"The Way Of The Cowboy" - Part 1 - Director Sebastian Ascari & NPCs

Posted on 241406.09 @ 7:02am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Insurrection [Fleet Plot]
Location: USS Corsair
Timeline: Current

Starship USS Corsair
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Captain Sebastian Ascari entered the conference room of the USS Corsair carrying a cup of hot coffee and a padd. He had managed to get a few hours of sleep, a shower and shave, clean clothing, and a warm meal in him after wretched treatment at the hands of his captors back on Earth. He was beginning to feel like his normal self again now that he was free of his imprisonment. With his freedom restored the captain had taken the time to observe this ship and crew. There was something about this starship that inspired confidence and hope despite its dark reputation. He couldn’t pin his feeling on anything specific, but there was a certain thread of optimism aboard even as the Federation crumbled around them. The Corsair was an unorthodox vessel. Discipline appeared lax and he had counted a half dozen code violations on his walk from his quarters to the conference room. He wasn’t sure what to make of things just yet. His meeting with the ship’s command staff would likely prove to be interesting.

Ascari took a seat at the end of the table opposite that of the Corsair’s commanding officer. Depending on who you asked Taverain Ramius was a name that was either legendary or infamous. Ascari had never met the man, but had read his files in detail. In his mind, Ramius was a captain that would have excelled in the fleet a hundred years prior when Starfleet was still cutting its teeth in exploration and early diplomacy efforts. However, now, in the present Ramius was a maverick, a cowboy, who was reckless, cavalier, quick to judge, quicker to attack, and asked the important questions only after the dust had settled. He wasn’t particularly fond of the man’s record despite it containing several of Starfleet’s highest honors and decorations. The man was a former fighter pilot whose record and accomplishments were among the best and yet the qualities that made him an invaluable and accomplished pilot did not always translate to quality command abilities. The man was a leader and was quick on his feet, but so much more was required of captains. He respected the captain, but he wasn’t convinced he was exceptional command stock. Ramius had been given a battlefield commission and starship command in the last war. After a distinguished battle record, Ramius made his way into the ranks of intelligence. Admiral Valtren had no small part to play in such occurrences. However, despite his personal feelings he needed allies and couldn’t afford to alienate those who had saved his own life only a few hours prior. More to the point perhaps a maverick captain and crew was just what he needed given the dark times now afflicting the fleet and the Federation.

“Welcome aboard the Corsair, Director Ascari”, Ramius stated from the opposite end of the table. The entire senior staff of the unorthodox starship ringed the conference table. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Likewise”, Ascari stated.

“Before we get down to business a few introductions are in order. My first officer, Commander Alanis Novada”, Ramius stated motioning toward his executive officer. “To her left is our Chief Engineer Sai Kusinagi. Next is Doctor Keith Durandal which I believe you have already met. Our tactical officer, Lt. Alexander Redstone. Next is our Fighter Squadron Commander, Commander Athalla which again you have already met. Captain Zaine Akina is our chief intelligence officer aboard. He’s a skilled field man with valuable experience.”

Ascari patiently listened as the remaining staff introductions were made. “You already know Admiral Valtren, and Ambassador Lamont. That covers everyone here. I believe we can proceed with the matters now at hand.”

“Indeed”, Ascari nodded. “What is this ship’s status and location?”

“Ship’s status is nominal”, Ramius answered noting the director was quick to get to the heart of matters.

“We are currently within the Yolciar Nebula in orbit around one of the larger asteroid bodies which house a disused intelligence resupply depot. The facility has enough supplies and equipment to keep us in the game so to speak at least for the foreseeable future. The Admiral has indicated there are a few others caches we might make use of given recent events, however they may have a limited shelf life depending on how quickly intelligence moves in response to orders and directives from Earth.”

“And what of the Corsair’s needs and requirements? She is an experimental prototype. How reliable is this starship?”

