In Character Conference Special Operations Seminar Stardate 10406.26 Lecture 2

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:
::smiles:: Welcome everyone.  We will start in a few minutes.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Welcome, Lt.  I will begin shortly.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::enters the room, his eyes weary from clan rituals, not to mention his energetic nieces and nephews:: Mrlr: Thank you. ::takes a seat wondering if more will show::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::sits down with a heavy sigh, his antennae perk up as he "feels" a slightly familiar presence nearby::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::steps up to the stage:: I'd like to welcome you all to the Special Operations seminar.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
My name is Lt Mrlr and I am the current CTO of the USS Sharikahr,

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.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks around and grins::

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.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::shakes his head having done the whole spec ops deal before, returning the grin::

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

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
But first...does anyone have any questions?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All right then...let's begin.

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>

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?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Lt?  Ensign?  Any ideas or comments?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Well, the approach would have to be as stealthy as possible, preferably by cover of night....

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
::Grunts::  Why is this our place?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::blinks, not feeling as sharp as he normally does, antennae wiggle as he tries to clear the cobwebs::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Lt: Yes...that is  a good start.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Ensign: I don't understand your comment.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: I know this is stating the obvious, but why not simply locate and beam-out the ambassador? What's to prevent that?

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
There's an ambassador that has been kidnapped, but his planet is not part of the Federation?  Why is the Federation putting itself in the position it is/

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Ensign: Sometimes we have to involve ourselves in situations to prevent a worse thing from happening.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Welcome Captain, please join us.

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
A worse thing?  What's the worse thing?  And where's that Prime Directive you Starfleeters push around?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Ro'naba: The rescue of this ambassador is paramount to preserving diplomatic relations with his people, member race or not.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::blinks:: Ensign: Did you say 'you Starfleeters' ?  Are you not a part of that organization also?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::nods to the entering captain Woo, glad to see him again from since yesterday's meetings::

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
Only on the good days, Lieutenant.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Then let's make this one of the good days, Ensign.

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
So what's the 'worse' thing in your scenario?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::carefully regards Ro'naba, wondering why his racial features look familiar::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Does that really matter?  You were given your orders.  So let's get back to the plan of attack.

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
Just because someone with a few more pips on their collar gives you an order doesn't mean you have to follow it... but, I shall play along for the sake of arguments.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::turns back to Mrlr, trying to put the word into his mind..."tak" or was it "tanar"...hmmm::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::dryly:: And we all grateful, Ensign. Now, Lt...::turns to Kizlev:: You had a suggestion?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Yes, you said the team had coordinates available, correct? Is there a visual of the surrounding area where these coordinates lead to?

Capt_K`Beth says:
::sees Ariel wander in and looks surprised but smiles and waves her over::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::comes over to sit with the captain::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::looks at Ariel's face and blinks in wonderment, saying quietly.... :: Self: Tessa?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes Lt.  That would be gotten in the intel gathering phase of the mission.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Can anyone tell me the different phases needed to pull this mission off?

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::sees the lieutenant look at her questioningly, almost like he recognizes her, but she can't remember ever seeing him.  Smiles and then looks back at the speaker::

Capt_K`Beth says:
::leans over and whispers:: Ariel: I'm a bit surprised to see you in here. ::smiles::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Planning, preparation, and execution are the classic phases if I recall correctly, that is for formal textbook spec ops.

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::whispers back to the captain::  K’Beth: I was curious to listen in an operations lecture.  Trying to hit most departments to see what they're like.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes, that is very good Lt.  ::smiles:: So let's take them one at a time.  The first phase is planning, that involves intel, gathering as much information as possible.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::nods, eyes looking at Mrlr, antennae regarding Jakiel, wondering if it truly is Tessa from the Dublin::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There are numerous ways to go about that, but usually you have a team of specialists that go in and conduct that operation.  Anyone have any idea what that entails?

Capt_K`Beth says:
::listens to the cat as she whispers back:: You missed your mate's lecture earlier today.  But I believe he has one again tomorrow.  We all do.

