In Character Conference Special Operations Seminar Stardate 10406.26 Lecture 1

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.

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Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks up and smiles broadly:: Lt.  I am pleased to see you again.

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
::Nods his head::  It has been a long time.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles:: We will begin shortly.

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

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::takes a seat::

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
::Enters the room::

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
::finds a seat behind the other Andorian::

Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Strolls into the room utterly quietly, his arms behind his back, his black uniform neatly pressed.  He walks to the rear of the room and takes a seat without a look or word to anyone::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::notices a face he had not seen in a long time:: Adm: Admiral. ::nods::

Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Nods once::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::sees everyone here and smiles.  Walks to the front of the stage:: I want to welcome everyone to the Special Operations seminar.  I am Lt. Mrlr and I currently serve as the CTO on the USS Sharikahr.

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::notices another old face he had not seen::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::nods to Mrlr::

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Ens Tyret, SFI, Of the USS Vesuvius.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::stands and wraps her tail around her ankle to keep it from twitching with nervousness.  Jokes:: Can you believe I am more nervous standing here safely on this stage than if I was facing a dozen hostiles? ::grins::

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 <c>

Host Lt_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.

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
::nods::

Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Crosses his left leg over his right, and places his hands on his knee, his gaze never wavering, never blinking::

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:
Let's go over a few scenarios and break them down into their individual parts.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There is a weapon of mass destruction somewhere in the middle of a remote system.  This information came from a scientist who was captured and forced to work on the project.  He was able to escape and inform the Federation about the weapon.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The weapon is designed to replicate the functions of the Genesis Project for terraforming planets.  Unfortunately if it is used on a planet that already has an ecosystem, all living things will be destroyed.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There is no doubt that this project was built solely for the purpose of  eradicating all life on a planet to make way for new residents.  The weapon is being put up for auction and will be sold to the highest bidder.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Speculation has it that the Breen, the Dominion, the Romulans and the Ferengi are all interested in bidding.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::goes and sits down on the edge of the stage with her legs dangling over the side and looks out at the audience::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Your mission is to go in and take the weapon.  There is no caution on the casualty count.  The only stipulation is that it must be made to look as if a rival faction has stolen the weapon.  The Federation must not be associated with this operation in anyway.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
What is your plan of attack?

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Acquire a vessel not traceable to the federation.

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Infiltration. Alter yourself  and your team to look like a faction and follow their M.O. The Romulans would logical to emulate.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
So in other words...transportation and information are the first steps, correct?

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Yes.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: I believe so.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Okay...a ship would be easy to obtain.  There are plenty of civilian freighters for sale.  Now how would we get the information?

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: The Ferengi. They can be bartered with for information.

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: But you must then ensure they don't betray you.

Ens_Turok says:
Tyret: But can they be trusted since they are in the bidding?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods:: That's one source.  But then again...they are one of the bidders for the weapon...how do we know they would give us truthful information?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Correct, Ensign Turok.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: First would be from the scientist who escaped.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles:: Not to say that for the right price the Ferengi wouldn't give us truthful information.  Are there any other ways?

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
CTO: Infiltration of the Factions?

Ens_Turok says:
::Smiles in agreement::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods to the Ensign:: Yes...there was an insider who would know the facilities and it's staff.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
How would we find details of the sale and auction of the device?

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Send someone in to pose as a possible bidder, possibly from the Orion syndicate.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Very good, Ensign.  ::looks around the room:: Anyone else?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
How about a listening post?

Ens_Turok says:
::nodding::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks around again:: Anything else?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks at Powers:: Lt, you have experience in tactical.  Do you have anything to add?

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Introduce an unstable element in their bidding.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Tyret: How?

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
::Stays his tongue for the moment::

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Cardassians. Good spies and now they co operate with us. Send them in a s a rogue group seeking to buy weapons. They are not well liked and would induce chaos due to their past.

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: And get them to raise tensions at the Auction.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods:: That is a possibility, although with the Breen, the Romulans and the Ferengi all bidding for the same object, I'd say that tensions would be pretty high already. ::grins::

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: I believe the Ferengi would only benefit from that action. They would use it to their advantage.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: We would need to find out the exact location of the weapon and all data files pertaining to it and how many scientists worked on it to either, preferably retrieve or in called for eliminate them to reduce the chances of another weapon being built.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods and ticks off the points on her claws:: Okay...we have transportation, we have some means of getting information about the facilities and let's say we have a date and time of the auction itself.  Do we send in the brute squad now?

