In Character Conference Special Operations Seminar Stardate 10406.25

Speaker: Lt. Mrlr – Special Ops, CTO – USS Sharikahr

Subject: Special Operations

Synopsis: When it is time for diplomacy and when it is time to send in the specialists.  Case scenarios of past situations will be studied.

===============================================================

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks up and smiles:: Hello Commander.  Come on in and grab a seat.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Walks in and takes a look around:: Mrlr: Large crowd. ::Smiles and takes a seat::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins:: I imagine they will start to trickle in soon.  We have several seminars going on at the same time.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Smiles:: Oh yes I know. I was just giving you a hard time.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Notices four others walk in and smiles::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks up and smiles as people start to trickle in and gives her XO a wink::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Shakes her head:: Mrlr: How did I know that you were going to be right? ::winks back::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All: Welcome everyone.  Please take a seat. ::chuckles to her XO::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Moves her hover chair near an exit and out of everyone's way ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::walks to the front and stands there.  Curls her tail around her ankle to keep it from twitching with nervousness:: All: I would like to welcome everyone to this seminar on Special Forces and Operations.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::chuckles as she looks out at the audience::  It's funny but I am actually more nervous standing safely on this stage then I was surrounded by hostiles on an alien planet.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: walks in and sits down in the front row.  Smiles as he recognizes the Caitian ::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Smiles at Mrlr::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::sees Grey-feather enter and smiles at him warmly::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All: For those of you who have never met me...I am Lt. Mrlr, currently the CTO of the USS Sharikahr. ::grins at Cmdr Patterson::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
I have been in Special Operations for most of my career and only lately have been assigned permanently to a ship.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::walks to the very edge of the stage and stands there looking out at everyone::

Host Lt_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 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.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Thinks about that a moment and looks down at her hover chair... ::

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Chuckles at Mrlr::

Lt_Chaser says:
:: smiles at her fellow lil cait comrade::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: laughs :::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::walks to the front of the podium and leans against it:: 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 Lt_Mrlr says:
Before we go any further...does anyone have any questions?

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Raises her hand ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks around the room for a moment and sees the Ensign:: Yes Ensign, you have a question?

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Clears her voice ::   Can someone like me, in my hover chair, participate in special OPS?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles at her:: The answer is yes.  ::turns back to the rest:: As you will see in the next hour...there are many functions and specialties that go into every special operations mission.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Thinks the answer must be no...and the lecturer is looking for a way to let her down easily ::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Smiles a moment at the answer ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks around the room again:: Let's go over a few scenarios and break them down into their individual parts. Shall we?

Lt_Chaser says:
:: sits forward in her chair ::

Host Lt_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 <c>

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: listens somewhat attentively ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
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.

Host Lt_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?

Ens_Tulpuq says:
Mrlr: Recon first?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::goes to the edge of the stage and sits down:: Tulpuq: Correct.  Without information the team would go in blind.  So what would we need for recon? Anyone?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
::raises hand ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::points to Grey-feather:: Lt?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
Mrlr: If possible get someone on the inside so that communications could be intercepted and movements tracked

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Raises a hand ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods:: That would be an excellent way of getting information.  ::points to Watson:: Yes, Ensign?

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
Geographical layout...compound layout if there is a compound...possible hiding locations and beam-in/beam-out locations

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
and number of opponents

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: quietly ::  or enemies...or whatever you call em

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods again:: Correct...and how we get that information is just as important as the extraction.  For instance...we would need an communications expert who could intercept thier communications.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Or cryptographers who can decipher the codes.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
Take the high ground and stake out the enemy covertly, watch their troop deployments and schedules.

LtCmdr_Prue_Patterson says:
::Discreetly slips out after receiving a comm on her Combadge::

CO_Kyrron says:
::looks over sharply at the sound of Ravenprowler's voice::

CO_Kyrron says:
::quietly slips into a seat in the back::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Brow furrows as she thinks...her brain is hurting, if that's possible... ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::points at Ravenprowler:: That is a good method of getting information also.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: notices Kyrron, folding her arms ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
And that is how officers who are not all muscle and strength come into play. ::looks at Watson and gives her a wink::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Brightens and smiles ::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Thinks to self ::   Self:  Maybe I could do something like this!