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::notices the lieutenant's appendages moving her way and feels a little embarrassed if she's met him before but can't recall it.  Listens to the speaker::  Self:  Not a clue...

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Deep cover reconnoiter is one possibility.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes...planting an operative either within the base or the local area is one way.

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::nods her head and leans nearer the captain:: K’Beth: I know.  I feel terrible.  I had an emergency call come in that was hysterical.  There was nothing I could do.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Another way is to monitor communications.

Capt_K`Beth says:
Ariel: Anything I should know about?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::makes a mental note to speak to this Jakiel in order to confirm his burning suspicions after this is over::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
How about capture of one of the hostiles?  Is that an option?

CO_Capt_Woo says:
:: quietly makes his exit as he is needed back on the Huron ::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::shakes her head::  K’Beth: Nothing that I can't handle.  Then there is confidentiality.

Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods accepting her CNS's assessment.  Turns back to listen to the cat::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: To capture just one of their grunts is easy. Getting to one of their ringleaders, that's hard, but worth it all the more. One could use the same recon mole to draw out one the more important hostiles, perhaps.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::shakes his head, thinking how difficult and risky such a thing would entail::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Lt: But wouldn't one of the hostiles that is higher up on the food chain be missed more easily?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Yes, but not if you make him appear to be a traitor to his own cause...

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Interesting idea, Lt. ::smiles::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::looks at the lieutenant, hearing how knowledgeable he is about this subject.  Feels a bit uneasy about this subject, remembering some the Intelligence lectures from the past::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: I have a counterproposal, if I may, sir?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All right...let's say from one of these methods that the intel or reconnaissance team has gathered enough information.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Of course, Lt....what is it?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Perhaps instead of a full-on rescue operation, why not simply let the same spy in question determine the whereabouts of the ambassador and plant some means to track him or any of the hostiles, and thus allow a quick beam-in and extraction?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
But what if the kidnappers have a transporter inhibitor?

Capt_K`Beth says:
::looks at the Cardassian who just entered and raises an eyebrow, she didn't know too many Cardassians in Starfleet::

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: walks in and sees Tessa sitting there sits down just behind and to the left of her :: CNS: Good evening commander

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Then communication and coordination would have to be established somehow with the operative. Find some way to disable the inhibitor and send in a rescue all while causing mass confusion...

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Wouldn't that be increasing the risk of the ambassador?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: A distraction of some kind while the inhibitor is down, thus making it easier for the team to get in and out.

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: raises hand ::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: It would, but all installations require some source of power. You cut that off, even temporarily, you leave them in the dark, and the ambassador ripe for the picking.

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::sits for a moment, then realizes that the voice behind her might be addressing her, mistaking her for her sister.  Turns slightly to look, and sees it is a Cardassian looking straight at her.  Nods to him and turns back around, wondering if he was speaking to the captain::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::points to the Cardassian that just entered:: Yes Ensign...you have a comment?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::notices the Cardassian officer raising his hand and calling Jakiel "commander":: Self: Hmm...

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
Mrlr: I was just listening to the Lieutenant about disabling transport inhibitors, forgive me but aren't inhibitros usually generalized to a building rather that a holding area?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes Ensign they are.  But there are special operatives that specialize in getting in and out of buildings. ::points to herself and grins::

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
Mrlr: And there are some that are very talented at it :: grins ::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::thinks a Caitian might be good at deftly slipping in and out::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::thinks the stealth and grace of an Andorian would be best suited for such a slithery operation::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Often times...a smash and grab solution is not the best one.  Why not just simply slip in and slip out with none the wiser.  Your primary goal is to rescue the ambassador alive.  Sneakiness, for want of a better word, is sometimes much better than brute force.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: I couldn't agree with you more. ::smiles::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::starts sensing that perhaps she is among quite a few who have done more than they would ever say aloud::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
You have many  talented people in special OPS.  You have your complete support staff, your intel teams, your infiltration and extraction teams....and yes...your execution teams.