Ens_Turok says:
::Looking over for any sign of agreement from the admiral::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
CTO: Plan it first. And plan backup plans.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Definitely, have back up plans.  although it is well known that all plans go out the door after the first step is taken. ::grins::

Ens_Turok says:
Lingn: As a wise cat once said, once you take the first step all plans are mute.

Ens_Turok says:
::Smiling at Mrlr::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins at Turok::  How about anyone else...is it time to send in the brute squad to take the weapon out?

Ens_Turok says:
::noticing the admirals stone like expression::

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Make them look the part.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Do we have intel on the amount of troops protecting the weapon?

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: No need to send them in if they don't stand a chance of success.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All right,  Let's say that we have all the intel we need, plus we have disguised the brute squad as Orion pirates.

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
CTO: Go in strike hard, fast, and most of all .... quiet.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes, Lt....but there is something else that we are missing....anyone know what that is?

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Distraction?

Ens_Turok says:
::Pondering::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
How about the scientists?  Remember I said that they were being held against their will.  Shouldn't we get them out first?

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: Ah. Yes. Get them out first then secure the weapon.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Like I said earlier either retrieve or eliminate them.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods:: So that would take another team...correct?

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Ahh... Yes it would.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
So you would have three teams for one mission.  Intel gathering, extraction and disposal.  That's a lot of people.  And you would also need the support personnel to go with each team.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Not to mention the logistics of the equipment and supply, plus training and of course that inevitable paperwork that plagues ever organization since time began. ::grins::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Does anyone have any questions?

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
::Raises hand::  Infiltration teams are supposed to be small.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Powers: Correct....but the support behind the team is large.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The actual team that goes in is only  a small part of the entire operation.  And any good special ops officer will tell you that.  but because they are the ones that are taking the risks, they are the ones that get the glory.  And deservedly so.  But there is a much bigger organization out there than what people think.

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
To be honest... I still doubt that things are as you say.

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
Given your situation, you said that it has to look as if the Federation was not involved.  That would imply a very small team getting in, doing their job, and getting out.  With minimal support.  Deniability, and all that

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
And who provides the equipment for that team?  Who supplies the funds for buying the civilian freighter?  Who assimilates all of the data that comes in about the area, the hostiles, the scientists, the facilities?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Plus...back at headquarters...who handles the personnel files for the operatives?  There are always files...they may be classified but there are always files.

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
The provision of supplies and funds can be one or two people - or even less, with automated systems in place.  The analysis and assimilation of the data would be by those who are going in - otherwise, what's the point of having SOMEONE else look at it?

Ens_Turok says:
Powers: As an MO if I were assigned to this mission I wouldn't be able to tell very much about intel gathered.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
So you would have that one team spend their time going through all of the information, checking the sources, verifying the data as much as it can be verified?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
What about encrypted files?  Cryptography is a branch all by itself within Intel.

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
Encrypted files are a nuisance, at most.  If we can break their files, they can break ours.  Encryption is never completely secure.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Powers: What I am saying is that there are a lot of specialists out there that handle certain aspects of each mission...bringing it to a nice package that can be handed to the different teams.  No one team could do everything that is needed to prepare for a mission.

CSec_Lt_Powers says:
Certainly not.  But not every operation consists of such a large team, I would imagine.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The infiltration and extraction teams are trained to go in after all the intel is gathered and do a job.

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
CTO: I must off.

SFI_Ens_Tyret says:
::leaves::

CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
CTO: As do I.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
They are given orders and information and any other equipment they need.  Sometimes they will have to gather more intel at the site, but there are more aspects to it than one small team can handle.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
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.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: What would be the max amount of personnel on the actual team sir?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
It all depends on the team.  Usually no more than nine people, each with their own specialty.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Sometimes a team can consist of one person.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The point is: 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:
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?

Ens_Turok says:
::Nodding in agreement::

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.

Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
I will be lecturing again today and also tomorrow with a different mission scenario so you are welcome to attend again.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Again another fine lecture, Thank you sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles at the ensign and looks at the rest::: If anyone has any questions or comments then please...I will be here for a few minutes longer.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you Ensign.

Admiral_Wolfe says:
::With a final glance around... especially at Mister Powers... he stands up and quietly leaves::

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: I will see you at your next lecture, but now I must be off to another, thank you again sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you.

Ens_Turok says:
::quietly exits the room::