shakes his head::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Sure...only a few people may know what the objective is...or the location...but pulling off a mission with only the team members knowing is not realistic…or safe.  Support is more important than it is given credit for.

Capt_Durron says:
::nods agreement with that::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Before we continue…does anyone have any questions?

Capt_Durron says:
::shakes his head making the probably arrogant assumption that he knows a little bit about Spec Ops::

LtJg_Burton says:
::Shakes his head::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Then let's continue.  ::stands up and paces slowly back and forth ticking off items on her paw as her tail slowly sways from side to side:: We have our layout and Intel, we have our team, our transportation and equipment.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
We reach the location and begin to work towards achieving our objective. Right?

Capt_Durron says:
::glances at the quiet Ensign and Lieutenant::

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Barring any variance in any of the above.

Capt_Durron says:
::shakes his head:: Mrlr: You have already started working towards achieving the objective.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
True, Lt.  And believe it or not...that does happen more times than not.  It's just the quiet times are never remembered.

Ens_Raadi says:
::Excuses herself, she has things to do for a few minutes::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Yes captain...I stand corrected.  You are right.  From the moment we began we started working towards the objective.

Capt_Durron says:
::shrugs finding himself being a bit more logical than he typically is::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
So let's say we get into the building and locate the ambassador.  Now comes the fun part.  Getting a civilian to safety.  Often times...an out of shape, older civilian. ::shakes her head in dismay::

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises hand::

Capt_Durron says:
::nods::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Yes Lt?

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Wouldn't a transport be the best possibility in this situation?

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Normally yes, but the odds of them having a transporter inhibitor is highly likely.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Let's make this a little more exciting.  During the extrication, the ambassador slips, bringing the entire team to the attention of the guards.  We have a fire fight and one of the team members goes down.  There is an opening to get the ambassador out but it is impossible to extract your team member at the same time.  What do you do?

Capt_Durron says:
::raises a hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Yes Captain?

Capt_Durron says:
::Doesn’t pause to think about it:: Mrlr: Even though it would be nice to get the team member out, the goal is to get the ambassador out.  You may or may not be able to retrieve your team member at a later time, but the ambassador is the objective.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::nods:: True...but what about the edict that the Federation must not be seen to be involved?

LtJg_Burton says:
::Raises hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Yes Lt?

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Split the team? Have part of the team rescue the hostage while the other part stays with your comrade.

Capt_Durron says:
::nods:: Mrlr: I stand corrected.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
That is one option, of course.  Especially if you have a larger team.  But what if you were a small team and you couldn't leave anyone else behind to assist your fallen member?

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::pauses and looks at each of them:: How do you get the ambassador out as the Captain correctly stated....and yet…hide any evidence of the Federation being there?

Capt_Durron says:
::raises a hand::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Yes Captain?

Capt_Durron says:
Mrlr: You have two options, that I can see, first is make sure that you have no evidence of being a Starfleet officer or even citizen of the Federation on the person of any of the team.  The second option is a bit more gruesome... ::he pauses to consider the answer a bit::

Capt_Durron says:
Mrlr: The second option I see is for the team leader to vaporize the incapacitated team member.

LtJg_Burton says:
::Looks at the Captain with a bit of surprise::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::nods grimly:: Unfortunately that is what has to be done.  And every team member knows it.  Nothing can be left behind...not even the body.  Protecting the Federation comes before all else...even the objective.

Capt_Durron says:
::starts to think back than stops himself and returns the lieutenant's gaze::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::sees the Lt's expression and turns towards him:: Burton: Every operative knows that one day their families will get a message from Starfleet stating that their loved ones died in a training accident or a shuttle malfunction, never knowing the truth.  ::shrugs:: That's the only way to protect the Federation.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::looks at her chronometer:: But that's not right now. ::grins::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
As we've seen, Special Operations is more than just barging in with phasers blazing and rescuing someone.  It requires stealth and intelligence gathering.  It requires the talents and skills of a dozen different personnel  for just one mission.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Anyone can be in Special OPS.  As long as they have the desire and the commitment to dedicate themselves and their career to a lifetime of learning and training.  Training goes on every day for as long as a officer is with a unit

Capt_Durron says:
::glances at his chronometer and blinks::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Classes and seminars are held weekly.  Physical training is held daily.  Many times you cannot mention what you have done that day, even to your spouse or loved one.  And you always take the chance of dying alone on some remote planet for a cause and reason that you will never know.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
So why become a member of Special OPS?  Because it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.  And the most important reason of all is that you will have made a difference

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Maybe no one will ever know about your participation in an event.  You won't get a medal or a commendation.  You won't get praise and parades...but you will know right here ::puts her paw on her chest over her heart:: You will know that in your lifetime, you made a difference.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
And isn't that the ultimate achievement?

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::grins and walks back to the podium:: I see my time is up so I want to thank everyone for coming here and for your participation.  There are many other wonderful seminars during this conference and I hope that you get a chance to attend all of them.  Thank you and the floor is open to any questions.

Capt_Durron says:
::sits back a bit and looks around::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
Well if there are no questions then let me please bid you all a very good night.  Thank you for attending.

LtJg_Burton says:
Mrlr: Thank you for your time and the invaluable information.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::smiles:: Burton: And thank you for attending.

LtJg_Burton says:
::Stands up, tucks his PADD under his arm and exits the room::

Capt_Durron says:
::nods to the LT as he departs::

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::walks over to the small table on the stage and gathers up her notes, looks around:: Well Captain...I have to get back to my ship.  If you will excuse me.

Capt_Durron says:
::stands up and nods:: Mrlr: Thank you, commander.

Host LtCmdr_Mrlr says:
::smiles and heads out the door, her tail swaying hypnotically behind her as she leaves::