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Someone has to take all of this information and put it together into one coherent package so that the powers to be have a clear picture of the situation.

CO_Kyrron says:
::nods::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks around again:: So when does the extraction team go in?

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Gets and idea ::   A spy!

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: raises hand ::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Grins not realizing she said that out loud ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Watson: Yes...spying is a very good method of gathering Intel...if the spy is not caught. ::points to Grey-feather again:: Lt?

CO_Kyrron says:
::sits quietly having missed most of the details of the scenario::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Looks up embarrassed but smiles ::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
Mrlr: The extraction team is sent in when enough Intel is gathered to find weak spots in defenses.  Weakness that would allow extraction within mission parameters

CO_Kyrron says:
::wonders what the mission parameters are in this case::

Lt_Chaser says:
The secret to extraction is speed, you have to overwhelm them before they can respond, it takes precise timing and coordination.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles at Grey-feather:: Correct.  But what if Intel couldn't be gathered in time?  After all...the ambassador only has so much time before the kidnappers will take action.

CO_Kyrron says:
::raises her head to see the last speaker::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::sees her CO enter and smiles a welcome to her::

CO_Kyrron says:
Mrlr:  I think the certain death of one is not worth risking likely death to several others.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Lt Chaser: The mission parameters specifically said not to be seen and keep casualties to a minimum.

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::nods to the Lt as she finds a seat quietly::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
Mrlr: Without Intel it would have to be a smash and grab.  Smash your way in with firepower and grab the ambassador

Lt_Chaser says:
:: smiles at Keely with a wink ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Kyrron: Captain, I noticed that you missed the details of the scenario.  The mission states that the ambassador must be rescued alive.

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::notices Chaser and nods a hello at her::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
Grey-feather: Agreed.

CO_Kyrron says:
Mrlr:  Whatever the cost?

MO_Ens_Turok says:
Kyrron: Wouldn't it depend on the importance of the individual being rescued?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles:: Kyrron: We will fulfill our mission no matter what the cost.  That is our duty.

CO_Kyrron says:
::nods::  Mrlr:  I understand.  My apologies for the interruption.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Kyrron: Not at all, Captain.  That is what these seminars are for.

CO_Kyrron says:
::sits back to listen::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All: So everyone thinks that a smash and grab would be the way to go if there is not enough Intel?

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
I think it would depend on how much time you have to gather intel...

CO_Kyrron says:
Mrlr:  A smash and grab would present great risk to the hostage.

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
Well, unless you can beam the Ambassador out.

Lt_Chaser says:
:: chuckles at Tigs ::

MO_Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Quiet in and out would seem a better approach.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Correct, Captain.  Actually a smash and grab is warranted as a last resort.  This is where special operatives like myself come in handy.  ::grins:: We are very sneaky.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Ravenprowler: I would imagine Commander that would be one of the first things the Federation tried. ::grins::

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: Laughs:: Ya think!

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There are always officers like myself who are trained to sneak into places that most wouldn't dream of going into.  Our job is to find a way for the brute squad to muscle their way in with minimal amount of disturbance.

CO_Kyrron says:
Mrlr:  I would suspect a force field to be in place.  How do you "sneak" through one of those?

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::notes that about her CTO::

TO_Hembrook says:
I would think the keys to any successful operation would be 1. Good Operational Intelligence. 2. A sound Op-plan with contingencies in case. 3. Knowing your team's capabilities and knowing what support you have available. 4. Improvise, adapt, and overcome. ::grins::

TO_Hembrook says:
You would deactivate it of course, but set up a feedback loop to fool the sensors it was still on and not trigger any alarms.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Hembrook: Those are the keys in a perfect world.  but as many of us are aware: 1) Good intel is hard to obtain.  2) All plans are a moot point after the first step is taken.

