Deck 28, Security Office

James O’Shea stood overlooking the holographic display of the settlement on Ghulion IV. The damage was clearly visible across the entire colony but what concerned him was the reports of ground assault by the Romulan and Klingon forces. Given that their fleet had been driven off in short order he was pretty sure some of the ground forces remained which meant trouble, especially if they were Klingons.

He looked over at Dougal and Iziraa and sighed, “This one could be messy. The damage to the colony is extensive and our engineering and medical teams will be spread out trying to restore power and locate and treat the wounded. If this had been an orbital attack it would be one thing but they landed ground forces and we do not know if there are any remaining. As such I do not want any team down there without some security personnel and all crew should be armed. I will be coordinating things here on Mercy at first while we get the roster and shift rotations sorted but if needed I can be planet side in an instant with more people. Questions?”

Izi had studied the scans of the colony.  What was done to those people made her Andorian blood boil.  It was likely they might find a Separatist and she hoped she would be the one that found him first.

“What are the rules of engagement if we encounter active Separatists?” said Izi.

“We are there to protect the away teams and the Federation citizens on the planet but do not fire unless fired on first. Our numbers are limited so basically pull back and beam put.” O’Shea responded.

Izi frowned, her antennae moving slightly forward.

Dougal had remained silent to this point digesting the facts and the conversation between Iziraa and O’Shea.   “Sir, if I may.  We are a wee security team, not a bloody force. I dinnae think we have the numbers or training to complete this mission. Assuming there are Klingon ground forces there.”

“We can handle ourselves,” said Izi, displaying her impulsive nature.  “Bring them on.”

Dougal wasn’t one to shrink from a fight, but he also worried about those under him and responsible for.  He also wasn’t big on just throwing his life away either. Sighing he gave Iziraa a look, but didn’t say anything.  He’d said his peace, now it was up to O’Shea to make a final decision. It was Dougal’s duty to carry it out regardless of the consequences.

Izi returned Dougal’s gaze. He was being cautious and that was okay. Everyone was different.

O’Shea nodded as he listened, “Dougal is right. We are very limited on personnel so we will need to focus on keeping our crew safe. Even if that means beaming out the second things get dicey. If we find that there is a force on the ground we will need to re-evaluate and possibly pull back. Once the rest of the armada has driven those ships off, I am sure they will be back to provide assistance if needed.”

Retreat and beam out. Izi was not happy about that, but since they were guarding non-combatants, she supposed she could deal with it.

Dougal remained unusually placid and simply opted to nod in assent. 

O’Shea watched the reactions of both Iziraa and Dougal. He could see a bit of frustration as to the orders and could understand that. “I know the desire to engage the Romulan and Klingon ground forces if they are encountered. But we need to remember our duty and that is to protect the crew. Do you have any questions?”

“No,” said Izi.

“Nay Lad,” Dougal replied.  “But I have a bad feeling about this.”

O’Shea nodded in understanding. “It is not ideal. I wish one of the other ships stayed to provide extra boots on the ground but we have what we have.”

“If there is nothing else you are dismissed. Identify your teams and make sure the large away teams you are with are armed and stocked with food, water and additional medical equipment.”

Standing Dougal nodded for O’Shea and headed for the equipment locker to suit up all the while thinking about his team.”

Izi watched Dougal leave.  She was going to say one more thing, but changed her mind.  Adding a nod of her own, she left to prepare.