In Character Conference Special Operations Seminar Stardate 10406.27 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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TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Walks in with her oversized coffee mug and PADD, grabs a good seat::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Hopes Turok found his own coffee by now::

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Hello again Gina. I am sure you will enjoy this lecture. The Lt. is very informative.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Kicks back and organizes her notes from previous lectures... sips her coffee::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: I'm certain she is... I'm always willing to sponge off other's experience. ::giggles::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::walks in hastily, hoping the seminar hasn't started yet, and takes a seat::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks up from her notes and smiles:: Welcome everyone, I will be with you in a moment.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::enters the room and finds a seat near Captain Knight::

Capt_TKnight says:
Macleod: Captain

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::steps up to the front of the stage and smiles:: I wish to welcome all of you to the Special OPS seminar.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods to Thorne and sits::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Sits up and listens::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
My name is Lt Mrlr and I am currently assigned as the CTO on the USS Sharikahr. ::grins at Capt Knight::

Capt_TKnight says:
::grins back::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Before that I was assigned to Special OPS as an infiltration and extermination specialist, with a brief stint as a counsellor on the USS Gryphon, believe it or not.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins:: Unfortunately it was found that I did not have an ounce of empathy and to the vast relief of myself and especially my clients I was removed to tactical.  The old saying that a cat can calm your fears and lower your blood pressure did not apply to me. ::chuckles::

Capt_TKnight says:
::laughs::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::snickers quietly::

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>

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods and remembers::

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.

Capt_TKnight says:
::grins even wider::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::raises his eyebrows, and gives a faked appropriate gasp of disbelief::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Nods in appreciation, being only 56 Kg and 1.7 M herself::

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.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::smiles and shakes head::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Let's go over a few scenarios and break them down into their individual parts so that you can see exactly what is required to pull off one operation.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Gets PADD ready::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
A galaxy class starship has been taken over by hostiles who have gained access to the command codes.  The senior officers are being held in the brig and all personnel are in lock down in their quarters.  Your job is to retake the ship by any means necessary.  Casualties must be kept to a minimum.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There are 75 hostiles spread out through the ship.  They have full access to all systems and functions.  They have stated no demands or ransom and have refused to speak to anyone.  The origin of the hostiles is unknown.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::begins listening intently::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Starts thinking::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Sensors indicate that they have placed a transporter inhibitor around the entire ship and shields are up with weapons charged.  The hostiles are a mixture of humanoids from a multitude of species.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Records indicate that there are over one thousand Starfleet personnel and families on board.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
What would be your plan of attack?

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Sir, do we know if they have changed the command codes?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Unknown

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
But, since they have access to the command codes it is likely that they did so.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Mrlr:  Perhaps trying the prefix codes.  Of course, by taking the command codes, the hostiles probably would block the use.

LtCmdr_Regnum says:
1000 personnel and families seem like minimum casualties to me ::jokes badly::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Try and gain access to the Internal Defense system and activate the anesthesine gas units to neutralize everyone without casualties Sir.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::listens::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
All of those are viable suggestions...but let's start at the beginning.  What is the first thing that we need?

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr:  Do we have the positions of the intruders?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: A way to gain access to the vessel undetected Sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins:: Captain...that is part of what we need in the beginning.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
We need information....Intel.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Intel

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Correct Ensign.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: Just checking Lt  ::grinning::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Intel is always the first step in any operation.  Who what when where and how.  Can we get all of that info?  :: shrugs:: Probably not...but we need to get as much as we can.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Had assumed with all the info given in the scenario setup we had intel::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::starts to pace slowly back and forth across the stage as she talks:: As Captain Knight stated...we need to find the positions of the intruders.  This can be done, how?

Capt_MacLeod says:
Mrlr:  That is when we have to rely on sensors readings.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: We could run a passive scan  ::nods at MacLeod's comment::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Get a cloaked vessel and get in close and make passive scans of the Galaxy class vessel, or by somehow gaining access to their internal sensor grid.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::looks at Hembrook::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods back::  Mrlr:  If the intruders do not find a way to bounce the sensor beam back::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Ensign, just what would you as a Starfleet officer be doing with a cloaked starship?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Ensign, cloaked ships are not allowed in Starfleet and this is not a matter to bring the Klingons in for.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: We could call in telepaths to get a telepathic fix if they're strong enough