MO_Ens_Turok says:
Kryyon: You would be surprised at what over confindence can turn people to do. After holding the hostage for several months they may feel no one will try to get him.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
3) Many times you are your only support and 4) is pretty much all you have left.

TO_Hembrook says:
That's why you plan contingencies Sir, if this goes wrong, you try that.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: realizes he only qualifies for the brute squad ::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Giggles quietly to herself and thinks ::   Self: I'll have to remember that

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::smiles at the TO::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Kyrron: Captain, there may very well be force fields.  I have been trained to disable many of the known devices and any that I cannot disable are on a situation by situation basis.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Sometimes I can destroy it without setting off too many alarms...but my preferred method is to try and use the same entrances and exits the hostiles do.

CO_Kyrron says:
Mrlr:  If force fields are no barrier, then why not disable the transport inhibitor so easily?

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::is glad to have been able to at least sneak into this conference for the last half... is really learning a lot about Mrlr.

Lt_Chaser says:
:: Caits are very quiet n sneeky, nods::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Kyrron: ::chuckles:: I never said force fields are no barrier....I said that I have been very well trained.  I never said I was always successful :;winks::

CO_Kyrron says:
::chuckles in return::  Mrlr:  So the only option is to send in a team to attempt an infiltration?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Kyrron: Most transporter inhibitors are inherent into the buildings themselves, while a force field is usually mostly localized.

TO_Hembrook says:
You could always set up a timed explosive to take out the local power grid and go in using NVGs, would make things alot easier.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
According to the orders that is what we are supposed to do.  but the biggest parameter of the order is to remain unseen.  When we are told that...it means that there must not be any way to trace it back to the Federation.

CO_Kyrron says:
::nods::

TO_Hembrook says:
um... then use Klingon explosives ::impish grin and wink::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks at the TO a bit strangely and moves on. Walks over to the edge of the stage again:: So let's recap quickly.  We have intel gathering ::smiles at Watson::

TO_Hembrook says:
Another good credo: Obscund, Invegle, and Obuscate ::grin::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Smiles back at Lt. Mrlr ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
We have stealth operatives ::points to herself::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
And then we have the brute squad ::winks at Grey-feather::

CO_Kyrron says:
::listens::

Host Lt_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 Lt_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.

Host Lt_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 Lt_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.

TO_Hembrook says:
How does one sign up for Special Ops Sir? Or can we be Special Ops and stay assigned to our current vessel?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
You need to attend special classes at the academy Ensign.  Not all are accepted.

TO_Hembrook says:
How does one apply Sir?

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Looks down at her hover chair a moment ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
You are asked, Ensign.  ::looks at the rest of the audience::  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 Lt_Mrlr says:
And isn't that the ultimate achievement?

TO_Hembrook says:
Aye-aye Sir.

Host Lt_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. I will be happy to answer any questions if you wish to stay past the hour.

CO_Kyrron says:
Mrlr:  Doing our duty is the ultimate achievement, whether it makes a difference or not.  Thank you for the thought provoking lecture.

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::starts giving her applause::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Smiles and applauds ::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: smiles and applauds::

TO_Hembrook says:
::applauds politely::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins at the applause:: I will have a few other scenarios in my other lectures if you care to attend them.  Thank you.

CO_Kyrron says:
::applauds::

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: applauds::

Lt_Chaser says:
:: stands and applauds ::

CTO_q`vort says:
::applauds::

MO_Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::applauds::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Watches everyone file out patiently waiting for everyone to leave so she won't impede everyone else's progress ::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: nods and applauds briefly ::

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: stands and walks over to Mrlr :: Mrlr: Your lecture was fascinating Lieutenant

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::walks over and listens::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins again and gathers her PADDs.  Looks up at Grey-feather and purrs:: Hello Joshua.  It's been a long time.

