The auditorium style briefing room for the Denver’s elite Combat Recon Team was packed with over one hundred officers. Most were security,  but there was a smattering of engineers, scientists, nurses and medics grouped together along the back row.

The Chief of Security entered the auditorium and descended the steps to the small raised platform.  “Good morning,” he greeted setting the PADD in his hand down on the podium.  Entering some commands the large screen behind him activated.

Gus had a large padd in front of him. He didn’t really need it but the hard copy was useful for tasks in other ways. 

“I know not all of you are members of the Recon Team,” the Security Chief spoke. “I have taken the liberty of assigning additional security officers to your ranks. Believe me, you will need them.”

Collins raised his hand.

Conroy nodded to acknowledge the Lieutenant, “Yes LT Collings, you have a question?”He lowered his PADD and gripped it with both hands in front of him.

“Will there be an opportunity for the new security officers to train with my people, sir?” Collins asked.

“Of course Lieutenant, If you look at the provided PADDs in front of you in appendix c, I have already assigned which security officers will accompany you,” Conroy paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. He turned back towards the screen behind him. “As we know Star Base 75 is under attack by Dominion, and Cardassian forces when we arrive there will be a lot of moving parts, and we all need to be in place. If the base falls base personnel will more than likely take refuge on the surface. If the base does not fall we will be assisting, and assess the situation from there.” Conroy clicked a button changing the information on the screen. “Whether or not the base has fallen, we will be in a fight. Our primary objective is to secure the base by repelling the attack or insure the safety of the personnel. The situation is still fluid, and I will make contact with Intel to see what other information I can dig up before we arrive.” 

He stepped forward, and down from in front of the podium, “Before any questions, and I know there are many Lt Collins will address you with more specific information for recon activities.”

As he stepped to the side he looked through his PADD trying to figure out what else needed to be said.

Collins moved forward to address the assembled group. “I’m not going to lie to you, this is going to be a tough mission. Will there be casualties? Yes. Remember your training and you may survive.”

A wide-eyed crewmember who looked like he had been plucked straight from basic training stood, “Sirs if I may, the scuttlebutt has it that Starbase 75 has already fallen.  Does that mean we are going planet side?”

Conroy looked over at Lt. Collins, “I’ll take this one,” Conroy stepped closer to the podium, “We are aware that a lot of you are new and this will be your first time out. So to answer your question yes, I have rearranged the duty rosters to 2 shifts, not 3. The extra personnel will cover for the bucks during training. I will meet with senior staff, and first-line supervisors at the conclusion of this meeting. They will keep all of you informed.”

That didn’t answer his question,  but the Jack Holland didn’t press the issue and simply returned to his seat.

Gus stood up and walked to the podium. “If I may Sirs?” When they nodded, he spoke calmly. “Most of us are adults here.” He quipped, repeating a line an old comrade used to use, breaking the ice. “We should know what we are in for. Plans are to pair you off so that the less experienced, veteran crew will be nearby for support.” He paused. “But I believe this is going to be one of those times when we are going to need to be stubborn.”

Collins nodded. “Yes, I agree.” He paused a beat. “The important thing is…..don’t get scared. You get scared and you’ll make mistakes. Trust in your partner, and you might survive. Anyone else?”

The briefing fell into the standard intelligence and tactics of a landing party. The Denver’s security forced would take the two runabouts to a landing point just outside one of the cities designated as “Sword”.  Their objectives were laid out and with that the assembled officers were dismissed to prepare for the mission. 

With the end of the briefing concluded Jack stood and filed out with the rest of the assembled security officers.   The Tactical Recon Team members interspersed amongst them had extra training and had a swagger about them that instilled some measure of confidence, but not much. He joined Starfleet not to be a soldier.  

None of them were really.  The best analog for even the Tactical Recon Team was the SWAT teams of police departments in the 20th and 21st centuries.  No matter how you looked at it, they were not soldiers.

“Where are the Klingons when you need them?” Jack muttered as he headed for the team lockers to ger suited up.