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO_Laurence: I believe that our Klingon allies have vessels with cloaking abilities Sir, but I can't speak for our Special Ops capabilities in this area, as I'm sure that is SCI intel.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes, captains, the sensors.  But what if they do find a way to block the sensors?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods:: Knight: Yes…and that has been done with special permission from the telepathic regulation board.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: Then you get one person in and have them relay the positions quickly  ::nods::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins and points at Captain Knight:: Exactly.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: You could use a Thoron Particle Generator to get individuals in EV suits close enough for a Tactical Recon Sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The point is to get the intel without the hostiles knowing you are getting the intel.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods in agreement::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Acknowledges the obvious, as if they find you out, your plan is sunk::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Any disruption to their sensors will be noted.  But what about beaming in through the shields?  It is a Starfleet vessel...we know the shield frequency modulation algorithm.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: And if you create a diversion it can be done quickly and quietly

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::stops and looks at them:: but didn't I say that they had a transporter inhibitor around the ship?  So what to do there?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::nods:: Aye Captain....but again that would alert them that something is happening.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: True

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: You'd have to gain physical access through the airlocks. The shuttlebay is too big, but the EV ports are small, and not in high-use areas.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: They would see you coming.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Hembrook:  No.  Opening any airlocks will draw their attention immediately.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO Macleod: Not if you bypass the sensors on the hatches first Sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Actually the  Ensign has the right idea. We would beam through the shields to the exterior of the ship.  not a vessel...but a person...::grins:: Or a cat.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::grins::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Smiles::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There are several ways into any ship once you get onto the hull, if you know the access codes.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Hembrook:  You'd bypass the airlock sensors the way it still indicates it is closed...  I see...

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: Several personnel EV airlocks, as well as hundreds of maintenance hatches.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
So there you have your reconnaissance or intel team.  It can be made up of one to nine people.  Usually nine is the maximum number.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Mrlr:  I'd take minimum personnel.  The fewer, the harder to detect.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Exactly, Captain.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
But behind that small team are dozens of other personnel...can anyone tell me who they are?

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: and armed as heavily as possible for a variety of possible responses without weighing them down

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
CO_MacLeod: If you use Thoron Particle Generators, like the Marquis did, you'd spoof their sensors Sir, they'd have to look out a porthole to see you. Just walk quietly on the hull. ::grins::

Ens_Turok says:
::waiting to see if anyone will answer::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Aye Captain.  Although Starfleet uses many species such as my own that have natural defenses. ::unsheathes a set of lethal and wicked looking claws in her forepaw::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: You need a Command and Control element, someone to monitor communications, a Medical Team for casualties, Pilots for any small craft, and the Tactical Team.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Intel, cryptology, supply, Transport, ops, etc

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Very impressive, Ensigns, both of you. ::smiles::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::smiles and nods to the Ensigns::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Thank you Sir.

Capt_TKnight says:
::looks over to MacLeod and winks::

Ens_Turok says:
::smiling over at the TO::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::winks::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Many people forget that there are a dozen personnel behind the glory team.  The logistics of transportation and equipment alone require two complete departments within special forces and intel and cryptology are a force within their own.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
So let's get back to the scenario.  We have the intel...the reconnaissance team was successful and able to send the data undetected.  Now what?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: The four basic food groups: Command and Control, Intelligence and Communications, Supply and Logistics, and the Tactical folks.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr. Assemble the teams and transport to the vessel.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::crosses his legs and listens to the Ensigns plot development with interest::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: The easiest would be since we are on the hull already, gain access to the maintenance hatches and activate the anesthesine gas units directly, rather than trying to gain control of an internal station and do it. Turn them on manually.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::chuckles:: Ensign Hembrook...you are determined to use a thoron generator and gas a ship, aren't you? ::grins::

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: First we need to regain control of the computer.

Ens_Turok says:
ALL: Or they may just use the gas on us.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::grins::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: It's the best chance of success with the least possibility of a direct conflict and chances of casualties are minimal. Not every Special Ops mission requires a Tactical Team and a dynamic entry Sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
There are some species that the gas does not work on, Ensign.  And I for one would rather not be gassed and at their mercy if I am on that ship.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: We are on the hull, in hard vacuum, in EV suits, how can they gas us?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
So let's see what we can do without gassing the ship, shall we? ::grins and turns back to the others::

Capt_MacLeod says:
All:  Actually, that is not the point.  The intruders will have probably changed the command codes.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: We have to go inside at some point otherwise we are just looking at the stars.

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Lest we forget, there are a thousand captives in this scenario, most of which would succumb.  Any hostiles unaffected could have their way with them, knowing that they were about to be assaulted.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::again, nods in agreement::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
We have 75 hostiles on board at various locations.  The largest team we dare bring on for the infiltration step of the plan, which by the way is the next step ::winks at Turok:: would be nine, possibly ten.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
ALL: Well, in that case, you'd need to make a stealth entry with a full battalion of Marines and storm every section of the ship simultaneously to neutralize all 75 hostiles at the same time, or they would do that having their way thing anyway.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
What can we do to even the odds of ten OPS against 75 hostiles?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
<Spec OPS>

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
Go up against the right people; target people who are on their own, in non-critical areas, where their disappearance is least likely to be noticed at first.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Yes Commander....that is one step of the process.  ::looks around:: How about adding to our forces?