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: raises hand at the mention of execution teams ::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::the word hits his mind like a bolt of lightening at long last....."takaran" that what that ensign is....shifts in his seat somewhat::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
We have technology that was never dreamed of a hundred years ago. ::sees the Cardassian and points her paw at him:: Yes Ensign...you have a comment?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::glances quickly to Ro'naba, then looks away again and is sure he is takaran:: Self: Interesting...

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
Mrlr: A question more than a comment.  What are the qualifications to become one of the execution team, and how does an officer go about enlisting?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::blinks at the Cardassian and thinks...."got the Obsidian Order in your veins, eh?"::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
One must be tapped for such an assignment.  During your Special OPS training the instructors are always looking for candidates.  but many Special OPS officers are used for several teams.  I myself am cross trained in all aspects except for the brute squad.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::indicates her 5 ft, small frame:: I am not exactly built to smash through doors. ::grins::

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.

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.

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?

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
Self:  And it may alter your life permanently...

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.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
I will be presented different scenarios at my other seminars, you are welcome to attend again.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you and enjoy the conference.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
Mrlr: Thank you. I learned much today. ::wishes he could talk about his own experiences in such operations::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::wishes she could forget those operations and stands, pushing the past from her mind::

Capt_K`Beth says:
::stands up:: CNS: Well I think I am lectured out.  I think I had better get back to the Del.  Are you going to stay around here, Lt?

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: gets up and walks to the front :: Mrlr: Thank  you lieutenant, your lecture was most informative, the part of it I saw.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::smiles at Kizlev as she gathers her notes together::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you, Ensign.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::stands and nods respectfully to Mrlr with a smile of gratitude, then turns to get a good look at Jakiel::

AS_Ensign_Ro`naba says:
::Stands and slowly makes his way out of the lecture::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
CO:  Not for long, I need to get freshened up and then later tonight I'll be back.  How many lectures have you given?

Capt_K`Beth says:
::stretches:: Three so far.  I have two more tomorrow

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
Mrlr: You are Caitian are you not?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes I am.  Let me guess...the tail gave me away. ::grins::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
CNS: Please excuse me....is that you Tessa?

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::notices again the lieutenant looking at him:: CO:  Ahhh, well, then you probably have had enough for today.  I will see you tomorrow then.  ::turns to the Lt::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::smiles broadly, thinking for just a second that perhaps it would be amusing to do the switcheroo, but decides against it::  CTO:  That would be my twin.  And you are?

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
Mrlr: No, it is that I have never met any of you kind since joining Starfleet.  I must say you are part of a handsome race of creatures.

Capt_K`Beth says:
::nods to Kizlev and to Kell as she makes her way to the door.  Looks at the cat on the stage and gives her a wink before exiting::

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
CNS: I am Kizlev, I was a fellow officer to your sister on the USS Dublin.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::notices the Captain leaving and grins back at Kell.  Starts to purr:: Well thank you, Ensign.  To tell the truth...you are the first Cardassian I've met that I didn't have to try and kill. :;grins::

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
CTO:  Was?  ::looks around and sees most have left::  Would you like to go into the cafeteria?

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: smiles typical Cardassian grin :: Mrlr:  But you have not spent any time with me my dear lieutenant.  How do you know if you would like to kill me or not?

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::nods:: CNS: That would be good. I knew Tessa to be one of the best CMOs I had the privilege of knowing. ::gestures towards the door as would a gentleman::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks up at him:: Then maybe we should find out.  I can always kill you later.

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: smiles :: Mrlr:  You know I was thinking the very same thing

CNS_Ariel_Jakiel says:
::walks ahead of the Andorian out the door::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
This is my last lecture of the night...and I see that everyone is leaving.

CTO_LtJG_Kizlev says:
::follows her out::

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
Mrlr: Then perhaps we should go also.  Join me for dinner?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::takes his arm in her paw and exits:: Maybe afterwards...

CEO_Ens_Kell says:
:: smiles :: Afterwards I am at your service