Post 201: To The Rescue

Stardate:70531.0100
Title:To The Rescue
Author: Zanh Liis
Scene: Conference Room
Time: Immediately following Weather or not. . .by N'Dura
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Zanh found herself considering a whole new realm of ugly possibilities when it came to the storms that had devastated Bajor. Her security team seemed to be implying that more than simply moody Mother Nature may have been involved in causing the disaster.

“This is a rescue mission, Lieutenant, not an investigation," Zanh addressed her newly appointed acting Chief of Operations TC Blane after he had asked if the Takesian Plains had anything of value to offer off-worlders. She hated to consider the possibility that anyone would mount such an attack with greed as the motive. Still. . .

“The Plains are the only source of trillithium in this sector.” she reluctantly admitted. She turned to Lily T'Ana, who had joined the meeting in progress looking drawn and distracted. She had met Zanh's eyes for a moment, betraying that things down in Sickbay were not going as well as Zanh had hoped they'd be by now. "Lieutenant, please scan the area for any ships with weather manipulation capability… start with the Ferengi.”

"Aye, Captain."

She needed teams assembled as quickly as possible, at least a dozen, in order to help Bajor stabilize the region, protect against looting, and get temporary shelters for those displaced up and running. Two command teams would be designated to coordinate the effort. "Volunteers?"

Again, the heart and soul of the officers under her watch astonished Liis Every single one had volunteered, standing up to be counted.

“Captain… Mr. Blane and I were on the surface recently… we know the terrain and we can mobilize quickly.” N'Dura offered. Zanh nodded.

"Very well. There will be two command teams to oversee the work. Our acting XO Salvek will command the mission overall. His team will consist of. . ." Zanh paused, thinking carefully before answering. "Mr. Blane. K'Pajek. Biggs. Our new friend in Science, Lt. Samson. "

"As you command." The Vulcan said with a nod.

"N'Dura," Zanh continued, "you'll lead the second command team. Take Lt. Baux from engineering, Fox Margolis, and Rogers from science." Zanh's eyes reflected sadness a moment as she explained to the rest of the group. "Lt. T'Ana will be staying aboard. She is listed as next of kin for Captain Gilmore and will need to stay close.

"Have we had any updates on the Captain Gilmore's condition, Sir?" Salvek asked, noting inwardly that the absence of Dr. McBrayne at this meeting of the senior staff was a bad sign.

"None that I can share yet." Liis replied. "Sorry, everyone. I will do what I can to keep you informed. Right now, I can't say anything more than to tell you that the Captain is still alive."

Silence hung heavy in the air for a long moment before she spoke again.

"N'Dura be advised that there is one other person I want to be sure that you take along with you. I'll get back to you on that in a moment."

Zanh looked each officer in the eye before going on. "There will be many casualties. Take whoever you can steal from Medical with you, at least two medics and a nurse for each team. Give the Bajorans all the support that you can, they're still in the middle of search and rescue operations and by last report there are still people beneath the rubble. Advise me of your final team rosters before you depart and check in with the bridge hourly while on the planet. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain." echoed around the room eerily, as each person sounded absorbed by their own thoughts as they answered.

"Dismissed."

"Captain," N'Dura turned to the acting CO after the others had gone. "Who else will I be taking?"

"Vedek Jariel." Zanh said with conviction. "He is not only a former Starfleet Ambassador, but a prominent Vedek, one who was once very nearly Kai. They are going to need him down there."

"Who will speak for him?"

Liis wished for a moment that she could be the one to go with him to be his voice. But her place was on the bridge.

"Marianne Rogers from Science will do it."

"And the investigation?"

"See what you can find out," Zanh replied, "But keep it under the radar. Unless and until we have proof that someone caused this intentionally, we will go forward as this disaster is a very cruel act of nature."

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Zanh Liis
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791