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Try to free the ships' Tactical and Security personnel to assist you.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: If we could regain control of the computer, then we could bring in a larger force waiting outside sensor range.

Capt_MacLeod says:
Mrlr:  Securing Main Engineering would be advisable.  You'd have the ship by your side.  ::smiles::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Ensign Hembrook has the right idea.  Who would know their ship the best...but the crew?  besides...if I know Starfleet officers...they would be extremely ticked off if they weren't allowed at least a small part in retaking their own ship. ::grins at the commanding officers::

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: You got that right!

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Satisfied grin::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::grins again::

Ens_Turok says:
::Nods in understanding::

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: Actually I don't think you could stop us

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::points at MacLeod:: And that is the other part of the plan for infiltration.  Retake the vital areas first.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
All: Better to get them on board early and with your plan, than risking them doing something heroic, stupid, or both, and screw up your plan.

Capt_TKnight says:
Self: I've never done anything like that ::then grins::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::looks at Knight:: Sir...if their is one thing I learned...it is there is not a better or more determined fighter than someone defending their ship and family.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: Agreed Lt and as you say, it's a shame to waste that

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Ahhh...:: holds up her paw and grins:: But do we release the command and senior staff?

Capt_TKnight says:
::can't help but laugh as he sees what's coming::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Knight: Not to mention, a Galaxy class boat is 642 M long, 463 M wide, 195 M high, and has 42 decks... you'll need all the muscle you can find to secure all that real estate.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The answer...and I take the chance of a demotion on this ::grins::...is no.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Can anyone tell me why?

Capt_MacLeod says:
Mrlr:  Ship and family...  now you're talking.  ::grins::

CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
They're the most likely to be under monitor by the hostiles.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Correct.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Because they might try to take over the operation, not knowing the plan, and you don't need conflicts when speed and stealth are essential and time is against you Sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
No Ensign...command officers know to let the specialists remain in command n a situation like this. ::glances at the Captains with a raised eyebrow and a half grin::

Capt_TKnight says:
::nods as he listens; these new officers are good:: Mrlr:: Of course we do ::winks::

Capt_MacLeod says:
Mrlr:  Right.  ::grins::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::looks behind the Captain's chairs for crossed fingers::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
But like the Commander said...they are the ones the hostiles are watching.  For some reason no one believes that a cook or a yeoman can fire a weapon.  Or that a nanny or a school teacher is capable of fighting.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Those are your greatest allies in this situation.  Plus the numerous enlisted tactical and engineering staff that know the ship inside and out.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: I'd prefer to keep the non-Starfleet personnel out of it Sir, but I'd take anyone in a uniform, they have to go to the Phaser range at least twice a year anyway.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Many of those positions are held by enlisted or officers Ensign. ::smiles and looks at the time::

Capt_MacLeod says:
Hembrook:  I agree with that.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
We never involve civilians unless it is a last resort and then only reluctantly.

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: I wouldn't know Sir, I'm assigned to a New Orleans class Frigate ::grins::

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
The primary goal of Special OPS is not to be seen or heard.

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.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
ALL: Like the old Earth British Special Boat Service motto: "If not by strength, by guile" ::grins::

Capt_MacLeod says:
::remembers his time with the Prism Lambda::

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

Capt_TKnight says:
::thinks back to Prism Epsilon and nods::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Indeed.

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 giving one more seminar today with a different scenario if you care to attend.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you again and enjoy the  rest of the conference.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: Where you off to next shipmate?

Capt_MacLeod says:
::stands up and claps::  Mrlr:  Very good, Lieutenant!

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: Another fine lecture sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
::grins:: Thank you.

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Engineering lecture.

Capt_TKnight says:
Mrlr: Excellent presentation Lt::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: What room?

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you Captain

Ens_Turok says:
Hembrook: Main engineering.

Capt_TKnight says:
ALL: Have an excellent conference

Capt_MacLeod says:
All:  Now, with your excuse, I must leave.  My wife has just arrived.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Turok: See you there.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: I think I learned the most from this lecture, sir.

Capt_MacLeod says:
::nods, smiles and leaves::

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: It was very informative LT., thanks for the great talk.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
Thank you, Ensign.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
Mrlr: Watch your six out there in the badlands Sir.

Ens_Turok says:
Mrlr: I will be at your next lecture. Thank you again sir.

Host Lt_Mrlr says:
I will, Ensign.

TO_Ens_Hembrook says:
::Heads out for more coffee and the next lecture::