Ramius chuckled. He knew of Ascari’s contempt for his ship and its unusual status. It was ironic the one ship Ascari has attempted to decommission on several occasions was the one that had saved his life.

“She’s as robust and formidable as any other heavy cruiser in the fleet”, the captain answered. “She’s based off the Nebula class only streamlined, faster, more modern, and is one of the few ships that was constructed for the purpose of waging warfare. She has a few experimental systems with varying degrees of eccentricities however she’s a tough ship and ready for the challenges ahead. But then again you already know this sir.”

“I wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth, to use the expression captain. Very well. Ship and crew are accounted for. What do we know about what has happened on Earth and elsewhere?”

“Our information is of lower quality than I am accustomed, but we do have some intelligence networks remaining”, Valtren stated answering the director’s question. “There are rumors, conjecture, and misinformation that is distorting the image of ‘who’ has seized power. I have sources that suggest those that staged the coup and who are now pulling the strings are members of a group calling themselves Federation First. Rumor has it they are some sort of offshoot or sect of the organization Terra Prime which you may remember from your history classes. Their motives, goals, and objectives are at the moment unknown other than the obvious result of their actions. They have appeared to have amassed the resources, backing, and support of many people. The coup was a masterwork, if I can call it that, worthy of the Romulans.”

“Are you suggesting Romulan backing or involvement?”

“If they are involved I doubt we would know about it in our present situation. I also doubt they would be so bold with such a scheme. I was simply comparing the tactics and execution of this group’s plans which evaded detection and capitalized on current and recent events with skill and precision. The harsh truth is that we do not have reliable information.”

Ascari nodded taking notes on his padd.

“The fleet at large is another enigma. I know that Admiral Malone and a few other noteworthy individuals appear to have escaped the power grab and dragnet designed to kill or capture high ranking officers and officials. Their whereabouts however are unknown. Some ships have chosen to remain loyal to Earth, some appear to be vacillating which makes them even more dangerous in my opinion, while others have rejected the new leadership and orders and have struck out on their own much like we ourselves have. Finding those captains who have rejected those now in power and building alliances should be our number one priority. I’ve already taken steps to consolidate our intelligence assets and preserve what fragments of SFI personnel, hardware, assets, and capabilities that remain. Those who are still loyal are being quietly evacuated and relocated. We still have some limited wet capability, but we will need to be quite cautious how and where we utilize it. Our opponents will attempt to draw us out using their superior resources and numbers. We must use superior tactics if we are to match or possibly best them in any real contest.”

“Agreed”, Ascari stated. “We cannot fight our adversary in a battle of attrition. We lack the resources, raw materials, and manpower for such an endeavor. We must capitalize on our strengths and strike where they are the weakest. We need information. We need to know who we are dealing with as well as their capabilities, numbers, and movements. Right now the enemy is weak as they work to consolidate their power. The battlefield thus is in flux. Our adversary may have superior numbers, firepower, and resources, but they may lack experience and the ability to effectively organize and use what they possess. We however have dedication, experience, and for now a tactical advantage. However, we must temper that with realism. We are but one ship…for now. We will need allies if Earth and the Federation are to be liberated from the tyranny that has now gripped it.”

Ascari paused surveying the room attempting to gauge the officer’s expressions attempting to determine their thoughts on the matters at hand. His contemplation was cut short when the Corsair’s captain cleared his throat.

“An inspiring call to arms sir. However, such speeches do not get at the heart of the situation. Everyone here is thinking the same thing and I will ask the only question that really matters. Are we now at war with our own people? Finding allies will no doubt require us to make enemies in the process. If and when we encounter those loyal to this Neo Federation that has taken root do we run? Do we fight? If we fight then are we fighting to win?” Ramius slowly drummed his fingers on the table his gaze locked upon the Intelligence director. “This ship will not enter into combat with any enemy if our objective is unclear, is mired in red lines we cannot cross, targets we cannot engage, and enemies we cannot fight. If we go to war Director Ascari we go to fight. We go to win. We either commit now to the path before us without hesitation or doubt or we should abandon any further talk of resistance. All of us will be called upon in this endeavor to forcibly stop those with which we have served, those we may call friends, those we may hold dear or in high regard. Rousing speeches work when the enemy is someone or something else, however if we proceed our enemy is none other than ourselves. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends – we will have to carry a great responsibility and a great weight upon our shoulders. We will become vile, foul, murderous, traitors in the eyes of many. We need to ask ourselves if we are truly prepared for what lies ahead.”

