Preparing For The Borg

Toran looked at his small security contingent. *This is pitiful, I'm supposed to fight the Borg with this?*

"Thirty two people is all we have," Toran began, "so I expect each of you to give me 200%. From this point forward, all security officers will carry two phasers, each tuned to a different frequency, and one hand weapon of some sort. We will begin training in the holodeck on off shifts. I want you all ready to fight the Borg."

"Sir," a large Brikar Crewman spoke up, "What if we see another officer that has been assimilated?"

"If any Leviathan officer is assimilated in your presence," Toran said gravely, "you have orders to shoot to kill."

"It is logical," the Vulcan Tulac said, "it would be especially difficult to deal with an assimilated Brikar."

*That sends shivers up my spine* Toran thought. "You all have PADDs with orders on them, get to work ladies and gentlemen. I want security and tactical readiness reports every hour. When we encounter the Borg, there won't be any second chances." Then Toran's expression and tone turned deadly, "I want to kill every last one of those bastards! Dismissed."

One member of the team lingered behind. "Toran," Tulac said in his emotionless Vulcan voice, "I am concerned that your experiences with the Borg will cloud your judgment."

"And why is that," Toran replied somewhat annoyed.

"Your order to shoot any Leviathan officers that are assimilated is evidence enough Sir," Tulac replied coldly, "and so is the fact that you want to 'kill every last one of those bastards' as you said."

[Devore to Toran], Devore's voice came over the comm.

"We'll continue this discussion later," Toran told Tulac before tapping his comm badge, "go ahead Captain."

[Lieutenant, I need to speak with you in my ready room.]

"Yes sir," Toran replied, "Toran out."

Toran entered Devore's ready room to find Devore alone going over PADDs. "Toran," Devore said looking up from a PADD, "have a seat, we need to talk."

"Yes sir," Toran said thinking that he was here to give a security report, "security will be prepared for this."

"That's not what I wanted to talk about," Devore said with concern entering his countenance, "I want to know if you will be ready."

*Damn it, everyone's gonna worry about me because I'm El Aurian* Toran thought disgusted. "Captain, I assure you that I will be fine," Toran replied, "my past with the Borg will not affect our mission. I'm not out for revenge."

"Are you," Devore began before Toran cut him off.

"I'm sure Captain," Toran said annoyed, "I'm ready, and Security is ready. You'll have battle readiness reports from all sections of the ship every hour on the hour. We'll be ready for the Borg."

"All right Lieutenant," Devore said still looking concerned, "if you need to talk, though, old man, my door is always open. Dismissed."

"Thank you Captain," Toran said somewhat relieved. *I'm really starting to like this guy, diplomatic skills are lacking a bit, but he's a good Captain* Toran thought.

Toran walked back onto the bridge to find Ensign Rydar at Tactical. "Ensign, weapons status?"

"Weapons at 100%," Rydar replied, "Shields at 100% also Sir."

*It's still weird being called Sir by other officers* Toran thought remembering his days as a Warrant Officer.

"Thank you Mr. Rydar," Toran replied, "Tulac should be here to relieve you shortly. Report to me once he does."

"Aye sir," Rydar replied as Toran left the bridge.

*There's alot to do* Toran thought, *too much to do. God help us all.*