The conference room of the Tokyo was packed with almost all senior staff who were quietly looking at each other and at the briefing that was presented to them. The disbelief that a crew who managed to survive the Lost Fleet and Frontier Day and barely worked for a few months under a new command was sent into the depths of hell. Taking a deep breath, Behrad looked at the Captain. “So you are telling us that we are to travel to Delta Quadrant towards a Borg graveyard, get a sample” He pointed a finger up in disbelief. “And get out of there in one piece?” 

Tapping on the table as Ko stared at the briefing herself. “Yes.” A simple and short answer to that question came to the Lieutenant. “However, we are not going in blind. I know that sites like these are unpredictable due to the effects of the pathogen on the Borg. So, the Delta Exploration initiative will brief us on various layers of the situation. at Delta-408” 

“Brief us? Like…like what?”Tamaz asked curiously as he placed the PADD down in front of him. “We are dealing with the Borg that is hopefully non-functional when we arrive, but I have read the reports, Captain. These drones are unpredictable if they are still functional"

“Would be interesting” Yozria let it slip out when hearing that as she noticed everyone looking at her and shrugged “I mean, just realize the potential data we can win from this situation. Starfleet is sending us into a graveyard because the Borg is suddenly knocking on our door. Captain, let's get it on the table already” She looked at Ko. “We all know why Starfleet wants this”

Ko knew exactly why Starfleet wanted it, a wild card that might give them a favorable position. “I am not certain of that, Lieutenant,” Ko admitted. “Speculations are far fetch right now. I know that Starfleet wants that sample, and we get more information after we get the sample. I would honestly not be surprised that we need to bring it back to some scientific lab.”

“Captain, recent reports state that the Borg is on the move and perhaps on the offensive. It is not speculation if the pathogen might be the only weapon that helps against the Borg” Sujian spoke up, giving his younger sister the foundation for her statement. “It is a weapon that could protect us from the potential danger that the Borg poses.” He didn't feel comfortable about the whole mission but did see the urgency of it.

Still tapping the table, Ko looked at her Doctor. “What is your opinion, Commander? It is your field of expertise, after all.” 

Viamame looked back at her Captain and nodded slowly, looking at the rest. “I am bluntly honest, I don't know the full workings of the neurolytic pathogen. I only know that Voyager somehow used it against the Borg. It devastated them, and again, I honestly have no clue how far that damage went.” Taking a deep breath “Not quite the mission I was expecting, honestly….I need details, Captain”

Giving a nod to her, “Like I said in the beginning. We arrive at Starbase 38 in…” She looked at her helmsman.

“14 hours, Captain” Padgok stated immediately with a stern voice.

“Thanks, in 14 hours, and they are expecting us. DEI will brief you on the situation in the area. So far, I heard that the medical division from DEI will give you and the medical staff training on how to deal with…" Ko struggled with the proper wording for it “….unwanted injections. They have material on how to reverse borgfication.” Wondering if that is even a word. 

“Borgfication…?" Behrad blinked at that terminology. “Right, well, I need some information on scans of the area and what we are dealing with there. ” 

Ko raised a finger. “Actually, you will receive a full package of details on the area. This will be in cooperation with Lieutenant Padgok and Lieutenant Alavidze, who will be present at the briefing done by DEI Operations" Ko explained. “Starfleet is not letting us go there in the dark. Do not get that wrong. Hell, they even told me that if it gets too dangerous, pull out.” Ko shrugged again and took a second. "We all know why we are doing this. We have to try" 

A smile appeared on Viamame's face. “Just a random question.” Looking into the room “Where is Commander Towalr?” 

A grudge came from Ko with a sigh following, “Commander Towalr has retreated to his quarters after receiving the news of our new mission.” The man was a walking headache for her, but the personnel shortage limited her options. Or he would be off on the first shuttle. Ko nodded to herself. “He will be briefed on his duties during the mission after he, recollect himself” trying to stay diplomatic. 

“Oh my, he might need some counseling advice, Captain.” Viamame smiled in her direction, knowing what was going on. Towalr was in pure denial mode right now that this mission would happen. “We do require a First Officer that supports you, our Captain.” 

Blinking for a second, she saw the reaction of her doctor about Towalr's absence. Ko was not lying, his absence was more a liberty, and now this woman was trying to get him back. “Mmm… yea…well” 

Yozria saw Ko struggle with that idea and smiled at Viamame. “I do need Commander Towalr's support and guidance…” She coughs for a second, trying to swallow her giggle. “For preparations of Borg technology that we can expect and could be a danger to our ship. I do hope Commander Towalr will recover soon."

Her jaw was open at the surprise of their suggestion, and she finally closed it as she noticed Sujian rolling his eyes. Ko shrugged, seeing what they were trying and mocking Towalr on his current status, and nodded. “Alright, I will look into it” She admitted and knew these witches were enjoying it too much. “If that is all, dismissed.” She stood up as the rest followed with both Viamame and Yozria giggle when they started to exit the room.