The captain’s comments laid bare the silent thoughts many had indeed been thinking, but were hesitant to give voice to. As his words ended the conference room fell into total silence. If they proceeded in fighting they would inevitably have to engage those they had recently deemed as friends, colleagues, and brothers and sisters in arms. The Corsair and its crew would be committing fratricide which would see them branded as criminals, murderers, and traitors. It would indeed be a heavy burden to bear.

“Spoken like a true soldier”, Ascari answered breaking the tense silence. He was perturbed by the captain’s bluntness, but he was prepared for it. Ramius was known for being direct in what he knew of the man.

“Before we commit ourselves to this course of action we must ask ourselves these questions. I cannot and will not order anyone to take up arms against former allies. The crew must be allowed to decide for themselves. Those who object to what is being proposed for any reason can disembark at a safe location with whatever supplies they might need to seek their own path. And as to the coming battles, I have seen what they have done first hand to good, honest people. They showed no quarter purging the ranks of Starfleet Command on Earth. We will also be harsh in our prosecution of this battle however where they are blunt hammers without regard or care for life, circumstance, or position we will be razor sharp scalpels. We will not spill blood unless there is no alternative. We will not become that which we aim to destroy. We will fight if we must, but only to preserve and protect ourselves, our allies, and others who may aid us. This ship will not partake in mass murder for the purposes of vengeance or to inflict grievous wounds upon our enemy. The moral and ethical high ground is ours and while difficult to walk we must remain firmly on that path at all times, under all conditions, and through all circumstances. Is that clear Captain Ramius?”

“Absolutely sir. I wanted such matters clear…for the record.”

Ascari could appreciate the captain’s words and position. He would be asked to put his ship and people in harm’s way. He had the right to understand the boundaries and limits of what they would be attempting to accomplish.

“We must give your crew time to decide on such difficult matters captain. I propose we….”

“No need”, Ramius quickly answered. “When Admiral Malone broadcasted his last message to the fleet at large I took it upon myself to personally ask my crew knowing that we would soon be forced to choose sides. I am proud to say that the vote was unanimous. My crew understands the risks and what is at stake. This ship’s purpose is to embrace risk and do what others can’t or won’t. None of us are backing down from this fight…this duty to restore what has been taken. Number one…”

Commander Novada stood and moved down the table handing Ascari a padd with the crew manifest. Each member of the Corsair’s crew had pledged to do what was necessary despite the monumental personal and professional risks.

Ascari briefly gazed at the many names before slowly setting down the padd. This crew’s conviction and dedication to their captain, their ship, their oaths, and the uniforms they wore went beyond words. He was without them himself for several seconds as the gravity of the moment prevented him from immediately responding.

“You and your crew have my thanks”, he stated quietly. What more could he say in the face of such dedication? What they would soon attempt would be considered madness or suicidal by some. The gravity of what they were discussing pressed its weight upon the director’s shoulder with more force than he had anticipated.

“You have our full faith and support sir”, Ramius replied.

“We will need it”, the director answered. “Our faith and our resolve will be tested many times over before this enterprise is completed. We should all steel ourselves for a difficult and dangerous journey.”

~ To Be Continued ~

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Captain Sebastian Ascari
(Former) Director Starfleet Intelligence

Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair

Admiral James Valtren
Starfleet Intelligence - Section Seven

and other NPCs...