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::access the remote feature and calls her hover chair in::

CO_Kyrron says:
::stands and leaves the room::

CTO_q`vort says:
Mrlr: Very Informative.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
Mrlr: Too long.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Sees the auditorium not clearing out yet and sighs a moment ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
q'vort: Thank you. ::sees her Captain about to leave and looks over::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
::moves over to q'vort and smacks him hard on the back::

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::moves over to her chair and waits for the Lt to finishes up::

CTO_q`vort says:
CSO: What are you doing here??

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Excuse me for a moment Joshua. ::hurries over to Ensign Watson::

CTO_q`vort says:
::headbutts::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
CTO: watching your scrawny back!

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: headbutts back ::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Sees the Lt coming her way and gets nervous ::

Lt_Chaser says:
:: watches amused ::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: So, Sir, What did you think of my report and the proposed improvements I suggested for the ship?

LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: laughs at the young Klingons ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Watson: Ensign...I meant it when I said that you could do well in Special OPS.  See that Commander in the hover chair? ::points to CO_Cephas::

CTO_q`vort says:
CSO: Of course. I love having a strong one watch my back. ::lets out a hearty laugh::

Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: laughs :: CTO: Qapla'

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
TO: I thought they showed initiative ensign, so did our command staff.  I am awaiting thier decision

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::notices Mrlr point her out to someone and nods politely at the Ensign::

CTO_q`vort says:
CSO:Qapla'

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CTO: I ran the idea of the Damage Control Team training past the CEO on shore leave, and he liked the concept.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Watson: That is my Captain on the Sharikahr.  Trust me...that chair doesn't stop her for a minute.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Looks over ::   Mrlr: REALLY?

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::hovers over to Mrlr::  Mrlr: Very good seminar Lt.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Smiles nervously at the CO ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::gives the young ensign and wink and stands up straight:: CO: Thank you, Ma'am.  I am glad you were able to attend.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Feels her stomach knotting up and continues to nervously smile ::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
CO: Captain, may I introduce Ensign Watson from...::furrows her brow:: ...you know...I don't know what ship you are from. ::grins at the young ensign::

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
Mrlr: It was very informative.  My apologizes for arriving late but there was some ship business that I had to attend too.

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Coughs feeling her throat tighten ::   Cephas: The...the...USS Scorpius...   :: Looks from Mrlr to Cephas ::

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::smiles warmly at the ensign::  Watson: Well it is very nice to meet you... ::points to her chair::  And it looks like we have a lot in common ::continues to smile::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Laughs lightly and relaxes some ::   Cephas: So I see, sir

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
Watson: I was just about to go to the Cafeteria for a drink.  Would you like to go with me?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles as she sees the Ensign relax:: CO: Ma'am...if you will excuse me I need to gather up my notes.

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::nods to Mrlr::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Smiles brightly ::   Cephas: I'd love to, sir

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::grins::  Watson: Great.  I hate to drink alone.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::walks over to Grey-feather and lightly touches his arm:: So how about we catch up on old times? ::grins and purrs louder::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: shrugs ::   Cephas: I don't drink, sir.  But...I can get something there

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
Cephas: After you, sir...?

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
Mrlr: Just what I was thinking my pet.  Its time for your glass of milk is it not  :: smiles dashingly ::

CO_Cmdr_Cephas says:
::nods and accompanies her out::

Ensign_Nadia_Watson says:
:: Follows the Captain noting how everyone moves out of HIS way and grins ::

CTO_q`vort says:
All: I am off! Qapla'!

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins and purrs even louder.  Hands him a keycard:: Here...I have some things to attend to quickly, but these are to the temp quarters I was assigned to if I didn't feel like returning to the ship every night.  I'll be there in a few minutes.

CTO_Ltjg_Grey-feather says:
:: takes the key card and rubs her paw:: I will be waiting

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::watches him leave and then looks around the room:: All: I'm sorry folks but I have to lock this room down for the night.  The next Special OPS seminar will be tomorrow.