It was early for a briefing but the officers present were used to getting up early. In the briefing room sat five male officers around a ten-person table. Colonel Tarik, Major Boyle, Lieutenant McKnight, Lieutenant Deveraux and at the head of the table, with a very serious look, was Admiral Wallace.
"You all are wondering why I've called you all here. It's been nearly eight days since Major Boyle encountered an unknown hostile alien species. Lieutenant Deveraux after six days was unable to get too much from the remains of the unidentified alien." Wallace was quiet as he stopped to take a sip from his morning cup of coffee.
"This is a new threat in this area. If they had just attacked the Nausciaans frankly I'd be wanting to negotiate with them. However as of three days ago the Klingon Bird of Prey Chu'la was attacked by an unknown alien ship while escortng a G'Kar merchant vessel. All 24 crew members were slaughtered. Their heads and spines were missing from the rest of their bodies when they were found two days later.
"Lieutenant Deveraux informs me that he was unable to reconstruct the deceased alien since the DNA was horribly damaged by disruptor fire." Wallace handed a PADD to the officers. After Tarik gave it a quick glance he spoke.
"Sir. What you want to do?"
"I want to perform a recon mission. That is why I've requested your Reconnaissance Platoon leader's presence. I've located roughly 12 Nausicaan bases near the areas of attack. Nine hours ago a Nausciaan base camp sent a distress call to its fellow units. I believe they are under attack once again by these aliens.
"I want Major Boyle to take McKnight's team to these places. I will accompany the mission as will Lieutenant Deveraux." Wallace saw a few frowns, mostly from Boyle and Deveraux.
"Sir, I really think it's a bad idea you accompany us." Boyle replied.
"I can take care of myself, Major. Your objection is noted."
"What is being detected by the Nausicaans?" McKnight asked, knowing that the Nausicaans would be as unpleasant as the unknown aliens.
"I've taken care of that. The Klingons have loaned us a cloaking device.
We'll leave in eight hours. Our first stop is this system nearly three days from here where the distress call was sent. I must remind you all to keep this secret until further notice, dismissed." Wallace said standing up and seeing all except Tarik out.
"Listen, I need you to keep Captain Mallory informed. In case something should happen...." Wallace took out a PADD and was interrupted.
"Sir I wish you good hunting. You need not worry; my boys will be on 24 hour standby until your return. How long you estimate the mission will take?"
Tarik asked placing his arms behind his back.
"No more then two weeks. How's this Lieutenant McKnight, is he any good?"
"Yes, he came up through the ranks and has seen many covert operations. He's considered by many to be the best recon leader in the Marines." Tarik was pleased with his officers and knew they we're all exceptional.
Richard made his way to the bridge of the Iwo Jima and knew he had to speak with Major Boyle. He knew Boyle was a little bitter over his being passed over and perhaps he held a grudge.
Wallace walked into the small ready room and motioned for the Major to stay seated. "Major I want to make one thing clear. I don't dislike you what so ever. Just your behavior hasn't been at all a model leader. I know you can get the job done. I want no animosity between us, understood."
"Yes sir! The cloaking device is up and running. We are ready to depart when your ready, sir." Boyle said with a tone Wallace wasn't hoping for as he handed over a PADD containing the report on the cloaking device.
"Sir I will do my duty. I will respect and obey your orders but I don't have to like you. Now, sir, if you would I'd like to get underway." Boyle said, standing up and walking to the bridge and looking at Vansen.
"Lieutenant prepare for departure once we clear New Canada Warp 6.5 ."